Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the KLM Premium Economy experience. If you're on the fence about whether to shell out a bit extra for this class, then you've come to the right place. This is my comprehensive KLM Premium Economy trip report. I'm going to walk you through everything from the seat comfort and amenities to the food and overall service. Was it worth the extra money? Let's find out!

Booking and Pre-flight Experience

Let's kick things off with the booking process. I booked my KLM Premium Economy ticket directly through the KLM website. The process was pretty straightforward, and I found the website easy to navigate. One of the perks I immediately noticed was the ability to select my seat in advance for free, which is always a plus. I hate being stuck in a middle seat, so this was a great start.

A few days before the flight, I received an email from KLM offering me the option to upgrade to business class for a discounted rate. While tempting, I decided to stick with my Premium Economy seat for this trip, as I really wanted to experience what it had to offer. Checking in online was a breeze, and I was able to download my boarding pass to my phone without any issues. At the airport, there was a dedicated check-in counter for Premium Economy passengers, which saved me some time. The agent was friendly and efficient, and my bags were checked through to my final destination without a hitch. Before heading to the gate, I decided to check out the lounge. While Premium Economy doesn't automatically grant you lounge access, I had access through my Flying Blue status. The lounge was a welcome oasis of calm and quiet, with plenty of seating, snacks, and drinks. It was a great place to relax and recharge before the flight. Overall, the booking and pre-flight experience with KLM Premium Economy was smooth and hassle-free. The ability to select seats in advance, dedicated check-in counters, and potential lounge access (depending on your status) are definitely nice perks to consider. This initial part of the journey definitely set a positive tone for what was to come. So far, so good, KLM!

Onboard Experience: Seats and Amenities

Okay, let's get to the heart of the matter: the onboard experience. The KLM Premium Economy cabin is a significant step up from economy. The seats are wider, with more legroom and recline. I was in an aisle seat, and I found it to be quite comfortable for a long-haul flight. The seat itself had adjustable headrests and lumbar support, which helped me find a comfortable position for sleeping. Each seat is equipped with a personal entertainment screen, which was a decent size and had a good selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games. I spent a good portion of the flight catching up on some films I had been wanting to see. Noise-canceling headphones were provided, which made the experience even more enjoyable. A small amenity kit was waiting at my seat, containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, eye mask, and earplugs. It's a nice touch, although nothing super fancy. A water bottle was also provided, which is always appreciated on a long flight.

The seat had a universal power outlet and USB port, so I could keep my devices charged throughout the flight. This is a must-have for me, as I often need to work or stay connected while traveling. The tray table was a decent size and sturdy enough to hold my laptop. One thing I particularly liked was the footrest, which helped to improve circulation and prevent my legs from getting too stiff. The cabin itself felt spacious and well-maintained. The lighting was soft and relaxing, and the temperature was comfortable. The flight attendants were attentive and friendly, making regular rounds to offer drinks and snacks. Overall, the seat and amenities in KLM Premium Economy were a definite upgrade from economy. The extra space, comfortable seating, and thoughtful amenities made for a much more pleasant flying experience. Whether it's worth the cost depends on your personal preferences and budget, but if you value comfort on long flights, it's definitely worth considering.

Food and Beverage

Now, let's talk about the food! In KLM Premium Economy, the dining experience is a step above what you'd find in standard economy. The meals are served on proper china with metal cutlery, which instantly makes it feel a bit more special. On my flight, I was offered a choice of three main courses for both lunch and dinner. I opted for the pasta dish for lunch, and it was surprisingly tasty. The pasta was cooked perfectly, and the sauce was flavorful. It came with a side salad, a bread roll, and a small dessert. For dinner, I chose the chicken dish, which was also quite good. The chicken was tender and moist, and the accompanying vegetables were well-cooked. The portions were generous, and I definitely didn't go hungry. In between meals, snacks were offered, including sandwiches, fruit, and cookies. There was also a self-service snack bar with a selection of drinks and nibbles. The beverage selection was decent, with a choice of soft drinks, juices, beer, wine, and spirits. The wine was actually quite good, and I enjoyed a glass (or two) with my meals. Coffee and tea were also available throughout the flight. The flight attendants were attentive to drink requests and made sure everyone was well-hydrated.

One thing I appreciated was the attention to detail. The food was well-presented, and the service was prompt and courteous. It definitely felt like a more refined dining experience than what you typically get in economy. While it's not quite business class dining, it's a significant improvement over economy. Overall, the food and beverage in KLM Premium Economy were a pleasant surprise. The meals were tasty, the portions were generous, and the service was excellent. If you're someone who values a good dining experience while flying, then this is definitely a perk to consider.

Service and Entertainment

Let's discuss service and entertainment. The service in KLM Premium Economy was generally very good. The flight attendants were attentive, friendly, and professional. They seemed genuinely interested in making sure passengers were comfortable and well-cared for. Whenever I needed anything, they were quick to respond and always had a smile on their face. The entertainment system was decent, with a good selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games. The screen size was adequate, and the picture quality was good. Noise-canceling headphones were provided, which made the experience even more enjoyable. I spent a good portion of the flight watching movies and listening to music. There was also a flight tracker, which allowed me to see our current location and estimated time of arrival.

One thing I appreciated was the Wi-Fi. KLM offers Wi-Fi on many of its long-haul flights, and I was able to purchase a package that allowed me to stay connected throughout the flight. The connection speed was decent, and I was able to check emails, browse the web, and even do some light work. Overall, the service and entertainment in KLM Premium Economy were solid. The attentive service, decent entertainment system, and available Wi-Fi made for a pleasant and productive flying experience. While it's not the most cutting-edge entertainment system out there, it's certainly adequate for a long-haul flight.

Final Verdict: Is KLM Premium Economy Worth It?

So, the million-dollar question: Is KLM Premium Economy worth the extra money? In my opinion, it depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you value comfort, extra space, and a slightly more refined flying experience, then I would say yes, it's definitely worth considering. The wider seats, extra legroom, enhanced dining experience, and attentive service all contribute to a more enjoyable flight. However, if you're on a tight budget and don't mind sacrificing some comfort, then you might be better off sticking with economy. The price difference between economy and Premium Economy can be significant, so you'll need to weigh the cost against the benefits.

For me personally, I found the KLM Premium Economy experience to be worth the extra money. I appreciated the extra space and comfort, as well as the enhanced dining experience. I arrived at my destination feeling refreshed and relaxed, which is always a plus. Overall, I would recommend KLM Premium Economy to anyone who is looking for a more comfortable and enjoyable flying experience without breaking the bank for business class. It's a great option for long-haul flights, and I would definitely consider flying it again in the future. Just remember to weigh the cost against your individual needs and priorities before making a decision. Safe travels, guys!