Flying with KLM

Plaza Premium First, Booth View

Flying with KLM – Vancouver / Amsterdam Return

We started our trip to Europe by flying with KLM from Vancouver to Amsterdam. I began watching the KLM pricing on the day flights first became available. We decided that because we are now getting older, it was time to consider premium economy or business class. Our days of cramming into economy seats were coming to an end.

After watching for a few days, the prices began to increase. So, I booked premium economy on the flight out and got a reasonable deal on business class on the way back.

Plaza Premium First Vancouver Seating

Plaza Premium First Lounge

Before our flight, we decided to splurge and enjoy the Plaza Premium First Lounge. There are two offerings at this lounge. One is Plaza Premium and the other is Plaza Premium First. The Plaza Premium First Lounge costs twice as a much, but it’s well worth it. The two lounges are located beside each other, between Gate D67 and D68 in the International Departures area of Vancouver International Airport.

Plaza Premium First, Menu

We liked the Plaza Premium First Lounge for a number of reasons. On the day that we visited, there were only eight other people in this lounge. Compared with the regular lounge, the First lounge offers table service with a menu, more luxurious seating and runway views. The standard lounge has seating with views to the interior of the airport and no table service. The standard lounge is also much busier.

Plaza Premium First, Vancouver

We spent our entire time at the Plaza Premium First Lounge in one of their large booths overlooking the runway. During our stay, we tried several items on the menu and also had drinks delivered several times. The tuna tataki dish was amazing. The self-serve butter chicken was a close second. We felt like our vacation was already an amazing success and we hadn’t even started our flight.

KLM Business Class Snack

Flying with KLM – Premium Comfort Class

For the flight flying with KLM from Vancouver to Amsterdam, we booked KLM Premium Comfort Class seating. Compared with economy, these seats are wider with a much greater pitch and more legroom. You can sit in sections of 2 seats instead of 3, which is nice for couples. The meals are upgraded. Meals are served with ceramic dishes and metal cutlery in an attempt to mimic some of the business class experience. The washrooms were restricted to Premium Comfort Class, which was very nice.

While our first experience ever with premium seating wasn’t bad, it paled in comparison to our business class experience on the return flight. In future, I will prefer to travel less often and enjoy business class in both directions.

KLM Business Class

Flying with KLM – KLM Crowne Lounge

For our return trip from Amsterdam to Vancouver, our business class booking included access to the KLM Crown Lounge. The lounge had extensive seating with many seating options, including pods, workstations and dining tables. The buffet foods and the drink options were good. Although the lounge was very busy, there was seating for everyone. We were happy with this lounge, but it definitely wasn’t as nice as the Plaza Premium First Lounge in Vancouver.

Flying with KLM, Coast Range

Flying with KLM – Business Class

Our experience flying with KLM Business Class was simply amazing. Boarding whenever you want, priority ramp access directly into business class, champagne on arrival and storage in your pod for handbags made boarding feel like a luxury. The quality of the meals and the dining experience made us giddy with excitement about our flight home. Delivery of chocolates and ice cream during the flight were a pleasure. While watching a movie, I experimented with a myriad of different seating options that were all extremely comfortable. At the end of the flight each business class passenger receives a Blue Delft ceramic that holds Dutch gin inside. KLM, that was amazing!