KLM Business Class Review: KL0643 Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to New York City (JFK)
To celebrate our first Business Class flight review, writer Dan Latif takes on KLM’s “World Class” aboard the 777-300ER. From lie-flat seats to multi-course meals, its ideal for anyone considering a more comfortable way to cross the Atlantic.
KLM Business Class seat aboard a Boeing 777-300 ER. Image: Dan Latif.
Highs: Warmer and far more welcoming staff than on Air France. The quality of the dishes, their preparation, and the delicacy of their presentation—tableware and cutlery included—is remarkable. Unlimited champagne service, which is quite rare on KLM, as they usually serve Cava.
Lows: The selection of TV series and films is somewhat lacking, with incomplete seasons. Weak amenity kit.
Verdict: Regardless of class, traveling with KLM is well worth it: you still enjoy all the benefits of SkyTeam while experiencing a journey with warm, very attentive staff.
Context: My First Time Flying Business Class with KLM
All my “first times” have happened in the Netherlands: my first time in an airport lounge, my first major delay, my first marathon across four terminals, dragging two suitcases and thinking I might collapse at any second. Quite the performance, noticed — and rewarded — by the ground staff with my first denied boarding.
This time, I’m about to board for my first-ever Business Class flight, aboard a Boeing 777-300 ER. The app proudly says “World Class Business.” You’ve either got class… or you don’t.
GOOD TO KNOW
This point accrual and ticket price is based on the entire itinerary, CDG - AMS - JFK. This review is only for AMS-JFK portion of thE itinerary.
This particular ticket had a “C” fare class.
Is KLM part of any alliance?
Yes. KLM is a member of SkyTeam, which includes partners such as Air France, Delta, Korean Air, Virgin Atlantic (affiliate), Aeromexico, and others. KLM is also part of the Air France–KLM Group, which shares a joint venture with Delta and Virgin Atlantic on transatlantic routes.
KLM Business Class Check-in, Security, and Boarding
For this flight, we did not use the security in AMS, instead we went through the passport check with PARAFE, the name for France's automated border eGates.
Closed gate at Amsterdam’s Airport Schiphol (AMS). Image: Dan Latif.
Because of a storm in Amsterdam, our flight was delayed departing from Paris, which left us waiting two hours on the plane arriving in Amsterdam. Since the airline in Amsterdam assumed we wouldn’t be able to make our connection, we were rebooked onto a Delta flight for the next day. As a result, my ticket on the KLM flight was cancelled.
However, Schiphol Airport was dealing with a hacking incident that delayed many flights, including the one I was originally supposed to take — and they clearly didn’t imagine I could run so fast.
When I finally reached the gate, I still had to wait while the agents called Delta to remove me from that reservation and rebook me onto the flight I was originally ticketed on.
This took about half an hour, and it was extremely stressful because I didn’t know whether I would be allowed to board. In the end, I was literally the last passenger to board the plane, entering through the economy jet bridge because the business jet bridge had already been pulled back.
Boarding a KLM Boeing 777-300 ER at Amsterdam’s Airport Schiphol (AMS). Image: Dan Latif.
KLM Boeing 777 Business Class Interior and Seat
KLM Business Class seat aboard a Boeing 777-300 ER. Image: Dan Latif.
This Boeing 777-300 ER is named “Nationaal Park Cocos Island” and is just under 5 years old. Seats in Business Class are arranged in a 1-2-1 manner. Accordingly, you’re almost facing the window at an angle, with no flight attendant reminding you about the seatbelt; you stand up, walk around — life is good.
KLM Business Class seat aboard a Boeing 777-300 ER. Image: Dan Latif.
Business Class, with only 35 seats, feels like having three seats and two rows all to yourself. You sit in your private little alcove, watching the runway through two windows — a view reminiscent of President Obama’s office aboard Air Force One. The rest of aircraft features 24 premium economy seats and 322 economy class seats.
KLM Business Class interior aboard a Boeing 777-300 ER. Image: Dan Latif.
Takeoff happens sideways — strange at first. The seatbelt isn’t just around your waist; it’s like a car seatbelt. There’s even a compartment to stretch your legs. Naturally, you take off your shoes. In this little cocoon, no one minds. And between us, my feet don’t smell — so no shame there.
Champagne in KLM Business Class AMS-JFK. Image: Dan Latif.
And yes, there is champagne in KLM Business Class — Bernard Lonclas Blanc de Blancs Brut, served in a crystal coupe, alongside little cubes of gouda in KLM ceramic.
Zoom to 737 km/h at 35,000 feet, and an hour later we’re already flying over Ireland, watching the last lights of Waterville fade before the vast ocean takes over. A thin crescent moon follows us quietly — mysterious and serene — and suddenly you feel like rereading Bertolt Brecht’s Life of Galileo.
KLM Business Class Dinner: A Journey Within the Journey
Wine list in KLM Business Class AMS-JFK. Image: Dan Latif.
Finally, here comes the ceremony: the flight attendant lays a white linen cloth on your tray table. And then an embroidered layer with a KLM-inspired motif. A comprehensive wine menu supplements a word-of-mouth cocktail list.
Marcel Wanders silverware in KLM Business Class. Image: Dan Latif.
KLM porcelain plates, Marcel Wanders silverware — and a warm, comforting homemade tomato soup with dark rye bread.
“Salmon on pasta with refreshing yuzu dressing, served with quenelle of hollandaise cream and tobiko caviar, pickled red onion, black garlic cream and tarragon pannacotta.” served in KLM Business Class AMS-JFK. Image: Dan Latif.
Then, a dish worthy of poetry: “salmon on pasta with refreshing yuzu dressing, served with quenelle of hollandaise cream and tobiko caviar, pickled red onion, black garlic cream and tarragon pannacotta.”
Even the salt and pepper arrive tucked into a delicate KLM floral envelope.
Main course “Slow cooked steak in creamy morel sauce with herb potatoes, green asparagus, leek and thyme topped with laurel oil.” served in KLM Business Class AMS-JFK. Image: Dan Latif.
For the main course: “slow cooked steak in creamy morel sauce with herb potatoes, green asparagus, leek and thyme topped with laurel oil.”
Tender, flavorful — a rare treat at cruising altitude. These menus were created in collaboration with the Dutch restaurant De Librije.
Dessert of “fresh apple ’n cinnamon mousse garnished with chocolate crisp, creamy vanilla and crunchy speculaas crumble” served in KLM Business Class AMS-JFK. Image: Dan Latif.
Dessert is simply divine: “fresh apple ’n cinnamon mousse garnished with chocolate crisp, creamy vanilla and crunchy speculaas crumble.”
Add a little liqueur on the side, and you’ve reached airborne bliss.
KLM Business Class Technology, WiFi, and What to Watch
IFE content aboard KLM Business Class AMS-JFK. Image: Dan Latif.
Amongst plenty of other content, maps, and games, two films to accompany your flight: The Amateur (2025), taking you through the U.S., London, and Istanbul, and A Haunting in Venice (2023), Kenneth Branagh’s elegant and atmospheric adaptation.
Plug in with Bose noise-cancelling headphones or mini-jack port, or get power from an 110V outlets, USB-A and USB-C ports, or even wireless charging.
Sleep and Comfort in KLM Business Class
Reclining in KLM Business Class AMS-JFK. The seat becomes a lie-flat bed. Image: Dan Latif.
Time to try the gentle lumbar massage function.
The seat adjusts from upright to semi-reclined to fully flat — dizzying comfort. You could easily fall asleep… but that would be a waste. You’re not in Business Class to sleep — you’re here for business.
And that clever little mesh pocket for your phone? It saves you from the dreaded clunk of a phone bouncing on the cabin floor.
A total of seven toilets aboard the aircraft, with a dedicated business class toilet at the very front of the aircraft.
Landing and Conclusion
Something to think about: do you actually save more in Economy, or make more business in Business ? You’ve got six hours to figure it out. One thing’s certain: the flight went by far too quickly. As my New Yorker friend Samy says, “Once you’ve tasted the pleasure of Business Class, it’s hard to go back.” A small wish: an in-flight chat system between passengers would be fun — and perhaps a few more sitcoms to choose from.
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