Review: KLM Business Class Boeing 777 (AMS-JNB)

For the next segment of my trip to Zimbabwe, I flew KLM’s Boeing 777-300ER business class on the 10hr20min daytime flight from Amsterdam (AMS) to Johannesburg (JNB). I was excited about this flight, as it would be my first time flying KLM’s new 777 business class, featuring reverse herringbone seats with doors. On top of that, I’m a fan of KLM in general, as the airline is kind of quirky and fun.

So, how was my long haul KLM business class flight? It was good(ish). On the plus side, the crew was phenomenal, and the new business class represents a massive improvement over the old product.

However, unfortunately this still isn’t a world class product, especially in comparison to the new Air France 777 business class and Air France A350 business class. They ran out of business class meals, the Wi-Fi was really spotty, and the product isn’t quite as good as it could be, for something being newly introduced. This is a good experience on balance, but I wouldn’t necessarily seek it out over some of the other products out there.

How I booked my KLM business class ticket

I booked my KLM business class ticket using Delta SkyMiles. Specifically, I booked the following award in business class for 65,000 Delta SkyMiles plus $258.57 in taxes and fees:

2/14 KL591 Amsterdam to Johannesburg departing 10:20AM arriving 10:10PM

As much as we all rag on the value of Delta SkyMiles, the reality is that the program often offers decent value for partner redemptions when travel doesn’t touch the United States. Delta SkyMiles was cheaper than Air France-KLM Flying Blue, which is usually a very attractive program.

KLM business class lounge & boarding

In the previous installment, I reviewed the KLM Crown Lounge Amsterdam, which I’d consider to be one of the better European hub lounges. My flight was departing from gate E22, with boarding scheduled for 9:40AM, 40 minutes before departure.

At the gate I saw PH-BVK, the roughly 10-year-old Boeing 777-300ER that would be flying me to Johannesburg.

Boarding ended up being delayed quite a bit due to cabin preparations, and started at 10:15AM, with business class passengers being invited to board first.

KLM 777 business class cabin & seats

KLM’s reconfigured Boeing 777-300ERs feature 35 reverse herringbone business class seats, in a 1-2-1 configuration. KLM’s new seats are produced by JAMCO, which is the same manufacturer as KLM’s Boeing 787-10 business class. More specifically, the new 777 business class is an updated version of the 787 business class.

The 35 seats are spread across two cabins, with the forward cabin (between the first and second set of doors) having 27 seats, and the rear cabin (behind the second set of doors) having eight seats. Upon boarding, I quickly had a look at the forward cabin, before taking my seat in the rear business class cabin.

I assigned myself seat 9A, the window seat on the left side in the last row of business class.

Those traveling with someone may prefer to select a pair of center seats, so that it’s easier to enjoy the flight together. You’ll still have to lean forward a bit to talk, but it’s better than being behind one another. Note that there’s a privacy shield between the center seats, so if you’re seated next to a stranger, you’ll still have privacy.

If traveling alone, I’d highly recommend selecting a window seat, so that you can enjoy the views outside. This updated version of the JAMCO seat is very similar to the previous versions of this seat, except with a door, plus improved technology.

To look at some more of the details, to the side of the seat you’ll find a storage console with two shelves, plus a mirror. This space also contains a reading light, the headphone jack, and the entertainment controller. As you’ll see, there’s also a wireless charging station on the counter next to the seat.

Also next to the seat are the seat controls, which are easy to use, though it’s also easy to bump these by mistake, given where they’re located.

The tray table folds out from underneath the seat controls, and is easy to use. When you extend it, it’s automatically folded over, but you can flip it over to make it bigger.

While the counter on one side acts as an armrest, the aisle-side of the seat has an armrest that can be raised or lowered, and I’d recommend raising it for comfort when at cruising altitude.

Each business class seat features a 17″ high definition monitor. There’s a shelf underneath the entertainment screen, so be careful about storing anything there during takeoff or landing, since it’ll likely fall out.

Most of the charging ports are located underneath the screen, including the USB-A, USB-C, and AC power outlets. I appreciate the number of charging options at the seat.

The footwell with these seats is generously sized, and I didn’t find it to be too restrictive, making it easy to get comfortable.

Then of course the seat has a door, which is the biggest new innovation with this product. The door was quite nice aesthetically, and was also easy to use, as it could be manually slid open and closed. The door stays closed thanks to a magnetic feature.

The only other thing worth mentioning about this product is that KLM doesn’t have individual air nozzles on 777s, unfortunately.

Since I was seated immediately in front of premium economy, I also quickly grabbed a picture of that cabin during boarding. This features 24 seats, in a 2-4-2 configuration. It looked pretty solid to me. Speaking of premium economy, this cabin is served with carts coming from business class. As a result, there was more traffic through the rear business class cabin than you’ll find on most other airlines.

All-in-all, KLM’s 777 business class hard product is very good, and no doubt the carrier’s best product to date. Now, I do have to say that I find KLM’s cabin finishes to be sort of drab. I appreciate how the company uses blue as one of its signature colors, but I feel like a bit of an update might not be a bad idea, as I don’t find the cabin to look particularly modern. But maybe that’s just me.

KLM business class amenities

Waiting at each seat upon boarding was some bedding, including a pillow and blanket. The pillow was a decent size, while I didn’t find the blanket to be particularly luxurious feeling. This was the extent of the bedding, as there was no mattress pad or anything later on in the flight.

There was also an amenity kit for each passenger. The kit was super cute, and contained a mask, socks, earplugs, a dental kit, a pen, lip balm, face moisturizer, and hand gel.

There were also a pair of okay headphones for each passenger. KLM doesn’t offer bluetooth audio on its 777s, so you’ll need to use these, or bring your own wired headphones.

The menu and drink list were also waiting at each seat.

Then there was a bottle of water at each seat, and the crew was great about offering more of those later in the flight.

During the boarding process, the crew came around with pre-departure drinks. Choices included champagne, orange juice, Heineken (in the can), or water. I selected champagne, which was served in proper glassware. KLM’s current business class option is Champagne Bernard Lonclas Cuvee Selection Brut, which is… fine?

KLM 777 business class entertainment & Wi-Fi

KLM has an impressive media library on its 777s, with a huge variety of movies, TV shows, audio, and games. I couldn’t tell exactly how many programs there were due to how the library was organized, but you definitely shouldn’t get bored on KLM.

On top of that, there was a highly customizable map feature, which I enjoyed keeping an eye on throughout the flight, especially given that it’s not often that I’ve taken a daytime flight to Africa, and have had views like this (almost all flights from Europe to South Africa are overnight).

KLM also has Wi-Fi on its Boeing 777s. There were three different pricing options, aligning with what you’ll find on Air France:

• You can purchase a one hour “Surf” pass for €8
• You could purchase a full flight “Surf” pass for €18
• You could purchase a full flight “Stream” pass for €30

This was a daytime flight on a weekday, so I was looking forward to being productive for most of the flight. As a result, I purchased the “Stream” pass for €30.

The Wi-Fi ended up being excruciatingly slow. I have realistic expectations of inflight Wi-Fi, since I realize the limitations. So even when Wi-Fi is marketed as offering streaming, I don’t necessarily expect that. However, the Wi-Fi was unusably slow, to the point that loading a single (basic) email took about a minute.

I’m not sure if this was a problem with the aircraft or just a limitation of flying over Africa. Regardless, you shouldn’t be charging a premium for a pass that explicitly promises the ability to stream video, when you can’t even perform basic web functions. So that was definitely disappointing, and hindered my ability to be productive on this flight (which is one of the reasons I was looking forward to a daytime flight).

KLM 777 departure from Amsterdam

By 10:40AM, boarding was mostly wrapped up. While every business class seat was taken, economy didn’t seem to be at capacity.

Around this time, the captain made his welcome aboard announcement. He apologized for the delay, but explained it was due to “security issues” with releasing the aircraft. He went on to say that they loaded extra fuel, in hopes of being able to fly faster and make up some time enroute. Our flight time was expected to be 10hr20min.

Finally at 10:45AM the main cabin door closed, at which point the senior purser made her welcome aboard announcement, and then screened the safety video, which I always enjoy on KLM.

At 11AM we began our pushback. Unfortunately it was a rainy day, so it wasn’t possible to take good pictures out the window.

We began our taxi at 11:05AM, and by 11:15AM we were cleared for takeoff. While it was a gloomy day underneath the clouds, it looked much nicer above the clouds.

The seatbelt sign was turned off just five minutes after takeoff.

KLM business class lunch service

On this flight, lunch was served after takeoff, and then another lighter meal was served before landing. You can find the KLM business class lunch menu below.

Let me just mention that catering on this flight was screwed up, as they didn’t have enough business class meals. Interestingly this flight came just days after KLM boasted about how it’s using artificial intelligence to reduce food waste, by not loading too many excess meals. I have a had time imagining these two things are unrelated…

You can find the KLM business class drink list below.

About 15 minutes after takeoff, warm towels were distributed.

10 minutes later later, drink orders were taken, and passengers were offered their choice of a ramekin with mixed nuts or cheese. I decided to order KLM’s signature cocktail, “The Very High Fashioned,” which is a twist on the classic Old Fashioned. I’ve gotta say, this was great.

I was asked if I wanted another drink, and I decided to switch to wine, and chose the Thierry Delaunay Touraine Sauvignon Blanc. I asked if I could have the cheese snack to go along with that (mainly for the picture!), and the crew happily obliged.

The views during this stage of the flight were breathtaking, as we flew along the border of France and Switzerland.

Service on this flight was performed at a leisurely pace, but I had no issue with that, given that most people weren’t looking to go to sleep right away. Just over an hour after takeoff, tablecloths were distributed, and moments later the appetizer was served.

There were supposed to be two starter options — either homemade tomato soup (lol, homemade?), or smoked salmon rouleaux on a beetroot panna cotta with lavas crème, goat cheese, and fennel vadouvan.

However, due to a shortage of meals, I was instead served the main course from the pre-landing meal as a starter, which was the kohoko salad with chilli prawns, haricot verts, and banana chips, with frisée lettuce. While this wasn’t what I was expecting, it was delicious.

The creamy panna cotta with cranberry sauce, which was supposed to be the dessert with the pre-landing meal, was also on the tray.

Of the three main course options, I selected the tasting of delicacies, consisting of chicken with sweet basil, chu-chee cod, poryal mixed vegetables, and jasmine rice. This dish was absolutely phenomenal, from the presentation to the taste.

Lastly, dessert consisted of a traditional Dutch dessert of bavarois caramel on an almond cookie topped with vanilla, cinnamon, and apple compote.

The meal wrapped up around 2hr15min after takeoff. I thought the food quality was excellent, even if there were some catering issues. I also love KLM’s quirky plating and glassware.

KLM 777 business class lavatories

At the conclusion of the meal, I checked out the lavatories. KLM has just two lavatories in business class on its Boeing 777-300ERs — there’s one on the left side in the middle galley, and one on the right side in the forward galley.

The lavatories are pretty basic, and I don’t think they saw any major updates when the new seats were installed. I love how KLM has wallpaper in the lavatories with the Delft Blue Dutch Houses, along with a tulip. If you ask me, these are the little touches that make KLM charming.

The lavatory also had some amenities made exclusively for the airline, including body lotion, body mist, and… hair gel?!? I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before…

KLM 777 business class bed

After the meal, I decided to take a nap. I had gotten up really early that day (well, actually at 11PM, so I guess the previous day), so a little snooze was needed. I reclined my seat into bed mode. While the bedding could be better, the seat was comfortable, and the footwell was spacious.

I fell asleep with around 7hr30min remaining to Johannesburg, as we were over Tunisia (which also made for some great views, by the way).

I woke up with just under five hours remaining to Johannesburg, as we were over Chad.

Around this time, I was treated to a beautiful sunset.

KLM business class snack & pre-landing meal

With just under five hours remaining to Johannesburg, the crew passed through the cabin with a variety of snack options, and you can find the menu below.

I decided to select the stroopwafel ice cream, which was of course decadent.

I also decided to order a cup of coffee to wake up, which was also served with… you guessed it, a stroopwafel. Speaking of coffee, it’s disappointing that KLM doesn’t offer espresso based drinks in business class, since that seems like an improvement that could be made without a huge investment.

I tried to get some work done (mostly unsuccessfully, due to the Wi-Fi speeds). Then finally around 90 minutes before landing, the pre-arrival meal was served.

Below you can find the pre-landing menu.

Unfortunately the menu wasn’t as expected, due to the shortage of meals. The entire pre-landing snack was on one tray. I was served the Thai red curry vegetable side dish. However, my main course and dessert were from premium economy.

The main course consisted of smoked salmon, crab, and a potato salad, and was served in a (sturdy) plastic container. Then there was some sort of a tart for dessert. The main course dish tasted great, even if it wasn’t presented as nicely as one would hope.

Tasty as this was, KLM needs to figure out its catering situation, because it’s embarrassing to not have enough meals for all business class passengers, especially out of a hub. I have to imagine this is connected to the carrier’s food saving initiative, so I’m not sure what happened here.

KLM business class service & Delft Blue Dutch Houses

A real highlight of this flight was the service, and I can’t say enough good things about the crew. All the ladies working in business class were friendly and professional. However, the senior purser was in a league of her own — she was so engaging and energetic with each passenger, from the moment we boarded, until we deplaned.

As an example, there were two older Italian couples seated in the section across from me, and they were so happy with her service that one of the guys wanted to hug her at the end of the flight.

She had such a good sense of humor as well. The hugging Italian gentleman above called her when his entertainment system started showing everything in Arabic (clearly he pushed the wrong button). Of course she helped him, but she also said “what, you don’t speak Arabic? Then you have 10 hours to learn!”

Speaking of service, toward the end of the flight, the crew distributed Delft Blue Dutch Houses, which is a tradition in KLM business class on long haul flights. This is such a fun little aspect of the KLM experience.

KLM 777 arrival in Johannesburg

Around 40 minutes before landing, the first officer announced that we’d shortly be descending, and should be touching down at 10:15PM. Sure enough, a few minutes later we began our descent, which was smooth. The seatbelt sign ended up being turned on at 10:05PM, and then we had a smooth touchdown at 10:15PM.

From there we had a five minute taxi to our arrival gate, where we pulled in at 10:20PM, right next to an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 787. We were about 10 minutes behind schedule. One of the benefits of not arriving in the mid-morning (unlike other airlines from Europe) is that there were no other passengers at immigration, so I was through in no time.

After clearing immigration, I headed across the street to the InterContinental Johannesburg Airport, where I’d be spending the night.

Bottom line

I’m happy I had the chance to finally KLM’s new 777 business class, though it was a mixed experience. On the plus side, the new seats are solid, the crew was excellent, and the food was quite tasty.

However, the flight wasn’t perfect. The Wi-Fi was virtually unusable, despite being marketed as offering streaming capabilities. Furthermore, the flight was catered incorrectly, due to a lack of enough business class meals. I’ve taken a lot of long haul business class flights, but I don’t remember the last time that happened, so I’d consider that to be pretty unfortunate.

Anyway, one thing is for sure — KLM’s new 777 business class is a huge improvement over the carrier’s previous 777 business class, which was in a 2-2-2 configuration.

What’s your take on KLM’s 777 business class?