KLM » World Business Class

KLM recently completed a refit of its long-haul World Business Class cabins on board its MD-11 and B747-400 aircraft to align with that found in business class on board its B777 and A330s. This will mean that there is now a consistency of business class product across all the long-haul fleet.

KLM's WBC angled lie-flat seats have a 60-inch (152cm) pitch, a 175-degree recline and a width of 20 inches (51cm). Seats go back to form a bed which is 74 inches (1.9 metres) long and can be adjusted electronically to three pre-set positions – upright (for take-off and landing), a 'z-shaped' relax position, and a sleeping position.

The seat also features adjustable headrest, lumbar support with massage function, privacy canopy, dimmable reading light, bottle holder, personal telephones (wall telephones are also available), in-seat power and an in-arm video screen measuring 10.4 inches (26cm). State-of-the-art AVOD is in place on both these aircraft with handheld (seat-based) control units and access to over 60 movies, and the ability to send SMS messages.

Pre-departure facilities include fully flexible reservation, WBC check-in desks, lounge access, priority boarding, and 150 per cent Flying Blue miles. Free international and domestic newspapers are available to all WBC passengers, as is a free amenity kit with an eye mask, socks, lip balm, pen, comb, ear plugs, toothpaste and toothbrush.

Fresh food is served to the World Business Class passengers. All service schedules are, in terms of type and quantity of food, geared towards time of departure (day or night flight, plus the time of day in relation to physiological needs of passengers) and destination (route-dedicated service). With the exception of late-departing flights, all main meal services (three-course meals) feature a choice of three main dishes, and dessert with a choice of a cheese platter, fresh fruit or sweet from the show trolley.

Passengers on night flights lasting more than eight hours can choose for a full meal or only one course if they want to rest or sleep. There is also a warm snack available at any time during the flight. A choice of two warm breakfast snacks is offered on all flights.

Some routes feature a route-dedicated service (Japan, China, Korea, and India) especially geared towards the needs of passengers originating in those countries.

Between the main meal and breakfast/arrival meal, snacks such as ice cream and dressed rolls are served and are available upon request. In addition to regular service, “Skybreak” drinks and snacks are served in the galley at all times upon request on longer flights.

Every year, KLM World Business Class features a Food and Wine Festival. Over a three-month period, a well-known country or region becomes the inspiration for all food and wine. California, Italy, Australia, Spain and South Africa have served in this way in recent years.

For more than 40 years KLM has presented travellers with a fine Delft Blue miniature of a traditional Dutch house, containing jenever – traditional Dutch gin. Non-alcoholic versions are available on certain flights to the Middle East. There are around 90 different houses as of 2010, so if you are missing any, head for eBay.