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KLM unveils Economy Comfort Zone

Published: 07/12/2009 - Filed under: News »

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KLM has today (December 7) officially launched its enhanced economy product across its entire long haul fleet, but insists it is still a two-class airline.

As previously reported on Business Traveller (see online news September 16), the new “seating zone”, which has the same seats as in standard economy but with 10cm more legroom and twice the recline, is now available on all of KLM's long-haul routes following a year-long fleet overhaul.

Speaking at the seat’s official unveiling in Amsterdam today, Bram Graber, senior VP Air France KLM area Benelux, told Business Traveller it was not KLM’s intention to create a separate premium economy class.

Graber said KLM wanted to give economy passengers another “comfort option” without them having to shell out for business class. He also maintained that KLM would remain a two-class airline of economy and business.

In a separate statement, KLM said: “This new alternative reflects KLM’s pledge to fulfil the changing needs of its customers, one of which was the call for more comfort options in Economy Class.”

Economy class passengers must pay €80-150 per sector for the extra space, depending on the length of flight. Meals remain the same as in standard economy.

Comfort also differs from premium economy products of other airlines, such as that of its group partner Air France, in that there are no added benefits such as lounge access.

Graber said KLM’s simple approach to premium economy was deliberately different to Air France with its Premium Voyageur class, an entirely different product from standard economy.

According to Graber, KLM has rolled out its enhanced economy in “one big bang” while Air France introduces its Premium Voyageur product more gradually, indicating a close decision process between the two airlines.

Graber added that it was a conscious decision of both airlines to take a joint approach with regards to their respective products. “We are two separate brands on the outside,” said Graber, “but behind the scenes we’re very close.”

Economy Comfort is available across all 60 of KLM’s long-haul aircraft from today on all international destinations.

To make room for Comfort in each long haul aircraft, KLM has sacrificed several rows of standard economy rather than reduce the number of business class seats.

Platinum members of Air France KLM’s Flying Blue loyalty programme, and those flying with a fully flexible economy ticket, can upgrade to Comfort for free. Flying Blue Gold and Silver members get a 50 per cent and 25 per cent discount respectively.

The unveiling today at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport saw Dutch celebrity illusionist Ramana seemingly levitate to mirror KLM’s Comfort advertising (pictured below).

For more information visit klm.com.

Report by Andrew Gough

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COMMENTS » 

MarcusUK - 08/12/2009 17:49

But it seems you cant book these in advance...? No access to such seats at the KLM UK site to try to book today... Buying a fare with the hope that you could Check -in for one of these seats is not very reliable. I wouldn't buy a fare with KLM long haul or AF either on the 777 fleet, as they have crammed an extra seat in across in Y.

Unless these seats would be available paid & booked in advance, i wont be booking.

GrahamHilling - 10/12/2009 10:28

By sacrificing several rows of seats KLM have effectivly made the availabillity of seats on their long haul flights smaller. This means that the demand is greater as the aircraft seating capacity is reduced. This means that KLM can put up the price of bookings, as there is a greater demand for the seats. In the future I think I will shop arround for my usual long haul flight from the UK to Manila, as I dont think KLM will be competative on price any more.

PaulRWoods - 10/12/2009 11:41

KLM used to have some business class seats in its 747s in economy but took them out several years ago. It seems that now they are introducing come hybrid mode by using economy class seats but with a little of wider spacing. British Airways has certainly more on offer.

BusinessTraveller - 11/12/2009 11:18

Hi MarkRoberts9,

I've contacted KLM with regards to your point about booking these seats in advance.

You are correct, passengers can only upgrade to Economy Comfort once a standard economy ticket has been purchased. Passengers can then upgrade via the 'Manage my booking' function or when checking-in online on KLM.com.

The drawback to this is that the EC seats are subject to availability, which means they could all be gone by the time a passenger comes to upgrade.

However, according to KLM, flight seating plans are available to its reservation staff up to 90 days prior to departure. Passengers can therefore ring up and ask whether EC seats are still available before booking.

Andrew Gough

MarcusUK - 12/12/2009 13:35

Thanks Andrew, a very constructive point.

Loyal as i am to KLM, especially running one of the best EU services, I wouldn't choose them long haul with the extra seat across on their 777 fleet a little time ago. I see that the AF premium Voyageur being phased in, it is a separate class, bookable at the time of yr reservation. KLM in my view, had an opportunity here, especially to capture the Business traveller downgrading, & the world travellers upgrading at the moment (they fill a large % of long haul premium cabins now). Unless i can find a seat when booking, i wont be using the service, sadly. I would prefer to choose another Airlines, or pay up front, & know waht i am getting, in economy, or premium. Many thanks for taking the time & interest to do this.

luxembergerlis - 04/01/2010 15:21

Honestly, what is the big deal about 34 inch in pitch? Most asian carriers offer 34 inch on their long haul aircrafts as standard pitch anyway...and KLM charges for up to 150 Euro per sector...equals to a max of 75 Euro per inch of pitch. mmm...

DannyMack - 05/04/2010 05:13

The new Economy Comfort section seems too small an upgrade for this European airline. With an economy ticket, you can pay a little extra for more leg room, and then pay a little more for extra recline. And that's it for EC; no footrest, no wider seat, no lounge access, no better service. However, several other airlines in the region offer all of the above for about the same as KLM charges for Economy Comfort. I'll see how it goes, I'm on a flight tomorrow from ORD to AMS, and ponied up for the extra recline. I gotta give it to 'em though, that floating guy was pretty damn cool.

michelehenderson26 - 24/11/2011 11:23

On a recent flight over from Canada to Amsterdam I pre booked my premium economy seat to ensure my comfort on this long flight. I was then seated in a row with 3 under two's, my worst nightmare come true!! Only to find out from 1 of the parents that they did not pay extra for their seats and that KLM automatically gives these seats to parents travelling with small children!! I wont be paying for that privilege again.

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