I've been flying with KLM on business for about 6 years now, and have found the program excellent.
The program is easy to join, you can pick up a leaflet at check in on a KLM flight, or even on the plane itself. The application form contains a push out temporary card, so that you can start collecting straight away. You can also join easily through the helpful KLM web site (www.klm.co.uk)
When I first joined I'd already flown a few trips, but on sending in my boarding card stubs I was credited with the full miles. I even once received a free upgrade to business class on a long haul flight and was pleasantly surprised when I received my next membership statement that I'd been credited with business class miles.
Statements are sent out monthly, and are clear on concise, detailing miles earnt in month, total miles, and also how many award miles or flights are required for you to get up to the next level of membership (including the date you must get them by).
With regards to membership levels KLM have recently changed to blue, silver and gold wing, to blue plus, silver elite, gold elite and platinum elite. When they made the change, I think around a year ago, they also simplified the way you earn and spend miles to a simple reflection of how far the flight is. Previously there were around 6 groups of flights, and you had to look up all routes, to find out how many miles would be earnt, or how many miles you would need for a flight.
The higher levels of membership offer all the usual benefits like business class check in, extra bagage, lounge access, etc.
For the last few years you've been able to check your balance and book awards on line. I've never actually booked an award myslef, but have gone all the way through the system a few times, as far as pressing the confirmation key. I can say that from my experience the process was very easy, and every flight I enquired about was available for me to book. I've heard that in other airline schemes there are a limited number of award flights available, and they're difficult to book.
As well as flight awards, KLM offer a wide choice of alternatives, from donations to charity, free hotel accomodation, vouchers for entry into their airport lounges, right up to a one week beach vacation on Aruba.
With regards to earning miles I think you get credited around 1/10th of the flown miles for economy flights and around 1/5th for business class. Importantly the miles never expire, but obviously you need to fly regularly to keep up one of the higher levels of membership. The only negative I can think of is that all KLM flights are routed through Amsterdam, but this it not such a problem, I generally find KLM to be one of the most competitive airlines and connections at Amsterdam are generally pretty short.
The airline also partners with many other airline, some have full transfereability on earning and spending miles, e.g. Northwest & Malaysian, others have less flexible arrangements.
One concern I have would be the overall financial state of KLM, and the likely hood of a take over. I'd hope that miles would be carried over, but I'll probably spend mine soon just incase!
Overall I've found it to be an excellent scheme and would fully recommend KLM to all regular travellers.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Record Rent a Car is present in the main spanish airports and has a very wide fleet. We offer: exceptional discounts, free additional drivers,
unlimited mileage... subscribe to our Club Record and take advantage of special offers.
Advantages: Operate an efficient service, fly to over 500 destinations via many partners, excellent customer service Disadvantages: none so far..
Connoisseur_Haggler 07.07.2001 (07.07.2001)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Are you the manufacturer / provider of Flying Dutchman (KLM)? Click here
very helpful by (100%):
