Originally Posted by SchmutzigMSP
Others would consider it a forward cabin on a larger aircraft, or perhaps a bulkhead seat. In any case, whatever is defined as 'preferred' should be accessable at time of booking. Perhaps it only helps if you're ST Elite Plus? Dunno, but even the Silvers should have access to it.
"Bulkheads" on most of KL's 737s are most definitely not premium. Same legroom as the rest of coach, but with a curtain in your face. Avoid them.
All SkyTeam Elites should have access to preferred seating (i.e., the front of coach, exit row, etc.) on all SkyTeam operated flights. But as I said above, KL simply doesn't assign seats in advance on their intraeuropean flights. Unfortunately, since most NW elites are connecting to those flights from TATLs, it can be very tough to get a preferred seat on your way out. But if you use klm.com's OLCI for your return trip, you can usually get a pretty good seat.