FlyerTalk Forums - Basic KLM questions as DL PM

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Basic KLM questions as DL PM

Finding myself needing to fly KLM metal for the first time, this is on 006 ticket stock. With the current flight schedules out of my home airport I imagine I may face this again soon as I prefer to leave in the afternoon eastbound and there are no DL metal options existing these days.

Is KLM C+ middle seat preferable to a regular preferred aisle seat? This is on a 777 ATL-AMS and for travel in 2 weeks there are no longer any C+ aisle/windows available. I reserved 16C for now which is a regular main cabin aisle.

Are there any worthwhile business class upgrade options using SkyMiles on KLM metal and 006 ticket stock? If so, what would it cost me and how do I secure it? I'm on an L fare for this trip.

KL EC has considerably more recline than DL C+ on long-haul aircraft from my experiences. If recline is important to you, you might want to consider the EC seat.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PV_Premier (Post 30111377)

You can use DL miles to upgrade KLM flights. IIRC there are fare restrictions, plus cheaper fares require more miles. You'll need to call DL and they might need to reissue the ticket with or without codeshares. IIRC these book into Z class inventory, which is deeply discounted business class and can be seen on EF, although I might not be remembering correctly. Perhaps more importantly, upgrades with miles versus upgrades with GUCs require different fare class availability, and (surprise!) many DL agents don't know this, so be sure to check the rules carefully before calling.

At worst, from an L you would need to upfare slightly. Technically this isn't exempt from change fees (since you're not upfaring to a different cabin class, just to a higher coach fare) but most (DM/PM) agents will waive the fee.

I have never met a middle seat that I liked more than an aisle seat, but maybe that's just me.

Also, for your return trip, ask about upgrades in the KLM lounge if you have not upgraded in advance as they sell decent last minute upgrade offers there (but only ex-AMS).

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdrtravel (Post 30113138)

+1
This is going back almost 4 years, but I was able to upgrade AMS-ATL to World Business Class for 289 Euros (at the time, about $375.00); the offer was made through the check-in kiosk in one of the KLM Crown Lounges in AMS. Totally worth it.

So the EC seats have more leg room (I'm 6'5) so always go for more leg room.

I thought KLm/AF operated flights required YBM fares and Delta operated flights could upgrade with miles down to K fares.

DOD, the KLM people will do upgrades for either miles or miles + money depending on fare class, if there are seats open. Best done at the ticketing desk or KLM lounge in AMS. I believe it requires 90 minutes prior to departure to get the paperwork done.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NOLAnwGOLD (Post 30113879)

KLM and AF have different fare requirements. Also AF is only a one cabin upgrade. Thus Y to PE and PE to J. However DoD you can pay to go Y- J.

I flew KLM metal (747) on a 006 ticket from SFO to AMS (and onward to SVG) at the end of July. When I checked in for the first flight, I was redirected to the KLM website. I changed my seat from economy to business class and they asked for $600 Euros, which I was happy to pay. On my return, I will stop at the KLM transfer desk in AMS and request an upgrade. Past experience suggests that I will pay about 300 Euros and 20,000 skymiles.