It’s time to head back home from Southern France. Today we’ll be riding on and reviewing KLM’s 787-10 in business class. I’ve not ridden on many 787s in the past, mostly because Delta doesn’t use them, and I’m primarily a Delta flyer. I’ve been looking forward to this KLM 787 trip but I’m also sad that our vacation has come to a close. It’s been an absolutely amazing trip but all good things must end.
Our first flight of the day was from Nice to Amsterdam, that flight was on a KLM 737 in euro-business and I’ve reviewed that before so I’ll skip that for now. If you’d like to see what KLM euro-business is like on their 737s, here’s a review from last time.
KLM has 5 787-10s in their fleet and have 10 more on the way(as of June 2022). These planes will mostly be used on long and medium haul flights. The 787-10 is the largest of the Dreamliner family, but this means it has a shorter range than the smaller 787-9. For KLM, the 787-10 will mostly be deployed on flights of 4-5k miles from Amsterdam such as North America, Africa, and the Middle East. With KLM, the 787-10 seats 344 people making it the second largest capacity plane in their fleet.
Bottom Line: For the KLM 787-10 in business class, I had a lovey experience and enjoyed the trip. I would gladly take the KLM 787 in business class over the KLM A330 that Val and I experienced and reviewed in business class last year. The biggest advantage of the KLM 787-10 is that the business class seats are arranged in 1-2-1 configuration giving aisle access to everyone instead of on the KLM A330 with it’s 2-2-2 seating. There are a few little things that KLM just gets right in their business class experience. This trip was no exception on the 787-10. Anyway, let’s get into the full flight review.
Date of Flight Review: June 2022
Amsterdam Airport Transfer Review
Amsterdam has been in the news a little bit lately for delays and cancellations(June 2022) but our transfer process was smooth. Our inbound flight from Nice arrived right on time and we quickly walked through immigration. At AMS US passport holders can use the Electronic Gates, just make sure you visit the podium and get an exit stamp.
It was a beautiful day outside so we decided to check out the outdoor patio in the KLM Crown Lounge. I really like this lounge and I’ve done a mini review of it before. This trip we only had about an hour before our next flight boards so we enjoyed a little fresh air and a drink. I kept and eye on the departures board and it looks like we’ll be a little delayed. Toronto Airport has also been experiencing international delays(June 2022). A few minutes before our scheduled departure time we got the “go to gate” notification and made the walk.
KLM Amsterdam Business Class Boarding Process
We arrived at the boarding gate just as Zone 1 was called. As we’re riding in KLM Business Class on the 787-10 this morning, we get to board with Zone 1. The gate area was very hectic with people not understanding how the zone system worked. There was an agent acting as line guard and turning people back.
At AMS, KLM uses two jet bridges when they can. This morning there is the forward jet bridge for the business class cabin and then a door two jet bridge for the economy cabin.
We got a pretty cool surprise today. This 787-10 happens to be the KLM 100 year anniversary livery aircraft so that’s cool! I’ve only ridden on a couple special livery planes and I’m glad to add this one to the list.
KLM 787-10 Business Class Seat Review
Val and I found our seats on the right side of the KLM 787-10 Business Class cabin. When in aircraft with a 1-2-1 arrangement, we usually just sit one in front of the other at the window. We both like to window watch. After a very hectic boarding process we walk into a very good looking business class on the KLM 787-10.
In the seat was a pillow, blanket, and amenity kit. We like to sit towards the rear of the cabin, today I’m in the second to last row with Val just in front.
First impressions of the KLM 787 business class are good. Nice seat with lots of space, I like reverse herringbone seats and KLM has a good implementation. There are privacy wings near the head rests to make it feel a little more private.
Once seated, leg room is excellent. When seated in a lie flat seat, I almost always stuff the bedding into the footwell. The pillow looks good and the blanket is soft but not very thick. Should be just fine for this relatively short flight over to Toronto.
KLM 787-10 Business Class In Seat Amenities
Waiting in the KLM seat there’s a bottle of water and headphones, but I’ll just use my Sonys. There are lots of power ports too. On the window side there is universal AC port along with USB. There’s also a reading light with the remote for the in seat entertainment.
Champagne was distributed, I’m not usually a champagne person, but I figured why not. We have a slight delay due to loading cargo so why not enjoy it.
The KLM business class amenity kits are pretty standard fair. Toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, hand cream, ear plugs, eye mask, socks, and a pen. I like that KLM is using paper packaging in these kits.
The 787-10 seat controls were easy to use and very simple. However, I did find myself accidently placing my arm on the controls and surprising myself.
I wish that more modern planes would have individual air vents over head. This KLM 787-10 doesn’t have them in business class.
Below the in-seat entertainment screen is a small shelf with a USB power port. Great space to keep a phone charged. The seat did seem to be a little dirty through. Just a fair bit of crumbs and grubbiness. I quick wipe with the provided sanitizer kit solved that problem.
Between the seat and the aisle is a lowerable arm rest. For take off and landing this must be in the down position.
Like all 787s it does have the electronic dimming windows. The captain came on and gave his welcome. We’re a few minutes past our scheduled departure and are waiting on the last few passengers to board along with some cargo. There’s also a slight delay in our pushback time due to congestion at the airport, but it shouldn’t affect our landing time.
KLM Business Class Menus
Menus were distributed along side more champagne, beer, water, and orange juice. I had some more champagne. As always I worry about the delay, we have an un-protected connection in Toronto and we’ve been seriously burned the last few trips.
It started to rain just as the flight attendant came around and asked for our meal selection. Just a little drizzle and hopefully it doesn’t effect our departure.
KLM 787-10 Push Back and Takeoff
Well we’re pushing back just about an hour after our scheduled departure. This Trans-Atlantic flight to YYZ isn’t too long, so hopefully we get to Toronto somewhat on time.
We finally took of, just about an hour behind schedule. Not too bad, hopefully we can make some of that up in the air.
As our KLM 787 climbed out of Amsterdam, it was a little cloudy below but still a very smooth flight.
I sat back and dimmed the window and put on another episode of Always Sunny.
KLM 787-10 Business Class Daytime Meal Service
The service began with drinks, I opted for a gin and tonic. It was served alongside some mixed nuts.
For the starter I had the Thai soup along with a salad. The soup is good and the bread selection was good too.
For the main I had a sesame salmon with couscous. It was only ok, it’s just last time we rode on KLM, Val had salmon that was very good so I wanted to have the same, unfortunately it wasn’t as good this time.
Finally for desert I had the cheese option. Over all the meal with fine, nothing amazing. The soup and salad were good, but the main salmon dish was only ok. The desert cheese options were all very good as were the gin and tonics I enjoyed along side them.
I settled into our flight nice and full. We had an early start this morning so I sat back and relaxed while watching a movie.
The overhead lights were dimmed and the mood lights were on full display.
KLM 787-10 Business Class In Seat Entertainment
On the KLM 787-10 in business class the entertainment options are very good. The main screen is very good, responsive and large.
Like on my previous KLM flights, I like that you can use the remote as a moving map, but then watch a movie on the main screen.
I did take a nap and awoke as we just crossed over the Canadian coast line. This flight from Amsterdam isn’t too long, only about 6 hours in flight.
Out my window you could see a few other planes making the same Trans-Atlantic crossing as us. I think this was an Air Canada plane.
KLM 787-10 Business Class Bathroom
There’s not much to report on from the bathrooms on the KLM 787-10. The Business class cabin has 3, two in the front and then one in the rear of the cabin.
The Bathrooms were clean throughout the flight. They aren’t huge, but they are more than adequate.
KLM 787-10 Business Class Second Snack Service
While laying back the mood lights brightened and the flight attendants came around and asked if we’d like to have the second meal. I was awake so decided I might as well. Val was solidly asleep so she didn’t even notice.
The second meal was pretty good. In fact I think it was better than the first. Of the two options I went for the burger as last KLM flight I had the empanada and figured I should try the other option.
The KLM burger was adequate and hot. I liked the little snack peppers and olives. With this meal I just had a coke.
Not too much farter to go. Looks like we’ll be landing pretty close to on-time today. That’s huge for us as we have an un-protected connection.
KLM 787-10 Business Class Toronto Arrival
We slowly descended into the Toronto area. Looks like it’s a little overcast outside today.
As always on KLM business class, the Delft houses were distributed. These are filled with Dutch Gin. There are hundreds of different ones and they are all hand painted. Each business class passenger can take one home.
Just a few minutes away from landing into YYZ. I still find it funny that Canadian airports all start with the letter Y. Toronto’s airport code really is funny as it makes no connection to the city name.
On our approach into Toronto. I’m always glad to land but I’m also sad that our vacation is over.
And on the ground here in Toronto.
We de-planed our KLM 787 just about right on time here in Canada. Toronto has had some issues with planes needing to just wait to be unloaded, not today.
KLM 787-10 Business Class Final Thoughts
This KLM 787 flight from Amsterdam was very pleasant. I enjoyed the seat and the plane very much. The KLM seat fixtures were very comfortable and had everything I needed. I liked the large number of storage spaces and the width of the seat. The In Seat Entertainment was very good too, lots of choices and a very large and fast screen. I do wish there was an overhead vent, but it seems like many modern planes don’t have them, the KLM 787 is no different.
The bedding KLM provided was just fine on this short daytime flight. I think food selection was only adequate, nothing amazing, but that’s airplane food. The flight attendants were very good, fast, professional service. I liked the large clean bathrooms and the diming windows on the KLM 787 too. I do wish the seat was a little cleaner when we boarded.
At the end of the day, I would absolutely ride on the KLM 787-10 in business class again. It was a good ride on a comfortable plane. I do prefer the 787 to the A330 that Val and I rode on late last year. Mostly because the KLM 787 has direct aisle access from every seat, where the A330 doesn’t. The service was pretty much the same across the two planes, so it all comes down to the seat.
Follow This Trip
- Flight Review: American Airlines A319 Economy. CLT-YYZ Trip Report
- Flight Review: Air France A350-900 Business Class. YYZ-CDG Trip Report
- Hotel Review: OKKO Hotel Nice Aéroport
- Flight Review: EasyJet A320 Economy. What is it like to ride with EasyJet?
- Hotel Review: Teku Boutique Hotel-Bari Sardo Sardinia Italy
- Hotel Review: CasAunoe Boutique Hotel-Olbia Sardinia Italy
- Hotel Review: Best Western Hôtel Lakmi Nice France
- Lounge Review: The Infinity Lounge Nice Airport Terminal 2
- Flight Review: KLM 787-10 Business Class. AMS-YYZ Trip Report.
- Flight Review: American Airlines A321 Economy Class YYZ-CLT