KLM asks passengers to pay extra on longer flights
The airline is introducing a new European meals concept alongside a free snack and drink.
Listen to this article
There is no audio version yet. Request one and an AI voice will read the article aloud.
Read by an AI voice.
KLM is changing its service on European flights from Sunday. Passengers will still receive a snack and drink, but on longer European flights they can buy additional food in advance or on board.
The change is part of the new Grand Café KLM concept. The airline says travellers on longer flights can reserve a meal when booking or through My Trip. A selection will also be available for purchase on board.
KLM mentions a poké bowl, Caesar salad, a wrap with salmon and egg, and yoghurt with fruit and seeds. The exact selection may vary by flight. No general price for the selection has been announced.
According to KLM, the free service will continue to consist of a snack and drink on European flights. The airline cites coffee, tea, water, orange juice and a stroopwafel as examples. On intercontinental flights, this arrangement will not change in the same way, according to the information cited.
The move means that on part of its European network, KLM is distinguishing between a basic offering and paid extras. This fits a broader development in European aviation, where airlines are trying to generate revenue from additional services. For KLM, it also changes the experience passengers expect from a traditional network airline.
The consequences for travellers depend on the flight duration, the route and available stock. According to KLM, those who want certainty about a meal can order one in advance. Those who do not are dependent on what is available during the flight.
An independent second source with pricing information or figures on the financial consequences of the change was not available during this check. We therefore treat this as a factual report about a service change, not as evidence that KLM will thereby structurally achieve higher revenue or profits.
Also show where in Europe and in the world
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The described service change is directly confirmed by KLM. The text makes no unsubstantiated claims about prices, customer reactions or financial results.
- confirmed KLM is introducing a new meals concept on European flights from 25 October. — KLM lists the start date and the Grand Café concept on its own website. source
- confirmed Passengers will retain a free snack and drink, but can buy additional food in advance or on board. — This is stated in KLM’s official information about European flights. source
- confirmed KLM does not publish a general price for the selection in the information consulted. — The pages consulted list products, but no general price list. source
Editor's note
The service change was announced by KLM itself and appears in the current passenger information. Independent reporting on prices, usage and financial consequences is lacking.Sources
More on this in Dutch media
- De Telegraaf — „klm luchtvaart”
- Trouw — „klm luchtvaart”
- RTL Nieuws — „klm luchtvaart”