Introduction

KLM’s fifth-freedom route from Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta offers Premium Comfort Class on a flight barely longer than most domestic hops.

For 1 hour 40 minutes of Dutch hospitality promising authentic nasi lemak and sustainable service, here’s whether the premium experience justifies the cost.

Interior of an airplane showing rows of premium economy seats with headrests, personal reading lights, and pillows. Passengers are boarding in the background.
View from an airplane window showing the KLM engine and the airport tarmac with various ground service vehicles and luggage carts. The airport terminal is visible in the background.
Airplane business class seats with blue upholstery, one with a pillow and blanket. Nearby, a bag is placed on another seat. The window shows a view of the airport tarmac.
Front cabin section of an airplane showing seats, overhead bins, a safety video screen, and emergency equipment stored behind a curtain.

Before Take Off

Boarding the Boeing 787-9, I found KLM’s Premium Comfort Class with 21 seats, only eight were occupied on this flight.

The extra space was immediately noticeable, up to 17cm additional legroom compared to economy, adjustable leg and footrests, decent recline, in-seat power, and a 13-inch entertainment screen.

While no pre-departure drinks were offered, the crew distributed menus.

An airplane menu titled โ€œMenu KUL-JKT / JKT-KULโ€ placed on an armrest within the premium economy section of a flight cabin.
A KLM Premium Comfort class menu displayed on an aircraft tray table, detailing welcome messages, light meal options, and breakfast offerings.
Airline menu on a tray table listing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, coffee, tea, and juices. Text reads "Menu" with Premium Comfort branding.

KLM really shows off Dutch brands throughout the beverage selection.

Longer Premium Comfort flights typically offer Cava, Bols espresso martinis, Heineken beer, Egberts coffee, Pickwick tea, and Royal Club tonic.

Inflight

For this short sector, the meal included pickled papaya salad, nasi lemak with prawn sambal, and lemon meringue cake.

You’d typically get three main meal choices on longer Premium Comfort flights, but this option made sense for the timing.

The meal arrived beautifully on eco-friendly reusable polypropylene trays with matching plates, part of KLM’s sustainability push.

The presentation was better than the actual taste.

The nasi lemak, Malaysia’s beloved national dish, lacked the spice depth and aromatic complexity you’d expect from this staple.

A small tart with a cream topping served in a gray bowl, accompanied by a juice bottle and a spread container labeled Ballantyne. A part of a salad is visible on the left.
Airplane meal consisting of rice, a slice of hard-boiled egg, a piece of chicken with sauce, and cutlery placed on a tray.
A black tray contains a mixed salad with shredded lettuce, red peppers, and green peppers. A napkin with a pattern and the KLM logo is placed in front of the tray.
Airplane meal on a tray with rice, meat, a boiled egg, a roll, salad, dessert, butter, and a glass of tomato juice.

The lemon meringue cake looked stunning with attractive plating.

But it was more style than substance. The lemon curd lacked tartness, the meringue was overly sweet without balancing acidity, and the base was dense.

Sustainability Integration

KLM’s eco-friendly service ware shows they actually care about the environment rather than just talking about it.

The reusable trays and plates looked quality while reducing waste, and the lighter weight contributes to improved fuel efficiency.

This shows airlines can keep things looking premium while actually helping the environment, significant progress in an industry facing increasing scrutiny over carbon emissions.

Conclusion

KLM’s Premium Comfort Class delivers solid value through generous space, attentive service, and thoughtful amenities.

The sustainability initiatives and the Dutch brand showcase demonstrate attention to passenger experience beyond seat comfort.

Despite the beautiful presentation, the food quality was disappointing.

The nasi lemak needed more authentic spicing, and the dessert required better execution to match its visual appeal.

For short Premium Comfort flights, KLM provides genuine upgrade value through extra space and attentive Dutch hospitality.

Just manage expectations around food authenticity – the presentation is Instagram-worthy, but flavours play it safe rather than delivering memorable taste.

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