![]() ![]() Be aware, some cities flying (nonstop) to Amsterdam to/from the USA are only serviced by Delta though often KLM code-share flight numbers might appear when you search for a flight. Another benefit of a city such as New York is that KLM has a number of the nonstop Amsterdam flights. The process would be the same with an itinerary that starts in New York, JFK-AMS-JFK, but the pricing for such itineraries does vary from Amsterdam origination (ex-AMS). Since I personally find real life examples to be best in explaining a process, I recently experimented with upgrading a €693.40 roundtrip ticket AMS-JFK-AMS. Obviously purchasing a fare for €1800 roundtrip in business class is a better deal than any upgrade scheme especially since you also will receive bonus mileage and elite qualifying miles in a SkyTeam mileage earning program such as Flying Blue or Delta SkyMiles. For example, when booking 3 months in advance KLM will often discount business class for under €2000 roundtrip to many long-haul markets. For example, an average roundtrip ticket on a nonstop from Amsterdam to New York City (AMS-JFK-AMS) in business class trends from €3000 to €4000 roundtrip, while the least expensive economy class tickets can be as low as €600 roundtrip. ![]() While on the subject of “value” of an upgrade, in many markets bidding for an upgrade can be very cost effective in comparison to the least expensive business class ticket available for purchase. These additional upgrade topics are beyond the scope of this article, but if you purchase an “expensive” ticket it is always best to weigh all of the potential options. Some methods involve mileage upgrades and day of departure upgrades based on fare class. As an aside, if you are purchasing expensive (often refundable) economy class international fares there are often other less expensive and more effective means of upgrading. One a very positive note, it costs nothing to bid and when you are bidding for an upgrade after purchasing a low economy class ticket you have very little to lose. I tend to find the best attitude with regard to upgrade bidding on KLM is to enter into the process with a relaxed attitude and low expectations. Not all itineraries are eligible for upgrade, and even if you have the highest bid you still might not receive (win) the upgrade. (link updated 14 December 2016) While it is a simple process, there are many caveats. The process is rather simple and involves either choosing the upgrade bid option (on the KLM website while viewing the “My bookings” screen) or via the KLM upgrade yourself web site. I am going to focus on bidding for long-haul upgrades, since these tend to represent the best value. Clearly, this upgrade scheme is most cost effective if you have purchased a low priced long-haul ticket. There are few restrictions with regard to placing a bid, and bids (for long-haul international flights) range from €279 to €1500. In the case of KLM international intineraries, an upgrade to their business class product World Business Class. This is basically what it sounds like, you will be bidding in an auction for a business class seat.
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