KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
KL · Netherlands
Expert Editorial ReviewFlightLogic score: 8.0/10
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines vs United Airlines
Side-by-side policy and rating comparison — baggage, Wi-Fi, legroom, lounges, and loyalty programmes.
Verdict
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines scores higher on FlightLogic at 8.0/10 vs 7.7/10 for United Airlines. Policy comparison below covers cabin baggage, checked bags, Wi-Fi, and seat pitch.
Comparison data last updated 6 July 2026
Policy comparison
Structured operational tokens — verify current fare rules on each airline before booking.
| Policy | KLM Royal Dutch Airlines | United Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin baggage | Included | Included |
| Checked baggage | 1×23 kg long-haul; Light none short-haul | Intl often 1×23 kg; domestic fees apply |
| In-flight Wi-Fi | Paid | Partial (messaging/select routes) |
| Economy seat pitch | 31" | 30–31" |
| Loyalty programme | Flying Blue | MileagePlus |
| Lounge access | KLM Crown lounges | United Club / Polaris |
| Changes & refunds | Flex allows changes | No change fees most fares; Basic Economy restricted |
Individual profiles
United Airlines
UA · United States
Expert Editorial ReviewFlightLogic score: 7.7/10
Editorial profiles
Netherlands · KL/KLM · #1 in this comparison
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Journey of Inspiration
#14 Global 4-Star
8.0 / 10
Quick Answer
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines scores 8.0/10 on FlightLogic (safety 9.3/10), ranking #14 globally. in-flight Wi-Fi is paid or partial on most long-haul routes. Special meals require pre-order on long-haul.
Is KLM Royal Dutch Airlines a good airline?
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines scores 8.0/10 (Excellent) on FlightLogic, ranking #14 globally with a safety score of 9.3/10. KLM is the Netherlands' flag carrier operating from Amsterdam Schiphol with one of Europe's densest networks, World Business Class on long-haul, and Flying Blue shared with Air France. See full profile →
Overall 8.0 Excellent
Safety 9.3 Excellent Safety
Service 8.2 Cabin crew & ground
Value 7.8 Fare vs product
Star rating 4★ FlightLogic tier
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology
Score breakdown
Key facts
- Hub
- Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Alliance
- skyteam
- Founded
- 1919
- Fleet
- 110 aircraft
- Region
- europe
- IATA / ICAO
- KL / KLM
Passenger policies
| Cabin baggage | Included — standard carry-on allowance applies |
|---|---|
| Checked baggage | 1×23 kg long-haul; Light none short-haul |
| In-flight Wi-Fi | Paid Wi-Fi or messaging packages |
| Economy seat pitch | 31" |
| Lounge access | KLM Crown lounges |
| Changes & refunds | Flex allows changes |
| Loyalty programme | Flying Blue |
Strengths
- Efficient AMS single-terminal hub
- Crown Lounge at Schiphol
- Strong Africa and Asia connections
Weaknesses
- Older short-haul cabins on some European routes
- Flying Blue dynamic pricing on awards
Awards & recognition
- Oldest operating airline
- Best Schiphol hub carrier
7.7 / 10
Quick Answer
United Airlines scores 7.7/10 on FlightLogic (safety 9.1/10), ranking #17 globally. in-flight Wi-Fi is paid or partial on most long-haul routes. Special meals require pre-order on long-haul.
Is United Airlines a good airline?
United Airlines scores 7.7/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic, ranking #17 globally with a safety score of 9.1/10. United Airlines is a Star Alliance founding member with Polaris business class on long-haul, an extensive global network from Chicago, Newark, and San Francisco, and MileagePlus as a core loyalty programme for UK–US routings. See full profile →
Overall 7.7 Very Good
Safety 9.1 Excellent Safety
Service 7.8 Cabin crew & ground
Value 7.6 Fare vs product
Star rating 4★ FlightLogic tier
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology
Score breakdown
Key facts
- Hub
- Chicago O'Hare (ORD) / Newark (EWR) / San Francisco (SFO)
- Alliance
- star alliance
- Founded
- 1926
- Fleet
- 900 aircraft
- Region
- americas
- IATA / ICAO
- UA / UAL
Passenger policies
| Cabin baggage | Included — standard carry-on allowance applies |
|---|---|
| Checked baggage | Intl often 1×23 kg; domestic fees apply |
| In-flight Wi-Fi | Partial — free messaging or select routes/cabins only |
| Economy seat pitch | 30–31" |
| Lounge access | United Club / Polaris |
| Changes & refunds | No change fees most fares; Basic Economy restricted |
| Loyalty programme | MileagePlus |
Strengths
- Polaris lounges and lie-flat business
- Extensive Star Alliance network
- Strong SFO and ORD hubs
Weaknesses
- Basic Economy restrictions
- Polaris product varies by aircraft age
Awards & recognition
- Star Alliance founding member
- Polaris business class
FAQ
Which is better — KLM Royal Dutch Airlines or United Airlines?
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines scores higher on FlightLogic at 8.0/10 vs 7.7/10 for United Airlines. Policy comparison below covers cabin baggage, checked bags, Wi-Fi, and seat pitch.
Does KLM Royal Dutch Airlines or United Airlines include a carry-on bag?
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: Included. United Airlines: Included.
Which has free Wi-Fi — KLM Royal Dutch Airlines or United Airlines?
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: Paid. United Airlines: Partial (messaging/select routes).
Does KLM Royal Dutch Airlines include checked baggage?
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines checked baggage: 1×23 kg long-haul; Light none short-haul.
Does United Airlines include checked baggage?
United Airlines checked baggage: Intl often 1×23 kg; domestic fees apply.