KLM Seat Selection: How to Choose the Best Seat for Your Flight (2026)

Quick Answer: Is KLM Seat Selection Free?

Yes, you can choose your seat on KLM before departure, but whether it’s free depends on your fare, cabin class, Flying Blue status, and the type of seat you select. Most passengers can choose a standard Economy seat free of charge when online check-in opens. If you want a better location, extra legroom, or more personal space, you’ll usually need to pay an additional fee. Business and Premium Comfort passengers may also have different seat selection benefits depending on their fare.

Seat availability, fees, and aircraft layouts vary by route and ticket type. Always check your options in My Trip before your flight.

KLM Seat Selection at a Glance (2026)

Feature	Details
Can you choose your seat?	Yes
Choose during booking	Yes
Choose after booking	Yes, through My Trip
Free standard seat selection	Available at check-in for most Economy passengers
Premium seats	Paid
Economy Comfort	Paid on most fares
Extra Legroom seats	Paid
Business Class seat selection	Depends on fare type
Premium Comfort seat selection	Depends on fare type
Automatic seat assignment	Yes, if you don’t choose a seat
Seat upgrades	Available on eligible flights

How Does KLM Seat Selection Work?

KLM lets you choose your seat at different stages of your journey.

You can:

• select a seat while booking your ticket
• choose or change your seat later through My Trip
• wait until online check-in and select from the remaining standard seats
• accept the automatic seat assigned by KLM

If you don’t have a preferred seat, waiting until check-in can save money because standard Economy seats are generally available free at that time.

However, if you want to sit with family, prefer a window or aisle seat, or need extra legroom, it’s better to reserve your seat early while more options are still available.

Can You Choose Your Seat After Booking?

Yes. You don’t have to decide when you buy your ticket.

Simply open My Trip on the KLM website or mobile app to:

• view the available seat map
• change your current seat
• purchase a premium seat
• check available upgrade offers

The closer you get to departure, the fewer seats will be available, especially on busy flights.

Can You View the KLM Seat Map?

Yes. After booking, you can view the seat map through My Trip before selecting your seat.

The seat map shows:

• available standard seats
• Economy Comfort seats
• Extra Legroom seats
• Premium Comfort seats
• Business Class seats

This makes it easier to compare your options before paying for a premium seat.

What Seat Options Does KLM Offer?

KLM offers several seating options to suit different budgets and travel needs.

Seat Type	Best For	Usually Paid?
Standard Economy	Budget travellers	Free at check-in on most fares
Preferred Seat	Faster exit from the aircraft	Yes
Economy Comfort	More legroom and recline	Yes
Extra Legroom	Tall travellers	Yes
Premium Comfort	Long-haul comfort	Depends on fare
Business Class	Maximum comfort and privacy	Depends on fare

Each option offers a different balance of comfort, location, and price.

Standard Economy Seats

These are the regular seats found throughout the Economy cabin.

They’re the best option if:

• you don’t mind where you sit
• you’re travelling on a budget
• you’re taking a shorter flight

Most passengers can choose one of these seats free of charge once online check-in opens.

Preferred Seats

Preferred seats are standard Economy seats located closer to the front of the cabin.

Although they don’t provide extra legroom, they can help you:

• leave the aircraft sooner
• reach immigration earlier
• collect baggage more quickly

They’re a good choice if saving time after landing is more important than having extra space.

Economy Comfort Seats

Economy Comfort seats are one of KLM’s most popular upgrades.

Compared with a standard Economy seat, they usually offer:

• more legroom
• additional recline
• a location near the front of the Economy cabin

They’re especially useful on medium and long-haul flights where a little extra space can make the journey more comfortable.

Extra Legroom Seats

If your priority is stretching your legs, these seats offer the most space in the Economy cabin.

They’re commonly located near emergency exit rows.

Keep in mind that exit-row seats have safety requirements, so not every passenger is eligible to sit there.

Premium Comfort and Business Class

Premium Comfort offers a quieter cabin, wider seats, more recline, and additional comfort for longer flights.

Business Class provides KLM’s highest level of comfort, including larger seats, premium service, and extra privacy.

Whether seat selection is included depends on the fare you’ve purchased. Some Light fares require you to pay for seat selection before check-in, while Standard and Flex fares often include it.

Is KLM Seat Selection Free?

It depends on your fare and the seat you want. If you’re happy with a standard Economy seat, you can usually choose one for free when online check-in opens. If you want a seat with extra space or a better location, you’ll normally need to pay an additional fee.

Flying Blue members may also receive complimentary or discounted seat selection based on their membership level.

Seat Selection by Seat Type

Seat Type	Is It Free?	Best For
Standard Economy	Usually free at check-in	Budget travellers
Preferred Seat	Paid	Faster exit after landing
Economy Comfort	Paid	More legroom and recline
Extra Legroom	Paid	Tall passengers
Premium Comfort	Depends on fare	Long-haul travel
Business Class	Depends on fare	Premium comfort

The exact price depends on your route, aircraft, fare, and when you book your seat.

When Should You Reserve Your Seat?

You can reserve a seat at several points before your flight, and each has a slightly different trade-off between cost and choice.

• During booking — the widest selection, especially on popular routes
• After booking, through My Trip — still a good range of options, with time to compare prices
• Before check-in — fewer seats left, but still time to grab a good one if you’re flexible
• During online check-in — standard seats are usually free at this point, though the best ones may already be gone
• At the airport — limited to whatever’s left, mostly useful if you’re changing a seat last-minute

If a specific seat matters to you, reserving earlier gives you more control. If you’re happy with whatever’s available, waiting until check-in is the more budget-friendly route.

How Much Does KLM Charge for Seat Selection?

KLM doesn’t have one fixed seat selection fee. The cost changes based on:

• your destination
• the aircraft
• the fare you purchased
• the type of seat
• demand for the flight

As a general guide:

Seat Type	Typical Price Range*
Preferred Seat	From €10–€30
Economy Comfort	From €25–€100+
Extra Legroom	From €20–€80
Premium Comfort	Varies by route
Business Class	Depends on fare

*These are general ranges. Your exact price is shown in My Trip before payment.

Which KLM Seat Is Best for Your Trip?

The best seat depends on your travel style rather than simply choosing the most expensive option.

If you’re travelling on a budget

A standard Economy seat is usually enough.

If you don’t mind where you sit, wait until online check-in opens and choose from the available standard seats for free.

If you’re travelling with family or friends

Reserve your seats as early as possible.

This gives you the best chance of sitting together, especially during school holidays and on popular international routes.

If you’re tall

Choose an Extra Legroom seat.

The additional space can make a noticeable difference on longer flights.

If you’re on a long-haul flight

An Economy Comfort seat offers more legroom and extra recline without paying for Premium Comfort or Business Class.

Many travellers find it offers the best balance between comfort and cost.

If you’re travelling for business

Business Class provides the highest level of comfort with spacious seating, premium services, and added privacy.

If a Business Class ticket isn’t within your budget, keep an eye on upgrade offers before departure.

Can You Upgrade Your Seat?

Yes. Depending on your booking and seat availability, you may be able to upgrade before your flight.

Possible upgrade options include:

• Standard Economy → Economy Comfort
• Economy → Premium Comfort
• Premium Comfort → Business Class
• Economy → Business Class (on selected flights)

Upgrade offers are usually available through My Trip and may also be offered during online check-in.

Availability varies for every flight, so there’s no guarantee that upgrades will be offered.

Seat Selection Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting until check-in when you have a specific seat in mind — the best options go first
• Not checking Flying Blue benefits first — you may already have free or discounted seat selection included
• Paying for a premium seat you don’t really need — a short flight rarely justifies the extra cost
• Ignoring the aircraft layout — not every “Extra Legroom” seat offers the same amount of space
• Skipping upgrade offers in My Trip — these sometimes appear closer to departure at a lower price than booking a premium cabin outright

What Happens If You Don’t Choose a Seat?

If you skip seat selection, KLM will assign a seat automatically when online check-in opens.

This won’t cost you anything, but you won’t be able to choose:

• a window seat
• an aisle seat
• a seat near the front
• extra legroom
• seats together with your travel companion

If where you sit matters, it’s worth selecting your seat before check-in.

Can You Change Your Seat?

Yes. You can change your seat before departure through My Trip, provided another seat is available.

If you move to a premium seat, you’ll usually pay the difference in price.

If KLM changes your aircraft or moves you to a different seat for operational reasons, you may be eligible for a refund if the seat you originally purchased can no longer be provided.

Do Flying Blue Members Get Free Seat Selection?

Yes, many Flying Blue members enjoy additional seat selection benefits.

Depending on your membership tier, you may receive:

• complimentary standard seat selection before check-in
• discounts on selected seat types
• earlier access to available seats

Your exact benefits depend on your Flying Blue level and the fare you’ve booked.

Before paying for a seat, sign in to your Flying Blue account and check whether your membership already includes complimentary seat selection.

Real Travel Situations

You’re travelling on a budget

You don’t mind where you sit, so you wait until online check-in opens and choose one of the available standard Economy seats for free. It’s an easy way to save money if you’re travelling alone or on a short flight.

You’re travelling with your partner

You want to sit together on a busy flight, so you reserve your seats soon after booking. Paying a small seat selection fee can be worth it if sitting together is important.

You’re over six feet tall

A standard seat may feel cramped on a long flight. You book an Extra Legroom or Economy Comfort seat to enjoy more space and a more comfortable journey.

You’re flying overnight

Instead of booking Business Class, you choose an Economy Comfort seat. The extra recline and legroom help make a long overnight flight more comfortable without paying for a premium cabin.

You’re hoping for an upgrade

After booking your Economy ticket, you regularly check My Trip. A few days before departure, KLM offers a discounted upgrade to Premium Comfort, making it an affordable way to enjoy a better seat.

Tips for Choosing the Right KLM Seat

A little planning can help you get a better seat without spending more than necessary.

• Book your seat early if you want a window, aisle, or seats together.
• Wait until online check-in if you’re happy with any standard Economy seat.
• Compare the cost of Economy Comfort with Premium Comfort before paying.
• Check your Flying Blue benefits before purchasing a seat—you may already qualify for complimentary seat selection.
• Review the seat map carefully, as not every premium seat offers the same amount of extra space.
• Look for upgrade offers in My Trip before departure, especially on long-haul flights.
  

Travel Tip: On a long-haul route, it’s worth comparing the cost of Economy Comfort against a Premium Comfort upgrade. Sometimes the price gap is small enough that Premium Comfort ends up being the better value overall. 

Before You Fly

Before heading to the airport, take a few minutes to review your booking.

✔ Confirm your seat assignment in My Trip.

✔ Check whether your fare includes complimentary seat selection.

✔ Review any available upgrade offers before online check-in.

✔ If you’re travelling with family or friends, make sure everyone has seats together.

✔ Remember that aircraft changes can occasionally result in a different seat assignment.

Key Takeaways

• Standard seats are generally free at online check-in for many Economy passengers
• Economy Comfort adds extra legroom and recline for a fee
• Flying Blue status may include complimentary or discounted seat selection
• Upgrade availability depends on your specific route and fare
• Reserving your seat early gives you the best chance at preferred seating

Last Updated: July 2026

FAQs

Editorial Disclaimer: FlyTripInfo provides independent travel guidance and is not affiliated with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Airline seat availability, fare benefits, upgrade eligibility, and cabin configurations may change without notice. Travelers should verify the latest information through their booking before departure.