The smell of street food at a sizzling market in Bangkok, the tranquility of a remote temple in Chiang Mai or the sound of lapping waves on a beach in Krabi, your journey to Thailand starts at Schiphol. Two airlines fly you directly from Amsterdam to Bangkok: KLM and EVA Air. Both offer comfort and convenience, but differ in subtle and practical ways.
Wondering which option best suits your travel style? In this article, we compare KLM and EVA Air for a direct flight from Amsterdam to Bangkok, with useful tips and up-to-date insights.
KLM: daily flights and Dutch efficiency
With KLM, the national pride of the Netherlands, you fly daily direct from Amsterdam to Bangkok. You usually leave at the end of the afternoon, so you are on Thai soil the next morning - an ideal arrival time to start your adventure right away.
KLM offers a solid service in Economy Class with two meals and entertainment on board. For extra comfort, you can choose Economy Comfort or upgrade to World Business Class, where fully flat beds and high-quality catering make all the difference.
One point of attention is the baggage policy: the most advantageous Economy fares do not include hold baggage and you pay extra for a suitcase. On the other hand, you benefit from efficient check-in at Schiphol and have access to the extensive SkyTeam network, which is interesting if you fly on within Asia.
Who is KLM ideal for?
- For the traveler who wants to leave daily.
- For those who want to leave Schiphol quickly and smoothly with efficient check-in procedures.
- For loyal Flying Blue members who want to save points.
EVA Air: more comfort in Economy and Asian hospitality
EVA Air offers three direct flights a week from Amsterdam to Bangkok, departing in the evening. This late departure gives you the chance to sleep during the flight, so you arrive around noon and can immediately pick up the Thai rhythm.
Where EVA Air really shines is in the comfort of Economy Class: with more legroom than usual (up to 84 cm) and a friendly crew that is known for its care. In addition, EVA Air has a Premium Economy Class, for those who want that little bit of extra space and luxury without the price tag of Business Class.
An added bonus is that checked baggage is included as standard: two pieces of 23 kg each, without additional costs. This makes EVA Air particularly attractive for longer stays or travellers who take a lot of stuff with them.
Who is EVA Air ideal for?
- For the traveler who values extra legroom and comfortable seats.
- For those who like to travel with luggage included without additional costs.
- For the traveler who wants to add a touch of Asian hospitality to their flight.
KLM vs EVA Air: the differences at a glance
| Part | KLM | EVA Air |
|---|---|---|
| Flight frequency | Daily | Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday |
| Departure time Amsterdam | Usually around 17:50pm | Usually around 21:40pm |
| Arrival time Bangkok | Approximately 09:50 am local time | Approximately 13:40 am local time |
| Economy seat pitch | Approximately 79 cm (31 inches) | Approximately 84 cm (33-34 inches) |
| Baggage Policy | No hold baggage included in the most advantageous rate | Two pieces of checked baggage of 23 kg included |
| Cabin options | Economy, Economy Comfort, Business Class | Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class (Royal Laurel) |
| Service on board | Two meals, standard service | Extensive with snacks, drinks and attentive staff |
| Punctuality | Usually on time | Sometimes minor delays on departure |
| Price level | Variable, excluding hold baggage at boarding rate | Often a bit more expensive, but including luggage |
| Check-in experience | Efficient and fast at Schiphol | Longer waiting times at the counter |
Please note: Seat pitches and services may vary slightly by aircraft type or flight date.
Practical tips for your trip from Amsterdam to Bangkok
- Always compare baggage-inclusive rates. EVA Air includes checked baggage, with KLM it can be cheaper if you travel with hand luggage only.
- Plan smart with departure times. The evening flight of EVA Air can be useful to get straight into the Thai rhythm, while KLM drops you off in Bangkok early in the morning.
- Use the Flying Blue program. Do you travel more often with KLM or SkyTeam partners? Then you quickly save points for upgrades or free flights.
- Choose your seat in advance. With both airlines, it is wise to choose a seat with extra legroom when checking in online, such as one near an emergency exit.
- Transfers from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. The airport is located about 30 km from the city center. The Airport Rail Link is a fast option (about 30 minutes to Phaya Thai Station), but a taxi or Grab is also affordable and comfortable.
Choose the flight that suits your trip
Both airlines will take you comfortably from Amsterdam to Bangkok, but the choice depends on your priorities. If you want flexibility and convenience on Dutch soil, KLM is an excellent choice. Do you value extra legroom and an all-in-one ticket with baggage included? Then EVA Air may be the better option.
Whatever you choose, Bangkok awaits you with open arms.
Have a safe trip and enjoy all that Thailand has to offer!
Share your opinion about direct flights to Thailand!
Take part in the poll below:
Flew to Bangkok with KLM in early January. Excellent flight (Economy) both there and back, and the only thing I would like to comment on is the most awful meals on board.
I noticed that two years ago, and it was again impossible. I understand that companies have to make money from something, but if even Mrs. Oy pushes her stuff to me, that is a Thai sign on the wall.
Then there are the toilets. Where halfway through the flight you'll be happily dabbling in someone else's dumped water.
At Eva Air, as I remember, a stewardess would sometimes rush into the toilet wearing an apron and gloves to clean something, and everything would shine again.
at KLM none of this. I don't understand anyway that there are people who pee standing in such a claustrophobic little toilet, and then spoil the place for dozens of other people on board.
Furthermore, KLM was great, friendly crew and plenty of service.
Doesn't KLM offer Premium Economy on this route yet? The mentioned Economy Comfort tickets only mean that you have an Economy seat with some extra legroom.
By the way: if you fly in the EVA 777 with the 3-4-3 configuration, the legroom is 31 to 32 inches according to EVA.
It's been too long since I flew KLM, but that one trip with EVA in Economy, when they flew a 787 for a few months, was a disaster in terms of space - I've never sat so badly on a plane.
For seat width and legroom comparisons, see:
https://www.seatguru.com/charts/longhaul_economy.php
That is stated in the overview under Cabin options. KLM: Economy, Economy Comfort, Business Class
I was just wondering if the Premium Economy that KLM has now also introduced is also offered to Bangkok – no, apparently not.
Yes, it is, but at KLM it is called Economy Comfort
Treat yourself to more legroom, recline your seat further and be one of the first Economy Class passengers to board. The Economy Comfort seats are located at the front of the plane. So you can disembark extra quickly upon arrival! Other features include:
5 cm more legroom than a standard seat
Adjustable 4-5 cm further back than a standard chair
As one of the first Economy Class passengers on board
In-seat power supply on most aircraft
Peter, that is something different than Premium Economy. Then you have a separate cabin not only – much – more legroom, but there are also fewer seats in width, like in EVA.
At KLM this is called, somewhat confusingly because they also offer Economy Comfort seats, 'Premium Comfort':
'Premium Comfort Class seats
When traveling in Premium Comfort Class, your seat will be in a quiet cabin of just 21 to 28 seats – fully separated from Economy Class and Business Class. Features of your seat include:
Up to 18 cm more legroom than a standard Economy Class seat
Up to 20 cm recline
48 to 50 cm of space between armrests
Movable leg and footrest
In-seat power
Personal entertainment system of 13.3 inches
But apparently not yet available on the Bangkok flights……
All KLM flights AMS-BKK and vv (Boeing 777-200 and 300) have the “new” configuration in Business class -1-2-1 with lockable compartments and Premium Comfort seats (in 2-4-2 configuration). If a B787 is used occasionally, they also have 1-2-1 fully flat seats in Business class (however, no lockable compartments) and a Premium Comfort with 2-3-2 configuration.
An additional advantage of the scheduled airline is that in case of problems, you can switch to a sister airline (Air France flies twice daily from Paris to Bangkok), or another SKY Team airline. The same applies of course to STAR Alliance airlines (Thai, Lufthansa etc. and also EVA, only they are much more restrictive with rebookings on fellow airlines).
The aeroLopa website (https://www.aerolopa.com/) gives correct information. SeatGuru is no longer completely up-to-date. Last year flew Bangkok to Amsterdam in Premium Economy. Configuration is 2-4-2 and I had chosen a seat on the side (2 seats next to each other) for an additional fee. Day flight so good, sufficient legroom and good seat.
Years ago I flew to Bangkok a few times with KLM, which I didn't like much. The food wasn't great, but I found the lack of legroom on a flight of over 11 hours annoying. In recent years we have been flying with EVA Air and that suits us much better. In any case, more legroom, very pleasant for my tall body, and indeed better food. A lot of allowed baggage too, a total of 46 kilos. Last time we even had a bit more, almost 48 kilos, but that wasn't a problem either. Just a bit friendlier and more service-oriented.
Flew with EVA end of October. Meals for an airplane not bad. If something is announced, hardly audible. On the return flight, this is during the day with EVA, the windows are tinted for almost the entire flight. Do they think at EVA, if they are asleep we will be least bothered by it? Good video entertainment. No delays. Helpful staff.
Yes Rob,
Just like you, I also like to look outside when we fly during the day.
Every now and then you see another plane, far in the distance!
Tension at its peak.
I am trying to book a return flight with Bangkok as the departure point but I am told that I need to change my flight details, in other words, nothing is offered.
Apparently that's not possible?
Update: I was wrong, it was possible on the official Eva air website.
Elijah,
Just take a look at Momondo.nl, unfortunately there is a completely different price tag if you leave from Bangkok.
Rob,
I am in the process of booking BKK-AMS-BKK with EVA Air.
Outbound 27-5, return 25-9, both flights economy basic costs ฿29.875. With the current exchange rate of ±36,60฿/€ => €816,26
Return AMS-BKK on those dates and economy basic costs €810,99. With the current exchange rate of ±36,60฿/€ => ฿29.682,23
A difference of €5,27 — ฿192,77. I don’t call that much.
Booked BKK-AMS-BKK with EVA Air at EVA Air.
This was the cheapest option for me for max. 3 hours transfer time and two suitcases (2×23kg) from AMS to BKK.
Outbound 27-5, return 25-9, both flights economy basic cost ฿29.875. Paid with Dutch credit card (Euro). The exchange rate used was 0,02752€/฿ — 36,337฿/€ (instead of 36,60฿/€ — 0,02732€/฿) => €822,16.
This is €11,11 more expensive than a return ticket from AMS to BKK on the same dates and in the same class (currently €811,05).
PS: I tried to see the price in Euros, but even with VPN on NL and website set to Netherlands(s) or EVA phone app with VPN on NL that didn't work. So next time make sure I have enough (bought at a favorable rate) baht on my Thai debit card.
My experiences: EVA wins hands down for legroom (strange that the flag carrier of the country of tall people always has the worst legroom), food and customer friendliness of the staff.
KLM now also has premium economy. They are currently quite a bit more expensive than EVA, but the advantage is that you can book the “flex” variant. This gives you the right to change the dates and even cancel the flight completely without costs. The daily flights and the arrival time in Bangkok are also advantages over EVA. EVA is also fine and often a bit cheaper in premium economy. Only the intelligibility of the intercom announcements is a problem. No idea what the captain has to say. The stewardesses are also difficult to understand. Very caring though.
As a flying blue member (platinum for life) I always fly KLM economy class and in the first row because of legroom. Advantage 1: costs me nothing extra. Advantage 2: I can board quickly. Advantage 3: I can go to the departure lounge. Advantage 4: I can take 46 kilos (free) of luggage.
Disadvantage 1: food is bad to very bad. Disadvantage 2: staff (often) does not excel in friendliness. Disadvantage 3: on the mentioned 1st row parents with very small children also regularly sit who scream the entire flight and are incredibly annoying, which means you can't sleep.
All in all, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, which is why I continue to fly KLM
On long flights that I make (Caribbean, Cape Town, Hong Kong, Thailand, China) the point 3 you mentioned is the reason that I no longer want to sit in that first row. I'm going crazy from all that crying...
It doesn't really matter to me, I just go for the cheapest one at a given time.
When I fly KLM I make sure to bring enough of my own food otherwise I will starve on the way. A meager bite at the beginning of the flight and then after more than 10 hours nothing a slice of bread with cheese. (bkk-ams nov 2024). I find the 'koetjes repen' and 'stroopwafels' that are sometimes in the back unbearable.
Eva arrives at 14.30:13.40, not XNUMX:XNUMX.
For direct flights I prefer Thai airways from Brussels to Bangkok. Good service on board, excellent price/quality and easy airport both on departure and (certainly) on return.
18 years in Thailand and always flown China Air which I swapped with KLM, what a difference in a negative sense for KLM.
After booking you can also pay for your seat reservation as a surprise at EVA standard.
KLM configuration much tighter than EVA air. KLM less weight and also pay for your suitcase I heard.
I am an EVA air fan so never KLM again. haven't been to the Netherlands since covid
Unfortunately, with EVA Air you also pay for a seat reservation. Economy between 50 and 170 Euro depending on the desired seat (flight BKK-AMS on Thursday 29 May). Free only during check-in, 24 hours before the flight. But that is no different with KLM.
A small addition to this info, which I don't see, is that EVA is part of the Star Alliance group, just like Thai Airways. That puts them on par with KLM and its partners.
Means that I think many flights that you make in this Alliance also generate air miles. For example, if you fly with United, that generates air miles. If you book a flight to Phuket, you will be transferred with Bangkok Airways or Thai Airways. Note that this can also mean that you are offered a flight via Vienna. So always pay attention to the stopovers.
EVA has Premium Economy seats on the Boeing 773. From 1-3 EVA now also offers the first Premium economy to Jakarta with the 787 900. This will be expanded to flights to EU. EVA also flies with the 787 1000, also called 787 x, not with Premium.
Well, that's easy to answer.
I flew with KLM the first time, and another time in 2019 also with KLM.
The other 25 +/- times with EVA. Because I always flew alone then I sometimes got an upgrade to the other 2 classes [was in the Boeing 747 aircraft time].
Eva is now number one for me. And in the more expensive economy class.
Staff is extremely polite, food is great, and no “whining” about kilos [within limits]!
I have experienced 3 times on Don Muang that Dutch people could not come along due to overbooking.
This was at KLM, huge fights. I dropped out then.
So for me EVA AIR, also take a look at the BMAIR.NL website ,,, to BKK-AMS, often offers.
Never again with KLM, not for at least 5 years, that you have to pay for hold luggage as an economy passenger I call just a scam, I can hardly imagine that many passengers fly to Asia with only hand luggage, in other words KLM knows that of course, economy class is the largest so pure money-making, that's what I think, I fly with EVA air but probably not directly in the not too distant future but with a stopover, by the way with a company where you can also take 46kg for free as an economy passenger, this is in connection with the ever more expensive flight prices, EVA air is unfortunately often just a little more expensive than KLM, having said that I find the friendly stewardesses of EVA air a breath of fresh air compared to (as far as I can remember) with KLM, what a difference, and well, that friendliness quickly puts you back in the mood for Thailand, just quickly forget that horrible Netherlands.
And don't take 100 grams more, because KLM abuses that. Also handle - pull rod hand luggage is a problem with KLM. It doesn't fit in such a basket and that means checking in at an extra kilo price. Unfortunately experienced it myself. I broke the handle on the spot and then it was allowed as hand luggage. Was my last flight with KLM.
I have flown with both airlines in the past 8 years and EVA AIR is my favorite with the premium class. Good service, checked baggage included, spacious seat.
By the way, it is now also interesting for Z.NL and Belgium to mention Thai Airways, which flies directly from Brussels. Also daily.
I just don't have any experience with that yet.
My preference is always for EVA air, 2 pieces of hold luggage included, more legroom, better meals, good service and nice cabin staff. And with hold luggage pieces cheaper than KLM.
Without a doubt I choose EVA air. Checking in at Schiphol possibly a bit chaotic but in Bangkok no difference. But you get so much more comfort and much friendlier cabin staff. KLM once but never again!
KLM now also offers Premium Comfort Class on flights to Bangkok.
In January we flew with KLM for the first time in a long time. They were cheaper than EVA. EVA AIR is a great airline, but KLM really surprised us. We fly economy comfort. The plane is less noisy than the older aircraft than EVA. The seats were really better and the food was just fine. We were also regularly offered food and drinks between meals. The staff was just good and friendly. And of course it was nice that you can just speak Dutch with them. It strikes me that most of the people who are negative about KLM have not flown with this company for a long time. Maybe that explains something. I don't recognize anything about the bad food and care at KLM. We will just look at the price again next year. We have had good experiences with both companies.
Same experience here last November. Both outward and return flights were excellent. Friendly crew, plenty to eat and drink. And at the time of booking, cheaper than Eva Air.
Once years ago with my wife with KLM Economy AMS-BKK vice versa, Boeing 777 300ER. It turned out that we had chosen seats directly behind row Economy Comfort... therefore even with my limited height of 176 cm I was pinched when the passenger in front of me tipped the backrest backwards, of course without looking/warning. Don't ask me how I managed to take food and drink, but cabin crew did not order the backrests to be put upright. Otherwise good flights, excellent cabin crew who at least understand and appreciate appropriate humor.
Years before with China Airlines and that worked fine in their 747's and once in an Airbus 340. Unfortunately not direct AMS-BKK for years.
Also flown with stopovers: Emirates\Dubai in Airbus 380 (we don't consider Emirates anything special, Dubai airport lots of glitter and glamour, but dirty toilets and unfriendly staff), Egypt Air/Cairo (Cairo airport particularly unfriendly and rough staff, getting off at a far remote location, lots of hassle with transit, bottle of water Euro 3,00, but -what a blessing- great flights without alcohol, which all airlines should do). And yes... once with Mahan Air/Tehran from Düsseldorf with "free" train tickets, let's say "we're still alive" after flying in outdated equipment, disinterested and unfriendly staff and miserably dirty toilets at Tehran airport, fortunately no alcohol on board.
And now? EVA Air is our favorite (until they start flying 787s from AMS again in a few years; I don't read the best experiences about (leg)room in Economy): Economy 46 kg hold baggage, spacious enough for Economy (measured myself: that 34 inch legroom in the 777 is correct), generally good and sufficient food and drinks, business-friendly cabin crew, not too many delays and prices are okay even if you book via the EVA site or app. Too bad about those long queues at Schiphol, but because my wife is quite immobile, we are now allowed to check in with priority (we are driven around the rows to a special counter, also to Security check and then directly to the gate, with a combination "golf cart" and, where necessary, a wheelchair. This "treatment" for people is free and you can request it during the booking process or at least 48 hours before departure at Schiphol itself. Please note: every airline is obliged to arrange it this way, worldwide agreements have been made about this. At Suvarnabhumi the wheelchair is ready with staff and they get a big tip and a large bar of chocolate. By the way, crutches are allowed in the cabin.
it will be clear that partly because of the movement restrictions of my wife, we choose direct flights, but fortunately EVA Air is excellent. This also concerns their fast and flexible handling at the old-fashioned check-in in BKK for the return journey.
That's a very easy choice. Of course EVA Air!
After many intercontinental flights to SE Asia, Africa and North America, I find KLM to be terrible on long haul flights.
Cramped legroom, distant service, not really tasty meals and all that against quite high prices and idiotic surcharges for taking a regular suitcase as hold luggage.
So for a non-stop flight we always choose EVA Air. But, lately we also use Qatar Airways or Emirates regularly, because then you can get off the plane halfway and walk around. And besides, the rates can often be more favorable.
Etihad Airways is also a good option.
Always transfer in Abu Dhabi (with offer of free 2 nights overstay), shorter transfer time compared to Qatar and Emirates.
As Frank B. states, KLM charging for hold baggage, is that now 'National pride'?
Completely loses face compared to Eva Air, Emirates, Qatar, Etihad, Singapore and Pacific Airlines.
What a sadness, with dirty toilets and soggy sandwiches.
Flew with Emirates
Rude staff at Schiphol and on the plane
Never again
KLM never too expensive little luggage.
Previously always China Air, after that always with EVA.
Good service, good legroom and good food for a plane.
It's also nice that you can get something from the pantry during the flight if you're hungry, or something to drink of course.
KLM has also offered Premium Comfort for 2 years. This is often a 2 4 2 configuration. The seats are separate from economy and business. But with priority boarding, a kind of ala carte.
At KLM you feel the 'economy-slice' in everything as a passenger. Everything is as minimal and economical as possible.
Years ago, the cabin crew of Eva-Air went on strike.
I was then transferred from a flight BKK –> A'dam by Eva to a KLM flight on Eva Ticket.
To my surprise, KLM business class was nothing compared to Eva-Air Business class.
The meals were just bad.
Toilets were not cleaned for 11-12 hours of flying.
“That's not what we're here for,” said one of the flight attendants arrogantly when I pointed out to a flight attendant a very dirty business class toilet.
Why KLM is still called National Pride left and right is a mystery to me.
It's just an old worn out lady in thinking and doing compared to Middle East and Asian Airlines.
But yes, much in the Netherlands is still much less than KLM.
Maybe also a poll about airports?
Comparing Schiphol with Middle East, Asian airports.
Schiphol is a hopelessly outdated concept, and it just keeps getting stuck there! It doesn't radiate anything.
I miss China Airlines, when they still flew on AMS-BKK the flight times were ideal. You arrived in Bangkok in the morning and then had the whole day, and departure to Amsterdam was in the evening so you still had the whole last day in Thailand.
Since this has expired, I have flown with EVA until now, even though it is a pity that they land in BKK at 14.30:12.00, around 12.10:XNUMX would be more pleasant. And departure could be a few hours later than XNUMX:XNUMX. But the food and drinks are otherwise good. Unfortunately they do not always have the Taiwanese beers (Taiwan Beer and Bucksin) available, I like to drink something different on holiday than the standard beer that I can buy in every Dutch supermarket. So I do not need a Heineken on my flight…
I never get the 2x23kg baggage. 1x23kg is enough for me. Although this time I had a second piece of hold baggage for the first time: an umbrella from the Prachachon party. That could be taken as irregular baggage without any hassle. Service was fine, but I can't imagine that this would be bad with KLM. I do believe that "just flushing the toilet" is not an option with KLM, but we'll survive that. The fact that the food is, according to many, pitifully frugal, is something I would take into account when deciding whether to fly KLM or EVA. Price is the deciding factor, but if the ticket prices are tens of euros apart, then the choice is easy: EVA. If KLM were 10% or more cheaper, then I would start to have doubts. After all, their flight times aren't bad either...