Dutch airline KLM has opened the first phase of its new Crown Lounge at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, designed primarily for premium passengers traveling on long-haul routes. The lounge is situated between the E and F piers, placing it conveniently close to many intercontinental departure gates.
Boet Kreiken, KLM’s Executive Vice President of Customer Experience, described the concept as part of the airline’s broader service strategy, saying the airline intends “to offer the most attractive lounge in the world; a destination in itself.” The new Crown Lounge is presented as an extension of KLM’s focus on hospitality, innovation and attentive customer service.
The opening introduces several new features aimed at enhancing the overall passenger experience. These include refreshed décor and fixtures, new catering concepts tailored to varying tastes and meal times, and updated service offerings for travelers seeking a quieter, more comfortable pre-flight environment. The design blends functional elements with a warm, contemporary aesthetic intended to appeal to international travelers while reflecting KLM’s brand identity.
Currently the lounge is operating in a partial capacity as KLM completes the final construction and outfitting. Once fully open, scheduled for summer 2019, the facility will double its seating capacity to accommodate 1,500 guests and expand in size from 3,600 square meters to approximately 6,800 square meters. This larger footprint will allow for more distinct zones—such as quiet areas, social spaces, workstations and dedicated dining sections—so passengers can choose the environment that best suits their needs before boarding.
Service enhancements are a focal point of the lounge redesign. Guests can expect a broader range of food and beverage options presented through new catering concepts that emphasize quality, variety and timely service. Attention to hospitality extends beyond food to include staff training and service protocols that aim to deliver consistent, polished interactions with passengers throughout their visit.
In addition to expanded seating and refreshed food and beverage offerings, the Crown Lounge concept incorporates practical amenities for long-haul travelers. These amenities are designed to support both relaxation and productivity, with seating designed for comfort on extended layovers, integrated charging options for personal electronics and defined workspaces for those needing to remain productive. The lounge layout and offerings consider the diverse needs of premium travelers, including families, business travelers and solo passengers preparing for long-haul flights.
The phased opening allows KLM to introduce guests to the new environment while completing remaining construction and operational rollouts. As full capacity is reached in the summer, KLM expects the lounge to serve a higher volume of passengers while maintaining standards of comfort and service. The expansion in size also provides flexibility to host different passenger flows and adapt to peak travel times.
The new Crown Lounge is part of KLM’s ongoing investments in customer experience at Schiphol and follows the airline’s broader strategy to enhance airport facilities for premium segments. By creating a lounge that functions as both a practical pre-flight space and a refined destination, KLM aims to strengthen its appeal to long-haul travelers who prioritize comfort, service and convenience before boarding.
Photos and additional details about the new Crown Lounge were made available by KLM at the time of the announcement. The partial opening represents the initial step in a larger program to replace and expand the airline’s lounge capacity at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.