iad-ams , United or KLM?
 

Both United and KLM are showing $848.90 rt
22 April - 7 May IAD-AMS. I like United because of the economy plus option for the roomier seats. Does KLM have a similar option? Are there any reasons to prefer KLM over United other than free liquor? 777s are used by both airlines.

Do you have access to UA's E+ already? Whose miles are more important to you?

KLM has improved a lot after being taken over by Air France, better flight attendants, better edible food & interior.

Miles aren't important. I'm more interested in comfort and the food.

No I don't have access to UA's E+. It is my understanding that it is only available at checkin.

UA's E+ is available for Premiere and those who pay $299 a year. I don't think you can just move yourself up at check-in.

Comfort should be similar. Though keep in mind that the seating configurations are different. UA's 777 is 2-5-2, KL's 3-3-3.

Food will be better on KL.

If E+ seats are availble at checkin, they will be offered to nonmembers.
On our May IAD-ZRH flight we were offered E+ for an additional $89.00 each. I foolishly declined the offer and had aching legs when getting off the plane. On the return flight I asked if any E+ seats were available and gladly paid an additional $99.00. It was well worth having the extra leg room.

How many of you are traveling?

UA's E+ Access is $299 a year, which allows the payee and one travel companion to the E+ seat.

If you're paying $89 per person per leg, you'll be paying close to $400 just for that roundtrip! And there may not be any seat left.

If you want E+, then definitely pay the $299/yr and get a guarantee seat when booking.

I'm assuming two persons travel together. But even for just one, if you will fly UA again within the year, you will already come out ahead.

Thanks rkkwan, I wasn't aware that the cost covered two people. Based on that I'll fly United and sign on for the economy plus.