30 March 2022
For some time now, KLM has offered passengers the option of boarding a Thalys high-speed train for a Brussels-Schiphol (or vice versa) transfer, before boarding a flight. Before the health crisis, 20 to 25% of these passengers chose this option. Thalys and KLM would like to considerably increase this percentage in the future. This extension of the air/rail products makes one of the daily flights between Brussels and Schiphol redundant.
What are the improvements for transfer passengers?
The new Air/Rail tickets are now available on KLM.com for travel dates starting from 17 July 2022. Clients can therefore book their entire journey through KLM and, at the time of booking, opt for the comfort and sustainability of Thalys instead of an air-air transfer.
Simplified check-in
KLM clients can now check in at Brussels-Midi station and obtain their boarding passes for their entire journey, for both train and plane.
Optimised information and client experience
In the event of disruptions, clients are informed by KLM and rebooked, whether by train or by plane. They also receive information concerning travel preparations and transfers from KLM.
The Air/Rail product continually evolves to best meet client needs.
Thalys and KLM constantly assess the Air/Rail product with their international clients. To further meet the needs of the modern-day traveller, the two companies are planning the next steps of this offer:
An integrated baggage solution for worry-free transfers
Thalys and KLM: a shared vision of Air/Rail intermodality.
‘KLM is committed to reducing the impact of its operations on our environment. In addition to upgrading our fleet, replacing more jet fuel with sustainable aviation fuel, and improving our operational efficiency, we aim to reduce emissions by offering the train as an alternative to short-haul flights. Developing the Air/Rail product in partnership with Thalys is a step in the right direction. Linking our two networks at Schiphol for quick, efficient, and convenient transfers is a positive move. Similar to our partnerships in the airline industry, our cooperation with Thalys reflects our commitment to intermodality,’ Boet Kreiken, EVP Customer Experience at KLM explains.
Bertrand Gosselin, Thalys CEO adds, ‘Intermodality between air and rail plays an important role in achieving our growth ambitions. The extension of the cooperation with KLM fits perfectly with this ambition. Together we are creating a travel product for the future that combines rail and intercontinental flights to meet our customers’ expectations of a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative.’
About KLM
The KLM network includes 167 destinations and links the Netherlands to all the world’s important economic regions. For more than a century, KLM has been a pioneer in the air transport industry. KLM is the oldest airline company still in operation under its original name and strives to be Europe's leading network carrier in terms of customer focus, efficiency, and sustainability.
KLM is a member of the global SkyTeam alliance, which has 19 member airlines.
For further information on KLM, please visit KLM.com, KLM Newsroom, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter.