# KLM catering changes and new student ticket options

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/klm-catering-service-changes-on-european-flights
> Updated: 2026-08-18T06:55:00.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 3.

KLM is transitioning to a new catering service concept, ‘Grand Café KLM’, for its European flights beginning in October. This new model introduces a wider variety of paid food and beverage options, such as poké bowls, Caesar salads, salmon egg wraps, tapas boxes, and alcoholic drinks, allowing passengers to pre-order or select items from an on-board menu.

As part of this shift, the airline will discontinue the practice of providing complimentary cheese sandwiches on economy-class flights. While the airline will continue to offer free coffee, tea, water, orange juice, and stroopwafels, the move toward a paid model aligns with broader aviation industry trends of unbundling services to maintain lower base fares.

In addition to catering changes, KLM has launched new ticket options specifically for youth and students. These Economy Class tickets target passengers aged 12 to 24, as well as full-time students between 18 and 29. These options provide increased flexibility through free flight changes, though cancellation fees of 100 euros for European flights and 250 euros for intercontinental flights remain in effect. Eligible passengers under these new ticket types may also bring one extra piece of checked baggage weighing up to 23 kilograms.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-18: KLM introduces student ticket options and paid catering

KLM is launching new flexible ticket options for students and youth, while also introducing a paid catering service for select European flights starting in October.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/klm-introduces-student-ticket-options-and-paid-catering

### 2026-08-14: KLM to remove free sandwiches from economy flights

KLM is removing free sandwiches from economy flights in October, reflecting a wider industry trend toward individualized, paid services and tiered fare structures.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/klm-to-remove-free-sandwiches-from-economy-flights

### 2026-08-10: KLM to introduce new catering concept on European flights

KLM will launch its ‘Grand Café KLM’ service in October, offering expanded paid meal options on European flights while maintaining a limited selection of free beverages and snacks.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/klm-to-introduce-new-catering-concept-on-european-flights

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Cite as: KLM catering changes and new student ticket options. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/klm-catering-service-changes-on-european-flights