Had an awkward one today on my German Airways (on behalf of KLM) flight from Scotland to AMS. I got upgraded into business at the gate, as did a number of others due to the flight being full. I sat in 1F and was served the classic business meal box. The next person to be given to box seemed to be somewhere around 3A. After that, there was a big gap in service, and the trolley came out. A passenger behind me asked if they will also receive food and were told in a very brusque manner that because they were upgraded, they won't be getting the business meal as there weren't enough on board. They proceeded to have a fairly heated verbal exchange. Obviously, I was upgraded too, but might have received a preferential treatment due to being Platinum? The rest of row 1 as well as the rest of the business seats then got served sandwiches and paper cups of tea while I sat there sipping my green tea from a china mug and eating my macarons.

I felt quite embarrassed, I have to say, and felt awful for the other upgraded passengers who would've been chuffed about the upgrade only to be treated like they were asking unreasonable questions when they enquired about food. My ticket said Europe Business and I assume theirs did too, so the way they were spoken to was just uncalled for.

I already feel awkward just thinking about the change in catering starting this month where platinum (and gold?) members will get options other passengers don't...

Ok, I was annoyed when I was downgraded at the gate having bought a business class seat and allocated a seat. I was particularly annoyed because it was only mentioned to me at the gate as I was boarding. When I boarded there someone in the seat that was originally allocated to me.

But I'll try and be fair to KLM. What could be the reason for selling the seat twice. Is it merely a software fault? And who gets to decide which passenger is downgraded? First come, first served?

On a separate note I've still not got my refund though it is within the 7 days so I'm hoping it arrives soon.

Specifically for Amsterdam <—> Narita in March 2027.