Review of KLM flight from Amsterdam to Barcelona in Economy

It is time for Summer break in my school, so that means flying back to Barcelona. This will conclude my quest to report on all carriers flying scheduled flights from the Netherlands to Barcelona. Perhaps some day I will get into other Spanish airports or charter airlines…

Schiphol is a great airport to travel from, as long as they're not going through their dreaded crises, when you can expect hours of queuing for security or passport controls. Fortunately, these situations don't seem to arise too often nowadays. Let's pray it stays like this…

The airport features a landside panoramic area, with good views of the tarmac and a retired Fokker 100 that is occasionally open for visit.

In some days, departing or landing aircraft may be seen, but all runways at Schiphol are around the terminal, thus pretty far from the terrasse.

Not long after, I head towards security, since I have no large bags to check in. Schiphol allows a number of departing passengers to reserve a free time slot for security. Since I have one, it means that there is quite literally no queue in front of me.

Schiphol has modern security technology that allows electronics to remain in bags. My water bottle is transparent, so I don't have to empty it for security, either. Overall, a very satisfactory experience, especially compared to the nightmare days of Dutch airports. While heading to my gate, I print my boarding pass for convenience at these machines. They are printed in thin paper.

It seems that our gate is downstairs of the main terminal pier. I am already expecting just a gate with nothing else, but there is a nice seating area with great views of the tarmac, with some power outlets. And all just for one gate. D77 may be my favorite gate at Schiphol now.

The incoming flight is delayed, so the plane only arrives some time after I settle in the gate area. Our flight seems to be full, as the gate staff is asking for volunteers to send their cabin bags to the hold, which I always do. Though I'd much rather check them in before security, if only we had the option!

Registration: PH-BXD (Netherlands)
Type: Boeing 737-800
Age: 23 years (August 1999)

Today I seat at the back of the plane; 32F. The seat is comfortable, and legroom is decent. Most seats in KLM recline, but this one, being at the back of the plane, does not. This is clearly communicated when booking the seat.

The seatback pocket contains the inflight entertainment: The Holland Herald magazine. Curiously, the page featuring their fleet has a photo of a 777-300 while the text is about the -200…

We depart from the Zwanenburgbaan, 36C. As we ascend, I get the privilege of an aerial view of Schiphol.

Not long after takeoff we get a complimentary snack. A drink was also served, after I took the photo. The sandwich is quite good. I got the egg stuffing, which is tasty, fresh and aromatic. There is a rather generous amount, though it doesn't reach the edges. And wholegrain bread is always a welcome addition.

The lavatories smell slightly of… lavatory. Otherwise they are decent. The flight has been uneventful, except for the delayed incoming flight. We land on 02, as usual for nighttime arrivals.

After a smooth landing, I wait around 30 minutes for my bag and leave the airport. Most, if not all, stores and restaurants are closed, as it is midnight. I have to head upstairs towards Departures, since that's where the Express Parking (kiss&ride) for T1 is.