#41 out of 94 Airlines A minimum of 10 flight-reports within the past two years is required to appear in the rankings.
1061 reviews
While getting ready for my first business in what seems like an eternity, I used the opportunity to find "unique" routes on Sky Team that featured a 787. This seemed like it checked all the boxes and was at a great price ($3700 RT) so I jumped on it. For whatever reason it wasn't visible on DL's website so I had to call in the flight numbers to AMEX directly. The flight switched over a few days before I left from a 789 to a 781 getting ready for the spring/summer season.
I flew in from PHX on a Southwest flight and had to transfer terminals which wasn't the easiest. There's a (small) shuttle bus between the two that operates "every 15-30 minutes" but you can also take a taxi between the two, which I did on the return leg
The LAS terminal KLM is out of is actually quite nice. The lounge on the other hand is contracted out at "The Club" and it's pretty poor…macro bottled beers and a salad bar. I had time so I walked over to the Centurion lounge and had to wait 5 mins to get in but found the food quality, seating, service really nice.
I was initially concerned about the flight with my short connection time in AMS of 45 mins and the fact that this flight has a 65% on-time rate. Boarding looked like it was going to be ahead of time until preboarding happened with a couple dozen folks. We were still able to get on the the beautiful "Daisy" 787-10 which was just 9 months old and pushed back only a few minutes late.
I was greeted in the cabin by some truly lovely FAs who chatted with me about my tight connection in AMS and in a very typical Dutch way said "You wont make it, but I'm sure there's other flights" in a very matter-of-fact manner with a smile. They let me know that there'd be two airbridges in AMS and I'd be first one out for my mad dash when we landed
I settled into 1A and was immediately presented with the usual PDB of Champagne, Heineken, Heineken 0.0, OJ or water. The seat was already showing a little wear but had plenty of room and was private
The amenity kits are simple but effective and they've rolled out a new fabric case since I've last flown. I'm obsessed with these pens
The menu's have been updated with a couple favorites still on there but surprisingly no burger which they've become known for
After a smooth takeoff, service started quickly with warm nuts and some Champagne
For dinner, I opted for the tomato soup which was quite nice and the tasting delicacies. The "quesadilla" and chicken were standouts and had a nice spice level. Polenta…wasnt great.
I was able to turn down and sleep for a good 4 hours but the cabin temp was kept a bit warm. The galley didnt bother me in 1A and there were always snacks available with a selection of drinks.
Breakfast was served an hour before landing and was simple and tasty. The Chicken + Mushrooms reminded me of "Mothers" in Amsterdam for being a very simple dish that had sneaky good flavor. Chia and the organic health shot was a nice welcome change
After breakfast we got our choice of house, and thanked for our business. After touchdown and a long taxi to the gate (getting in 5 minutes late) the crew we're giving me a jokingly hard time about my next step with only 40 minutes. I "ran" to the Schengen change area and was able to get in the tight-connection line but was brought to a standstill with two back to back immigration issues that were painfully long. Ran again to the next gate and was able to make it before they closed boarding.
Unfortunately, my checked bag didn't run as fast as me and wasn't at baggage claim in MUC. The frustrating part was that there were no agents, only a QR code that had a 404 error. After some googling I ended up messaging their official Facebook page who were able to file a claim. I got it 5 days later.
Other than the lost bag, I really enjoyed the flight! The return was even better but overall an improvement in both service, seat and food quality on KLM. Would fly again!
4 Comments
HAH, that is so Dutch. I love how direct they are...no sugarcoating.
The dinner looks quite good. I really like the concept of the tasting menu with different dishes. It's certainly creative!
Not surprising at all considering the 45 minute connection time.
Thanks for sharing!
It was! If anything, the best part was trying a bunch of different things without feeling overly stuffed
Thanks for reading!
As you should! I have some great memories in the 781 in that seat. Feels cozy
The menu looks very good. Very unique offering and glad it was good! The presentation is on point as well. KL does decently on catering from my personal experience.
Also health shot??? More airlines need this! Or perhaps I just don’t tend to look for it ?
The crew sounded fun this flight, albeit dry humor but fun nonetheless.
An aspect I love of KLM is how they give out houses. It’s a tradition that I wish more airlines did. From a business angle it’s amazing and from a customer standpoint it’s a small memory that can last a lifetime.
Sorry to hear about checked bag? but at least you eventually got it!
Anyways thanks for sharing!
The domestic flight from MUC to AMS in J had an even better one...avocado, coconut, something or other. Really good
Totally agree on the houses. There was a couple next to me that refused the houses and the crew was a little taken aback. I agree though, i love them!
My European colleagues assured me I can get around 140 Euro for items I needed in between... I'll see how that claim process goes
Thanks for reading!
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