Anyone flown with KLM?

JenC

I flew to Chicago with a transfer at Amsterdam. I was really worried my luggage wouldn't make it to Chigaco (this based based on noting but my own paranoia!) but it thankfully did. My only grumble was that I found the seating very cramped compared the many other economy flights I've taken. I'm only 5ft 2 but really didn't find it comfortable. We were sat a few rows from the back, and had a problem with some men congregating at the back and talking loudly after the lights had dimmed. I called the attendant and she was really good about asking them to sit down and keep the noise down. She gave me a bit of a wink and I think she was relieved to have a reason to tell them to can it!

rednose66

I have used KLM a number of time on the Cardiff-AMS-JBG route and they are fine. Better than TAP or Olympic and no worse than BA.

paulboy83

Would anyone who has had a bad experience care to give any examples? I've never flown KLM but just saying I wont do it again is no way to respond, give us an example.....

And for the OP don't go expecting it to be bad as if you start with a negative outlook things will only get worse.

I've been through Amsterdam Airport a few times and its pretty big so if you have a small puschair ask the crew if they will let you take it on board on your first leg to make the transfer that bit easier.

Hope you have a good flight!

cookie_monster

Thanks Paul

Tojo_Ralph

paulboy83 wrote: »

Would anyone who has had a bad experience care to give any examples? I've never flown KLM but just saying I wont do it again is no way to respond, give us an example.....

I am going to guess that any bad experiences folk have had with KLM will be the kind of one off experience that anyone might experience at any given time with any airline and thus will not have a great deal of bearing on the OPs trip.

paulboy83 wrote: »

And for the OP don't go expecting it to be bad as if you start with a negative outlook things will only get worse.

I would agree with this sentiment, however it is important that the OP is aware of the plane that they will be on and of its facilities, particularly given that it is likely to have a lack of inflight entertainment and bassinets...... Two of the most important facilities when traveling with children.

paulboy83 wrote: »

I've been through Amsterdam Airport a few times and its pretty big so if you have a small puschair ask the crew if they will let you take it on board on your first leg to make the transfer that bit easier.

A very good point. Schiphol may possibly the most user friendly airport of its size in the world, but it can be a fairly long way between gates even with all the travelators.

hermanmunster_3

spinks wrote: »

I worked for them a number of years ago and they were reknowned for losing baggage. Not sure if they are still as bad but I would suggest making sure you have a few essentials to keep you going in your hand luggage should your check in luggage go astray.

from bitter experience I agree... never change flights at schipol again!

Tojo_Ralph

hermanmunster wrote: »

from bitter experience I agree... never change flights at schipol again!

And what was the experience?

CG19a

I've mentioned my bad experience, but it wasn't enough for me to stop flying with them. I'm flying from GLA to JFK with KLM on Thursday. The only thing I did was break my own rule about transfer times in AMS. I've only given myself 1 hr 20mins for transfer. I just hope my first flight isn't delayed so my bags don't get a night in AMS themselves again.

Skippycat

cookie_monster wrote: »

Thanks Skippy, anything I should look out for when I fly with them.

I can't really think of anything else much. We never had any problems with baggage getting lost or anything. Obviously things like that are just luck though really.... They give you a pillow and blanket so that makes getting some sleep a little easier. Also meant to mention, Amsterdam and Hong Kong airports are both huge so make sure you leave plenty of time to find departure gates and get through security etc.

Have you been to Hong Kong before? When are you going? I can recommend some nice places to visit if you need any further info.

dmg24

paulboy83 wrote: »

Would anyone who has had a bad experience care to give any examples? I've never flown KLM but just saying I wont do it again is no way to respond, give us an example.....

Would you care to respond in a way that does not make you sound like such an a*se?

Tojo Ralph has summarised the problems with KLM, and unfortunately, until they upgrade their planes, the problems will not go away.