Luftfahrer From Germany, joined Mar 2009, 965 posts, RR: 5 Posted (2 years 1 month 1 week 6 days 7 hours ago) and read 9078 times:
Welcome to my fifth trip report!
In fall last year I was given the opportunity to take part in a school trip to Scotland. Never having been there before, I decided to come along on this seven day long journey through the countryside, Edinburgh and Glasgow. As there is no direct flight between our airport of choice, Stuttgart-Echterdingen, and Edinburgh as of yet, the choice was made to fly KLM via their hub in Amsterdam. The first leg of the outbound flight would be operated by their regional affiliate KLM Cityhopper, the second one on a mainline aircraft. I was quite excited for these flights since I hadn't flown KLM in more than a decade and because they would give me the chance to explore new aircraft types.
The experience started before the flight itself, online: I "liked" KLM's online presence on facebook. Therefore I was able to ask questions directly to the KLM staff which were responded to within minutes (if you're lucky, sometimes within seconds), among other perks. According to KLM's social media manager, Anna Ketting, "these channels [facebook and twitter] are as much about service as fun". Interestingly, the team has handled rather complex tasks such as "locating lost luggage and ordering specific meals" through them. Moreover, KLM said it will soon launch "a major new campaign" on facebook...*
KLM on facebook: "Growing importance of social media"*
OUTBOUND
KLM Cityhopper maintains a sizeable operation at Stuttgart-Echterdingen. They operate several flights a day from and to Amsterdam. Ever since the airline began taking delivery of brand new Embraer E190 aircraft, they have been deployed commonly to Stuttgart. Our flight to Amsterdam was scheduled to depart at noon, which was convenient, operated by the modern Brazilian jet — a first for me.
On the day of departure, the 31st of March, I left home rather early and arrived at the airport about three hours before the scheduled departure time. I wandered about the terminals for a while, taking pictures. After the whole group had gathered and the (bag drop) counters had opened, we proceeded to use the self check-in machines. This procedure turned out to be some sort of roulette in terms of seat assignments. Luckily I was given a window seat on the first flight, and an aisle one on the second one. I left it at that for the time being, knowing I might have the assignment changed in Amsterdam, and dropped my bag off. The friendly staff proved to be very helpful at getting everyone checked in.
SkyTeam app: All the flights, all the updates.
Stuttgart Airport/Trade Fair suburban train underground station
Up in terminal 1, which is home to the Lufthansa check-in counters pictured here
A huge advertisement promoting Qatar's thrice-weekly Doha service – on the A319LR, though
As much as I liked Scotland, I wouldn't have minded a destination change – of course on HB-JMJ
Terminal 3, pictured here are the check-in counters for Delta, Air France and KLM
T3 FIDS
KLM and its "main partners" as the airline refers to both Delta Air Lines and Air France
The morning rush was already over, so security only took a couple of minutes and then we were airside, heading for gate 316. I noticed that SkyTeam offered free quality newspapers to its passengers — well, basically to everyone, since the rack wasn't guarded in any way. Quite a nice offering, I went for "le monde" this morning.
Overview of the gate area, the crowd in the back was boarding an airberlin flight to Palma de Mallorca
Gate 316, before the arrival of the aircraft from Amsterdam
"Going to the counter is Stone Age, opening the car with the mobile phone is New Age"
Air France' babybus in the rehashed livery
There it is: I would definitely fly on an E-Jet
My boarding pass, printed on thermal paper
Flight information
Date
Thursday, 31st of March, 2011
Carrier
KLM Cityhopper
Flight
KL/WA 1870
Route
Stuttgart-Echterdingen – Amsterdam Schiphol
Flight Time
1h 25m (12:00 PM CEST - 1:25 PM CEST)
Aircraft
Embraer E190STD
Registration
PH-EZD (delivered 29/04/2009)
Seat
16A
Loadfactor
80%
After a bit of waiting, boarding commenced as scheduled. I was pretty much in the back of the line, but I eventually made it through the jetway. Once onboard the aircraft, I was welcomed by a young and good-looking "cabin attendant" before I continued to my seat right behind the wing. The E-Jet was equipped with a patterned carpet, dark blue leather seats and dark red seatbelts attached to them. All in all, the cabin appeared to be in a generally good condition.
First sights: G-EUUB that had just come in from London-Heathrow
Acceptable legroom
KLM's in flight magazine, the "Holland Herald". Well worth reading, en route or elsewhere
Soon enough the door had been closed and the pushback took place. We had a quick welcome from the flight deck before the safety demo playback started, along with manual demonstrations by the two "cabin attendants". First in English, then in Dutch (what a lovely-sounding language, by the way). Since I have flown a couple of times on CRJ aircraft equipped with GE CF-34 engines, I wondered wheter there would be similarities to the ones the E-Jets use. However, I found there were only few, if any at all. Quite amazing how the subtypes of one engine can sound so differently. We taxied for a departure from runway 25, where we took off from only a couple of minutes after pushback. The take-off roll was not that powerful, but for the first time I felt an aircraft moving from left to right (and vice versa) during a high-speed roll. It was a windy day here, nonetheless the steep initial climb was very smooth.
During pushback, with common traffic at Stuttgart-Echterdingen
A picture that should never have existed...
Arriving at the holding point of runway 25
Vertrekken
After the initial climb, the aircraft made a right turn in north-westerly direction and climbed to FL340. As it broke through the clouds, both the seat belt and the "turn off electronic devices" signs were extinguished simultaneously. The crew then sprung into action, distributing both savory and salty snacks at first, which was followed by a drink service. Water was mainly served, but other drinks could be had on request. Every passenger who was willing to got a second drink as well. I decided to have some tea in addition, but unfortunately it tasted only like boiled water. As for the view, there was basically none due to a solid overcast that wouldn't be passed through until the final approach. So I kept myself entertained by reading the "Holland Herald".
Climbout
Savory and salty snacks. They tasted quite good.
Drinks flow, note the nice decor on the tea cup
Not much to see out there
During the descent
Pretty much my first view of Holland
Eventually the Pilot Flying made an excellent landing on runway 27. After vacating the runway, the aircraft taxied for the B-Apron. The block off was at gate B24 – "gate" in this context meaning that movable stairs are used for deboarding and then the passengers walk another set of static stairs up into the jetway. I was granted a quick look into the cockpit, but there was only time for some smalltalk with the crew. I didn't want to risk the gate to close, having experienced this once too often. It was quite amazing to see how many Embraer aircraft KLM Cityhopper has acquired thus far: They were really all over the apron.
Leaving the "Buitenveldertbaan"
Martinair's retro colored B767 – a nice sight, despite the weather conditions
Arriving at the gate
I hadn't been to Amsterdam in more than a decade, so this was essentially my first true visit. Our layover time turned out to be very short: We were in the terminal by 1:30 PM and the boarding for the onward flight to Edinburgh would already be at 2:20 PM (for a 3:15 PM departure). Quite a lot of time, one would think. But the explanation is easy: Before being able to board the aircraft, the non-Schengen area has to be entered through a passport check by some passengers, and everyone of them has to undergo another security screening at the gate. Bearing this in mind, a boarding time almost one hour before the scheduled departure time begins to make sense.
Looking at the "Lounge 1" congregation area...
...and toward the "Transfer T2" area
A Pegasus B737 during pushback, seen from the food court
Air France is here as well
Flying Europe-wide on KLM mainline is a clear affair in terms of equipment used: The airline operates a short/mid haul fleet of Boeing 737 Classic and Next Gen aircraft. Consequently, the only diversity is the subtype that is ultimately used, save for equipment changes. For the connecting flight to Edinburgh, I hadn't found many information about what subtype would be sent ("Boeing 737" was listed). It could have been any, but I hoped it would be one of KLM's rather new Boeing 737-700 aircraft. After passing the passport check and walking to the periphery of the terminal to gate D54, I became aware that only Classic 737 aircraft had been parked there. But which one would operate my flight to Edinburgh? Before finding that out, I had to line up for the security check, which turned out to be a bottleneck: A lot of passengers had to clutter up the corridor due to the slow-moving line.
My boarding pass, taken while standing at the back of the line
Finally a good view of the aircraft: PH-BTA, named "Fernão de Magalhães", would bring me to Edinburgh
Flight information
Date
Thursday, 31st of March, 2011
Carrier
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Flight
KL 1285
Route
Amsterdam Schiphol – Edinburgh Turnhouse
Flight Time
1h 32m (3:13 PM CEST - 3:45 PM BST)
Aircraft
Boeing 737-406
Registration
PH-BTA (delivered 16/11/1991)
Seat
08C
Loadfactor
75%
When I stepped onboard, I was pleasantly surprised. For an aircraft older than me, the cabin looked inviting: Clean carpets and blue cloth seats with decent legroom. There were four cabin crew members onboard, one "purser" and three "cabin attendants" as KLM refers to them. I didn't manage to get a window seat, and the row turned out to have a misaligned window anyway. Pushback and take off from runway 24 were almost on time. The captain mentioned that he expected to "park the aircraft at the gate on schedule" and that some turbulence had to be expected en route due to strong winds.
Legroom on the B737 Classic
The take off felt much more powerful than the one on the Embraer, but the initial climb was rather shaky. I suspect it might have been wake turbulence caused by a KLM Jumbojet that had taken off right before us. Service on this flight was essentially the same as before, however, only one snack was given out at first. The three of us in the row asked if we could have another one, but the flight attendant said that at first every passenger had to be served one. I had already forgotten about it, but she did return a couple of minutes later and gave each one of us another pack of cookies – definitely a nice touch.
A smaller tray table with two engravings for the drinks. Note the cart still standing on the right
I decided to have coffee this time, but it was similarly tasteless like the tea I had. Just as I was handed the cup, the aforementioned turbulence began to make itself felt. I had to sip rather quickly, keeping in mind that "the strength of turbulence while in an airplane is directly proportional to the temperature of your coffee". This trend continued for the remainder of the flight. The landing, however, in these windy conditions was perfect in my opinion: Not too firm, but not too soft either.
At the gate, last view back on "Fernão de Magalhães"
Akin to my London-Stansted experience last year, entering the UK was quick and easy, and soon thereafter the luggage was on the belt as well. We wouldn't stay in Edinburgh this evening, but continue to Glasgow right away – on the road, so we headed over to the rental car facility first.
CONTINUED BELOW
Et là tu montes encore plus haut et ça persiste, alors on vole
Luftfahrer From Germany, joined Mar 2009, 965 posts, RR: 5 Reply 1, posted (2 years 1 month 1 week 6 days 7 hours ago) and read 9078 times:
INBOUND
The return flight was also scheduled to depart at a very comfortable time (11:10 AM), so there was no hassle in getting to the airport on time. We returned the cars at the rental car facility and then moved over to the terminal on a very nice morning in Scotland. This time, we were directed to use the regular counters. I asked the agent for two window seats and she honored my request. About 15 minutes later, we were airside, since both the check-in counters and the security checkpoint weren't crowded at all.
Air France and KLM use joint counters at Edinburgh airport
FIDS
A real boarding pass this time – my preference
Once airside, I located the departure gate (1J), but the aircraft hadn't come in from Amsterdam yet. So I decided to walk around in this nice, small airport and had a good coffee at Caffè Nero. By chance, I spotted the arrival of our aircraft, but I was a bit disappointed as it turned out to be PH-BTA once more. In total, there are still eight Boeing 737-400 aircraft in KLM's fleet. All of them are named after famous explorers. Coincidentally, I had read a reportage about Ferdinand Magellan (the Portuguese explorer PH-BTA is named after) just a couple of days before departure.
Looking towards the southwestern end of the terminal
BA CityFlyer E170 inbound from and soon outbound to London City Airport again
British Airways Airbus A321, going to London-Heathrow
Flight information
Date
Thursday, 7th of April, 2011
Carrier
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Flight
KL 1280
Route
Edinburgh Turnhouse – Amsterdam Schiphol
Flight Time
1h 16m (11:13 BST - 1:29 PM CEST)
Aircraft
Boeing 737-406
Registration
PH-BTA (delivered 16/11/1991)
Seat
20F
Loadfactor
90%
Boarding was called on time and when I got to my window seat, I noticed that it offered even more legroom than the aisle one. Pretty good! The middle seat would remain empty to make it perfect for economy class. All in all it was an uneventful but scenic flight, take off from runway 24, and service consisted of pretty much the same as on the inbound flight one week before. Once more, the landing was on runway 27 at Schiphol.
First sights: Ryanair's "Comunitat Valenciana" logojet, bound for Palma de Mallorca this time
Leaving Edinburgh
After take off, flying overhead the M9 – I had been on there myself only hours before
Climbout
The advantage of an empty middle seat
Self-explanatory, isn't it?
Descending overhead a nice cloud formation
We're definitely in Holland...
The city of Amsterdam
The "Amsterdamse Bos"
Landed safely
Mighty KLM MD-11
PH-AOA, KLM's first-ever Airbus A330, delivered not even six years ago
Arriving at gate D46
Upon deboarding, I asked for a cockpit visit, which once more was no problem at all. Since the captain was outside, I was allowed to take his seat and take pictures while chatting with the first officer to my right. He even initiated a light test for me. Always much appreciated.
The MCP (Mode Control Panel)
The pedestal
Cockpit overview (upload permission given for all pictures)
Back in the terminal, we had to go through the passport check again in order to enter the Schengen area. Therefore, I was confined to this very area, but I tried to find the best possible photo opportunities during my layover before the homebound flight to Stuttgart.
KLM's "crown lounge" – surely a nice place to spend time in
Terminal D, Schengen area
Terminal B, the whole right side from this point of view is used by KLM Cityhopper
B26, departure gate for the flight to Stuttgart
Closely linked together... in many ways
PH-BXT, a looong B737-900 about to leave Schiphol
One of 17 E-Jets in the fleet seen resting at the gate
It's time for "instappen" on this flight bound for Gothenburg
A nice surprise: Iberia's oneworld logojet
The Fokker aircraft in the fleet also use the gate spots
At 3:50 PM, boarding was called. I didn't know for sure what aircraft type would be sent, as KLM Cityhopper's afternoon flight to Stuttgart-Echterdingen had been operated with a mix of E190 and Fokker 70 aircraft in the weeks before. But since the boarding gate directly led to a staircase down to enter a bus, the aircraft would be parked at an apron position. Since the Fokker are mostly parked at these, I suspected it would be one of them – and it was the case in earnest. I would have enjoyed another flight on the modern Embraer, but diversity is fine with me as well and the Fokker is becoming a rare aircraft to fly on, so it's good to have it logged once more.
My boarding pass that had been issued in Edinburgh earlier the day
Getting in for a short hop across the tarmac
PH-KZC would bring me back home
Nose view
Flight information
Date
Thursday, 7th of April, 2011
Carrier
KLM Cityhopper
Flight
KL/WA 1875
Route
Amsterdam Schiphol – Stuttgart-Echterdingen
Flight Time
1h 15m (4:35 PM CEST - 5:50 PM CEST)
Aircraft
Fokker 70
Registration
PH-KZC (delivered 03/05/1996)
Seat
17A
Loadfactor
90%
I was fairly surprised to find out that I was seated in the last row of the aircraft. However, the load seemed pretty full, so I was happy to have a seat by the window irregardless of how good the view was. The engines were started quickly after the door had been closed, which was followed by a safety presentation by the two "cabin attendants" similar to the one on the E-Jet. We took off from runway 24, the "Kaagbaan", right after the 700th E-Jet (belongs to BA CityFlyer) and cruised at only 25 000 feet due to a problem with the air conditioning – made for a good views in flight. I got two snacks and drinks once more, which seems to be the standard at KLM Cityhopper. Just too bad they didn't serve any sandwiches! The day here in the Stuttgart area turned out to be wonderful, but there was still some rough air during approach, before PH-KZC eventually touched down on runway 25, which brought my journey to an end.
Not much of a view, but the hell of a sound – guaranteed!
The legroom felt a bit more cramped
Climbing...
Very smooth landing and light braking on a gorgeous day
Cockpit view – thanks to the great crew. (Permission for upload okay)
CONCLUSION
I was highly satisfied with my flights on KLM. All of their employees, whether on the internet, on the ground or in the air were friendly and courteous. Amsterdam is a great airport
to connect through: long walkways through spacy and bright terminals combined with comprehensible signage and helpful staff. Based on this experience, I would definitely consider KLM for future travels, intercontinentally and internationally. As for the aircraft I have flown on this time:
Embraer E190: Brazilian top-seller aircraft for a reason. A pleasant experience throughout, and for sure not my last flight on an E-Jet.
Boeing 737 Classic: Old, but still going strong – especially on the inside. Schedule your trip before KLM phases them out of their fleet in favor of the New Generation aircraft.
Fokker 70: Felt a bit cramped onboard honestly, but the great sound and the scarcity value are a bonus.
Thank you for reading. Please feel free to comment.
Best regards,
Luftfahrer (Marius)
_______________
*In case you are interested in reading more, please refer to the Holland Herald April issue, p. 85
Palmjet From United Kingdom, joined Nov 2001, 1051 posts, RR: 16 Reply 3, posted (2 years 1 month 1 week 6 days 6 hours ago) and read 8881 times:
Great report of your KLM flights - thanks for taking the time to write up this one. I am also a big fan of the EM190s - having been on a KL machine last October from TLS - AMS. Your pics are fantastic too - really nice to see. Cheers P/jet
gjunnar From Germany, joined Sep 2001, 155 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (2 years 1 month 1 week 6 days 6 hours ago) and read 8842 times:
A very nice Sunday afternoon read. Thanks for sharing.
The loads on the STR flights seemed pretty good - I wonder if KLM will at some point get back to serving STR with 5 daily frequencies instead of 4 at the moment.
Also a nonstop service to EDI from STR would be highly appreciated, maybe with FlyBE.
RvXKaz From Singapore, joined Apr 2011, 182 posts, RR: 3 Reply 5, posted (2 years 1 month 1 week 6 days 5 hours ago) and read 8765 times:
Hi Marius,
Your pictures and report are excellent. Its nice to know you had some great flights with KLM. KLM is one of my favourite European airlines and its an eye-opener to have an insight into their intra-European services. Kudos on all your cockpit visits and its really nice to read your report.
Once again, very good pictures!
Cheers,
Gavin
They say that I'm a dreamer. But I'd only Dreamt Skyward.
initious From Singapore, joined Dec 2008, 1011 posts, RR: 16 Reply 7, posted (2 years 1 month 1 week 6 days 4 hours ago) and read 8648 times:
Hi Marius,
A wonderful insight into the intra European flights and what KL has to offer. Honestly speaking, I've read far too many intra European TRs on this forum that I am starting to get tired of them but my eyes kept glued to yours! The pictures and your writing style makes a very good combination together. I suppose you used a DSLR? Hope to see more masterpieces from you in the future!
Quoting Luftfahrer (Thread starter): I decided to have coffee this time, but it was similarly tasteless like the tea I had.
Was it a freshly brewed one of instant coffee like on AF?
Quoting Luftfahrer (Thread starter): Upon deboarding, I asked for a cockpit visit, which once more was no problem at all. Since the captain was outside, I was allowed to take his seat and take pictures while chatting with the first officer to my right. He even initiated a light test for me. Always much appreciated.
CaptainRed From Germany, joined Oct 2010, 578 posts, RR: 19 Reply 10, posted (2 years 1 month 1 week 6 days ago) and read 8102 times:
Hi Marius,
thanks for this very nice report, reminds of my trip to EDI last year, albeit not on KLM. I have yet to fly them, and after your report and some others about them I will definitely try to get some flights on this carrier.
Great you got your first ride on the E190, for sure a nice little plane. I have just flown my first leg on one of these and I found it very comfortable as well.
Quoting Luftfahrer (Reply 1): So I decided to walk around in this nice, small airport
Yes, I agree, EDI is quite a nice airport. I really liked the nice leather chairs they have there with some great views of the apron and the runway.
Quoting Luftfahrer (Reply 1): Upon deboarding, I asked for a cockpit visit, which once more was no problem at all.
Great, always a pleasure to visit the cockpit, nice touch from the crew. In my experience most of the pilots also like it when some passengers show interest in their work.
Quoting Luftfahrer (Reply 1): I would have enjoyed another flight on the modern Embraer, but diversity is fine with me as well and the Fokker is becoming a rare aircraft to fly on
Well, the F70 is getting really rare, so certainly nice to get another leg on this interesting little bird before it is gone completely from European skies.
Quoting Luftfahrer (Reply 1): Not much of a view, but the hell of a sound – guaranteed!
Oh yes, I have been on the last row once on a F100 and with the sound there it quite an experience
thank you for your kind words! Very much appreciated.
Quoting gjunnar (Reply 4): The loads on the STR flights seemed pretty good - I wonder if KLM will at some point get back to serving STR with 5 daily frequencies instead of 4 at the moment.
Indeed. Last month three out of the four daily flights were operated by the E-Jet, which is quite a lot. So the demand is certainly there, also from business passengers (there were a lot of them on the afternoon flight).
Quoting gjunnar (Reply 4): Also a nonstop service to EDI from STR would be highly appreciated, maybe with FlyBE.
I see, we think alike. FlyBE also came to my mind when I thought about a possible operator. In the introduction I said 'as of yet' deliberately, because I also believe there is a possibilty, especially now that we have a non stop flight to Dublin on Aer Lingus. After all, Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and second largest city, plus a tourist destination well worth visiting.
Quoting RvXKaz (Reply 5): Your pictures and report are excellent. Its nice to know you had some great flights with KLM. KLM is one of my favourite European airlines and its an eye-opener to have an insight into their intra-European services.
Thanks a lot! It had been ages since I had last flown on a European legacy carrier, and I was indeed very satisfied with KLM's offering.
Quoting initious (Reply 7): I am starting to get tired of them but my eyes kept glued to yours! The pictures and your writing style makes a very good combination together. I suppose you used a DSLR?
Quoting initious (Reply 7): Hope to see more masterpieces from you in the future!
Wow... I am glad you liked my report! Thanks. And you are correct, I used a DSLR (Sony α 200). I hope to have another coming in late summer or so. I plan to do a flying trip only, with focus on airlines I have not flown on yet and interesting airports.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 8): Ah...that touches a raw nerve...more to follow about that subject in one of my next TRs.
Thanks, although I don't want to take credit for it, I merely filled in the information and the HTML editor did the rest for me.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 8): Was it a freshly brewed one of instant coffee like on AF?
I saw coffee machines, so it was freshly brewed one. It didn't taste bad, only very bland. A bit like when you don't take enough coffee powder when using a coffee filter. Anyway, coffee on board is a contestation. Some say, it never tastes good on airplanes. I think the coffees I had on DL and 4U last year were pretty good. (Best solution is to buy some coffee at a distinguished coffee chain before boarding).
Quoting oa260 (Reply 9): The KLM Crown lounge looks promising.
...I wish I could have gone inside. Hopefully some day.
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 10): after your report and some others about them I will definitely try to get some flights on this carrier.
I can only recommend KLM.
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 10): In my experience most of the pilots also like it when some passengers show interest in their work.
Oh yes! This was my impression as well. Even famous Captain Sullenberger said he didn't like how teens nowadays don't even look in the direction of the cockpit during boarding... well, I do, always.
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 10): Well, the F70 is getting really rare, so certainly nice to get another leg on this interesting little bird before it is gone completely from European skies.
I hope it will stay in KLM's for a while, and luckily I haven't read about a possible replace of their F70 aircraft yet. Might they be replaced with E170s?
Last but not least, some random pictures from Scotland:
A rainbow seen from Calton Hill
Overview of Edinburgh, also seen from Calton Hill
The small coastal city of Oban
Et là tu montes encore plus haut et ça persiste, alors on vole
airbuseric From Netherlands, joined Jan 2005, 4015 posts, RR: 52 Reply 12, posted (2 years 1 month 1 week 5 days 21 hours ago) and read 7862 times:
Hi Marius,
nice report, good pics! KLM defo is a nice choice nowadays, I start to feel myself more and more at home with them lately. The 737-700's are very nice to fly on, but you got on the much rarer -400 series. Feel happy about that indeed, shame about the double registration in your travels here.
Gruße,
Eric
"The whole world steps aside for the man who knows where he is going"
sultanils From Belgium, joined Mar 2010, 1173 posts, RR: 29 Reply 13, posted (2 years 1 month 1 week 5 days 11 hours ago) and read 7544 times:
Hi Marius,
Wow, nice report! Glad you enjoyed the 'KLM' and the Dutch language The E-jet is a fantastic aircraft to fly in, I agree. Cannot comment on the Fokker because I haven't yet flown on one. Need to rectify this asap...! Nice you scored some cockpit visits, that's always a big bonus.
Hmm, first time I've seen this message on an
overhead panel.
Quoting Luftfahrer (Thread starter): I decided to have some tea in addition, but unfortunately it tasted only like boiled water.
You should fly an Indian carrier and experience their tea, much better than the Dutch one
Quoting Luftfahrer (Thread starter): Before being able to board the aircraft, the non-Schengen area has to be entered through a passport check by some passengers, and everyone of them has to undergo another security screening at the gate.
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6190 posts, RR: 79 Reply 14, posted (2 years 1 month 1 week 5 days 11 hours ago) and read 7532 times:
Quoting Luftfahrer (Reply 11): nyway, coffee on board is a contestation. Some say, it never tastes good on airplanes. I think the coffees I had on DL and 4U last year were pretty good.
Lufthansa has always served good coffee. And I also remember getting excellent coffee on Air Dolomiti and Alitalia.
Quoting Luftfahrer (Reply 11): Best solution is to buy some coffee at a distinguished coffee chain before boarding
I am in the early stages of planning a trip to the US. If I am given a good option, I will most likely fly KLM longhaul through AMS. They operate quite a few airplanes I want to fly on: Boeing 777, MD-11, Airbus A330.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 13): Glad you enjoyed the 'KLM' and the Dutch language
Haha, yes I did. I hope to learn a bit more Dutch some day.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 14): Lufthansa has always served good coffee. And I also remember getting excellent coffee on Air Dolomiti and Alitalia.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 13): You should fly an Indian carrier and experience their tea
Sounds promising!
Quoting sultanils (Reply 13): Hmm, first time I've seen this message on an
overhead panel.
The "electronic devices off" sign is becoming more and more popular on newly-delivered aircraft, and it makes sense, because nowadays virtually all airlines don't allow smoking onboard. The no smoking sign is not completely gone, though: There was a sticker right above the tray table. The only thing that made me wonder is why on my flight, both the seat belt and "electronic devices off" sign came off and on at the same time.
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2332 posts, RR: 53 Reply 16, posted (2 years 1 month 1 week 3 days 2 hours ago) and read 6840 times:
Wow Marius,
What an impressive report! You can simply feast your eyes on the combination of beautiful pictures and well-arranged layout. I just love the Dutch twists you put on it. Well done!
I am happy to know that KL has taken good care of you. The second snack run, the cockpit visit, you makes me want to fly KL again.
Your KL banner and Flight information are awesome. Very nice design!
Quoting Luftfahrer (Thread starter): A huge advertisement promoting Qatar's thrice-weekly Doha service – on the A319LR, though
You are lucky with QR. AMS has yet to get the service.
Quoting Luftfahrer (Thread starter): "Going to the counter is Stone Age, opening the car with the mobile phone is New Age
Haha, I remember the distinctive advertisement of Sixt in DUS and MUC.
Thank you for sharing this inspiring trip report.
Cheers,
Suryo
PS. I did not know you were on facebook. Can you PM me your detail?
Luftfahrer From Germany, joined Mar 2009, 965 posts, RR: 5 Reply 17, posted (2 years 1 month 1 week 2 days 10 hours ago) and read 6593 times:
Quoting akhmad (Reply 16): What an impressive report! You can simply feast your eyes on the combination of beautiful pictures and well-arranged layout.
To be fair, it's KLM's for the most part, slightly altered by me.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 16): You are lucky with QR. AMS has yet to get the service.
It's indeed been a good year for us here at Stuttgart so far: New service to DOH on QR, to DUB on EI and in summer, we will finally have a nonstop flight to EWR on UA/CO.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 16): Haha, I remember the distinctive advertisement of Sixt in DUS and MUC.
They have so many fancy and amusing ads...
Quoting akhmad (Reply 16): The second snack run, the cockpit visit, you makes me want to fly KL again.
I would be more than excited in seeing a KLM trip report from you...!
Et là tu montes encore plus haut et ça persiste, alors on vole
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 18): was there a huge difference between flying to GLA?
I honestly don't know. I might say flight schedules were better for flying to EDI. However, on the flight home, we were staying at a place closer to Edinburgh (in fact, I could see the airplanes approaching runway 24). One flight to GLA would have been great, though!
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 18): lol, this made my day, especially as some aviation geeks love these seats
The seat one row before the last one is even better: similarly close to the engine, but with a view.
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