jwhite9185 From United Kingdom, joined May 2007, 714 posts, RR: 0 Posted (8 months 3 weeks 2 days 21 hours ago) and read 5382 times:
KLM LHR-AMS-LHR Fokker 70, 737-800
Introduction
Another weekend, another trip - this time I would be traveling to Amsterdam. After researching destinations earlier in the year, Amsterdam was one that was high on the list, due to it being an interesting destination, having a good spotting terrace and from what I have seen, a decent airport too. There was only one way I wanted to get there - with KLM!
This was due to the fact I could catch the F70 and a next generation 737 - both new types for me. August seemed like the best time to travel as that would be when the weather would be at its best (in theory). Only downside would be the potential high cost due to it being the summer holidays, however this wasn't a problem in the end. The most reasonably priced option was to fly out on the only F70 flight of the day from LHR and back on one of the last flights of the day, the following day. The problem with this was that it would be quite a late arrival into AMS, so therefore no realistic chances of getting much done when I arrived. Therefore I thought it would be a good idea to book an airport hotel - the CitizenM at Schiphol.
As usual it would be the National Express coach getting me to the airport for an expensive £19.50 return. And that doesn't even get me to my final destination. If I wanted to book a ticket to Terminal 4, it would involve changing at Terminal 5 and waiting 40 minutes for another coach for the 10 minute journey… oh and charging me an extra £5 for the privilege. The quicker and cheaper option was to change at Heathrow Central and catch the free and more frequent Heathrow Express train over to Terminal 4 instead.
The next stage in the process was to check in online. Must admit I like the way you can change your seat as many times as you want whilst online check in is open, so if you get an unwanted seat mate, you can move elsewhere!
Once this was complete, my boarding pass was issued and I noticed I had secured seq.1
Saturday
Unusually for one of my trips, departure was late in the day due to the only F70 flight from LHR departing at 18:20. Therefore due to KLM's 30 hour check in, I was able to do so for my return flight just before I set off.
Just afterwards it was time to head off to the local station to catch the coach to the airport. The afternoon coach was certainly better than the first one of the day - it even offered free Wi-Fi!
Just as the coach was leaving I noticed it was getting quite breezy and there were some mean looking clouds around - which would mean some interesting conditions to fly in! And just a few moments later the heavens really opened reducing the speed of the coach to around 30mph on the M25 as it was more resembling the river Thames by now! There were also a couple of lightening bolts and claps of thunder thrown in for good measure too.
Arriving at T5 first
Luckily by the time the coach had arrived at Heathrow, the weather had cleared up a bit, so I didn't get too wet! Definitely a very eventful trip already and I was only 35 minutes in!
I was interested to see how terminal 4 looked these days as the last time I travelled to/from there, Concorde was still in operation! But first, I would have to pay a visit to Heathrow central station in order to catch the Heathrow Express over to terminal 4.
Once at Terminal 4, as expected, it had changed beyond all recognition from what I remembered. Annoyingly, I couldn't see any actual KLM check in desks to get a proper boarding pass from - just self serve check in machines and a line for bag drop - so I made do with that and got a thermo paper type.
Security was the usual affair - full of people not really knowing what they were doing - including the person in front of me proceeding to unpack their bag and place every item in a separate tray...
Once through, nearly all the shops, gate areas etc. had also changed completely from how I remembered it. So I went to explore. Luckily one of the parts I remembered the most remained - the various windows throughout the terminal allowing views across T3 and runway 27L.
Whilst on my wonders I spotted my plane taxiing in.
Then it was off to find somewhere for some dinner. The tried and tested Garfunkel’s.
Then I headed back down to take a few more pics out of the window at the end of the terminal, as I suspected this would be where my flight would be departing from.
Just afterwards gate 15 flashed up. I also noticed somebody else snapping pictures and taking down numbers sat just next to me - another a.netter??
Wonder why there’s 2 KLM flights within 10 minutes of each other?
KL1026
LHR-AMS
25 August 2012
Fokker F70 - PH-KZI
Off Stand: 19:23
On Stand: 21:24
Boarding started pretty promptly at 18:00
When I reached my seat, I was immediately asked by the guy sat opposite if I wanted to swap... Erm no sorry, I want the window.
Nice Engine!
Shortly after boarding the heavy rain that had made an appearance earlier re appeared.
At 18:25, the jet bridge pushed back and the captain came over the PA, first making an announcement in Dutch and then in English. And unfortunately the news wasn't good. We were all ready to go however due to the severe weather Heathrow was closed for the next hour, so all we could do was wait. And once we were underway, there was likely to be more delay due to the backlog of departures. Oh well, guess there's nothing that can be done except wait. Much like Gabriel did on his way back from Glasgow. Although unlike Gabriel's trip back from Glasgow, the cabin crew were nowhere to be seen, which was a little annoying as I was getting quite thirsty.
It seemed as though everybody was in the same situation however as our neighbor was also sat at the gate, with it's jet bridge detached.
The load seemed pretty high - after initially having a seatmate, they moved further forward and I couldn't see any other spare seats, although I think there may have been a few in business class.
Shortly after, another KLM Fokker F70 pulled in alongside - funny, as when I booked this flight it was 737's all day except this flight, and yet the previous flight was operated by an E190.
Showing its age!
At just past 19:00 local the captain appeared at the front of the cabin to make an announcement. It was first in Dutch then in English. Again it wasn't good news. He firstly apologized for the delay, and followed up by saying that things were going to get more interesting still. We had been delayed by a further 50 minutes and therefore the current crew would be out of hours by the time we were airborne. Although, he followed up by saying that luckily the crew of the F70 that had just arrived next to us would be taking over this flight shortly. However there was still a long delay - although apart from the brief pour down nearly an hour before, the weather had brightened up - so not too sure why the weather was still being blamed?
Not long after, the relief crew boarded and the original crew left. Luckily they were a bit more pro-active and handed out water to everybody
At just after 19:15 local, the English captain came over the PA and said we had just been given clearance to push back and start - phew! Not too sure where the extra 50 minutes the previous captain mentioned came from but it now seemed we were back to the original hours delay. Cruising altitude was given as 24,000 ft. and a flying time of 45 minutes was also given. He also was very apologetic about the delay and that the crew changing had no bearing on this flight whatsoever – it just made things easier for KLM operations to do things this way round. Although I’m wondering what happened to their original flight? Did our original crew have enough rest in the 2 hours or so to be able to take it back?
And at just after 19:20, we pushed back. The engines were started, and we made a quick taxi out to 27L, and pushed our way to the front of the queue. At just before 19:35 we were off into some dodgy looking skies. To be honest being sat at the back of this little Fokker wasn't as loud as I was expecting.
The cabin crew seemed a little slow at getting the service started. In fact I was having my doubts weather we would be getting any service at all due to the short flight time. I did see a couple of trays of goodies go towards the front eventually however so I remained optimistic!
Eventually the 'meals' were handed out. I asked for a Sprite but was told they only had Coke, Tea, Coffee or orange juice on board. So I elected for a coke instead.
Then it was time to descend. Due to the bad weather, this flight was much like my flight between Glasgow and Belfast last month - entirely in the clouds. I did manage a couple of snaps however.
Descent into Schiphol started at 19:56 UK time, and things got a bit bumpy. I guess the weather in Amsterdam wasn't any better than in the UK.
The Dutch first officer confirmed this a couple of minutes later and confirmed we would be landing on the Polderbaan in around 15 minutes.
Landing was at 21:15, and it was probably one of the smoothest I've experienced. There was no bump at all. Following this was a lengthy taxi in to the Fokker farm.
Why am I always the only person to pay attention to the seatbelt sign?
Retro seating on this Fokker
Then it was onto a waiting bus. As I was disembarking, I noticed the first officer standing at the flight deck door, however on this occasion I didn't ask for a flight deck visit as we were running late - all I did do was compliment him on the very smooth landing, to which he thanked me and said he would pass along the compliment.
Security was an easy affair, although I'm glad I didn't have any bags to collect as the reclaim area looked pretty busy!
I had a brief look round the terminal and then made my way over to the hotel.
It was very futuristic! Self serve check in presented me with a key and a receipt letting me know my room number.
And the room itself, although small, was certainly very different to anything I'd stayed in before!
The entire room was controlled by this remote.
Had a good view too
I then went downstairs to grab a treat to have whilst enjoying one of the movies included in the price before settling down for the night.
Bit like an airline lounge – except you have to pay!
jwhite9185 From United Kingdom, joined May 2007, 714 posts, RR: 0 Reply 1, posted (8 months 3 weeks 2 days 21 hours ago) and read 5376 times:
Sunday
The first thing I did on Sunday was grab the camera and open up the blinds. Fist time I’ve actually been able to spot whilst lying in bed!
This Continited jet was being very rained on
I think SkyTeam have the best looking logojets.
Then I took a look at the weather - I had originally planned to go up to the panorama terrace in the afternoon, but as there was a thunderstorm forecast, I thought it might be a better idea to go sooner rather than later.
At 09:00 ish I checked out and headed back to the airport.
I was amazed at how many DL flights there are to AMS. I counted 10!
For Markus!
List of airlines using AMS
Then it was off into town, as it had started clouding over.
Arriving at Amsterdam Centraal
Once I reached the city, the heavens really opened.
Once it calmed down a bit, I left the station only for it to tip down even more about 10 minutes later, and leaving me to take refuge in a bus stop. Although I still ended up getting soaked in the process. Luckily after that the weather cleared up a bit and I was able to take a few more pictures.
Just before the massive downpour
Lunch!
This version was better – less tourists climbing on it…
After a tiring (and wet) few hours walking round Amsterdam, I decided to head back to the airport.
I decided to head through to check in and get myself a proper boarding card, although my mission failed again. Seems like KLM only offer self serve check in machines at all destinations now. The boarding card I did get though was a bit more interesting today though. One thing I didn't like though was something that flashed up on the machine - I decided to take a look to see if I had a seat mate and a message came up saying that it wasn't possible to change seats as there weren't any available. So it looked to be a full flight.
KLM check in area
Then it was a quick look at the Planes@Plaza shop – they didn’t have what I was after though.
As it wasn't raining I decided I would pay another visit to the panorama terrace, as well as seeing what the airport had to offer.
Random Heineken Cans
Kicking up a lot of spray
G-DOCA – The oldest member of BA’s 737 fleet
I stayed for around 45 minutes, however there wasn't too much going on, so I decided to head through passport control to see what was there - quite a bit as it turned out. The complete opposite experience of Belfast city that I had a few weeks ago!
After grabbing a quick bite to eat I headed down to gate D10. Security checks were carried out at the gate - I'm undecided weather this was a good or a bad thing to be honest.
jwhite9185 From United Kingdom, joined May 2007, 714 posts, RR: 0 Reply 2, posted (8 months 3 weeks 2 days 21 hours ago) and read 5376 times:
KL1033
AMS-LHR
26 August 2012
Boeing 737-800 - PH-BXV
Off Stand: 20:46
On Stand: 20:58
The gate opened on time at 19:25, however I couldn't help but notice that something important was missing...
A few moments later PH-BXV pulled onto stand.
Panorama terrace from the other side
The holding pen didn't seem overly busy and I was hoping that the earlier message saying there were no spare seats was a false alarm. I was also hoping that tonight's flight would be less eventful than last nights. Unfortunately for one person it would be - I noticed an ambulance pull up, and somebody was taken out the back of it on a stretcher and loaded onto the flight shortly after the previous passengers had disembarked.
As time went on, the holding pen filled up. Boarding was slightly delayed due to having the stretcher on board with us. Pre boarding was finally announced at 20:15. I was amazed at how many sky priority passengers there were - almost the entire aircraft in fact!! It was also announced that there was a 20 minute delay as expected departure time was now 20:50. Interestingly there were no further boarding calls made - I guess they didn't see the point as most passengers had already boarded.
First impressions of the 737-800 were that it was very roomy, although I might just be imagining that due to all the regional jets I've been flying lately. Made a nice change to be able to stand up without banging my head on the storage bins either way! Legroom was about average.
We pushed back at 20:46 and made a long taxi out to the Polderbaan. We pushed in front of and F70 and took off at just after 21:00 local.
All 5 of the crew were quicker at getting going compared to last night, and they began with handing out landing cards. I thought this was unusual for and inter Europe hop, but remembered I had seen a lot of China Southern boarding cards in the holding pen, so I'm assuming there were a lot of connecting passengers.
There was a choice of ‘meal’ on tonight’s flight.
At 20:25 UK time, the engines spooled back and the nose was heading in a downward direction. The flight deck hadn't advised of any delays at this point, but from experience Heathrow is a pretty busy place on a Sunday night. Shortly after, the flight deck came over the PA and amazingly announced that it was quite quiet this evening. However as we would be landing on runway 27R, he did announce a long taxi to stand, and expected to be on stand by 21:00 local. There goes my chance of catching the 21:15 coach!
Looks like there’s some sort of event going on down there?
As promised, we touched down at 20:50 and pulled on to stand 8 minutes later.
One for Win
The one and only VS A346 in the current livery
One for PalmJet
Also as promised Terminal 4 was very quiet. I was amazed at how quickly I got out - even quicker than LCY in fact. When I turned my phone on, I noticed KLM had sent me this txt:
Good idea in theory although not much use once you’ve just got off the plane at your destination. I also had an email saying a similar thing.
Anybody Home??
Very T5ish
Unfortunately I still wouldn't make the earlier coach home as I'd have to catch the Heathrow express over to Heathrow central.
The only part of T4 that’s the same as I remember!
Whilst I was on the train, a friend of mine txt me saying he had followed my flight for the entire duration on flightradar24, and sent me a couple of pics!
Then it was up to the central bus station for the coach home.
Things appear to have changed here in the last couple of months. Before the coach used to depart from this area:
But now they all appear to use the central coach station:
Interesting!
Once again it was a higher quality coach than I was used to. Hopefully they have phased out the older type and would be using the newer type on all future services. Hopefully though they don't put the price up.
The ride home was made less interesting by some guy telling anybody who was conscious about his trip to everywhere in eastern Europe then his project at work. After a long 45 minutes I arrived back at the station and made the 10 minute walk home.
And that brings to an end to another trip. Bit hard to have an opinion on KLM as the flights were so short although they didn't seem any better or worse than the likes of BA/LH.
The hotel at Schiphol was very futuristic - a bit too futuristic when the remote control battery died and I was sat in darkness while it charged up! It was maybe a bit pricey but the location and facilities were good.
And Amsterdam I found hard to love although that was mainly due to the bad weather. If it had been sunny my opinion would probably be different. Seems like a good excuse to go back though.
And whilst I was waiting for my coach I decided to get a sneak preview of my next trip in just a few weeks.
adamspotter From Netherlands, joined Feb 2011, 774 posts, RR: 2 Reply 3, posted (8 months 3 weeks 2 days 20 hours ago) and read 5197 times:
Hi J,
As you know I was looking forward to this report! You sure picked the right weekend to come to Amsterdam, where we got some "tropical" downpour every 10 minutes!
Anyway great report, love your pictures of Amsterdam! The spotting terrace is such a great place, am there al lot obviously!
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): August seemed like the best time to travel as that would be when the weather would be at its best (in theory).
hehe you should have come the weekend before where it was very very hot!
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): Therefore I thought it would be a good idea to book an airport hotel - the CitizenM at Schiphol.
Stayed there a couple nights, great hotel. Nice and futuristic as you say it correctly, I like it especially the view!
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24875 posts, RR: 60 Reply 4, posted (8 months 3 weeks 2 days 20 hours ago) and read 5154 times:
Hey James
Nice report . That Citzen Hotel looks like the Yotel . Does the toilet area screen off? Not very nice if it doesnt and your sharing !
Great pics of AMS . Shame the weather didnt play ball. Im sure on another trip you would enjoy it . I love Amsterdam. So easy to do even on a day trip .
KLM pretty standard on a short flight in Y . I always like them though . My first ride on an A310 was LHR-AMS all those years ago from T4 . The whole place is totally different now.
Thanks for the report and look forward to the VS one.
MSS658 From Belgium, joined Oct 2010, 2202 posts, RR: 14 Reply 5, posted (8 months 3 weeks 2 days 8 hours ago) and read 4593 times:
Hey James
Great trip report, thanks for sharing.
AMS has always been one of my favorite airports to be in.
Great catch on the F70, they are starting to get pretty rare around here.
The seating looks a bit more comfy IMO
Yeah it wasn't bad - bit awkward with the blinds being set in the window, although luckily they didn't show in the pictures. Still don't think the view was as good as the Radisson at MAN though - you can see the entire airport from there!
Yeah, i spotted Northwest on there so a good few year old. Noticed United is on there twice too.
Quoting adamspotter (Reply 3): Next time you're in Amsterdam be sure to message me then we can have a little meet + spotting on the terrace
Im pretty sure i stopped at your local station on my way into town and suddenly thought i should of seen if you were about. Figured it was a bit short notice by then though.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 4): Does the toilet area screen off? Not very nice if it doesnt and your sharing !
It does, but still a bit personal! Think its more designed for single occupancy.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 4): My first ride on an A310 was LHR-AMS all those years ago from T4 .
Wow that is going back a few years!
Quoting OA260 (Reply 4): Thanks for the report and look forward to the VS one.
I'm looking forward to writing it more! Not sure theres been any from one of VS' new A333's on here yet?
Quoting MSS658 (Reply 5): Great trip report, thanks for sharing.
No problem
Quoting MSS658 (Reply 5): Great catch on the F70, they are starting to get pretty rare around here.
Yeah I purposely chose that flight with KLM for that reason - then was worried when i saw that E190 parked at the gate!!
Quoting MSS658 (Reply 5): The seating looks a bit more comfy IMO
Didn't notice much difference to the 737 to be honest!
roberts87 From Netherlands, joined Dec 2011, 656 posts, RR: 0 Reply 7, posted (8 months 3 weeks 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 4264 times:
Nice report! Glad you enjoyed your trip to AMS and Amsterdam.
You should have picked another weekend though, it was probably one of the rainiest weekends of the summer. Nice though that you visited during the 'Uitmarkt' which was the festival/event you saw at the Musuemsqaure. It's the start of the theater season, where a lot of productions play scenes for promotions.
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): The next stage in the process was to check in online. Must admit I like the way you can change your seat as many times as you want whilst online check in is open, so if you get an unwanted seat mate, you can move elsewhere!
Great indeed! I often check the OLCI system again to make sure I can have an empty seat next to me, if possible!
palmjet From United Kingdom, joined Nov 2001, 1050 posts, RR: 20 Reply 8, posted (8 months 3 weeks 1 day 21 hours ago) and read 4187 times:
Hi J
Thanks for posting this one - good to see you got a F70 which will soon all be gone from KL's fleet. Sorry to read about the delays at LHR - the weather looked horrific though. It was pretty much the same up in MAN that afternoon too!
Liked the look of your hotel in AMS - very funky and very convenient too.
Even though you had heavy rain - you seemed to get around OK. Thanks for the destination pics. I've always loved exploring Amsterdam - it's a great city with a fascinating history.
jwhite9185 From United Kingdom, joined May 2007, 714 posts, RR: 0 Reply 9, posted (8 months 3 weeks 1 day 21 hours ago) and read 4162 times:
Quoting roberts87 (Reply 7): Nice though that you visited during the 'Uitmarkt' which was the festival/event you saw at the Musuemsqaure. It's the start of the theater season, where a lot of productions play scenes for promotions.
It was interesting to walk round and see all the exhibits. Glad I now know what it was all about.
Quoting roberts87 (Reply 7): I often check the OLCI system again to make sure I can have an empty seat next to me, if possible!
True, but in the case of my return flight it was completely full, so wouldn't of made much difference. My outbound flight was pretty empty online but was around 90% full onboard - i guess a lot of people checked in at the airport for that one.
Quoting palmjet (Reply 8): Sorry to read about the delays at LHR - the weather looked horrific though.
Well I wasn't too worried as the hotel was within walking distance at Amsterdam so no worries about onward connections. My only concern came when the captain appeared at the front of the cabin and started making an announcement I couldn't understand - you don't normally see a member of the flight crew make an announcement in that way unless its serious. I was worried the flight had been cancelled at that point and it would make my stay even shorter than it already was.
Quoting palmjet (Reply 8): It was pretty much the same up in MAN that afternoon too!
Yeah, I saw the pic you took of the EK 777 taking off!
Quoting palmjet (Reply 8): Liked the look of your hotel in AMS - very funky and very convenient too.
Definitely one of the better ones I've stayed in. The free wifi and movies were an added bonus.
Quoting palmjet (Reply 8): Even though you had heavy rain - you seemed to get around OK.
After the initial soaking, I kind of gave up trying to stay dry! Couldn't believe the speed it came down at - started spitting, thought i'd better get my camera in my bag just incase and by the time i'd done my bag up it was hammering down.
So BA didn't have any attractive fares on the route?
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): This was due to the fact I could catch the F70 and a next generation 737 - both new types for me.
While the Fokker 70 is a rare catch, I'm very surprised you hadn't flown the B737NG yet since it's basically THE Ford Fiesta of the skies, haha
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): Once at Terminal 4, as expected, it had changed beyond all recognition from what I remembered.
Wow must say it looks really nice, can't wait to pass through there in September.
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): When I reached my seat, I was immediately asked by the guy sat opposite if I wanted to swap... Erm no sorry, I want the window.
Yeah I hate when that happens, it's good to be strict, and really why don't people chose a window seat in the first place...
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): It was very futuristic! Self serve check in presented me with a key and a receipt letting me know my room number.
Room looks fantastic, should really try this place out myself. And funnily enough the room key looks like a FFP luggage tag
Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 1): I think SkyTeam have the best looking logojets.
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 14 Reply 12, posted (8 months 3 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 3731 times:
Interesting report James...I was in London that Saturday...man, it bucketed down! I was glad to be dry inside.
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): Although, he followed up by saying that luckily the crew of the F70 that had just arrived next to us would be taking over this flight shortly.
That was lucky
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): Oh well, guess there's nothing that can be done except wait. Much like Gabriel did on his way back from Glasgow. Although unlike Gabriel's trip back from Glasgow, the cabin crew were nowhere to be seen, which was a little annoying as I was getting quite thirsty.
Yes, I was lucky to be on an empty plane, with good crew who were happy to dole out the G&Ts!
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): The Dutch first officer confirmed this a couple of minutes later and confirmed we would be landing on the Polderbaan in around 15 minutes.
Another slap in the face! I think the Polderbaan should be banned for short flights...the taxi just adds so much time. How can LHR run a lot more flights from 2 runways, whilst AMS 'needs' to send people out to a fifth runway so far away?
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): And the room itself, although small, was certainly very different to anything I'd stayed in before!
Looks quite cool, but I am NOT a fan of bathrooms that want to be in the bedroom. A toilet/shower should be behind a lockable door!
jwhite9185 From United Kingdom, joined May 2007, 714 posts, RR: 0 Reply 13, posted (8 months 3 weeks 22 hours ago) and read 3600 times:
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 11): Really enjoyed your pictures, seems like the quality has improved!
Thanks Jonas, I'm finally learning how to master the camera!
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 11): So BA didn't have any attractive fares on the route?
They were around £140 i think, where as KLM were £125 for that weekend - at all the other times i think they were £150+. Although I would of paid the extra few pounds just to catch a rare Fokker rather than a pretty common A32x that BA operate.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 11): I'm very surprised you hadn't flown the B737NG yet since it's basically THE Ford Fiesta of the skies
Well most of my flying up until this year has been longhaul and the few short hops I've done previously have been on either BA or BD, which operate the A32x series.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 11): Wow must say it looks really nice, can't wait to pass through there in September.
It wasn't bad, although its not the biggest terminal. Therefore it had a bit of a crowded feel to it. Amazing to think that just a few years ago BA had the bulk of its operations based there.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 11): why don't people chose a window seat in the first place...
I did wonder that myself actually, but then i figured that by the time he checked in there might not have been any left.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 11): And funnily enough the room key looks like a FFP luggage tag
Funny you should mention that:
They did have straps to attach them to a bag at check in too.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 11): Hmm doesn't look substantial nor healthy, I'm sure there are better places for lunch in Amsterdam.
Maybe, but I was wet, been walking for a good few hours and hungry so it did the job nicely!
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 12): How can LHR run a lot more flights from 2 runways, whilst AMS 'needs' to send people out to a fifth runway so far away?
I thought it was more strange that when we were leaving, we were parked up at gate D10, 18L was being used for departures - so probably a 5 minute taxi - yet we got sent out to the Polderbaan. Wasn't too fussed though as it meant longer on the plane!
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 12): Another slap in the face! I think the Polderbaan should be banned for short flights...
I was just happy to be there at that point, after the flight coming very close to being cancelled.
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 12): Looks quite cool, but I am NOT a fan of bathrooms that want to be in the bedroom. A toilet/shower should be behind a lockable door!
True but at least i was by myself so no big issue.
I stayed at a 'hotel' in Wales last year that actually turned out to be the hotel owners spare room - complete with his wife's clothing in the wardrobe and shoes under the bed! Had to use the family bathroom and that didn't have a lock on the door. I woke up very early, did the absolute bare minimum in there then let myself out of the house! Fair enough if your couch surfing and you're expecting staying in somebody's house but when you book a hotel it comes as a bit of a shock!
lukeyboy95 From Papua New Guinea, joined Apr 2008, 951 posts, RR: 35 Reply 14, posted (8 months 3 weeks 16 hours ago) and read 3506 times:
Well James - if there was a prize for the most amount of screenshots in a report! ...
That was a great report and you turned a very small sector into an entertaining account. Many thanks for putting the time in.
National Express seem to charge real premiums for going to the airports. Annoying. However it did look like a very nice coach.
Value of 'flying' to AMS slightly diminished with all these delays but I guess it was out of their hands. The offering seems to get simpler and simpler on klm feeder services. The snacks that you get are fair... but no beer!?
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): This version was better – less tourists climbing on it…
haha... animals. It is amazing these things become icons.
Thanks James and looking forward to the next report.
jwhite9185 From United Kingdom, joined May 2007, 714 posts, RR: 0 Reply 16, posted (8 months 3 weeks ago) and read 3332 times:
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 14): if there was a prize for the most amount of screenshots in a report! ...
Haha - I like to write the introduction to my reports pretty much as I'm booking the flights so seems logical to include them too - guess you could say i really like to cover the trip from start to finish.
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 14): That was a great report and you turned a very small sector into an entertaining account. Many thanks for putting the time in.
No problem!
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 14): National Express seem to charge real premiums for going to the airports. Annoying. However it did look like a very nice coach.
It was definitely better than the usual bangers on that route! Be interesting to see weather the better ones stick around or they were just filling in for the usual fleet.
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 14): The snacks that you get are fair... but no beer!?
Not on the outbound but there could of been on the return flight? I'm not a huge drinker so didn't really pay much attention.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 15): The weather seemed quite a troublemaker that evening getting out of LHR.
Yeah it was - not known an airport be closed just for rain before. Had a similar experience in MCO a few years back, but there was lightening around then so all the ground workers had to go indoors for safety reasons. I don't remember it having any bearing on the inbound flights though.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 15): Such a small one compared to all that heavy longhaul stuff around.
Probably the smallest next to bmi regional's E145's
Quoting sultanils (Reply 15): Same here. I always stay seated as the last pax.
Seems like everybody wants to be first on and first off.
deltamartin From Sweden, joined Dec 2010, 1059 posts, RR: 9 Reply 18, posted (8 months 2 weeks 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 3135 times:
Hi James!
Great report! Glad to see that KLM didn't disappoint. Nice to get the F70, I should try to log another Fokker before they are gone from European skies.
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): Must admit I like the way you can change your seat as many times as you want whilst online check in is open, so if you get an unwanted seat mate, you can move elsewhere!
Kinda cool, too bad about the issue with it running out of power though.
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): All 5 of the crew were quicker at getting going compared to last night, and they began with handing out landing cards
Indeed, feels quite weird within Europe. I was rather confused the first time I noted SK doing it.
Quoting deltamartin (Reply 18): Kinda cool, too bad about the issue with it running out of power though.
Yeah, plus it needed resetting after it charged too as it couldn't connect to the room again - luckily all it involved was a call to reception and holding down a combination of keys.
Sponsor Message: 
From United Kingdom, joined May 2007, 714 posts, 
From Netherlands, joined Feb 2011, 774 posts, 
From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24875 posts, 
From Belgium, joined Oct 2010, 2202 posts, 
From Sweden, joined Aug 2007, 1672 posts, 
From Papua New Guinea, joined Apr 2008, 951 posts, 
Sultanils
From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6183 posts, 
Sponsor Message: 
Printer friendly format
