win1290 From Thailand, joined Jan 2012, 249 posts, RR: 2 Posted (8 months 3 weeks 3 days 7 hours ago) and read 8265 times:
Hello and welcome to the second part of my trip from Bangkok to Bristol via Amsterdam with KLM. This part will cover the return flights from Bristol to Amsterdam, some pictures taken during our visit to the Netherlands and the flight from Amsterdam to Bangkok. The first part of the trip can be found here: KLM's 777-200ER And F70: BKK-AMS-BRS, July 2012 (by win1290 Aug 26 2012 in Trip Reports)
The details of the flight:
Date: 18 July 2012
Airline: KLM
Flight: KL1050
Route: BRS-AMS
Class: Economy
Aircraft: Fokker 70
Registration: PH-JCH
We arrived at Bristol Airport around two hours before the flight, went directly to print our boarding passes from a self-service machine, and then to a shared AF/KL baggage drop off counter. There were two baggage drop off counters, one for Sky Priority and the other for Economy Class. Some pictures of the check-in area:
Security check was quite empty at this early morning, and we got through in more-or-less 5 minutes. Then we waited, until our boarding gate was announced. After which we headed straight to the gate.
After we got our boarding passes and passports checked, we were allowed to walk to our plane. Unfortunately due to the rain, I wasn’t able to take a good photo of the aircraft, sorry.
I reckoned the flight load today was around 75%.
Took off
The cabin
Legroom
Safety card
Then snacks were offered, biscuits, coffee and orange juice.
As the flight was quite a short one, the descent started pretty soon after the crew finishing the snack service.
Touched down
Into the parking position
My seat
Once inside the terminal, we went straight to a passport check, and there were some long queues, which took a around 15 minutes to clear. But we got to the baggage claim area, our bags were already on it.
Some photos taken during our visit in Holland. Unfortunately, the weather in Amsterdam was not great during our two-day visit, it was raining a lot and quite cold of the time of the year as well. But nonetheless we had a wonderful time during our stay, and the weather turned out to be perfect on the day that we were departing.
win1290 From Thailand, joined Jan 2012, 249 posts, RR: 2 Reply 1, posted (8 months 3 weeks 3 days 7 hours ago) and read 8251 times:
Here are the details of the return flight to Bangkok:
Date: 20 July 2012
Airline: KLM
Flight: KL875
Route: AMS-BKK
Class: Economy
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
Registration: PH-BVG
We arrived at Amsterdam Airport by taxi and when we entered the terminal, the check-in area was very busy. We went to use the self service machine to receive our boarding passes, and then joined the queue for the baggage drop off counters. It took nearly 30 minutes until we were served by a check-in agent, who was particularly strict with the baggage weight allowance. One of our bags was 1kg over the 23 kg allowance, and we were asked to remove some items in the bag, which we quickly did so, and putting some stuff into another checked bag. Then we headed to the passport check and there were no queue at all.
Some pictures of the departure area:
When we got to the gate, there was a very long line for security check, where everyone had to go to a body-scan xray. As there was only one line for this, there was sign saying that passengers who have Sky Priority can proceed at the front of the queue.
The aircraft that will take us to Bangkok
After waiting for a while, we realised that this was going to be a full flight as the gate area becomes very busy. Boarding call was made by seat row numbers and as our seats were more to the front of the Economy Class section, we were one of the last to board the plane.
KLM welcome screen
View of the cabin from my seat. Economy Class has a 3-4-3 configuration.
When everyone was seated, it was clear that the flight was full. There was a family of four (with one infant) seated in the row (of 3) in front of me. Unfortunately there weren’t any available seats with baby bassinet. I heard one person asking the crew whether this flight was full, and he replied that the flight was overbooked.
Pushed back
Took off
After reaching the cruising altitude, snacks and drinks were offered:
Then dinner was offered: a choice of chicken curry or spinach pasty. I chose the pasta, it was delicious!
Leg room
Safety card
After the meal service, the cabin light was dimmed. When trying to sleep, I discovered that my seat could not recline and it was in a locked upright position. However, I did still manage a good sleep. During this night flight, I also noticed that cabin crew came around a few times with drinks. Around one hour before breakfast was served, orange ice cream was offered.
Cabin light was turned on at around 2 hours before landing
Breakfast was served:
Cabin
Descending to BKK
Then we circled for a bit before coming in to land
Touched down
Business Class seat taken while disembarking the plane
The picture of our plane
As soon as we entered the terminal, it was a nice surprise to see that KLM ground team was handing out this welcome pack to everyone. This contains a local pay-as-you-go mobile sim card with 35 THB worth of credit.
Immigration took only 5 minutes to clear and we waited around 20 minutes for our baggage to arrive on the belt.
Overall, I had nice flights with KLM. I think KLM is a good and consistent airline, and I am particularly impressed with the cabin crew service, they are very efficient yet offering some personal services. As for the seats, I wouldn’t want to go on the 777-300ER with 10 abreast after the flight. The seat on the 777-300ER was quite uncomfortable for the long flight. Even though the 77W has a better inflight entertainment system, I would prefer to fly on the 777-200ER. I felt that the quality of the meal on the outbound flight was better than on the return flight. Having said that, the crew were amazing on all flights and they made the flight experience a good one.
This would conclude my report. Thank you for reading and I hope you had a nice read. As usual, all comments, questions and suggestions are very appreciated.
jwhite9185 From United Kingdom, joined May 2007, 719 posts, RR: 0 Reply 3, posted (8 months 3 weeks 3 days 6 hours ago) and read 8084 times:
Nice conclusion to your journey Win. Good to see a few pics of Amsterdam too - interesting to see how the Museum area looks without the festival there like it was on my trip!
Must agree with your conclusion with KLM too - admittedly i didn't have as long to sample them as you, but they didn't seem like a bad airline to me, and i wouldn't be against flying them longhaul.
That doesn't surprise me too much given all the feed traffic they enjoy. Many friends of mine fly from regional Scottish airports as klm offers the best deals.
The food and legroom both looked very good. Although I know I would have still been hungry after that portion.
airbuseric From Netherlands, joined Jan 2005, 4015 posts, RR: 52 Reply 5, posted (8 months 3 weeks 3 days 4 hours ago) and read 7825 times:
Hi Win!
really cool to see your KLM and Holland experience. Good to hear your enjoyed my country for the few days, I see you visited the 'Zaanse Schans' windmills, and Volendam judging from the pictures. Did you go independently or book an organized tour? Next time in AMS, let me know. We can manage to meet up and I'm willing to show you around a bit. Several a.netters got a tour already
First I thought this was at LPL, almost identical.
Quoting win1290 (Thread starter): -less 5 minutes. Then we waited, until our boarding gate was announced.
What's up with that IBZ bound Ryanair flight on the bottom of the screen?!
Quoting win1290 (Thread starter): Then snacks were offered, biscuits, coffee and orange juice.
Nice, new cups and bags in 'Blond Amsterdam' design.
Quoting win1290 (Thread starter): Some photos taken during our visit in Holland. Unfortunately, the weather in Amsterdam was not great during our two-day visit, it was raining a lot and quite cold of the time of the year as well. But nonetheless we had a wonderful time during our stay
You really seem to love that city. Have you visited other cities/areas in the Netherlands before too?
Quoting win1290 (Reply 1): We arrived at Amsterdam Airport by taxi
Ouch, what a rip off!
Quoting win1290 (Reply 1): The aircraft that will take us to Bangkok
Beautiful 77W!
Quoting win1290 (Reply 1): As soon as we entered the terminal, it was a nice surprise to see that KLM ground team was handing out this welcome pack to everyone. This contains a local pay-as-you-go mobile sim card with 35 THB worth of credit.
Nice gesture of KLM, never heard about such thing before. Really something which makes a change from the other airlines. I'm sure!
Quoting win1290 (Thread starter): I wouldn’t want to go on the 777-300ER with 10 abreast after the flight. The seat on the 777-300ER was quite uncomfortable for the long flight. Even though the 77W has a better inflight entertainment system, I would prefer to fly on the 777-200ER.
But the 772 have same 10-seats in a row and pitch afaik. There shouldn't be much difference these days. Or am I mistaken now... It has been a while since I last flew longhaul KLM though.
Regards
Eric
[Edited 2012-08-30 14:14:18]
"The whole world steps aside for the man who knows where he is going"
MSS658 From Belgium, joined Oct 2010, 2212 posts, RR: 14 Reply 7, posted (8 months 3 weeks 2 days 19 hours ago) and read 7203 times:
Hi Win
Nice return report as well. It was an interesting read
Spoken about the KL 77W I can only agree, would not want to be stuck on it for a long-haul flight on the 3-4-3 config.
win1290 From Thailand, joined Jan 2012, 249 posts, RR: 2 Reply 8, posted (8 months 3 weeks 2 days 8 hours ago) and read 6749 times:
Hello and thanks a lot for reading and for all the comments ,
Quoting theobcman (Reply 2):
Really enjoyable report - both reports ! KLM long haul is on my list although 10 across on 77W doesn't look great. Still want to try the product.
Thanks Win
Thanks theobcman, The 10 abreast on the 77W was the only downside of the trip, all other things were very good.
Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 3):
Nice conclusion to your journey Win. Good to see a few pics of Amsterdam too - interesting to see how the Museum area looks without the festival there like it was on my trip!
Thanks James, glad you liked it.
Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 3): Must agree with your conclusion with KLM too - admittedly i didn't have as long to sample them as you, but they didn't seem like a bad airline to me, and i wouldn't be against flying them longhaul.
This was my first time trying out KLM long haul products, and I was very happy.
A excellent account of klm. Many thanks. I have to say I was impressed overall at the offering.
Hi Luke! Thanks a lot for your comment.
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 4): Where no alcoholic beverages offered on your BRS-AMS run??
I didn't think so, cause the flight was in the morning, but on the evening flight from AMS-BRS, beer and wine were offered.
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 4): That doesn't surprise me too much given all the feed traffic they enjoy. Many friends of mine fly from regional Scottish airports as klm offers the best deals.
The food and legroom both looked very good. Although I know I would have still been hungry after that portion.
I agree that KLM do have some good offers from UK regional airports to KL's destinations worldwide, via AMS. In fact, my return trip BKK-AMS-BRS was actually cheaper than our usual TG direct BKK-LHR.
I find the food to be quite delicious.
really cool to see your KLM and Holland experience. Good to hear your enjoyed my country for the few days, I see you visited the 'Zaanse Schans' windmills, and Volendam judging from the pictures. Did you go independently or book an organized tour? Next time in AMS, let me know. We can manage to meet up and I'm willing to show you around a bit. Several a.netters got a tour already
Hi Eric!
Thank you for your comment! Yes we absolutely enjoyed our visit to Holland. You are right! We booked a country side tour which included a visit to the Zaanse Schans windmills, Volendam and Marken.
Sure, will let you know next time I am in AMS, it would be really great if we could meet up
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 5): What's up with that IBZ bound Ryanair flight on the bottom of the screen?!
Whenever a boarding information was made about any flights, the screen will show that flight in big letters. Quite interesting though, an announcement was made in multiple languages depending on the city of destination, i.e. Spanish-bound flight will get a English and Spain language boarding call, similarly the flight to Paris gets the English and French language boarding call.
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 5): Nice, new cups and bags in 'Blond Amsterdam' design.
I think it looks nice.
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 5): You really seem to love that city. Have you visited other cities/areas in the Netherlands before too?
Yep, we loved Holland. Though it was only my second trip to the country, the first was back in March. I haven't been other cities in Holland other than in AMS area and the ones we went to in our 'country side tour'.
Our hotel (Hilton Amsterdam) offers a flat rate taxi to AMS at 35EUR. But for four with lots of bags, we needed a bigger car and so the price was slightly higher, but still I think its not bad at all.
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 5): Nice gesture of KLM, never heard about such thing before. Really something which makes a change from the other airlines. I'm sure!
Yep, it was the first time I have seen an airline offering free sim card on arrival, it was a nice gesture indeed.
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 5): But the 772 have same 10-seats in a row and pitch afaik. There shouldn't be much difference these days. Or am I mistaken now... It has been a while since I last flew longhaul KLM though.
I think all the KLM's 777-200ER still have the 3-3-3 configuration. But certainly the one I had on the outbound had the 9 abreast in Economy which was definitely better than the 77W.
Quoting 767747 (Reply 6):
Great return portion of your trip; KLM looks awesome. Food looks really good for Y - I'm really impressed by the quality of their meals.
I don't think I'll ever get tired of their blue livery ; its so stylish and classy!
Best,
Matthew
Thanks Matthew, I did enjoy my first long haul with KLM, they have a good inflight/cabin service.
Yep, I agree, I don't think I will get tired of KL livery too
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6190 posts, RR: 79 Reply 9, posted (8 months 3 weeks 1 day 17 hours ago) and read 6470 times:
Hi Win,
another good report with nice pictures! Your experience on KL's 77W confirms my impression - I didn't like the seats at all on my short KUL-CGK hop. The meals look fine, it seems KL has improved. I'm not surprised to hear that you had a great crew - they have always been nice on my flights.
Knightsofmalta From Malta, joined Nov 2005, 1410 posts, RR: 17 Reply 10, posted (8 months 3 weeks 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 6392 times:
Hi Win
Thanks for the great report on one of my favourite airlines. It looks as though KLM treated you well on the way to BKK. I particularly like the pictures you took of the meal tray from the first service. Not only does it look like rather a substantial meal, the presentation in green look rather attractive I thought.
Quokkas From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 11, posted (8 months 3 weeks 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 6368 times:
Hi Win
Good to see your second part up. Also good to see that you didn't let the rain spoil your enjoyment in the Netherlands.
Quoting win1290 (Reply 1): One of our bags was 1kg over the 23 kg allowance, and we were asked to remove some items in the bag,
That is strict and it seems a bit pointless when your other bag was underweight. If you had been travelling in business you could have up to 32kg in one suitcase, so it isn't as if the bag was too heavy to lift. But I suppose "rules are rules."
Quoting win1290 (Thread starter): I discovered that my seat could not recline and it was in a locked upright position.
I bet that would have pleased the person sitting behind you, specially if they were watching a movie. But without any incline at all I am not surprised the long flight would have been uncomfortable.
Quoting win1290 (Thread starter): Having said that, the crew were amazing on all flights and they made the flight experience a good one.
And that is what can make or break a passenger's perception of an airline. Kudos to the KLM crew.
roberts87 From Netherlands, joined Dec 2011, 660 posts, RR: 0 Reply 13, posted (8 months 3 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 5989 times:
Nice to read your report! Glad to hear you enjoyed KL's service. I've never been disappointed by them, but I might be a bit biased Also nice that you took a stop-over in Amsterdam, hope you enjoyed that too. To bad about the weather though, summer in Holland can be so unpredictable.
another good report with nice pictures! Your experience on KL's 77W confirms my impression - I didn't like the seats at all on my short KUL-CGK hop. The meals look fine, it seems KL has improved. I'm not surprised to hear that you had a great crew - they have always been nice on my flights.
You also took nice pictures in Amsterdam!
PH
Hi PH,
Thank you for your comment. The seat was sure the worst aspect of the flight. I agree with you on the crew, they have been great on my previous flights too.
Thanks for the great report on one of my favourite airlines. It looks as though KLM treated you well on the way to BKK. I particularly like the pictures you took of the meal tray from the first service. Not only does it look like rather a substantial meal, the presentation in green look rather attractive I thought.
Thanks for posting!
Cheers,
William
Hi William,
Thank you for reading and for the comment. I am quite happy with my first long haul flight with KLM, it was great! The meal was also delicious.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 11):
Hi Win
Good to see your second part up. Also good to see that you didn't let the rain spoil your enjoyment in the Netherlands.
Hi Roy, Thank you, haha, nothing can stop me from me from having a good time travelling
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 11):
That is strict and it seems a bit pointless when your other bag was underweight. If you had been travelling in business you could have up to 32kg in one suitcase, so it isn't as if the bag was too heavy to lift. But I suppose "rules are rules."
I think the agent checked us in individually, so they didn't pool our bags in one go. Still, they should give more flexibility since the first bag that got weighted was around 15kg, but 'rules are rules'
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 11): I bet that would have pleased the person sitting behind you, specially if they were watching a movie. But without any incline at all I am not surprised the long flight would have been uncomfortable.
Haha, you are right, the person behind me would have been pleased. But I think its the width of the seats was also make it uncomfortable.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 11): And that is what can make or break a passenger's perception of an airline. Kudos to the KLM crew.
Quoting starrymarkb (Reply 12): Quoting airbuseric (Reply 5):
What's up with that IBZ bound Ryanair flight on the bottom of the screen?!
At Bristol the screens display the flight that is currently being announced over the PA in the lower section.
Thats right
Quoting roberts87 (Reply 13):
Nice to read your report! Glad to hear you enjoyed KL's service. I've never been disappointed by them, but I might be a bit biased Also nice that you took a stop-over in Amsterdam, hope you enjoyed that too. To bad about the weather though, summer in Holland can be so unpredictable.
Thanks Robert, haha, I agree with you. Even though I haven't had that many flights with them, I think they are good and consistent airline and great crews indeed.
Absolutely enjoyed our trip to Amsterdam. Although it was a little bit cold for a summer, but may be it sounds a little strange, but personally I quite like cold weather (may be thats because I live in a hot country most of the time).
adamspotter From Netherlands, joined Feb 2011, 776 posts, RR: 2 Reply 15, posted (8 months 3 weeks 6 hours ago) and read 5600 times:
Hi there Win,
Nice to see your return journey online.
Another nice report as usual.
Looks like you had some more enjoyable flights with KLM, glad you liked my home airline.
The 10 abreast is the bad feature on KLM 77Ws, a big reason why I wouldnt fly them.
Quoting win1290 (Thread starter): Some photos taken during our visit in Holland. Unfortunately, the weather in Amsterdam was not great during our two-day visit, it was raining a lot and quite cold of the time of the year as well. But nonetheless we had a wonderful time during our stay, and the weather turned out to be perfect on the day that we were departing.
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 16, posted (8 months 2 weeks 6 days ago) and read 5317 times:
Nice report Win...congratulations on graduating!
Quoting win1290 (Thread starter): the weather turned out to be perfect on the day that we were departing.
Always the way!
Quoting win1290 (Thread starter): View of the cabin from my seat. Economy Class has a 3-4-3 configuration.
Was it comfortable? I'm doing my first 3x4x3 777 next week on AZ
Quoting win1290 (Thread starter): Then dinner was offered: a choice of chicken curry or spinach pasty. I chose the pasta, it was delicious!
Looks good. I like the KL packaging
Quoting win1290 (Thread starter): As soon as we entered the terminal, it was a nice surprise to see that KLM ground team was handing out this welcome pack to everyone. This contains a local pay-as-you-go mobile sim card with 35 THB worth of credit.
Quoting adamspotter (Reply 15): Nice to see your return journey online.
Another nice report as usual.
Looks like you had some more enjoyable flights with KLM, glad you liked my home airline.
The 10 abreast is the bad feature on KLM 77Ws, a big reason why I wouldnt fly them.
Thanks! Absolutely, had a great flight with KLM.
The 10 abreast was the only downside, especially on a fully booked flight. But then its probably not as bad when the flight load was lighter.
Quoting adamspotter (Reply 15): Great pictures of my country despite the weather!
Thanks!
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 16): Nice report Win...congratulations on graduating!
Thanks Gabriel!
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 16): Was it comfortable? I'm doing my first 3x4x3 777 next week on AZ
I don't think its comfortable for a 10+ hours flight. Certainly a big difference from the outbound 3-3-3 configured 777-200ER. But then it could be that I had the seat next to be free on the outbound, and the flight was full on the return on 777-300ER.
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Also nice that you took a stop-over in Amsterdam, hope you enjoyed that too. To bad about the weather though, summer in Holland can be so unpredictable.
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