adamspotter From Netherlands, joined Feb 2011, 782 posts, RR: 2 Posted (4 months 3 days 1 hour ago) and read 10710 times:
Introduction
During the summer of 2012 KLM had a special promotion on their Facebook page. It showed 3 different destinations (Chicago, New York and I honestly forgot the last one) provided with a price and a link under each city. The idea was to pick your favorite city and click on the link under it. By clicking on the link the price would go down. This promotion would end 24 hours later.
In the end there were 2 great deals to Chicago and New York. I chose for Chicago as it had been a while since I have visited there. During booking there still were a lot of different dates available so in the end I booked a fantastic deal leaving on the 9th of November and coming back the 12th of November.
For the outbound the only option was KLMs daily direct flight on one of their 747s. For the inbound I was however given many different options. Being a true a.netter I didn’t go for the direct flight back, instead I chose one of the other options.
Instead of staying in Chicago for a little over 3 days I booked several different other flights and came up with this final itinerary (thanks to the Great Circle Mapper!):
This report will be split into 6 different parts:
Part 1: AMS-ORD
Part 2: MDW-BNA-HOU
Part 3: IAH-SFO LAX-IAH
Part 4: SFO-LAX
Part 5: IAH-CLT-ORD
Part 6: ORD-ATL-AMS
I will cover/explain the planning and booking of these flights in each designated part.
So now let’s get started with part 1 covering my AMS-ORD flight on KLM. I hope you enjoy!
Map
The map, thanks once again to the Great Circle Mapper!:
Now I see some of you are thinking: Wait wasn’t this report going to cover a MD-11 flight? Yes don’t worry..
The good news came about 1 week before this trip. While I was checking the seat map I realized I had got assigned a different seat. After investigating it I found out there had been an equipment change from the usual 747 to the MD-11, brilliant!!
As all of you know KLM are slowly phasing out their remaining MD-11s so I was very happy to be able to catch one last flight on one of them. I’m sure there will be more reports on this great aircraft before they are all phased out but here are a few great reports which have already been posted by users William (knightsofmalta) and Alex (dc9northwest):
As I still had a free night left at the Citizen M hotel near Schiphol (which I had won on some promotion a while back) I decided to make use of it and head towards the airport the day before and spend the night at the hotel.
After packing my bag and getting some final preparations done I was all ready to go in the afternoon. I bid my father farewell and headed towards the Amsterdam Lelylaan train station. From there I took the usual 5-10 min train ride down to Schiphol airport.
The airport was quite busy at this time of the day and a short 5 minute walk followed to the Citizen M hotel. I have stayed at this hotel before and I must say it is a fun and enjoyable place to stay at.
Once entering the hotel I approached one of the many machines to check myself in.
I was hoping to get a room on one of the top floors as you can get some nice ramp views from there but unfortunately the machine showed me a room on the 1st floor, and no way of changing it.
After activating my room card I took the elevator up 1 floor and headed straight to my room:
After getting settled in and watching some TV I headed back to the airport to eat some pizza and exchange some Euros into Dollars.
With that all taken care of I headed back to the hotel to watch some more TV and make use of the free provided WIFI. I was very excited about this trip and was hoping to get some sleep, which I mostly have trouble with the night before a trip…
Friday November 9
My alarm clock goes off at 09:00 after a solid 7 hours of sleep. Feeling very excited I get my usual morning rituals done, gather my belongings and head back downstairs to check out.
I checked out using another one of the self service machines and head outside. A 5 minute walk followed back into the terminal building.
Check-In
Instead of using one of the SSKs at my designated check-in area I decided to use one of the many SSKs that are also located on the ground floor as there was no line there. I had checked in online the day before so all I needed to do now was print my BP. After swapping my FFC the machine successfully spit out my BP and I headed upstairs to drop my bag off.
Once arriving at the designated check-in row I joined the line and my bag was tagged to Chicago by a friendly agent. This all only took about 10 minutes.
Next stop was passport control, which only took 1 minute, as I used one of the self service machines.
With a little over an hour to go until official boarding time, I decided to wander around and get some spotting done. Nothing “special” around today just the regular visitors:
Dedicated to Markus (Flieger67) and Suryo (Akhmad):
AMS already had their Christmas lights out in early November:
I headed back to my gate and everything looks good so far on the FID:
For the remainder of the time I sat close to my gate connecting to the 2 x 30 minutes free WIFI and waiting for my aircraft to arrive.
Sure enough after 15 minutes this beauty was towed to the gate:
PH-KCE will be doing the honors on this flight. A 18 year old MD-11 delivered to KLM on 18/11/1994. Still going strong and a true a.net aircraft!:
I could look at you all day!:
Boarding
BP for this flight:
At 12:00, 20 minutes after boarding time, I headed towards the gate to clear security. Once arriving there, there was a short but slowly moving line so I joined it. There seem to be a lot of connecting pax on this flight as I saw a lot of Alitalia branded BPs.
After about 15 minutes I reached the passport check where I was let through without any problems. There was a gentleman in the other line who had a problem with his ESTA and had to wait until everybody was through. He did make the flight though as I saw him board right before the doors were closed.
Next stop was security, which I cleared without any problems by using the nude-o-scope. As I saw that boarding was already well underway I took one last picture of the beauty before getting my BP scanned and joining the line towards the jetway. There were no extra security questions this time.
Before entering the jetway there was a male FA welcoming everybody onboard and wishing us a pleasant flight. I had a short and nice chat with him before heading into the jetway..
Once entering the aircraft I was greeted/welcomed on board by 2 friendly female FAs and directed to use the second aisle.
The crew on this flight was a mix of different ages, all female except for the one male FA. They can best be described as fan-tas-tic! Full with smiles, very attentive and helping each passenger going the extra mile. Had many nice conversations with them and I even sent a compliment to KLM about them all. Something I usually never do!
Anyway, once arriving at my seat (32J) I put my belongings in the overhead bin and got settled in:
Legroom was good:
My PTV was showing different clips of the Dutch landscape and landmarks:
Why thank you!:
The doors were closed and the female Purser came on the PA with a very nice and long welcome introducing herself and the other crew by name, always a nice touch!
After that the female FO came on the PA with another nice and warm welcome on board. She also mentioned that this is a MD-11 instead of the scheduled 747 and sounded just as excited as I was!
Announced flying time was 8 hours and 30 minutes and flight load was about 85% with the seat next to me empty and the aisle occupied by a man from Egypt who barely said anything throughout the whole flight.
Pushback commenced at 12:46, 6 minutes behind schedule:
US 757s usually park at the G pier:
Meanwhile the safety demonstration was being played:
adamspotter From Netherlands, joined Feb 2011, 782 posts, RR: 2 Reply 1, posted (4 months 3 days 1 hour ago) and read 10784 times:
Take Off
After waiting for a couple of aircraft ahead of us we turned onto runway 24 and started take-off roll at 13:00, 20 minutes behind schedule:
Rotate!:
Making a slight right turn towards the North Sea:
Through the clouds:
Like always, much better weather up here:
Seatpocket Contents
While my PTV was showing an instruction video:
I decided to check the seatpocket contents. First of all the Holland Herald magazine Think issue:
Safety card:
Remote control which worked just fine:
With that all taken care of I decided to explore the IFE system. Overall it is quite OK, nothing all to special but it kept me entertained throughout the whole flight while (of course) regularly peeking outside at that beautiful wing:
I decided to watch an old classic, Dumb and Dumber:
Within the first hour the crew came around offering a snack and beverage. I got a pack of “delicious bites” with a Sprite:
Right after that the crew came around with some piping hot towels:
After 1,5 hours of flying the crew came around with the meal service. Once they reached my row both options were still available: beef or fish. I chose the former and got handed this tray:
The main course consisted of red cabbage, little meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy. It tasted delicious, probably one of the best airplane meals I have had in Y!:
The salad with pieces of pumpkin and potato salad on the bottom also tasted good:
And not to forget this delicious dessert!:
All gone, what a great meal!:
By now we were under Iceland with 6 hours 33 minutes to go at FL320:
The next movie I watched was Intouchables, a movie I have heard many good things about. After watching it I definitely recommend it to anybody who hasn’t seen it:
Meanwhile the crew came around offering coffee or tea, I went for a nice cup of coffee:
Getting close to Greenland I was ready for some spectacular views:
But unfortunately clouds covered all of Greenland so no views today:
Progressing nicely with 3 hours 55 minutes to go at FL330 now and Canada in sight!:
My view throughout most of the flight, just clouds:
Over the Labrador Sea:
After finishing Intouchables I decided to check out the TV shows. Of course I started off with Friends:
The crew regularly came around the cabin offering water, OJ and apple juice. 5 hours into flight they also came around with some delicious ice cream:
Time for the next series, two and a half men:
Only 3 hours to go now at FL360 and above Canada:
After finishing the series I decided to get up and explore the cabin a bit:
The lavatory was still in excellent condition:
After visiting the lavatory I asked one of the female FAs sitting in the back galley if she had any problems with me taking some pictures. After getting her approval (“Sure take as many pictures as you want”) I clicked away:
Snacks and drinks were also available in the back:
After snapping all the pictures I stood in de back galley for the next hour having many conversations with the different crew members. We talked about all sorts of stuff. Most of them loved working in the 777 and how much they would love to fly the Dreamliner when KLM gets them. After explaining to them that I was heading to the US just to fly around they reacted very excited and thought it was cool I had such a hobby (It beats hearing: You’re crazy!).
Anyway as they started preparing the snack service I headed back to my seat.
Just 1 hour 49 minutes to go:
With just 1,5 hour to go until landing the crew came around offering the final snack service. The choices were something sweet or a pizza. I opted for the latter, together with that I got a Sprite:
adamspotter From Netherlands, joined Feb 2011, 782 posts, RR: 2 Reply 2, posted (4 months 3 days 1 hour ago) and read 10749 times:
It tasted better than it looks:
With 50 minutes of flying time remaining the flight deck came on the PA announcing we would slowly start our descent towards ORD, hoping we had a good flight and thanking us for choosing KLM:
Gotta love these big windows!:
Quite some ice had developed on one of my windows:
Getting closer and closer to the clouds:
Through the clouds:
Over Lake Michigan:
Landing
On final approach to what I believe was 22R:
And touchdown at 14:22, 8 minutes ahead of schedule:
We exited 22R and taxied to our gate:
Passing UA territory:
Good old Lufty is already here:
Following the little ones:
Crossing over the I-190:
2 airlines I will be trying out very, very soon:
And in our final parking position at 14:33, 3 minutes behind schedule:
Close-up winglet shot dedicated to Martin (deltamartin):
The seatbelt sign dinged off and the plane gradually emptied. I gathered my belongings and made my way towards the exit. Most of the crew were at the exit joyfully thanking everybody and saying goodbye. I thanked them very much for this great flight and they all wished me lots of fun flying around.
Next stop was immigration, my ESTA was still valid from my vacation last summer and I had filled the customs form out in the plane. There was a long line at the non US citizens area filled with Spanish people as the Iberia flight from MAD had just arrived before us. Luckily enough an officer said I could use the US Citizens line as there was barely anybody there.
A 10 minute wait followed until it was my turn. After answering a couple of questions I was let through. Wow that was easy, or so I thought..
Once arriving at the baggage claim area my bag was already on the belt. After collecting it I headed towards customs. Another long line at customs and once it was my turn I was asked to go to a separate area. There I got interrogated and all my bags were thoroughly checked. I have to say the officer that interrogated me was very friendly and we even had a laugh every now and then.
With that all done I headed towards the exit where fellow a.netter Leo (LFutia) was kind enough to pick me up. We exchanged greetings and headed towards his car.
Holiday Inn Chicago Midway
After a quick stop at Target where I bought some stuff for my family we decided to head to my hotel first. As my flight the next morning was to depart from Chicago Midway I booked a room at the Holiday Inn Chicago Midway Airport.
Of course this being Chicago the traffic was pretty bad so after about a 45 minute drive we arrived at my hotel:
After a short interaction with the friendly receptionist, I got my room key and took the elevator up to my room:
After dropping my belongings off and freshening a bit up we headed back outside. We decided to leave the car here and walk over to Midway airport to take the metro to the city. Luckily enough it wasn’t that cold today. On the way to the airport we passed by Giordanos, famous for its stuffed pizza:
See you tomorrow!:
We had quite some trouble finding a way to cross the road and get to the airport. But after a lot of walking around we found a way and headed inside the terminal. From there we headed to the metro to take the Orange line to the loop. Leo was kind enough to help me out with my ticket, thanks man!
Chicago
A 30 minute metro ride followed and we got off at Adams/Wabash:
First stop was Millenium Park having lots of nice aviation/non aviation wise conversations on the way:
Next stop was the Sears tower (Yes I know it is called Willis tower nowadays):
adamspotter From Netherlands, joined Feb 2011, 782 posts, RR: 2 Reply 3, posted (4 months 3 days ago) and read 10715 times:
Now it was time to get something to eat. The idea was to have some delicious stuffed pizza but every pizza place was filled to the brim and had a long waiting list. As the jetlag was really starting to hit me and I was getting very hungry we decided to head back to the hotel and have a bite to eat there.
The same ritual as a couple hours before happened, taking the orange line back to Midway airport. We had the same trouble as before trying to cross the street and even had to trespass a bit to get there, oh well.
In the end we arrived at my hotel area where we had a bite to eat at TGI Fridays which is situated there. I made the waitress’ day being from Amsterdam as she couldn’t believe it in the first place and thought it was very cool. After having a nice bite to eat the jetlag was really starting to kick in so we walked back to my hotel. From there I said goodbye to Leo who drove back home and headed up to my room. After a quick shower and a brush to the teeth I laid in bed and fell asleep immediately.
Conclusion
First of all I would like to dedicate this report to Alex (Dc9northwest) who took this very same plane not too long ago and William (Knightsofmalta) a fellow big fan of KLM and the MD-11! Hope you guys accept and enjoy it!
Second of all a very big thank you to Leo (LFutia) for picking me up and keeping me company throughout the evening. I had a blast, thank you very much my friend!
Then the flight, well what shall I say… This was by far the best flight I had in 2012. Everything was perfect: the plane, the food, the crew! A special thanks to the crew (who said they will be looking out for this report) for this fantastic flight.
This is probably the luckiest aircraft change one can get and a perfect chance to catch this beautiful tri-holer before they are phased out. I would say this will be my last flight on the MD-11, but as it will be a couple of years before all of them are phased out I just might book myself on one final MD-11 flight, what a great aircraft!
This will conclude part 1 of my USA trip. It was such a joy and very exciting to write this report so I hope you all enjoyed it!
Feel free to leave a comment and ask a question, I would really appreciate that.
Look out for part 2 in a couple of weeks as I am off on another USA adventure in 2 days.
Thanks again and take care,
Amsterdamspotter or Brendan Berkhout as known on Facebook.
LFutia From Netherlands, joined Dec 2002, 3195 posts, RR: 31 Reply 5, posted (4 months 2 days 23 hours ago) and read 10389 times:
Brendan,
Wat een mooi verslag! So cool to see you got the MD-11! I'm so glad I requested the day off and was able to hang out with you. You were pretty lucky and flew in on a day that was warm. Looking at your pictures you didn't arrive on 22R as you would of passed T5 on final but you flew our the very same Target that I took you to, where we saw a United 767 fly over us!
I definitely had an awesome time meeting you and taking you everywhere in my city! Besides who walks from a hotel to anairport just to take a train? 2 crazy a.netters! Downtown was really cool at night and I wish we had more time but hey there is always next time.
You are very welcome my friend! Come back soon and hey maybe this time we can finally get a picture together!
Tot volgende keer en vriendelijk groeten,
Leo/ORD
Leo/ORD -- Groetjes uit de VS! -- Heeft u laatst nog met KLM gevlogen?
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6191 posts, RR: 79 Reply 6, posted (4 months 2 days 23 hours ago) and read 10280 times:
Hi Brendan,
great report about your MD-11 farewell flight! You also included very nice pictures from Chicago!
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): The good news came about 1 week before this trip. While I was checking the seat map I realized I had got assigned a different seat. After investigating it I found out there had been an equipment change from the usual 747 to the MD-11, brilliant!!
Well, I wouldn't have liked these news after already flying on KLM's MD-11...
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): PH-KCE will be doing the honors on this flight. A 18 year old MD-11 delivered to KLM on 18/11/1994. Still going strong and a true a.net aircraft!:
I flew on PH-KCE back in 2004, MSP-AMS. Was nice ride!
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): The SkyTeam livery is for sure one of my favorite liveries out there!:
Exactly my opinion.
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): The main course consisted of red cabbage, little meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy. It tasted delicious, probably one of the best airplane meals I have had in Y!:
Good to hear - the presentation is cheap, though.
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): Next stop was the Sears tower (Yes I know it is called Willis tower nowadays):
Quoting LFutia (Reply 5): Wat een mooi verslag! So cool to see you got the MD-11!
Thanks a lot man!
Quoting LFutia (Reply 5): I'm so glad I requested the day off and was able to hang out with you
That was a very good decision
Quoting LFutia (Reply 5): You were pretty lucky and flew in on a day that was warm
Indeed, it was much colder on Monday
Quoting LFutia (Reply 5): Looking at your pictures you didn't arrive on 22R as you would of passed T5 on final but you flew our the very same Target that I took you to, where we saw a United 767 fly over us!
I believe that runway with the target is 22R...
Quoting LFutia (Reply 5): I definitely had an awesome time meeting you and taking you everywhere in my city!
Indeed, it was a great but short time
Quoting LFutia (Reply 5): Besides who walks from a hotel to anairport just to take a train? 2 crazy a.netters!
Haha very true!
Quoting LFutia (Reply 5): Downtown was really cool at night and I wish we had more time but hey there is always next time.
Yes indeed, next time I will stay in Chicago for longer
Quoting LFutia (Reply 5): You are very welcome my friend! Come back soon and hey maybe this time we can finally get a picture together!
I sure will!
Quoting LFutia (Reply 5): Tot volgende keer en vriendelijk groeten
767747 From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 1750 posts, RR: 26 Reply 8, posted (4 months 2 days 18 hours ago) and read 9503 times:
Really good report on your trip to Chicago!
My wife and I flew back from Denmark in September 2011 from CPH on SAS, and your views of the gradual descent over Lake Michigan and into ORD, brought back memories.
Looks like KLM really offers a nice Y product - food looks really tasty, and plentiful for a flight of this length!
Hope you had a nice time in downtown Chicago - its my wife hometown, and we love being back there!
knightsofmalta From Malta, joined Nov 2005, 1415 posts, RR: 17 Reply 10, posted (4 months 2 days 9 hours ago) and read 8838 times:
Hi Brendan
Simply beautiful! I really enjoyed your report, so thanks for that.
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): Instead of staying in Chicago for a little over 3 days I booked several different other flights and came up with this final itinerary (thanks to the Great Circle Mapper!):
Blimey, that's actually quite a trek you've got planned there!
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): After investigating it I found out there had been an equipment change from the usual 747 to the MD-11, brilliant!!
Some guys just have all the luck. I nearly ended up flying on an MD-11 again quite by accident to Montreal yesterday, but the flight went tech and had to be cancelled. I was quite heartbroken.
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): As I still had a free night left at the Citizen M hotel near Schiphol (which I had won on some promotion a while back) I decided to make use of it and head towards the airport the day before and spend the night at the hotel.
I just love the CitizenM. They'e great hotels, although if you've got a large suitcase there's barely enough room to swing a cat.
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): I was hoping to get a room on one of the top floors as you can get some nice ramp views from there but unfortunately the machine showed me a room on the 1st floor, and no way of changing it.
Did you ask one of the staff? Very often they will change your room even though no availability is showing on the customer's screen.
Don't I just know the feeling...? Such elegant lines.
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): After that the female FO came on the PA with another nice and warm welcome on board. She also mentioned that this is a MD-11 instead of the scheduled 747 and sounded just as excited as I was!
Well obviously the woman has both style and taste in that case.
So cool. I mean honestly, how many widebodies are there out there that manage such a steep climb with payload?
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): Once they reached my row both options were still available: beef or fish. I chose the former and got handed this tray:
That looks just like the köttbollar meal you get at IKEA!
I'm looking forward to your next installments. In the meantime, thanks for a great report on this lovely aircraft.
sultanils From Belgium, joined Mar 2010, 1188 posts, RR: 29 Reply 11, posted (4 months 2 days 9 hours ago) and read 8772 times:
Hi Brendan,
Good stuff my friend and indeed, that was the aircraft change of a lifetime lol! I'm glad to see the KLM folks were perfect hosts. Good to see you catching up with Leo as well!
dc9northwest From Romania, joined Feb 2007, 1735 posts, RR: 4 Reply 12, posted (4 months 2 days 3 hours ago) and read 8295 times:
Hi there Brendan,
First of all thanks very much for the citation and the dedication!
I'm glad your flight on Audrey Hepburn went quite well, although it's not a surprise anymore, hehe. KL generally is the best Euro airline service-wise, at least in the air...
Shame about no views of Greenland, as that place is very, very scenic indeed.
Anyway, the MD-11, what can I say... they will be missed
Sorry I missed you that night in Chicago, but I'm glad we made up for it later!
Widebodyroga From United States of America, joined Sep 2008, 473 posts, RR: 4 Reply 13, posted (4 months 2 days 1 hour ago) and read 8147 times:
Hey Brendan,
Nice to finally read about your November descent to Chicago.
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): The good news came about 1 week before this trip. While I was checking the seat map I realized I had got assigned a different seat. After investigating it I found out there had been an equipment change from the usual 747 to the MD-11, brilliant!!
Hehe, I bet that was super exciting! It seems like KL uses the MD-11 to ORD every now and then. It's been a couple of times I've seen it overfly my apartment on approach to ORD.
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): As I still had a free night left at the Citizen M hotel near Schiphol (which I had won on some promotion a while back) I decided to make use of it and head towards the airport the day before and spend the night at the hotel.
I remember reading about this hotel in another report. I remember the funky shower...
Despite being a Chicagoan I had no idea that UA moved their HQs from the United Building to the Willis Tower. It shows you how much I follow the news...
Quoting adamspotter (Reply 3): The idea was to have some delicious stuffed pizza but every pizza place was filled to the brim and had a long waiting list.
That's the main downside about deep dish. It takes for ever to bake one, and you usually gotta wait in a long line (if you're downtown) before you can even order one.
Quoting adamspotter (Reply 3): We had the same trouble as before trying to cross the street and even had to trespass a bit to get there, oh well.
Areas around US airports are notoriously pedestrian un-friendly. It gets on my nerves sometimes.
Thanks for putting this together. Looking forward to the rest! I'm sorry I missed you while you were in town.
Widebodyroga
Visit my aviation page: http://widebodyroga.weebly.com/
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 14, posted (4 months 2 days ago) and read 8042 times:
Very nice report brendan...KL sounds great!
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): After investigating it I found out there had been an equipment change from the usual 747 to the MD-11, brilliant!!
Oooh, lucky you!
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): After 1,5 hours of flying the crew came around with the meal service. Once they reached my row both options were still available: beef or fish. I chose the former and got handed this tray:
Wel, the food looks nice, but I don't think much of the presentation....too much see through plastic makes it look very cheap
roberts87 From Netherlands, joined Dec 2011, 660 posts, RR: 0 Reply 15, posted (4 months 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 7865 times:
Great report as always Brendan!
Glad to hear you enjoyed the KLM flight. I must agree, KLM crews are amongst the friendliest in the skies. And a great treat to fly the MD-11, I am glad I was able to fly her on the short-lived AMS-MIA flight back in 2011. Great shots from Chicago too, a great city!
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): Instead of staying in Chicago for a little over 3 days I booked several different other flights and came up with this final itinerary (thanks to the Great Circle Mapper!):
That's a lot of flying in 3 days! I look forward to reading about it!
IrishAyes From United States of America, joined Jan 2008, 1731 posts, RR: 5 Reply 16, posted (4 months 14 hours ago) and read 6946 times:
Hi Brendan,
Beautiful TR. Loved every minute of reading it. I cannot believe you got to fly the MD-11 to Chicago, but I'm even more shocked that they made the switch. I absolutely adore KLM and reading MD-11 TRs. My goal this summer is to fly on one. I just saw one at SFO yesterday!!
That hotel you stayed at in AMS looked incredible. The meals on KLM are fantastic, glad to see they've changed up the menu since I last flew them in Y. The Pizza though is kinda crap :-/
Happy you had a good time in Chicago and took the time to explore. Reading Chicago TRs makes me very happy.
Keep up the great work and writing. Two thumbs way up
FlyFromMEL From Australia, joined Nov 2005, 31 posts, RR: 0 Reply 17, posted (4 months 12 hours ago) and read 6860 times:
Hello!
I really enjoyed your trip report. I always get excited when I look up trip reports featuring Amsterdam Schiphol because I am going there for the first time in May this year (and can't wait!)
Also since I'm from Australia I love reading trip reports about KLM because unfortunately those beautiful blue birds don't fly to my part of the world, and I've always wanted to travel on one of them! My family is from the Netherlands, but I was born here in Australia and May this year will be my first time to the 'mother country' (I still classify myself as a proud Dutchman although I've never been there!).
I will be flying Singapore Airlines from Melbourne, Australia to Singapore, then on to Amsterdam again with Singapore Airlines. I can't wait to see schiphol airport for real - it looks like a great airport. I stay in amsterdam for a few weeks before I will get my wish and be able to experience KLM royal Dutch airlines for myself when I take a short hop from amsterdam to Paris! A quick trip, but at least I will finally ride one of the blue birds - the national airline of my heritage!
Later on in my trip I will take another quick hop on KLM from London heathrow back to schiphol where I will rejoin singapore airlines for my flight back to Australia.
I was excited to see that you stayed at the Citizen M hotel - because I will be staying there too for one night on my way home! I hope I get a view of the Tarmac. I notice there does not seem to be any reception there and you check in via computer. Is that easy enough? Can you speak to anyone if you have any troubles?
Once again, it was great reading this trip report about flights that happen so far away from me. I look forward to going to your part of the world soon!
Also I love to hear about people like you that are so passionate about something you like ( in this case - aviation) and you make sure you enjoy life by doing the things you love! (Like this trip)! (I reckon your hobby is 'cool' as well!)
Here's to amsterdam, here's to holland, and here's to a great trip report!
infodesk From Switzerland, joined May 2006, 1242 posts, RR: 34 Reply 18, posted (4 months 2 hours ago) and read 6619 times:
Hi Brendan,
Thank you for this super introduction to your US trip. Not only did you get a good fare, but you also ended up on the MD-11, so it couldn't really get any better.
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): Instead of staying in Chicago for a little over 3 days I booked several different other flights and came up with this final itinerary (thanks to the Great Circle Mapper!):
Wow! That is a lot of flying in 3 days!
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): I was hoping to get a room on one of the top floors as you can get some nice ramp views from there but unfortunately the machine showed me a room on the 1st floor, and no way of changing it.
Shame about that, but then again as it was free I guess you can't complain. The room isn't to my taste though and I'm not sold on the strange shower & toilet set up.
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): The crew on this flight was a mix of different ages, all female except for the one male FA. They can best be described as fan-tas-tic! Full with smiles, very attentive and helping each passenger going the extra mile. Had many nice conversations with them and I even sent a compliment to KLM about them all. Something I usually never do!
Your experience mirrors mine with KLM so far: very friendly and attentive crews. I'm sure they really appreciated the feedback you sent in.
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): The main course consisted of red cabbage, little meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy. It tasted delicious, probably one of the best airplane meals I have had in Y!:
I must be the only one so far who actually thinks the food presentation is actually quite ok despite the plastic! You certainly didn't go hungry on the flight, the meals look good.
Thanks for the nice pictures of Chicago too!
Looking forward to flying with you in April,
Happy flying
Infodesk
"Do nothing in haste, look well to each step and from the beginning think what may be the end" - Edward Whymper
CaptainRed From Germany, joined Oct 2010, 578 posts, RR: 19 Reply 19, posted (3 months 4 weeks 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 6524 times:
Hey Brendan,
thanks for this very enjoyable report. Congrats of course to log an MD-11, certainly something special. Never been on one and probably never will, too bad that they will be out of service soon.
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter):
Instead of staying in Chicago for a little over 3 days I booked several different other flights and came up with this final itinerary (thanks to the Great Circle Mapper!):
Great itinerary, hope you will have at least a little time to visit some of these cities.
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): After activating my room card I took the elevator up 1 floor and headed straight to my room:
Interesting design here, small, but efficient it seems.
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): They can best be described as fan-tas-tic! Full with smiles, very attentive and helping each passenger going the extra mile.
That's great, that's how it should be. But also my opinion of KML crews, I only had a couple of short-haul cityhopper flights, but crews were also always really nice.
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6086 posts, RR: 56 Reply 20, posted (3 months 4 weeks 1 day 7 hours ago) and read 6138 times:
Hi Brendan!
Thanks for a great report with great pictures !
Glad that the aircraft change worked out the way you liked. I wouldn't have been so happy about it (I'm not a MD-11 fan at all, on the contrary).
Meals and crew seems really good on this flight and very nice that Leo met up with you to take you around.
Looking forward to the other upcoming reports in this series.
Too bad I couldn't make it to AMS a few days ago. I did make back home and even managed a new aircraft type, the 767-400/ER.
Take Care
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
flightsimboy From Canada, joined Sep 2005, 849 posts, RR: 4 Reply 21, posted (3 months 4 weeks 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 6084 times:
Hey Brendan,
Always enjoy your reports and this was no different....Same Brendan style and flow in other words simple and enjoyable!!
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): I booked a fantastic deal leaving on the 9th of November and coming back the 12th of November.
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): Instead of staying in Chicago for a little over 3 days I booked several different other flights and came up with this final itinerary (thanks to the Great Circle Mapper!):
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): Part 1: AMS-ORD
Part 2: MDW-BNA-HOU
Part 3: IAH-SFO LAX-IAH
Part 4: SFO-LAX
Part 5: IAH-CLT-ORD
Part 6: ORD-ATL-AMS
What!! You did all this in 3 days?
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): Now I see some of you are thinking: Wait wasn’t this report going to cover a MD-11 flight? Yes don’t worry..
The good news came about 1 week before this trip. While I was checking the seat map I realized I had got assigned a different seat. After investigating it I found out there had been an equipment change from the usual 747 to the MD-11, brilliant!!
Ooh, I got a seat change too for an upcoming flight and am very excited about it!!
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): I headed back to my gate and everything looks good so far on the FID:
What does that sign at the bottom mean....something to do with wireless devices?
She's such a beauty!! Those winglets are to die for!!
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): Before entering the jetway there was a male FA welcoming everybody onboard and wishing us a pleasant flight. I had a short and nice chat with him before heading into the jetway..
Never heard of an FA so much up front on the jetway?
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): The crew on this flight was a mix of different ages, all female except for the one male FA. They can best be described as fan-tas-tic! Full with smiles, very attentive and helping each passenger going the extra mile. Had many nice conversations with them and I even sent a compliment to KLM about them all. Something I usually never do!
Quoting adamspotter (Reply 3): the crew! A special thanks to the crew (who said they will be looking out for this report) for this fantastic flight.
Glad you were able to acknowledge them both before and after the flight. Sometimes the magic that begins at the start of a flight can be lost somewhere in between never to be seen at the end!
Love the shots that literally take you up the air and then back down again, as though one was experiencing it first hand lol
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): Once they reached my row both options were still available: beef or fish. I chose the former and got handed this tray:
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): The main course consisted of red cabbage, little meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy. It tasted delicious, probably one of the best airplane meals I have had in Y!:
I am not sure I totally approve of those narrow trays on KLM....seems like very portioned meals
adamspotter From Netherlands, joined Feb 2011, 782 posts, RR: 2 Reply 22, posted (3 months 4 weeks ago) and read 5698 times:
Nice to see more comments! Thanks a lot everyone, really appreciate it!!
Quoting 767747 (Reply 8): Really good report on your trip to Chicago!
Thanks Matthew, glad you liked it
Quoting 767747 (Reply 8): My wife and I flew back from Denmark in September 2011 from CPH on SAS, and your views of the gradual descent over Lake Michigan and into ORD, brought back memories.
Great to hear it brought back memories.. I actually caught a SAS airbus flying right next to us while descending into ORD a few days later..
Quoting 767747 (Reply 8): Looks like KLM really offers a nice Y product - food looks really tasty, and plentiful for a flight of this length!
Indeed!
Quoting 767747 (Reply 8): Hope you had a nice time in downtown Chicago - its my wife hometown, and we love being back there!
Everytime I am in downtown Chicago I always do enjoy it!
Indeed, not as crazy as the one I am starting now though..
Quoting knightsofmalta (Reply 10): Some guys just have all the luck. I nearly ended up flying on an MD-11 again quite by accident to Montreal yesterday, but the flight went tech and had to be cancelled. I was quite heartbroken.
Indeed Shame you missed out on it.. How did you eventually get to YUL?
Quoting knightsofmalta (Reply 10):
I just love the CitizenM. They'e great hotels, although if you've got a large suitcase there's barely enough room to swing a cat.
Indeed great hotels although a bit small!
Quoting knightsofmalta (Reply 10):
Did you ask one of the staff? Very often they will change your room even though no availability is showing on the customer's screen.
Quoting dc9northwest (Reply 12): First of all thanks very much for the citation and the dedication!
You're welcome, am glad you accept it
Quoting dc9northwest (Reply 12):
I'm glad your flight on Audrey Hepburn went quite well, although it's not a surprise anymore, hehe. KL generally is the best Euro airline service-wise, at least in the air...
Definetely agree with you there!
Quoting dc9northwest (Reply 12): Shame about no views of Greenland, as that place is very, very scenic indeed.
I barely get views of Greenland every time I fly over it unfortunately..
Quoting dc9northwest (Reply 12): Anyway, the MD-11, what can I say... they will be missed
Thats for sure!
Quoting dc9northwest (Reply 12): Sorry I missed you that night in Chicago, but I'm glad we made up for it later!
No problems, me too although it didn't all work out as planned either :d
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 13): Nice to finally read about your November descent to Chicago.
Thank you, had some busy months but am glad I finally got a report out again.. the backlog is HUGE
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 13):
Hehe, I bet that was super exciting! It seems like KL uses the MD-11 to ORD every now and then. It's been a couple of times I've seen it overfly my apartment on approach to ORD.
It sure was
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 13): I remember reading about this hotel in another report. I remember the funky shower...
It is for sure an "interesting" hotel, I think its great
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 13): Despite being a Chicagoan I had no idea that UA moved their HQs from the United Building to the Willis Tower. It shows you how much I follow the news...
Oh come on Stojan, where is your UA heart. I know you like them
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 13): That's the main downside about deep dish. It takes for ever to bake one, and you usually gotta wait in a long line (if you're downtown) before you can even order one.
Very true. I remember being at a Giordanos in downtown Chicago quite some years ago with my family. First we had to wait 1,5 hour to get a table and then another 1,5 hour for the pizza. It was well worth it though
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 13):
Areas around US airports are notoriously pedestrian un-friendly. It gets on my nerves sometimes.
I understand what you mean. although LAX is very pedestrian friendly I realized the other day having to run from 1 terminal to another to catch my flight..
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 13):
Thanks for putting this together. Looking forward to the rest! I'm sorry I missed you while you were in town.
Thanks for commenting! No problems, I'm sure there will be plenty of other oppurtunities to meet up in the future..
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 14): Wel, the food looks nice, but I don't think much of the presentation....too much see through plastic makes it look very cheap
I understand what you mean. The taste made up for it all
Quoting IrishAyes (Reply 16): Beautiful TR. Loved every minute of reading it.
Thank you very much for your kind words..
Quoting IrishAyes (Reply 16): I cannot believe you got to fly the MD-11 to Chicago, but I'm even more shocked that they made the switch. I absolutely adore KLM and reading MD-11 TRs.
Well what shall I say, I was very lucky
Quoting IrishAyes (Reply 16): My goal this summer is to fly on one. I just saw one at SFO yesterday!!
Well YUL isn't all too far away from Chicago
Quoting IrishAyes (Reply 16):
That hotel you stayed at in AMS looked incredible.
A great hotel!
Quoting IrishAyes (Reply 16): The meals on KLM are fantastic, glad to see they've changed up the menu since I last flew them in Y. The Pizza though is kinda crap :-/
The meals were indeed great. The pizza doesn't look appetizing at all but it actually tasted quite ok for a meal being served 6,5 hours into flight..
Quoting FlyFromMEL (Reply 17): I always get excited when I look up trip reports featuring Amsterdam Schiphol because I am going there for the first time in May this year (and can't wait!)
thats nice, I'm sure you will enjoy AMS
Quoting FlyFromMEL (Reply 17): My family is from the Netherlands, but I was born here in Australia and May this year will be my first time to the 'mother country' (I still classify myself as a proud Dutchman although I've never been there!).
As I always say.. Proud to be Dutch
Quoting FlyFromMEL (Reply 17): I will be flying Singapore Airlines from Melbourne, Australia to Singapore, then on to Amsterdam again with Singapore Airlines
I am sure you will enjoy Singapore Airlines!
Quoting FlyFromMEL (Reply 17): I can't wait to see schiphol airport for real - it looks like a great airport
Enjoy it! Its a fantastic airport
Quoting FlyFromMEL (Reply 17): I stay in amsterdam for a few weeks before I will get my wish and be able to experience KLM royal Dutch airlines for myself when I take a short hop from amsterdam to Paris! A quick trip, but at least I will finally ride one of the blue birds - the national airline of my heritage!
Enjoy KLM despite the short hop
Quoting FlyFromMEL (Reply 17):
Later on in my trip I will take another quick hop on KLM from London heathrow back to schiphol where I will rejoin singapore airlines for my flight back to Australia.
2 short hops on KLM, lucky you
Quoting FlyFromMEL (Reply 17): I was excited to see that you stayed at the Citizen M hotel - because I will be staying there too for one night on my way home!
Its a great hotel, I'm sure you will enjoy it!
Quoting FlyFromMEL (Reply 17): I notice there does not seem to be any reception there and you check in via computer. Is that easy enough? Can you speak to anyone if you have any troubles?
Check in is indeed done via computer but there are employees standing there to assist you if you have any problems
Quoting FlyFromMEL (Reply 17): Once again, it was great reading this trip report about flights that happen so far away from me. I look forward to going to your part of the world soon!
Thanks for commenting
Quoting FlyFromMEL (Reply 17): Also I love to hear about people like you that are so passionate about something you like ( in this case - aviation) and you make sure you enjoy life by doing the things you love! (Like this trip)! (I reckon your hobby is 'cool' as well!)
Thank you for these kind words, really appreciate it
Quoting FlyFromMEL (Reply 17): Here's to amsterdam, here's to holland, and here's to a great trip report!
Quoting infodesk (Reply 18): Thank you for this super introduction to your US trip.
You're welcome, am glad you enjoyed it
Quoting infodesk (Reply 18): Not only did you get a good fare, but you also ended up on the MD-11, so it couldn't really get any better.
Very true, double luck
Quoting infodesk (Reply 18): Wow! That is a lot of flying in 3 days!
Indeed, it was quite exhausting..
Quoting infodesk (Reply 18): Shame about that, but then again as it was free I guess you can't complain. The room isn't to my taste though and I'm not sold on the strange shower & toilet set up.
Thats true haha, yes it is for sure an "interesting" design.. You either like it or not
Quoting infodesk (Reply 18): Your experience mirrors mine with KLM so far: very friendly and attentive crews. I'm sure they really appreciated the feedback you sent in.
Yep, KLM are quite famous for their friendly crews
Quoting infodesk (Reply 18): Thanks for the nice pictures of Chicago too!
You're welcome, am glad you liked them
Quoting infodesk (Reply 18): Looking forward to flying with you in April,
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 19): Congrats of course to log an MD-11, certainly something special.
It sure is everytime I fly it
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 19): Never been on one and probably never will, too bad that they will be out of service soon.
Oh come on, how about a quick weekend trip to YUL
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 19): Great itinerary, hope you will have at least a little time to visit some of these cities.
I have seen all those cities many many times so had no need to visit them actually
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 19):
Interesting design here, small, but efficient it seems.
Exactly my opinion about it!
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 19): That's great, that's how it should be. But also my opinion of KML crews, I only had a couple of short-haul cityhopper flights, but crews were also always really nice.
KLM crews are definetely among one of the best out there
Quoting The777Man (Reply 20):
Thanks for a great report with great pictures !
Glad you liked them
Quoting The777Man (Reply 20): Meals and crew seems really good on this flight and very nice that Leo met up with you to take you around.
Indeed
Quoting The777Man (Reply 20): Too bad I couldn't make it to AMS a few days ago. I did make back home and even managed a new aircraft type, the 767-400/ER.
Yeah too bad, although your JFK flight was allready delayed by an hour when I left AMS the other day. Glad to hear you mananged to log a new aircraft type, always nice!
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 21): Always enjoy your reports and this was no different....Same Brendan style and flow in other words simple and enjoyable!!
MSS658 From Belgium, joined Oct 2010, 2212 posts, RR: 14 Reply 23, posted (3 months 3 weeks 5 days 9 hours ago) and read 5234 times:
Hello Brendan
Nice trip report, thanks for sharing it with us.
Great to see the equipment change like that, must have been a treat.
I flew the MD11 aswell back in 2010 from Amsterdam to Montreal. PH-KCH was the reg. Great flight.
KLM provided great service as usual.
Nice Chicago pics, on the list for 2014 for me as well.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24918 posts, RR: 60 Reply 24, posted (3 months 3 weeks 5 days 1 hour ago) and read 5054 times:
Great report Brendan and nice to see a good experience on KLMs MD11. Love that aircraft
Glad one of our local Anetters was able to meet you in Chicago. Always nice to do .
Looking forward to your next parts.
Regards
Philip
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
25 triple7man: I have only flown an MD-11 twice (SR and AA) and have never flown KLM, so your trip report was an excellent description of what to expect. It has been
26 jwhite9185: Another great read there Brendan - and lucky to catch the MD11 also. I had planned to catch one, but it looks like they'll all be gone by the time I g
27 adamspotter: Nice to see more comments, thanks guys! Hi Marc, Thank you, am glad you enjoyed it It sure was a big treat! Thank you, it sure is a great city Thanks
28 akhmad: Hoi hoi Brendan, It’s always a joy to read the story of a country mate flying our nationale trots! Everything was geared to make your journey as ple
29 FLIEGER67: Hoi, B., what a great read together with really good pictures. Especially Chicago at nigh looks like really interesting. Sure a good catch these MD 11
30 adamspotter: Thanks for the further comments! Hoi Suryo Thank you very much for your kind words Indeed, very nice! aah, I can understand that. You can get some nic
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