My Disappointing KLM Business Class Experience (Bad Luck?!)
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 13 май 2024
- Custom sounds to improve your life with Endel🎶 (100 viewers try for free): app.adjust.com/b8wxub6?campai...
------------------------------------
🎁WIN AN AMENITY KIT - Like my new Facebook page: / dantorpaviation
👬OSKAR AND DAN: / oskaranddan
📸FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM: / thenonstopdan
👕Merch: nonstopdan.com/merch
------------------------------------
Paid: $1150 one-way from Gothenburg to Dubai in Business Class
FAQ:
Info about me: nonstopdan.com/about/
Draw My Life: • Draw My Life - Nonstop...
Airline: KLM, KL
Aircraft: Boeing 777-200ER
Aircraft registration: PH-BQD
Flight date: February 5th, 2022
Route: Amsterdam - Kuwait City - Dubai
Flight numbers: KL497
Seat: 5A
Contact for general questions and business inquiries:
hi@nonstopdan.com
------------------------
Music:
share.epidemicsound.com/nqD7H
------------------------
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:25 Who Is Nonstop Dan?
00:55 Why I Went To Dubai
01:12 How Much I Paid
01:36 Itinerary to Dubai
02:28 Departure from Gothenburg
04:44 Airplane Sounds
05:20 Flight to Amsterdam
06:05 KLM Crowne Lounge (Business Lounge)
07:41 Things Start Going Wrong
08:50 Equipment Swap
09:24 KLM Problems
11:28 KLM Flight Delay
12:29 Boarding KLM
12:46 KLM 777-200 Business Class Cabin
13:11 KLM 777-200ER Seat Map
14:06 KLM Business Class Seat
14:33 KLM Amenity Kit
14:47 KLM Pre-Departure Service
15:03 KLM Business Class Menu
15:24 KLM 777 Business Class Seat Tour
16:06 Takeoff from Amsterdam
16:25 KLM Business Class Bed
16:52 KLM Business Class Lavatory/Bathroom
17:14 KLM Business Class Meal Service
18:31 Sunset Views & Impressions
19:20 KLM In-flight Entertainment System and WiFi
19:48 KLM Pre-Arrival Meal
20:24 KLM Delft Houses
20:53 Arrival & Layover in Kuwait City
22:32 KLM Business Class Service & Kuwait City - Dubai Flight
23:29 KLM Business Class Conclusion
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, legally Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij N.V. (literal translation: Royal Aviation Company, Inc.), is the flag carrier airline of the Netherlands. KLM is headquartered in Amstelveen, with its hub at nearby Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. It is part of the Air France-KLM group and a member of the SkyTeam airline alliance. Founded in 1919, KLM is the oldest operating airline in the world, and has 35,488 employees with a fleet of 110 (excluding subsidiaries) as of 2021. KLM operates scheduled passenger and cargo services to 145 destinations.
This video and its sound are protected by RUclips copyright, and any unapproved use in other videos will be reported.
Custom sounds to improve your life with Endel🎶 (100 viewers try for free): app.adjust.com/b8wxub6?campaign=nonstopdan_march&adgroup=youtube
Hi Dan, you mentioned signature KLM drink in BC. They have one it's called 'The Flying Dutchman' (it's alcohol based though) :)
Most horrible experience with food service on board for me: BA LGW to Lima a few years ago (pre-covid), I had pre-ordered a kosher meal in economy. The crew approached me towards the end of the boarding, saying they didn't have enough kosher meals because of a system error. They had presented (as is customary) their respective meals to a few men already, and mine (I'm a female) was the one lacking, of course! They were however offering me to choose a main course in the business class menu, which never came. To cut a long story short, they never brought me anything during the whole time people were being served their trays, finding excuses each time I tried to catch a crew's attention, and ended up collecting empty trays before anyone came to me with something to eat. I finally got a pasta dish, nearly thrown at me by the chief purser, that my friend, a BA crew from a different base on holiday with a confirmed ticket (not a crew standby ticket), recognized as crew meal that is not normally served to passengers. The crew avoided me the whole flight, and I got served something similar during the second service. Once back home, I wrote to BA and their first answer was that "their crew are always exemplary". I finally got some extra miles in compensation when I threatened to take the affair to the media.
Excuse me! You mention to have flown a thousand times with klm’s well served business class and you find klm to be the most comfortable airline of europe. Those are damn big compliments..... however.. your experience has been fastastic apparently as you said but one flight goes a bit against luck which can occur and you make an complete video how much it sucked?
Employers as technique aren’t holy saints. They do their best everyday and sometimes you got a day against all luck. It happens
It’s like you pay your friend for an entire month beer. And then one day you havent bought him that drink and then your friend is gonna gossip to everyone how such an terrible friend you are.
Be a bit more appreciative. Trust me, it suits everyone
Hey Dan, KLM will launch a brand new business class product in the second half of 2022 on the 777s. They’ve announced that it will install seats in a 1-2-1 configuration with closing doors. You’ll always have to have luck when it comes down to pre-ordered food, but the seat will finally be competitive with other airlines like Qatar and Virgin Atlantic.
I remembered i got so sick and my body was itching due to the seat not being cleaned on klm and my parents were so scared and the flight attendant kept going and getting hot towels
As disappointing as the flight was to you I love how you didn’t ever express your negative opinion to her so that she could still have a pleasant experience. That was the best part!!!
“Did I book a business diet class?” That had me in an asthmatic laughing fit 😂 😂
Same bruh 😂
Oooh I just picked my nose
Yea, you got that right. The want you to loose weight. Terrible that they served so little food.
I seriously doubt your experience was a one-time blunder. I don't know how any airline executive at KLM could watch your video and not be humiliated with their catering and their poor service. Airlines will only get better when videos like this get posted and they get exposed. Thank you for the honest reviews that you provide.
KLM and Lufthansa have signed an agreement with the UAE government to keep their service as crappy as possible so that everyone flies Emirates.
@Thijs is in the air the attitude of the cabin crew leaves alot to be desired
@@godisacorgi9835 then they must have also signed an agreement on African flights to give crazy and rode service
Would you rather have KLM fly a damaged plane? Planes have issues and the company would either choose a replacement or cancel the flight.
@Thijs is in the air okay okay i think they still have to own the business class compensation
I’m ex crew myself. I flew KLM several times, and all of the things you’re describing do really surprise me. Nevertheless, sometimes you het a bad crew, and often times a bad, lazy, or non motivated cabin service director heads the crew, and when this happens, it spills al the way down onto the rest of the crew. When you were waiting for half an hour for the right hand doors to be opened for the catering trucks, and the trucks were already there, it would not surprise me that the crew were performing their safety checks and security, which only 10 minutes tops, and then, perhaps they were having tea, while still waiting for some other crew who hadn’t arrived yet, probably still in the duty free shop !! Each time there is a change of aircraft, it’s a big mess. And the customer always pays the price
but the crew would be different right? changing from B787 to B777
@@fatdoi003 William, there are more then 10.000 cabincrew with KLM. So yes. But most of them fly on different types. Like many other airlines do the same.
True story
@@fatdoi003 No they wouldn't necessarily be, it depends on the airlines, too, but normally long-haul crew are trained to work on both these aircrafts these days. The crew will be changed if the delay implies overtime.
I’m sorry, *hadn’t arrived yet*!? When I was flying I would receive 10 lashes, offloaded and then pay a fee
I’m an American living in Amsterdam and, thanks to a lot of business travel, have Platinum status on KLM. With business travel picking up again I was SHOCKED at the downgrade in cabin service, especially in catering, on a long haul (AMS-ATL) flight a few weeks ago.
It’s clearly a cost saving measure, and I was flying economy, but with this video it’s clear that no class was spared.
Better delta next time
To play devils advocate:
-cabin crew has no say or part of catering. It’s a whole separate department that is organized by operations. Sometimes the catering can be delayed from doing another flight or traffic ( as catering does not come from the airport but offsite and has to clear security). There’s a lot of factors as to why it can be late
-aircrafts are usually warm on the ground. The cooling system is from the aircrafts apu or ground air. The AC doesn’t really become working until the engines are on.
-they totally lied about not having more food options lol but the rule is service the customers first and then you can eat the leftovers, not the other way around
Exactly.
Crew don't eat leftovers, they have their own crew meals. It's totally possible that the crew meals were similar to what his mummy wanted to eat after changing her mind - too bad that KLM doesn't over-cater its flights in case someone changes their mind, particularly when they have pre-booked a meal!
Old flight attendant here. Crews absolutely eat leftover meals. So yes this happens. Although we never not offered a paying customer a meal switch if it was available just so we could eat what was left but yes crews definitely eat leftovers.
@@nicki4715 Maybe where you worked that was the case, but not all airlines treat their crew that way. Cheers.
@@Mike-hm2gc Most airlines do, at least on long-haul flights. With LH-flights, crews usually eat leftovers from the business class service. This obviously doesn't mean that there aren't enough meals for the entire crew + business class passengers, but rather that the passengers choose what they eat and the crew eats the choices that are left after the service is done. At least for us, the second service meal on LH-flights is separate for the crew and the passengers, and on SH-flights the crew has separate meals as well
I really appreciate how balanced your reviews are. Having a strong opinion that is measured with 360 degree perspective and consideration of all factors is hard to come by in any venue.
Great video Dan. In regards to the meal issue you had where you spotted the airline staff eating what your Mother requested. I had an opposite experience with BA recently on a flight from LGW to SJO. The meal I requested wasn't available so I requested another. A few minutes later the steward came back and said a member of staff had kindly given up their choice so I could have it !! Hats off to BA for that one 🙂
Unprofessional to tell you that a flight attendant gave up their meal. They should have just given the meal to you and left it at that. Were they wanting kudos for giving you the meal? Why were they even selecting their meal before all the customers selected theirs?
theyre MEANT to give up their meal, they dont get first choice thats the point
It's actually shocking that the crew had to say they "gave up" their meal, as if to look generous when they are in fact just following the rules in letting go of what they "would have preferred" to eat. Cabin crew don't have a choice of meals, they choose amongst whatever the passengers didn't order, obviously. Totally unprofessional.
In the airline where I worked we had separate crew and pax meal and yes sometimes passengers are left with no choice(one option of meal is left) but it was strictly prohibited to offer them a replacement with your own meal. Imagine situation on the next flight this person has the same problem (no choice left) and he says “on the previous flight crew gave me their meal and you are just bad” and then writes a bad review. Plus other pax who saw that replacement is possible would ask if they can have it too and you have limited crew meals and limited “kind” crew who wants give up their food.
This was just a series of unfortunate events for you! I'm so sorry there was such a massive delay and an airplane change. Too bad the service/cabin didn't match the level of service that you remember from other KLM experiences. Hmm...I, too, wonder why the portion sizes were so small? I do love the idea of collecting those mini houses! Such a cool feature! I'm not sure if I would spend $$$ on business class for KLM. I think I'd rather stick to economy or premium on another airline. Thanks for the thorough review!
I only flew KLM once from Rio to Berlin (via Amsterdam) in 2018. The plane was a B787 and the crew was the most friendly I've ever flew with. I hope your bad experience was just bad luck
Same, i have never had a bad experience and i think i flew around 20 times with klm.
Very friendly crew as well
Same, I love klm. Such good service
here in holland is always a mess that klm
Six years headed to America using British Airways but stopped when they declined to offer breakfast on the London flight.
Eight years with KLM before they stopped the hot towels, wine came in one glass instead of a couple of small bottles and finally the last couple of cabin crews seemed more interested in throwing the food at us, clearing up and vanishing!
Now use Aer Lingus which is a bit cheaper although alcoholic drinks are chargeable but service is fine.
Good news! I dont know if you already know it, but KLM is going to replace all business class seats on their 777’s with the loved 1-2-1 configuration. The seats will also be broader and get a privacy “door” like you have on Delta One😄
Yeah, I flight with one of this in February from
Nairobi to Amsterdam. Thanks good it was pretty nice.
I love when airlines have an aircraft fleet chart in their in-flight magazines. Whatever airline it is doesn't matter, I love that.
Still have a 1997 issue of American Airlines' American Way magazine, with a fleet from when AA still had F100s, MD-11s, DC-10s, and IIRC Shorts 360s in their Eagle fleet.
I've just flown KLM for the first time (two intercontinental flights and one regional) and my experience was pretty amazing - I particularly liked the lounge and also the crews were fantastic - so I really hope your experience was an one time blunder as I'm already considering flying with them again soon. love your videos!
Never klm again
Awesome vid! 🥳 I’ve only traveled business class once in my life from Stockholm to Lima in KLM last February and I felt so warmly welcomed by the crew and the experience was marvelous, one-two-one seats laying, I had the first one so it was cool. But one thing… the food 🥲 I rather had what the economy class had, it was very disappointing and tasteless and INDEED the portions…. I was hungry the whole flight 😂, hopefully that changes soon!
I love watching your videos to see parts of travel that I rarely experience, even if I normally (ie non-Covid times) would travel just as much as you. KLM is also one of my favorite European airlines. You and I could be twins from parallell universes in that we seemingly have very similar lives, but with a small twist in each aspect 😅
Very accurate. Only thing? I do love a slower food service. I hate when they stuff you food 20 minutes after takeoff. If flying first or business, I want to enjoy a drink or two before the meal service.
It is so disappointing when you're excited to fly an airline and they let you down like this. 😞 The reverse swap actually happened to Amanda on KLM last year because they usually fly the 2-2-2 A330 to Boston and switched to a 787. I always love watching when you bring your mom along and I'm glad she still had a great flight!
I just booked my first business class for next year. Very expensive. To the extent that you want to get value for this, I get it. I hope you and your mom and Oskar enjoyed the rest of the trip.
I must definitely say that KLM has downgraded a LOT! Understandably during the pandemic they had to scramble to do the best possible to accommodate their routes, however, selling ghost flights, downgrading service as well as pre flight options is an absolute bummer. I ended up having to sue them because they deliberately sold me a ghost flight LED-AMS a couple of months ago. Not to mention the ticket was exaggeratedly overpriced, and customer service was painfully terrible. So, KLM has sunk to the bottom of my list.
wait what's wrong with being on a ghost flight? sorry im new to flying stuff
Agree, standard service 👎
@@jmanly707 no money
ok your problem. I never experienced this
@@bodigames it’s basically where they stick you on an empty plane that they are only flying to meet quota
I had a sh*t KLM experience not long ago. They were incredibly rude and when I called customer service to get a hand, they promised they'd call back and never did
We were 'packed in' so close in economy. My son dropped a bread roll during 'dinner'. We couldn't see it or reach it! I asked the attendant if they had another bread roll? Answer: ' No, we don't carry more than what the number of passengers are given' ! What an answer--a bread roll FFS!
They stole seven thousand dollars from me. Canceled a flight, no refund.
@N Fels I think I know what 'far apart ' here!
@@jfennell3954 They just don't care! Worst airline I have ever used! Even the Chinese airlines are better!
@@jfennell3954 Yaeh right.
This journey looks really unusual. As far as your mum would not see that much difference, and enjoyed the trip, everything is positive!
Just found your channel, I love your content, I love listening to the reviews while I'm working. Your mother is so wholesome, I absolutely love seeing her in your videos
Air transport has been a nightmare in Europe since reopening. I'm waiting for another few months to travel again. KLM is one of my favourites for international flights.
This is way we love you Dan! Always so honest! Nice content!
Thanks Johannes!
I agree! Especially for airlines like KLM that don't ever get any criticism. It can feel daunting for reviewers, because these airlines have such hard core fans (as the comments show). I feel like if this were a British Airways, Delta, or Air Canada flight, the comments would have been like "you are being too nice to them".
I really hope you keep your honesty throughout your future flights...Greetings from Greece.
KLM swapped equipment from 787 to 777 on my flight from SFO to AMS in May. Upgraded to biz class and got a seat in the single row cabin, behind the entry door, that Dan recommended. Seat was great and service pleasant. The cabin temp was sweltering hot 🥵. As was AMS terminals. Felt slightly cooked upon arrival at my final destination Oslo.
Thank god, a new video. I was getting desperate for new content! Love the video!
KLM does this a lot on routes like this. If demand increases close to the flight, they will just swap out the 787 or A330 for a 777
@Thijs is in the air wrong
@Thijs is in the air Nah, I fly KLM frequently and have experienced this exact scenario very often
@Thijs is in the air Probably
@Thijs is in the air you sound like an employee trying to stick up for the company even though we all know you’re full of crap🤣
@@frontmaster2577 How is he full of shit, just because it doesn't line up with your opinion? That's childish behaviour. Don't get me wrong, of course, it could be bs, but there's no evidence for you to make that claim. The video clearly showed their original 787 was on the ground due to engine maintenance. Look at the other comments, some people have good experiences, some bad. That's just the way it goes.
Been flying KLM every year for the past 5 years. Always great service, comfortable seats and fairly good food.. They use the 787 10 from Houston to Amsterdam. Very nice aircraft. But stay away from the pre-arrival meals.
in mid-February, I flew on the 777-200 from AMS-SCL, amazing service and seat even though it's a 2-2-2 config. my dad didn't get to choose his main meal though, because KLM doesn't put enough food of 1 dish to everyone, (if the first 4 rows chose 1 dish, the rest don't have a choice)...
we originally had 4 hours in AMS but because of a storm, our flight from CPH-AMS (a 737-800 amazing service and food for a European business) got cancelled and we were rebooked to a flight earlier, so then we had 7 hours in AMS. KLM Choose to delay our 14-hour flight (AMS-SCL) even though they cancelled every other except 2 flights, which we were happy about, even though we now had an 18-hour layover in AMS...
so we went to the service desk in the non-Schengen crown lounge, and KLM booked us (and many others because of the storm) in at corendon village where we had an amazing night of sleep and an amazing view of the old KLM 747-400, painted in orange corendon colours.
Overall both flights were Amazing, and the food was fantastic just like the service, even though my father couldn't choose his main dish, and I had to change seat, as my IFE's sound didn't work properly, (to the only other free seat in the cabin).
We flew home from SCL to CPH via CDG with Airfrance on their A350-900, where I think that klms 2-2-2 config old 777-200 were superior over Airfrances A350-900 1-2-1 Config, seats were softer on KLM food was better.
Sadly due to the opening of SCLs brand new international lounge had opened 3 days prior, SkyTeam had no lounge in SCL and we didn't get any Compensation for this sadly.
Thanks Dan for that informative video. I use to love fly KLM. I have been flying fron Stockholm to Havanna several times with KLM and I have never complained, but my last flight in december 2021 to Havanna and back I used Air France business class and that was really impressive. I have used Air France before but was not really satisfied but this last flight was really great. Great food and service. So I think I prefer Air France in the future. The only negative flying with AF is that I have to change flight at CDG. Its a terrible airport with terrible personal so I prefer change in Schipol.
The last time I went KLM the staff made me change seats 3 times so people could sit together. When I protested on the last move they said I was a difficult passenger, never again with them!
so people didn't pay for seat reservation, and after that you needed to pay> #cheapDutch
Thanks American here. Headed for Amsterdam in Sept. Good info. Thx
#cheapSwede
Similar experience. The last time I flew KLM from Curacao to Belgrade via Amsterdam... on the first leg there was slight delay so I asked how long the delay would be and how to access info to rebook my next flight if I could not catch my connection flight. They ignored me and told me i was a difficult passenger... (not to mention they missed my luggage😮💨)
Had exactly the same experience two weeks ago flying KLM business from Rio to Amsterdam. Too warm cabin, bad food and grumpy staff. The return flight with AF was much better! Great video, keep up the good work!
No klm please
I am surprised too... One of my favorite flight is the one between Singapore and Bali which also comes from Amsterdam and is served by their 777. 2 hours in a long-haul cabin is a dream! I reckon you just had bad luck. At least your mom enjoyed it. Love your videos; keep up the good work!
I am so happy you can flying the KLM airlines, good video and keep it up. 👍🏼👍🏼🤩
I have to say that even if the crew called for catering the moment they stepped on the plane it would still take at least half an hour for catering to get there and that would be if they had all the carts ready to go, especially at an airport as big as AMS. If they had to assemble the carts for a 777 I would easily expect at least an hour if not longer to get catering done.
I had a simular bad experience in a flight from Muscat to Amsterdam. There they replaced the promised 787 for a A330. Now for May I had a 787 booked to Curacao that they now changed to a 777-200. Seems like the 787 is cursed as well with them.
I love how you treat your mom to these experiences
Thank you for such a detailed review and confirmation of my experience with the very same airline, to say I was underwhelmed is an understatement. I flew from jnb to Amsterdam then Amsterdam to Yeg, both legs were underwhelming and the crew was in a rush to get service done with and chat. I usually fly Qatar but I thought KLM would provide a similar experience. The only thing i loved was the house, many airlines have to reconsider their experiences as some of their competitors have set the bar very high.
It's because the crew loves flying to SA so they are all happy and giddy on the way over but on the way back they have to get back into their business mode and some of them clearly fail at it. Luckily there are still a lot of amazing KLM crew out there so don't give up on my favorite airline!
I have also noted the KLM service slipping over the last 3-4 years. They used to be amazing, but lately, it seems awful, whether that's in Business class or economy. I now try to opt for Virgin Atlantics Upper Class where possible.
My dad owns all those small blue houses :D! Fun to see them shown like this!
Do you get anything for getting all of them?
Nope… they just tell you it’s time for round 2.. :-D
My mom is a senior purser at klm and our house is litterally full with those little houses haha
We have them too! Except ours were filled with gin ;)
Totally Love your energy and the eye rolls 😂😂
This is my first video on your channel and very much enjoyed it despite the terrible trip you had with your mom! I hope you said something as it seems totally unacceptable! I have very fond memories of flying KLM many years ago and felt it was one of the best airlines I had flown.
I hope you can do train reviews one day as well! Especially with the abundance of high speed rail in europe
He deos it on his second channel
@@attosmith7903 What’s his second channel? Isn’t Dan an aviation fan who focuses on airplanes and air travel?
From my extensive travel experience; sometimes airlines don’t like to announce “creeping delays”. Which are hard to estimate due to many factors. If there are fueling issues along with crew scheduling issues along with possible lavatory problems and equipment change. If a new departure time is announced many passengers start running to duty free/cafes etc and when it’s time to depart you can’t find them.
Probably then complained about missing their flight ✈ taking off like that is not worth it
grond crew here! mainly true; although sadly these times lots of things we have to work with are broken, in my experience (like the announcement system, microphone) so when we want to announce things we sometimes we just sadly can’t..
Estimated time not actual time big difference people please don't wonder off . You may not hear the announcements. If you're not you might miss your flight unless it's weather related they'll let you know. But they're not going going to search for you around a large busy airport it's not their job. They don't get paid for it, also don't scream at them because you didn't get to check in time .
@@debraseiber8820 Definitely true, and let’s not forget airlines can’t just leave passengers behind if they have bags checked. Further delays offloading a “no-show” bags.
Even United Airlines send text messages to passengers while they wait. Often going into detail about the cause and estimated completion. That is marvelous and other airlines should do that.
Thanks for the vid again!
I have flown business class with KLM before and it was amazing service but then again it was prior to COVID myself and partner are flying BC with KLM in August to Bangkok I hope it’s a vast improvement on your flight thanks for sharing
Dude, I'm having my dinner. Please don't show me flashbacks to that cursed Lufthansa sandwich 😔
Side note: as former crew (5 years with EK) you sometimes get to know you have no catering on board ONLY after safety and security checks which aprox take from 15 to 30 mins.
It’s videos like yours that help consumers steer clear of companies which don’t provide consumers with their advertised goods and services.
This was very helpful, thanks!
How thoughtful of you to want to provide the best experience for your mum. Glad she enjoyed herself still.
Re KLM, they need to get their act together. Totally agree with you, they don’t even try to compensate you for creating a poor experience for the passenger.
My mother was a part of this crew. She has seen this video and felt sad about it, she did not want to write anything. I’m writing on the crew’s behalf to let you hear both sides. Firstly, there is a limited amount of food on each airplane. You had specially ordered vegan food. All the fish had been ordered by passengers but one fish meal was left over from a passenger who fell asleep during meal service, and did no longer want it afterwards. The crew ate this after service half cold. The crew eats what is left behind. If you do not eat your special ordered vegan food, that means the crew will have to eat it or other passengers which is wrong since it has been specially catered for you . Secondly, the catering took time since airplanes have different caterings and it is nothing the crew can do about it. Obviously it could have gone smoother, along with other things during the trip, but there are many factors that complicated things in these situations. The crew was, like you said, of course affected by the delay as well, especially considering the complaints they have to deal with as a result. Even one of the passengers and his family started to fight with the purser and only wanted to talk to the attendants after that. So that took a lot of the attention and with a full business class it complicated everything. I’m sorry you had a bad experience with KLM since much went wrong, however I just wanted to shed some light from the crew’s side, so that some things clear up.
Thanks for sharing this perspective Sam.
Good to hear the crew side of things! I am flying KLM business in June and hope I get a professional like your Mom. :) Sounds like there was a lot to deal with and then to have an harsh review afterwards must have been frustrating!
I know how you feel, I have a similar story with BA when I specifically booked with them so I'd fly their 744 from LA to London. The flight was canceled the day of my trip and ended up flying American 777, not a big deal, but how many opportunities will you get flying on the 747 now, you know.. Was supposed to be my first long haul flight with BA and at the end of the day, I was even happy for flying AA instead after all for their off-board experience. All started when my payment for seat selection did go through but their system failed to actually book my seat. Online check-in (pre-covid) was down both prior to my flights to LA and prior to my return flight from LA before it was even canceled. Once I found my return flight was canceled, there was no way of getting hold of anyone from BA to find out how am I gonna get back home that day - all phone numbers I found were either down or noone had answered after being on hold for an hour. Had to go to the airport early to try to get a seat on another flight but again, no one that would be of any help there either.
That was my first experience with BA so I'm just hoping it was a terrible luck like in your case with KLM :) not keen to try with them again though. And since you also want to avoid Air France or more accurately, you want to avoid flying through CDG :D.. I really hope you just had bad luck :D Can't say enough praise on KLM based on my experience. I loved both the airline and the AMS airport, it's such an easy and a fast to get around airport..
I flew the AMS EZE route many times on the 777 and on the 787 and that small business class row you mentioned was always my choice. It felt like a semi private living room. People avoided it for some reason and i was 95% of them time seated alone. Downside is that if the main cabin had more than 6 free seats, the crew would reassign you a seat in front so they could use that little row themselves.
Food and seat were great. I have good memories of it. And they had some of the best prices i’ve ever seen for long haul business. Dutch crew are always mega friendly and nice.
Hello, I have flown a few times with KLM and have always been satisfied with the service. No one is sheltered from having a bad experience with any airline. Hope your trip with your mom was quite nice once you landed.
Dude, you seem to have gone from posting travel videos to sharing travel stories. You’re evolving, and I love it. Great job!
Hi Nonstop Dan! I love watching your videos and just wanted to agree with you that the airplane engine sounds are relaxing for me as well!
Anyone else see Oskar at 6:54 on the floor below standing up for the camera 🤣. Great video!
OH DAN OH DAN OH DAN! I’m shaking my head! As a forty year Flight Attendant for a major US carrier (now retired) I was so taken aback at your comment regarding the delay from catering and putting it on the crew. Just so we’re clear, anything having to do with catering is not the responsibility of crew members. The food service company is responsible for checking to see what is going on with the flight and knowing what gate and when the aircraft will be there. That information is provided by the airline. When they actually show up to cater the aircraft is on them. Please don’t ever put blame on crew members, it’s not their jurisdiction. Also, same holds true for “items” that maybe you’ve missed seeing on a particular flight. Sometimes catering screws up and forgets things…mistakes happen. I could write a book on the millions of mistakes a catering company has made….🤷🏼♀️🤦♀️. I love your videos, keep up the good work!
Dont you think crew called for catering right after they went on the aircraft but it takes some time for catering to load whole meals etc and basically drive to the aircraft?
Not just that, catering needs to reload all the stocks into correct carts since carts are not interchangeable between different models. This takes time when KLM keeps switching between planes.
Can I just say, I LOVE that you take your mum travelling!!
Great videos. Your vocal cadence is spot on. Very engaging.
Hey hey Dan, I fly KLM often from Birmingham UK around the world, the 777 in a 222 configuration is a drag especially when you are travelling for business and expect good rest and it is always the biggest turn off when booking. But still better than AF A380 in a 222. In 100+ flights I’ve never honestly experienced poor service with KLM. I guess operational issues happen from time to time on all airlines but I feel your disappointment and sorry to hear this trip didn’t work out for you. My Delft house collection is still growing. Doing this route to Dubai later this year so will happily feedback, may even make a vlog 😀Rich
are you new here ?
I think its a rare bad experience.
Hope its better next time.
Keep it up.
I feel you. This just happened to me. 30 hours before scheduled departure, they changed KL692 from 78X to 772. Was looking forward to trying their newer business class and not have a seatmate!
I could have dealt with some of the negative uncontrollable events that happened however crew attitude on the whole duration of a flight is really unfortunate. They should have been more accommodating. Because of this review and a few others I actually booked my upcoming trip on Airfrance and Delta. Thank you for your honest review.
I believe your expectations are a bit high, taking into consideration that airlines are trying to come back after the losses they suffered during the pandemic. They have staff shortages in all areas and supply/demand chain struggles. Of course I agree that the service could have been better. You cannot compare KLM to other airlines like Emirates that receive funding from government, etc.
I was flying 4 times already in KLM business class, including flight to Panama and 4 times caught delays, especially in Amsterdam. I am flying with KLM for over 10 years and must say that it getting worse and worse every year.
Don't bullying KLM, KLM is the best Airline
EXACTLY! It was quite a reputable airline years ago but now it is just terrible. Lots of delays and missing baggage...
I saw many videos about airports, planes etc but yours are a delight for my soul. I do an super amazing job. How do you make that map white/blue with the flight ? I want to post one with Paris - Panama City . Thx in advance
I remember going to Espresso House when i visited Stockholm. It's like a very stylish, upmarket-looking Swedish Starbucks.
The cabin crew didn’t neglect to notify the catering trucks to come and cater the aircraft. (That’s not how it works)
Catering was automatically scheduled for your flight.
It is controlled by operations.
The crew can call & inquire of their whereabouts but the answer is always the same
“Catering is on their way”
Having been a flight attendant for KLM for 11 years, the crew would have had nothing to do with the delayed catering. The caterers had to repack all the catering as the aircraft type changed last min from a 787 to a 777 as you observed. The crew were trying their best with what they had to had with regards the catering loaded in Amsterdam.
also it would be a different crew changing from B787 to B777? or flight attendants are certified in multiple types?
@@fatdoi003 you fly on almost all planes
@@fatdoi003 In Europe cabin crew can fly on a maximum of three different types, this includes variations. For example the Airbus A319, A320, A321 would be classed as one type. The Embraer E175, E190, E195 would be one type but the Boeing 777 and 787 are different types. Other parts of the work, cabin crew can operated on more than three types at once.
Ig the fact that was most upsetting was that they said there would be a 15 minutes delay, then a 20 one and just kept pushing it instead of just saying there’s an hour delay from the beginning
Love that you want the best for your mum🥰
It is so important to feel that your airline of choice has a predictable, consistent product. The best way to choose an airline is actually when things go wrong. How did they handle it? We’re staff angry at the world, or we’re they empathetic to their customers’ needs? A screw you, take it or leave it attitude would certainly warrant a look on the internet to see if your experience was a one-off or if the trend is headed south. Best of luck on your next KLM flight.
It seems to me the DXB route is cursed with KLM. Recently I had same experience (DXB-AMS) although it wasn't as bad as yours. It seems to me 789 was changed to another flight and they had to improvise with catering and crew, hence the poor choice of food. It must be said that the arrival snack (except breakfast) is not KLM's strong point.
I flew their 787 from Rio in biz and loved it, staff called me by last name and were just incredible.
well, i have to say this is too me one of the most confortable business class in Europe. I have tested both KLM products and i know i might be the exception, but i really prefer this one (when accompanied of course), its wider and makes for a better bed than those 1.2.1 configuration.
good to see you fly with your mom again. At least she enjoyed the trip.
When you order a special meal you should eat the meal that you have intentionally (!) ordered. It's very common for crews to not give out meals from the menu card, if the passenger has ordered a special meal
I watched this video 2 times and I glad that you spoken out this. I live in amsterdam and I fly many times with KLM business class last 10 years. And 3 or 4 times a year to Dubai. The changing the airplane happens often after I booked my flights and never got noties until the time I checked in. I thought it was normal. And I never have the courage to complained. The food on KLM both at the lounge and in the air, I have accepted. I always joked as “it is dutch”. If I can, I always choice emirates or Air France (because of corona, I prefer KLM because of the direct flight). The service, most times were nice on the way to Dubai, some how on the way back in the night fly, it was almost no service, I always thought they want people to sleep…and last time when I was back from Dubai to amsterdam in jan, it was the same, they changed 787-10 to 737… and was even no welcome drinks… I thought it was due to corona…..I will fly to Dubai in April, but with emirates 380…
It cannot have been a 737 though xD. That plane doesn’t even get close to the amount of range you need to cover Dubai to Amsterdam.
Hi had a KLM flight in summer 2022 to Bonaire in Biz and it was great. Service and catering were in a high level.
Currently, we have quite a good selection of KLM houses, and most of those we got before the pandemic. When we first started flying KLM we thought it was fabulous and so did some friends of ours...but not any more. The food is about average and these days the crew are miserable, and the organizing of flights leaves much to be desired. KLM twin with Air France and our friends prefer AF business class these days to KLM. We are due to take KLM flights to the UK in August, so we will see!!
Small correction I make as flight attendant. there are crew who take care of the galleys only, so the first thing they do is checking the catering. I'm positive they noticed right away the food was missing but simply catering arrived late. Lately many European airport are facing delays 😮💨
His point was they should not have announced boarding was on track if these things were missing. The passengers could have better spent their time.
The meal portions are laughable. the portions in business class on Ba long haul are twice bigger, much better presented, with more food choices. After having seen the meal portions you show, it means that in their new business class on the 787-9, it’s probably the same exact thing. It’s a real shame for the price people pay. Also, you the whole meal service took over 2 hours…. When I flew on BA in business, although the meal was totally better, it just took them FOREVER to deliver the service. You could actually hear them chatting in the galley for long periods of time, laughing out loud, with cups of tea in their hand. Taking their jolly time.
That’s what you get. With those new ba or new KLM pay scales for crew. You pay them peanuts? They deliver lazy service.
Great vid, I said before, say again.. I’ve stop flying Air NZ.. because they can be so hit n miss.., and when they’re missing.. they’re still spending my business class fare
I love your videos. You save me the hassle of a bad experience
I will be on a KLM 777 300 ER business class in a couple of weeks will let you know how it was.
Something I’ve wondered: if a lot of your flights are flown using miles, how do you earn those miles?
flying or buying with airline (cooperation vis or amex with airlines)credit cards .....
he has amex and another cards you pay everything with those cards ...
for example in Switzerland
amex give for every new card 14.000 miles and when you pay with this cards 1 Swiss franks you can earn 2 miles .....400 franks earned 800 miles you k now what I mean ....
you can buy a ticket you can double the miles ...
another for example
from zürich to New York 3500 swiss frank business class you earn 7000 miles and plus 8000 real miles when fly with airline ...to the New York
when you fly offen ........in 2 years you can beginn flying with earn miles
or you can pay economy then you can upgrade with miles to business !
Been watching Dan since the days he never appeared on camera (I believe). Looking at this neat production it is superb how his video style has matured, beautifully. Awesome to 'meet' his gorgeous Mum in this video--so happy they can share the joy of travel. I really relate to that awful aircraft change and change of targeted seat selection. Nervous flyers and aviation enthusiasts use great care and caution in choosing the airline, the aircraft and the seat! Airlines that are listening need to compensate customers in very meaningful ways for these huge disappointments, inconveniences and anxieties...
Seat selection is never guaranteed.
Nor is the type of aircraft. And no airline will compensate you for such trivial things.
“Which tasted about good as you’d expect, Dutch mangos to taste in February” 😂😂 Oh God 🤣🤦♀️
Hi Dan.
Don’t get me wrong I love watching your videos and feel like I learn so much from them but I don’t think this video was quite fair on KLMs side- this seemed more of a personal issue then a hard product issue.
- crew don’t realize catering last minute. It’s the first thing we look at when we board the aircraft. I call for catering all the time but most times it takes 20-40 minutes until it arrives. Also, on a safety aspect, on wide body you cannot board when catering is happening from the forward doors.
- with the aircraft swap, I know it sucks but the service offerings and delivery would be the same if you flew the Dreamliner. It wouldn’t of been different. Unfortunately the crew on this specific leg probably wasn’t the greatest but from a constant viewer of your videos, it seems like your mood was ruined from the moment you found out about the aircraft swap and it went downhill from there.
Don’t let one flight ruin anything. Keep making great videos. Things happen and that’s aviation.
Have a fantastic weekend!
I actually feel like Dan is somewhat often unfair.. Seems like he can get thrown off early by something and it cascades from there
Dan provides the most honest reviews of the airlines and he does it in a diplomatic and funny way.
I wonder how you can excuse crew’s attitude of laziness and unfriendliness with Dan’s mood. Care to elaborate on that? Telling customer can’t have an item on the business class menu only to eat it themselves later is appalling. Also please work on your comprehension skills because Dan said the issue he had was with KLM staff telling them boarding would happen in 15 minutes instead of 1hr40min.
Good take! Dan always gets over these kind of flights, I just think that because he wanted it to be special for his mom and unexpected things happen.
@@YT-mp7ei i actually meant the change off equipment, not the delayed boarding. I’m not sure attaching my comprehension is necessary. Maybe this is Oscar’s burner account? LOL
I agree with you about the meal. If that did happen, and it was the same meal that was denied to them during the ordering process then that is indeed egregious and should be addressed by KLM executive management
'One time blunder'. Yes, I think so. I've flown KLM long haul since 1976, my airline of choice, and in the past 20 years, invariably in business class. Perhaps 100 flights (200 sectors)? In that time I've had but one sub-standard flight rather like yours - Amsterdam-Cairo in 1995.
Yup. Been there. My EK A380 for 777 swap was a big business class downgrade when they dropped us in the middle of the 2-3-2 configuration. The CS agents seem baffled customers care.
We too had a great expectation of the business class experience before flying Ams-del..
Just for the fact that the seats are larger and reclines to flat position, and meals are larger quantity, there is nothing worthy of business class when compared to economy.. not sure if their pre covid service was better but kindness and politeness of the airline stewardess is a bare minimum expectation of any passenger, which was not there unfortunately!
As groundcrew at Schiphol I can tell it is common to tell that boarding starts sooner than it’s actually is going to.
This prevents passengers to wander off getting lost in the airport or losing track of time. Causing them to miss the flight.
If they miss the flight their baggage needs to be offloaded which only is going to extend the delay.
I think , apart from the initial problems with the aircraft change and delay , that it would have made any difference - this to me is typical of what Ive experienced - usually the crew fill the void with the very ordinary food offering in business - I wouldn’t be flying them If there were other options - the “good old days “ of KLM are over- all hail AF
Hi Dan! I am crew for an European airline and let me tell you, unfortunately this things happen...
It makes sense to me that the gate agents would say that the boarding would start in 20 minutes because that is what usually takes us to do our pre-departure checks. Which also includes catering, now, the gate agents don't know anything about catering, and yes you might expect that the different departments communicate between them, but since normally operations go smoothly there is no reason to inform the gate agents of such things I believe. So, how could they know in advance that the catering was not loaded? So here is why they had said 20 minutes...
Also, the crew certainly noticed the missing catering, but usually we don't call them, because crew is not responsible for the delivery of the catering, the catering handlers are, what I think might have happened is that, since the flight was originally scheduled on the 787, the catering must have been loaded in there, then because of the technical issue to the ac, the catering most likely had to offload it from the previous ac and go and load it into the new ac so as you can imagine it takes time...
Exactly!
New Subscriber here. I like the way you include unusual facts in your videos; it makes them so interesting.