On new year’s eve of 2018, I flew KLM for the first time from Shanghai back to New York. The highlight of this trip is surely what was my last time on a Boeing 747 combi aircraft. Not many airlines operated this type: at the time of writing, all airlines that did operate it have retired their planes. Here are some of my thoughts on my experience on KLM.
Shanghai to Amsterdam
Flight Number: KL 896
Scheduled Departure: 12:40 pm
Actual Departure: 12:45pm
Scheduled Arrival: 5:45 pm
Actual Arrival: 5:40pm
Aircraft: B777-200ER (PH-BQM)
Seat: 25K
After a short week back home, it’s time for me to return to NYC. This time, it’s once again the long way through Amsterdam for New Year’s eve. The westward direction is actually preferable in my opinion, since it is easier to adjust to time difference: you depart mid afternoon in Asia, and arrive in Europe in the evening – just in time for a good night sleep!
I arrived at Pudong Airport, and was excited to find that Machu Picchu, a 777-200ER in new KLM Asia livery, was taking me to Amsterdam for the first time.
The economy cabin on this 777 was recently refreshed and featured a decent sized screen with snappy touch function. A tray table can be folded down in half size for drinks, and full size for meals or working.
We departed on time and meal service started shortly after. KLM served a decently portioned meal, and I selected beef and broccoli with fried rice. Chocolate cake, potato salad and a warm roll were served as sides.
Since I was planning on staying up for the entirety of the flight, I walked around the cabin after the dinner. A small snack bar is set up in the galley for passengers.
I ended up in the back galley, found two friendly flight attendants hanging out, and chatted with them. Compared to Air France, KLM flight attendants are much more casual and chattier! We talked about our plans for the new year. When the flight attendant found out this was my first time in Amsterdam, he gave me recommendations, and strongly suggested that I return for Pride in the summer!
A second meal service was provided halfway through the flight, apparently to sync up with dinnertime in Amsterdam. A comfort meal of spaghetti with tomato sauce was served.
I also grabbed a cup noodle later in flight, because why not?
We arrived in Amsterdam right on time. Immigration took a while, however – Schiphol has individual passport processing halls for each pier, and there are only about five for each section. Half an hour later, I was on my way downtown for a quick 24-hour new year layover!
Amsterdam to New York
Flight Number: KL 643
Scheduled Departure: 5:10 pm
Actual Departure: 8:00 pm
Scheduled Arrival: 7:50 pm
Actual Arrival: 7:30 pm
Aircraft: B747-400 Combi (PH-DFW)
Seat: 38K
After experiencing a modest new year celebration and walking around the city, it was time to head to the airport for my flight back to New York. Before I passed through security, I stopped by the observation deck and checked out the Fokker 100 preserved there.
I also took a look around the retail area of the airport. It was exciting to finally actually see AirportCity in action – this megaproject was the final paper topic of one of my urban development classes!
My flight was operated by one of the few remaining 747-400 Combis at the time, and this was the last time I’d ever flown the type (it’s been retired and stored since January 2021). City of Shanghai would be my ride home this evening.
Shortly after takeoff, dinner is served. It consisted of a beef stew entrée, salad, a cake, a warm roll, as well as cheese.
After dinner, I explored the cabin of this very unique 747. KLM is one of the few airlines that configured its 747 in this layout, where between doors 2 and 3, the galley takes up half the width of the plane, and a mini economy comfort cabin takes up the other half in a 2-2 seating. With this configuration also comes a rarely seen flight attendant control console.
Shortly before landing, a snack meal of pizza was distributed in the economy cabin.
The flight took 8 hours, and we arrived at JFK at approximately 7:30 pm. Before I left the plane, I requested a cockpit visit (because no flight on the Queen is complete without one) and was warmly welcomed!
Final thoughts
Despite being in the same group, KLM and Air France are two airlines with very different characters, from details in service to the attitude of their crew. KLM’s energetic and approachable brand image is reflected in its food offering in economy: it reaches for comfort food where Air France would attempt to offer a more gourmet style meal, complete with champagne.
What I most appreciated was how friendly KLM crews are and their willingness to go above and beyond for customers, even in economy class. During my flight to Amsterdam, I mentioned that I had tried (and failed) to upgrade to business class for the delft house. An hour later the flight attendant I chatted with stopped by my seat with said delft house! As small of a gesture it might be, it definitely worth noting, and a nice touch in service.
