- Introduction: Sri Lanka Beyond The Airport
- Review: Japan Airlines Business Class 787 Dallas To Tokyo
- Review: ANA Crowne Plaza Narita Airport
- Review: American Admirals Club Tokyo Narita Airport
- Review: Qantas Lounge Tokyo Narita Airport
- Review: SriLankan Airlines Business Class A330 Tokyo To Colombo
- Review: Amangalla, Galle, Sri Lanka
- Review: Amanwella, Tangalle, Sri Lanka
- Review: SriLankan Airlines Business Class A321neo Colombo To Abu Dhabi
- Review: EDITION Abu Dhabi
- Review: KLM Business Class A330 Abu Dhabi To Amsterdam
- Review: KLM Crown Lounge Amsterdam Airport
- Review: KLM Business Class 787 Amsterdam To New York
We arrived at Abu Dhabi Airport shortly before midnight, plenty early for our 2AM flight to Amsterdam. KLM departs from Terminal 1 in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Airport
The check-in process was quick, and within a moment we were issued boarding passes all the way to New York. We were also given invitations to the Al Dhabi Lounge, which is the Plaza Premium Lounge that KLM uses for their passengers.
KLM Lounge Abu Dhabi Airport
I won’t be reviewing the lounge this time around because it was quite crowded, so I couldn’t easily get good pictures. The lounge was nothing special, though was a significant improvement over some of the older contract lounges I’ve visited in the airport.
Our boarding passes indicated that boarding was scheduled to start at 1:10AM from gate 21, which is a remote gate just a short walk from the lounge.
KLM departure gate Abu Dhabi
It was really busy down there — there were two flights departing to Pakistan, and then our flight to Amsterdam.
KLM departure gate Abu Dhabi
Boarding didn’t actually start at 1:10AM, though. Rather the crew showed up at the gate at 1:15AM. Five minutes later premium boarding started, though we waited for the bus to fill up all the way.
The drive to the plane took about 10 minutes (Abu Dhabi Airport is sprawling), so we were onboard by around 1:40AM.
KLM 452
Abu Dhabi (AUH) – Amsterdam (AMS)
Saturday, February 2
Depart: 2:00AM
Arrive: 6:30AM
Duration: 7hr30min
Aircraft: Airbus A330-200
Seat: 3C (Business Class)
We boarded via stairs through the second set of doors, and then turned left into the business class cabin. KLM only recently reconfigured their A330s with new business class seats, and with that being completed, all of their long haul planes feature fully flat seats in business class.
KLM’s A330s feature B/E Aerospace Diamond seats in business class. The cabin has a total of 18 seats, spread across three rows in a 2-2-2 configuration.
KLM A330 business class cabin
These are very popular business class seats nowadays thanks to how efficiently they use space. While I don’t love these seats for ultra long haul flights, for a fairly short redeye they’re more than sufficient.
KLM A330 business class seats
KLM business class seats A330
Ford took the window seat, which is definitely the coziest seat in this configuration, while I took the aisle.
KLM business class seats A330
The reason this configuration is such an efficient use of space is because there’s a fairly small footwell in which you place your feet, and that’s to the side of the seats in front. That reduces the amount of space needed for each seat.
KLM business class seat footwell
To the side of my seat was the entertainment controller, USB outlet, headphone jack, and the seat controls.
KLM business class seat & entertainment controls
Then behind that (to the left of the seat and back) was a literature pocket as well as a small area where you could store things.
KLM business class seat storage
The 110v outlets were located underneath the center armrest.
KLM business class power outlets
The tray table folded out from the center armrest, and was a single, solid table, so it couldn’t be folded in half, or anything.
KLM business class tray table
The overhead consoles had individual air nozzles — yay KLM!
KLM business class air nozzles
Already waiting at each seat upon boarding was a pair of noise canceling headphones, which were among the better non-Bose/B&O headphones I’ve seen on planes.
KLM business class headphones
Also waiting at each seat was a pillow and blanket. I’d say both the pillows and blankets were pretty average — they were comfortable enough, but nothing special.
KLM business class pillow & blanket
Within a couple of minutes of settling in, pre-departure drinks were served. Choices included water, orange juice, champagne, or beer in a can… hah! I had a glass of champagne, while Ford had water — both were served in beautiful glassware.
KLM business class pre-departure drinks
A few minutes later amenity kits were distributed. The amenity kits come in two designs, though the contents are identical.
KLM business class amenity kit
The kit had all of the basics, including socks, eyeshades, earplugs, lip balm, lotion, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and a pen.
KLM business class amenity kit
Then a couple of minutes later the menu and wine list were distributed.
KLM business class menu & wine list
The crew seemed quite friendly, and it was also a nice touch that the captain came around during boarding to greet everyone in business class.
By 1:55AM the door was closed, so the boarding process was efficient in spite of the flight being full, and departing from a remote stand.
At the same time the door closed the captain announced our flight time of seven hours, anticipating that we’d arrive five minutes ahead of schedule. He said there would be light turbulence over Germany and snow in Amsterdam, but that the flight should otherwise be smooth.
A moment later KLM’s very cool safety video was screened:
We pushed back at 2AM, and had a very quick taxi to runway 31L, where we were airborne at 2:10AM. I’m used to really long taxis in Abu Dhabi, so that was a pleasant surprise.
The seatbelt sign was turned off about five minutes after takeoff. I first checked out the lavatory at the front of the cabin, which had some amenities.
KLM A330 business class lavatory
KLM A330 business class lavatory amenities
I loved the wallpaper.
KLM A330 business class lavatory
I also browsed the entertainment selection. While KLM’s A330s don’t consistently have Wi-Fi yet, they do have an excellent entertainment selection. The system is very responsive with no ads, and also has great TV shows and movies.
KLM business class entertainment selection
KLM business class entertainment selection
KLM business class entertainment selection
KLM business class entertainment selection
Moving map enroute to Amsterdam
Moving map enroute to Amsterdam
About 15 minutes after takeoff bottles of water and warm towels were distributed.
KLM business class bottled water
KLM business class warm towel
Shortly thereafter the meal service began. Since this is a fairly short flight departing at 2AM, they serve a snack after takeoff, and then breakfast before landing. The menu read as follows:
The drink list read as follows:
The meal service was commenced pretty quickly. 30 minutes after takeoff the crew rolled carts down the aisle with drinks and a snack.
Everyone received the same starter, which included hummus, tabouleh with pomegranate, and a feta cheese and eggplant wrap. Everyone also got the same tiramisu for dessert.
The only choice was for the main, where you could choose between fish masala with biryani rice, and coriander beef kibbeh and a vegetable fatayer.
I chose the fish masala with rice, while Ford had the beef kibbeh.
KLM business class snack service (with fish masala)
KLM business class snack service (with beef kibbeh)
All the food was delicious, and it was the perfect meal for such a late night flight. I also love the china and silverware that KLM uses, as it just has so much personality. For example, how cute are the clog salt & pepper shakers?
KLM business class salt & pepper shakers
The crew was very quick to clear trays after the meal, so just 45 minutes after takeoff I was able to recline my seat to get some rest.
KLM A330 business class flat bed
KLM A330 business class flat bed
At this point we had just over six hours remaining enroute to Amsterdam.
Moving map approaching Amsterdam
I got four hours of excellent sleep (though in fairness I was also really tired), and woke up just over two hours from arrival in Amsterdam.
Moving map approaching Amsterdam
About 1hr45min before landing the cabin lights were turned on and the breakfast service began. Service started with warm towels, and was then followed by the choice of a drink, including apple juice, orange juice, cranberry juice, or water.
KLM business class breakfast
Then about 90 minutes before landing the meal itself was served. The breakfast menu read as follows:
For breakfast I had the granola with plain yogurt, which was served with a fruit salad, smoked salmon with cream cheese, and a selection of bread. I also had a glass of orange juice, as well as a coffee.
KLM business class breakfast
For his main, Ford instead chose the creamy scrambled eggs with turkey sausage, spinach and mushrooms, grilled tomato, and potatoes.
KLM business class breakfast
KLM business class breakfast
Both of us enjoyed our meals. Service throughout both meals was quite good. The purser was a nice guy, and was constantly passing through the cabin to see if anyone wanted anything. Then there were two other business class flight attendants — one was extremely friendly, while the other seemed really friendly at times, and seemed to have an attitude at other times, which I found odd.
About 45 minutes before landing the crew brought around a selection of Dutch houses, which is such a cute and memorable aspect of service on KLM. The flight attendant also did an excellent job explaining the history of the houses, how they’re incorporated into the service, etc.
Passengers really seem to get excited about this, and several passengers in the cabin had a list of which houses they already have, so they could add new ones to their collection.
KLM Dutch houses
Below are the ones we selected — #29 and #38.
KLM Dutch houses
Since we were connecting internationally and these have gin inside of them, the crew sealed the houses in bags so that we’d be able to take them through security.
KLM Dutch houses
At 5:55AM Amsterdam time the captain announced that we’d be landing in about 20 minutes, and that with a five minute taxi we’d be arriving about 10 minutes early.
Moving map approaching Amsterdam
We landed in Amsterdam at 6:20AM, and from there had a five minute taxi to our arrival gate, which was E6. We bid farewell to the crew, and then headed towards security so that we could check out KLM’s new lounge.
KLM A330 business class bottom line
While KLM’s A330 business class seats are nothing to get excited about, I still had an excellent flight and really like the airline. On this flight KLM had very good food, excellent entertainment, and friendly service.
More than anything else, KLM had personality, and that’s what I love most about flying with them. From the Dutch houses you get before landing, to the Dutch house wallpaper in the lavatory, to the clog salt & pepper shakers, the airline just makes the experience of flying with them unique, and I really like that.
I’d definitely fly KLM again, if for no other reason than to pick up more of the Dutch houses. 😉
If you’ve flown KLM business class, what was your experience like?
KLM has a wonderful iPhone AP for those cute houses. It keeps track of the houses you already have, or need. It also has the history of the house. They come out with a new house annually on october 7th, their anniversary.
I few KLM in business class from Amsterdam to JFK in September of 1986. I'll bet it has changed a bit since then!
"Nicolas feuillate is 25 euro for a two bottle pack in France supermarket, that’s a Dutch premium ?"
No way for in France you can't find a bottle of low -range unknown brand Champagne for less than 16 Euros a bottle at a Discount store let alone a normal supermarket.
Nicolas Feuillate is not a Dom Perignon but it is a very decent Champagne.
No dinner ? Lanson "Champagne" ? Ever had a worst wine list ? Perfect ! Fly tem whenever (but don't complain, afterwards...)
Its always a surprise to me why non-Dutch like KLM so much..Being Dutch and a Flying Blue Platinum cardholder, I avoid KLM as the plague in C-class. Air France stands out in Seat configuration, food and cabin crew professional service. KLM is to be considered the B-brand in the Air France-KLM Group. Sad but a reality.
That's an orange juice? It looks like a koolaid to me.
"where you could choose betweenwhere you could choose between fish masala with biryani rice, and coriander beef kibbeh and a vegetable fatayer"
I think it should read "where you could choose between fish masala with biryani rice and coriander, or beef kibbeh and a vegetable fatayer"
@raksiam
All flights departing from that part of the world to Europe at that time (ME3 or European) offer a snack after departure.
Ben your bottom line summary says it all and sums up my thoughts.
Haven't flown KLM but the whole experience you had would makes me want to fly them.
I would enjoy having the two meals, and the food looked very appetising.
Plus a Delft House filled with Genever would be a fitting finale.
Good report.
It took you FOUR months to publish this review? Just check the date on the sealed plastic bags! Are you fooling us, Lucky? What’s going on?
Sounds fine over all.
But I just don't understand the necessity of waking everyone up for breakfast a mere five hours after dinner. There's a reason I would go out of my way to book a fully flat business seat, and it's not to eat granola with plain yogurt in the early morning. ;)
Love the idea of the 'houses' though. And unlike Lukas, I'm quite happy to get Genever instead of ordinary gin.
the wines and champagne list is a joke, just low level quality, disgrace for a business class.
Nicolas feuillate is 25 euro for a two bottle pack in France supermarket, that's a Dutch premium ?
(I'll add that I think the B/E Diamond's are perfectly fine for a mid-haul flight (6-8 hours). But I had it on a full long-haul on LH from SIN-FRA and it definitely did not feel great compared to reverse herringbone or staggered.
I am not a fan of the B/E Diamond seat (dislike the tiny cubbies, lack of privacy and lack of guaranteed aisle access). That said, wow, KLM's done a great job on the design elements all around. The plating and glassware are beautiful and the little design touches everywhere are great. Of course, the delfft houses are brilliant.
@The nice Paul
Some of their planes have reverse herringbone seats...
That gate pic in Abu Dhabi—you are getting some serious stink eye from the locals.
Wow. They had two opera-themed movies in their entertainment system! One is a documentary on Maria Callas and another is the Bel Canto movie. While the movie itself is not that great, it is worth seeing it for Renee Fleming's exquisite voice.
Smalltown boy in a big arcade :P
Slight correction - The Delft Blue houses are filled with Genever not Gin - doesn't taste anything like Gin unfortunately
Great review!
@Bob Foster: It’s on the menu image: Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Reserve. Not the fanciest, but solid IMHO for the price point. FWIW, United used to pour this in Int’l. F.
The entire menu looked ghastly. I would have been very disappointed, and hungry.
But I do love the way their celebrate their Dutch origin and culture. I wish more airlines went as far as KLM does in this regard.
Now they have - finally! - got lay-flat seats in all long-haul J class, maybe it's time they started to upgrade to direct aisle access...?
I actually fly KLM a fair bit. They're my airline of choice within Europe - unfussy, as operationally slick as I could expect, and serving a lot of secondary UK airports (far more than BA), including my tiny local airport.
Long-haul? Nah, they're not my first choice. Or in...
Now they have - finally! - got lay-flat seats in all long-haul J class, maybe it's time they started to upgrade to direct aisle access...?
I actually fly KLM a fair bit. They're my airline of choice within Europe - unfussy, as operationally slick as I could expect, and serving a lot of secondary UK airports (far more than BA), including my tiny local airport.
Long-haul? Nah, they're not my first choice. Or in fact very high up the list. But if I end up having to fly them because the schedule works, I am not unhappy. And I also love the Delft crockery.
Wish you had told us the brand of Champagne they served.
surprised they bother with a meal service at 2AM.
@ Ben -- The Queen and I love KLM.
@Ben: Great review, closely matches my brother’s and my experience on the upper deck a few months back. Though, your food looked much better than the ex-AMS catering we had.
@Tiffany: Is RSS broken? The last new post in my Feedly is the Kenya Airways fare post. This post and the Edition AUH review are missing. (Other posts today seem to be updates to existing posts, which I know don’t push to Feedly.)
@ GoAmtrak -- Ugh, let me look. Thanks for the heads up!
I flew this exact flight last week. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would fly KLM in business again. Great review.
Wait, you landed in snow in amsterdam. How long have we waited for this ;)