KLM business class Amsterdam-Hong Kong

AMSTERDAM-HONG KONG

BACKGROUND

KLM’s Amsterdam-Hong Kong route operates once a day.

BOARDING

I was connecting from London Heathrow (to read reviews of that flight plus the new KLM Crown Lounge at Amsterdam Schiphol, visit businesstraveller.com/tried-and-tested). We boarded at Gate 22 at 1620 for the 1700 departure on KL887 from Schiphol to Hong Kong International, a flight time of 11 hours.

I was greeted on board and directed to my seat, 1K, at the front of the cabin by the window. My jacket was taken and I was offered water, orange juice or champagne, although there were also small cans of Heineken as an extra offering. Very Dutch.

THE SEAT

KLM uses a number of aircraft types on this route, including B747, B777-200ER and B777-300ER planes, with this flight being operated by a B777200ER. There are three classes – economy (ten-across), Economy Comfort (ten-across with more legroom) and business class – and the aircraft seats a maximum of 320 passengers. Business class is across two cabins configured 2-2-2 (A-C, D-G, H-K), with only aisle seats having direct aisle access. The rows are slightly staggered, so in the front cabin there are four rows of H-K seats but five of A-C and D-G. There is then an extra row on the other side of the galley (row six), separated from Economy Comfort by a bulkhead, giving 34 business class seats in total.

To some extent, this seat has been superseded by those on the carrier’s B787 aircraft, which offer direct aisle access. Still, while many regard it as essential, as long as I’m the one stepping over, rather than being fallen upon, I’m okay with it and these seats recline fully flat and have lots of room in this configuration. They are in a dark blue fabric that has dated quite well, too.

Attractive amenity bags by Dutch designer Jan Taminiau were handed out, plus slippers. A thick blanket and large pillow were provided. Seats have plug sockets (US, UK and EU) and USB ports. The IFE screen, although only 17 inches, is fine as it’s not far away. The choice of entertainment was good – there were several films I would like to have watched, although I worked and slept instead. The table comes out of the arm and then folds out but is slanted, and so I jammed the blanket between it and the other arm to create a firm surface.

Seats recline fully flat and have lots of room in this configuration. The dark blue fabric has dated quite well, too

BEST SEAT

The front row seats have lots of room for your feet when fully reclined and you can put a small bag under there for storage, so I’d choose one of those – my seat, 1K, was a good one, although my neighbour in 1H had more room for her feet. Still, she was on the aisle, which is prone to a bit more disturbance and is slightly closer to the washroom door.

THE FLIGHT

Service was excellent throughout the flight, starting with an explanation from the captain that push-back from the stand would be delayed by 35 minutes because of traffic congestion at the airport and also to give time for connecting passengers to take the flight.

Staff effortlessly switched between Dutch and English to explain the menu, which took some doing because unusually there was no printed menu for the supper. The attendant apologised, and said this was because they were in the process of changing the menus. Instead she showed me pictures from an iPad and described them. The choice of starters was beef salad or tomato soup. The mains were chicken, beef or an Asian choice. I went for the soup and the Chinese dish – a medley of chicken in black bean sauce, prawns in a sweet and spicy sauce, and Oriental-style vegetables with rice – which was very tasty. The white wines were Rigal Original Sauvignon Blanc 2018; Côtes de Gascogne, France; and De Kleine Schorre “Schouwen-Druiveland” 2017, Zeeland, Netherlands. This last one was lovely, and from a vineyard KLM has served wines from for many years. The reds were Anne de Balbiac Pinot Noir 2018; Haute Vallée de l’Aude, France; Mas Lavail Terre d’Ardoise Carignan Vieilles Vignes 2018, Côtes Catalanes, France; and Ken Forrester Syrah Reserve 2018, Western Cape, South Africa.

Service was completed about two hours into the flight, after which I reclined the seat fully flat, which is easily done with basic, clear seat controls, and fell asleep. The bed is very comfortable – a little tight at the shoulders, although it’s possible to sleep on both your back or side (but not your front). At 2.03 metres long (six feet six inches), the seat is certainly long enough (I’m five feet 11).

The cabin was quiet during the night, with the only thing that woke me being several instances of quite noticeable turbulence. About 90 minutes before landing I could hear some noise and woke to find breakfast was already being served. It was delicious. I went for a hard-boiled egg rather than an omelette, and there was also the option of a sweet apple pastry. On the final approach, we were given our choice of miniature Delft Houses; a nice touch that KLM has been doing for many years.

VERDICT

An excellent flight. The seat might be a little old-fashioned now, but it is very comfortable and easy to operate, and works well for working, eating or sleeping. The crew were always there when needed, and seemed to enjoy the flight as much as the passengers. Recommended.

The crew were always there when needed, and seemed to enjoy the flight as much as the passengers