KLM Royal Dutch Airlines > Reviews > KLM does Holland proud

Author's product rating:   

Food Quality	Satisfactory
Customer Service	Outstanding
Punctuality	Good
Space	Comfortable
Value for Money	Good

Advantages:	A very efficient airline, with good in - flight service
Disadvantages:	In - flight entertainment could be upgraded

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I have flown with KLM frequently over the past ten years or so, and have in all that time yet to be truly dissatisfied with its performance. Their frequent flyer program with NorthWest is top-class, easy to use and involves a minimum of hassle. My family and I have taken advantage of numerous free tickets acquired through the scheme. Holiday trips to New York, Manila, London, and Zurich (all from Amsterdam) might otherwise not have been possible.

KLM's in-flight service and entertainment is very respectable. Though their entertainment system has not quite reached the advanced technological level of e.g. Emirates (with personal video game machines), KLM compensates this with good movies, more than adequate meals, and friendly staff.

KLM flights are usually punctual, minimizing stress for any would-be flyers. One of the few times I have known them to be significantly late merely gives me another reason to congratulate KLM on superior and efficient service. Last summer, my Mom and sister flew to the Philippines for a month-long stay. During the one-hour stop-over in Kuala Lumpur, the KLM crew discovered a slight malfunction in the radar. They also noted that the weather from Kuala Lumpur to Manila was quite bad. Taking all these factors into consideration, the pilot decided to ground the plane, and wait till spare parts could be flown in from Singapore to repair the radar.

So what happened to the passengers? They were put on a comfortable bus with a minimum of fuss, and taken to one of the best hotels in Kuala Lumpur, overlooking a marvellous 18-hole golf course. Accommodation, and fantastic buffet meals, were all paid for by the airline. Next day, the passengers were returned to the airport, and conveyed to Manila without further incident. Needless to say, my Mom and sister were hardly inconvenienced at all. Indeed, they very much enjoyed their stay in the Malaysian capital.

This above story serves to show how KLM put the safety (and comfort!) of their passengers first. I have no doubt in my mind that the pilot was more than capable of bringing the plane safely home even with the technical problem and the bad weather, but he clearly decided to be responsible and not to risk it.

I would highly recommend this airline, wherever you might be travelling to. I don't expect any more chance stays in luxurious hotels, but I do rightly expect a safe, comfortable, and hassle-free flight, whenever I travel with KLM.