KLM: Upper deck Business Class on a rare 747 Combi

The Boeing 747-400, the Queen of the Skies, is rapidly disappearing from our skies. Even rarer is the 747 Combi variant which has additional cargo space on the main passenger deck. Only one airline in the world is still flying these old Combos. And that airline is celebrating 100 years of flying this year - it’s KLM.
It was therefore a great pleasure to experience my very first KLM long haul business class flight on one of these very rare 747-400 Combi aircraft.
This KLM business class flight review covers my journey from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Chicago O’Hare.
Join me and we’ll experience it together.
Enjoy!
Route: Amsterdam (AMS) to Chicago (ORD)
Length: 4,113 miles, 8:01 hrs
Flight: KL611 Seat 78A
Aircraft: Boeing 747-400 Combi registration PH-BFT (May 1997)
When: 7 July 2019
Camera: Panasonic HC-VX1
This video may not be reproduced without specific permission.
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[@DennisBunnikTravels]

Thanks for watching - really appreciate the support. This was my very KLM long haul flight. Not the world's best business class but a very good solid product - has certainly encouraged me to fly them again. Enjoy cheers D

[@OhNoItIsSabine]

DennisBunnik Travels how u pronounced “amsterdam schiphol airport” was so good for someone who doesnt speak dutch. Had to rewind for a sec haha

[@benjamina.1590]

Dennis you are spread to Norway🇧🇻 BTW when are you coming to Norway?

[@IngoojertFC]

@@OhNoItIsSabine he speaks it though..... believe his parents are from NL... has family here at least, watch some of his old vids eating Dutch food 😉

[@anjingUK]

The orange paint scheme was for the Olympic athletes from the previous olympics

[@loesepoes18]

Sabine Jurriaans hij is van Nederlandse afkomst. Volgens mij spreekt hij de taal wel. Ga maar eens kijken naar zijn 2 filmpjes over het Nederlandse eten dat hij heeft gemaakt! Hij is geboren in Nederland en geëmigreerd naar Australië toen hij ik geloof 7 was.

[@jauipop]

I really enjoy KLM’s service! Have a few of those gin houses somewhere. Have been in the 747 cockpit a long time ago (pre 9/11) when I used to fly back and forth from Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur a lot for school. There was even a time when I was sitting in business and recognised the pilot’s name as one of my friend’s dad’s so when I told them I was on the flight, he got me into the cockpit as we were about to land in KLIA and was actually sitting in there during landing! That was quite an experience for a 15 year old me!

[@DennisBunnikTravels]

wow that would have been fantastic - would love to have that experience one day.

[@jauipop]

@@DennisBunnikTravels pretty sure it wouldn't be allowed nowadays (or there would be a bunch of security checks that need to be done)...! Was really lucky to have been able to do it and my friend's dad was telling me all the new tech (at the time) on the KLIA runway.

[@dohyunchoi3735]

11:20 "I'm trying to go viral before my kids do" you got me sold there

[@EagleNED]

I also flew this route, and enjoyed every moment of it. If you can, try seat 1A if you ever get the change before the 747 is phased out. 1A is in front of the cockpit on the lower deck in the nose. It's the only place with a 1-2 configuration, so you have a very awesome experience.

[@jules6677]

I'm sorry...but that 777 at 2:44 was not for the 100th anniversary but for the 2016 Rio Olympic games! Still a great video.

[@benjamina.1590]

The orange pride

[@stefanpetersson636]

You beat me to it Jules.

[@vikingpotet]

He zoomed in on it on the start their first 787-10

[@rubenuidam8684]

Yup true

[@jojoray]

Also cause Dutch people like orange ;p

[@monsterzero760]

Thanks Dennis...I got a chance back in the 80s for work flying KLM 747 from Amsterdam to Houston Tx. The crew were fantastic and I was able to speak one on one with a flight attendant. Her future husband was a KLM Pilot and she told me about her life growing up in Holland and how you excited she was to start her new life with her future husband. Both of them have been flying for KLM for a few years. I want to personally thank you Dennis and to all the Travel Video Bloggers for great content on the different airlines and aircraft. I feel that I am flying on the seat next to you on each flight. Means the world to me. God bless you and safe flying!

[@832JY]

I love KLM because of friendly cabin crews and exemplary meals, as well as nice touch of mini Dutch pottery house. Flew with them in old lie-flat business class from KUL-AMS-BCN with top notch services 😊👍🏻

[@mgrides27]

Always good to see our (and your) heritage being appreciated. One minor detail: the PH BVA, the triple 7 with the orange livery, has its orange livery to bring our Olympic team to the games and pick them up, the last time the olympics were held.

[@DennisBunnikTravels]

Ah yes thanks. I had seen the social media posts a couple of weeks before filming of the 100 year celebrations where they used this aircraft so just assumed that was it. The Dutch Olympic team never gets much attention here in Australia so missed it at the time - that said during the Sydney Olympics the Dutch had the very best party venue right in the middle of Darling Harbour.

[@Sire.English]

@@DennisBunnikTravels The Whole reason the Orange Pride was used during the 100 Years event was as a Replacement to the Late arrival of the 787-10. (Inside News from The Hangar :P)

[@dietmargrun6162]

ich liebe die 747 Combi, habe selbst diese Maschine nach HKG erlebt. Das Bett ist sehr bequem. Ich kam ausgeschlafen an. Der Service vorbildlich. Und AMS als Startflughafen mit MUC und CDG die absolut erste Wahl

[@mig882001]

I flew the KLM combi way back in 1987 from JFK to AMS - love KLM they have a very strong User experience team and always innovating and enhancing the flying experience.Always fly them nowadays from Singapore to Bali on short breaks great crew aircrafts Happy 100th birthday KLM

[@AndrewHazelleTravels]

One of the few 2-2-2 Business Class product that is actually worth flying on. Plus, love KLM coz their crews are very avgeek friendly

[@peterjmcc1953]

I once flew from Amsterdam to Chicago in a KLM 747 but not in Business Class. I enjoyed it so much that KLM became my favourite airline and it still is.

[@nycflyertravel]

Great review! She was definitely showing her age, but it’s always a treat to fly on the Queen of the Skies! Lucky that you got to visit the cockpit

[@Digicola1]

Broke the piggybank last summer to fly this to New York one last time before the queen retires. Despite de broken IFE the upper deck was a delight to be in !

[@lisasutherland-fraser4479]

LOVED this video. Queen of the Skies how fabulous. Attention to detail on the beauty of their catering, so agree. Would love to do this flight. You make my day Dennis; your videos are brilliant! Dank u wel! X

[@chrisa6385]

I may be from the US.... But having a grand mother from Amsterdam there's something about Schipol and KLM that always feels like home. Great Video!!

[@bmcd4]

I really want to fly on the upper deck of a 747 before it's too late! Great to see a review, an excellent one as ever!

[@thetwopointslow]

How wonderful to see Schiphol and to see you fly the 747 Combi!! What a great opportunity and thanks for sharing!

[@SAFFY7411]

I love your videos Dennis. You're very blessed to have the opportunity to experience all that you share with us. Keep up the good work.

[@bobbisset2314]

Thanks Denis, watching your videos encourage me to learn to walk again and get on my travels, once again many thanks.

[@FireCracker3240]

A fantastic video. I loved getting to finally see what's upstairs on the 747. I think I've only ever flown one once, and even going near those stairs was above my pay grade.

[@largol33t1]

Sadly that depends on how the airline wanted the plane built I flew Cathay Pacific once and business class was in the upper deck. Some airlines even have only two classes: business and economy on the plane. That can be bad because one European airline put economy in the upper deck. It did not look even slightly comfortable...

[@ThatDamnPandaKai]

I'm living vicariously in business and first class through Dennis. Just too bad I'm not getting the air miles/points.

[@alexandramsh4740]

Princess Lemmy 😏

[@AlexS0700]

I flew with KLM in June. Seat 4K, one of only 3 single seats in the main deck business class. I went out of my way to find the flight that used the 747-400 instead of a 777-300. In 2 years they are gone. Next time im flying with family so we will be upstairs. It is a very nice touch when the pilot comes in and says hello to everyone and the flight attendants always greet you by name. Ive been flying on and off with KLM since 1996

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Agreed about appreciating every time I get to fly in the 747. :(

[@PaulStewartAviation]

@Badboy Tacos Yep but I believe that the 747-8 production will cease shortly :(

[@trdbrd6958]

Oh yeah

[@basidsamsuri4804]

Great review as always, Dennis. And finally one of my favorite airline. KLM. Look forward to more :-)

[@RichardFelstead1949]

Dennis , you are THE Flying Dutchman.

[@BrianBadondee]

Brilliant review Dennis! That menu looked delicious. Burger and apple pie 🤩

[@biemonderwater1472]

FINALLY AN KLM REVIEW! Thanks Dennis, you're awesome!

[@ingriddubbel8468]

I've loved flying 747's since I was a child. But I really love the upper deck of a 747. Its cozy.

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Thank you for the video - and the life-affirming smile! (I would never in a million years have noticed the M8!!! LOL)

[@aaronchandler2380]

Nothing better then flying on the upper deck! Sure feels like first class... I hope to fly KLM someday.

[@daneburton5747]

Great review as always Dennis, have flown KLM Business Class and they are excellent - keep the reviews coming!

[@sevesellors2831]

Great video, great airline used to fly with them to the Middle East when a student, always good.

[@louier9033]

I've always been pleasantly surprised by KLM - especially the catering.

[@trrollinson]

It put a smile on my face when you were able to go into and sit in the captains seat.. ( the avgeek in me) Was interesting to see the 747 combo also.. the only other airline I remember that flew that format I thought was South African Airways but I am sure there were more. Cheers for another great video

[@mary-michaelmcclure5624]

I’m flying KLM business class in December. This video made me more excited. 😊

[@carried7223]

Just love the 747 for business class.. This looks like a wonderful flight.. its all the small touches that make it perfect.. Thanks for sharing :-)

[@Avishek85]

“Vintage Analog Kindle” 🤣😂🤣😂 Dennis your humor is top notch mate! 👍👍👍

[@gilbydog7350]

So nice to see those 747s . Such a beautiful aircraft.

[@planeflight1202]

I flew this exact flight and it was a 747 400 combi before! In economy though, and I live in Chicago,IL.

[@katbarlow8782]

Always a great day to see you release a new video! Cheers!

[@jandsadventures4174]

Very nice, anytime I am able to grab a ride on a 747 I jump at the chance, great video Dennis, I believe its been a while where I’ve seen that type of detailed service and it seems other airlines can take a lesson

[@Worldsbest1987]

Hey cool flight report! The business in the queen of the skies looks so awesome! Great job Dennis! Have a wonderful weekend!

[@alisonmanifold2933]

Me, every time I see your updates: “Yaaaaasss a new Dennis Bunnik! *whistles along*” As an Aussie expat in the UK who loves seeing all the different airline products... it’s so lovely hearing it being presented with an Aussie accent ^.^

[@DennisBunnikTravels]

Thanks Alison, hope you're enjoying life in brexitland. :)

[@alisonmanifold2933]

DennisBunnik Travels Ahahahaha as an opera singer who came to the Motherland for the proximity to Europe I do feel a little silly now!!! 😂😂😂

[@pamelabies]

Fantastic Dennis !

[@Danker19991]

I got to fly the KLM 747 combi from LA-Amsterdam. What a unique plane and I’m glad I got to fly it.

[@phunkmandeluxe]

You're kidding me... the day I book to fly the KLM 747 combi (Seat 1A!) from ICN to CPH, Dennis bangs a review up... Life doesn't get better than this, people.

[@DennisBunnikTravels]

Cheers here's to a great flight! That's my next objective to fly in 1A on a 747!

[@Stephen05777]

DennisBunnik Travels did you not fly 1A on a Korean airlines aircraft? Or am I thinking of someone else?

[@Stephen05777]

DennisBunnik Travels Thai airways. That was the one

[@accesser]

Such genuine reviews ❤️ you mate

[@KapadiaTravels]

KLM is truly a wonderful airline. I guess we are all going to miss the true Queen of the skies! Looks like you had a wonderful flight. Good report.

[@richardmartinez6437]

So stoked for you bud! How awesome to sit at the helm of the Queen of the Skies. Happy travels my friend.

[@zb7608]

“Vintage analog Kindle”! Love it!

[@anthonyjuhasz1830]

I remember flying the 747 back in 2015 when I was 10 on this exact route! good ol’ days

[@franklinloo2160]

I love KLM Business Class which I boarded them recently. Love the food, the chocolate, amenities kit and the miniature Dutch Houses by Bols.

[@goonerjoe11]

What a legend!!

[@defup]

I’m so envious and, somewhat, jealous of you; for the reason that today no passenger would be allowed near the cockpit door let alone inside. What's more the last time I paid a quick visit to an airplane's cockpit was when I was only 14 and that was on a BAe-146, nevertheless it was exhilarating and something special!

[@GILBERTNAIBAHO]

Great video of queen of the sky. I love the view of engine from your seat and when you visiting cockpit. Thank you for sharing.

[@jayd1426]

Great video my friend. The 747 is very dear to me, and the Queen of the Skies will always be in my heart and soul

[@intlsubband]

Fantastic!! I flew one of these KLM Combis upper decks just a couple of years ago. It was my first time on a 747 upper deck, and doing it in a combi made it extra special to this plane geek. I flew it to Seoul, then changed to the upper deck of a Korean Airlines 747-8, which was probably the best business class I ever flew, right next to the Qsuit. Thanks for another great video!

[@simondavey7787]

Another brilliant video. Thank you. I’m quite a fan of KLM. I think they’re one of the best airlines in Europe. Much love to you and your family from Reading in the UK.

[@jonathanwilliams2670]

Hi Dennis. I have always loved upstairs on a 747, it just feels more exclusive and quieter than down below. I was surprised to see that KLM dont have the big storage bins under the window like BA do. This gives immediate access to your briefcase for work, and also provides a large side table when closed. Other than that, I liked the look of KLMs service. They are usually the cheapest long haul business class offering in Europe too. Here's to more great flights, Jonathan

[@NLAviation]

Great work Dennis!

[@nicolapaganoni1726]

Fantastic video! Great job!

[@ashoka1000]

0:56 my man is flying to my home city. Hallelujah

[@FireCracker3240]

It's always good to hear you head over to the US. America welcomes you! Love from PA.

[@brettcoates2980]

Analogue Kindle, absolute classic!

[@cardiffflyer]

Great video! KLM are my favourite airline. I fly with them a few times a year and they are always great to fly with! Hopefully one day I'll get to fly in their business class!

[@AlexanderBlums]

The first trip I ever took which I remember was around the year 2000 was a KLM 747 flight to Chicago as an Unaccompanied Minor. This brings back memories! Back in the day they let kids in the pilots cabin and the flight attendants generously gave away half the stuff sold via the inflight magazine.

[@thehighdiveSD]

Definitely read your Word doc. Hah! Great videos as always. Starting to enjoy your videos significantly more than Chui or Dan so, keep up the good work!

[@ryansvloggingit5492]

Love that royal Dutch blue color it's eye catching 747s were the best aircraft

[@robertmansfield2856]

An enjoyable video Dennis. KLM have a reputation of being a good airline and Schipol is my favourite airport.

[@igoranindito4727]

Immediatly recognized you were in schiphol airport! I live in Amsterdam and travel a lot too. Love watching your video’s and keep up the great work!

[@richardcaldwell9160]

Thank you Dennis - the world's best looking airline reviewer

[@saakethnerellakunta1002]

first view:) Another great vid, Dennis. A no-nonsense videos capturing the beauty of the 747. Proves that you’re the best aviation vlogger on KZbin

[@daveu88sanderson8]

Hi Dennis A real good review of KLM, I really enjoyed it. Keep up the first class reviews. Kind regards DS

[@michaelgask]

Oh, Dennis... great flight, great cockpit pic! 😎 Despite the two-abreast seats, they looked really comfy and as you pointed out food and presentation was great... and some takeaway gin, too! That's pretty special. I was surprised you forewent G&T and nuts, but I see why you did! 🇳🇱 Enjoy your next flight

[@christiansteuber2021]

Hey Dennis, watched a couple of your videos, like the relaxed way you make them. I am a hugh fan of aviation and travelling in comfort, so get every single point here. Well done, maintain this travelling and attitude as soon as the crisis is over! Chris

[@emilykosoff6577]

Always love your videos. peace

[@massitripreport3272]

Loved your video

[@janinebell763]

Great trip.

[@timvliegt1900]

Awesome video, i really love the 747 of KLM. For flying it is not the best but it doesn`t matter because it is a classic plane.

[@MStanleyRoss]

I came back biz class from Texas last October KLM 777. I was also blown away by their attention to detail, the little china house full of gin! All in all, great airline.

[@free4lifeau]

top stuff as always mate.

[@herenow6953]

I flew KLM 747-400 AMS - BKK - SYD return a very long time ago in economy- before terrorism, air rage and non smoking. It was fantastic! Open bar all the way - I had an inside the middle 4 seats at the rear (in the naughty smoking cabin). My row mates and I had an amazing experience- I think the MO at the time was ‘give them lots to drink and they will sleep and not be a problem’. They were very accurate! 😆 ah for those old days Xxx

[@planenuts]

Excellent video. Happy Travels.

[@johnetie]

I flew one of those from LAX to AMS last Oct. The plane was a little old but the service was outstanding and it was fun to get a little gin house.

[@ruudlooijschelder3139]

Hi Dennis, first of all, my compliments for the way you pronounce Schiphol. The orange 777, also known as the orange pride, got this livery in 2016, the 787-10 with the 100 sign is the biggest thing we’ve seen to date for KLM’s 100th birthday. I couldn’t resist correcting you as a Dutch av-geek... apart from that, keep up the good work!

[@carlhaluss]

Great video! Love the Dutch, love KLM and hope to fly with them sometime soon. I have really been enjoying all your videos lately. New discovery for me! Oh, and of course, love the Australians too!😀

[@bushyconn]

Always interesting, never negative. I enjoy them all.

[@DennisBunnikTravels]

Thank you :)

[@filonru]

When I was living in Japan in the 90s it was always special to see the iconic blue KLM 747 from the bus, parked at its Narita gate. Was always traveling home with them, always in business class but usually in seat 1A or K if available, as there was much less noise there than on the upper deck. Fully agree with kudo's for food and staff service, always a great experience!

[@amduser86]

sadly they fly 777 to japan. the 777-200 to osaka and the 777-300 to tokyo. lufthansa still flies with the 747-8 to haneda. but i am kind of stuck with a ana 787-9. flies directly from düsseldorf and saves a lot of time ...

[@loesepoes18]

Hello Dennis, again another great review! Allways love your video's, you're my nr 1! Thank you. De house you were offered is not with gin but with "jonge jenever". There's a difference. Me, i love my Gin Tonic, it tast's better than jenever. Your'e video is allways the highlight of my day. In this case, the night. It's 3.39 after midnight. "Old" people never sleep, hihihi! 😴💐

[@dcjimr1]

To step over someone or to be stepped over....hmmmmm....neither one sounds attractive to me. I'm so glad this layout is going the way of the dodo! Great video, Dennis, as always!

[@brianb2837]

Cheers Dennis! Hope all is well with you and your family. Ive been going back watching your old video’s and Ive been letting all the ads run no matter how long they are since I know KZbin content creators get revenue when the ads run right to the end without skipping. Here’s to seeing you back in the air and new video’s hopefully in the near future!

[@OhNoItIsSabine]

Loved the review a lot !

[@MJH7777]

Gracias. Excelente vídeo!!! 😻😻😻😻🙌🙏🙏🙏💞

[@OtakuAviators]

Ah, you were lucky to take off from the Polderbaan, the runway that is one timezone away from the main terminals ;-) Great video Dennis, will leave you a like!

[@Epic14Games]

Finally KLM - awesome! :) If you want to try their more modern hard product, the 787 is your best bet with the usual 1-2-1 config :)

[@TripReportaviation]

nice trip report! I really want to fly on a 747 Combi, it's so lucky of you to get a chance to fly on one

[@diannalocke997]

Love watching your travels around the world! If you ever need someone to travel for you, just let me know! You have such wonderful adventures!

[@droneshotsantoine1805]

Nice! I love KLM

[@meesj7019]

This video was great! Thank you for flying on our dutch pride!

[@willemlenteren1485]

I don't like that klm at all not proud