Flight Review - Business Class on KLM from Amsterdam to Bonaire via Aruba

[@steve-marsh]

So much information in your videos, incredible!

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Steve! Some might say too much detail!

[@lthrtim]

I used to travel a lot on KLM via Amsterdam, and particularly liked the upstairs cabin in the old jumbos. I now have a small town of houses!

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Tim. I can see how the houses are addictive! I flew KML in business from Manila to Amsterdam in 2005 but I don't remember the houses being offered...

[@guyosborne2696]

Thanks Matt, nice film. I agree about the security at Amsterdam Schiphol. I travel there regularly and whilst the new machines should speed things up as there is no need to remove electronics, liquids, etc from hand baggage (and you can even take large bottles of water through) there seems to be a bottleneck at the area where you load you belongings into the grey trays as it takes longer to inspect each x-ray. Other airports should look at this issue prior to installing these new machines.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Guy. Having experienced it, and the wait to get the trays on the conveyor wasn't that long for me that day, the "liquids in the bag" time saving is not actually great as you still have the pockets / belts / watches / metal jewellery / coins process, which most people are poorly prepared for.

[@gunvaldsandhaland7757]

I Love To Fly Out From Schipol Coz Its So Easy To Navigate.Great Work

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks! Once I found where to go!

[@weeraanmelden]

14:16 I had the Angus burger in May (AMS to LAS) and it was indeed, horrible. The rest of the journey was great, the staff is amazing.

[@MattsPlanet]

That burger should have been nice but it just got massacred in the cooking / reheating process!

[@IWTBF]

I was looking forward to seeing 1-2-1 configuration. Never knew that was a thing. Amazing for us single travellers

[@MattsPlanet]

I was looking forward to it too....

[@IWTBF]

@@MattsPlanet Hi Matt, any idea if when in business or first class, instead of ordering the fancy menu, is it possible to get a standard meal that would be served in economy? I’m not a lover of fancy food and quite happy with economy food as I find them rather nice. Thanks

[@nickfrancis6480]

Nice cheeky view of the crew rest on the way in!

[@MattsPlanet]

Indeed - a fun bonus!

[@steve-marsh]

I've got a wee collection of the houses, but alas I bought them at a charity shop. Not sure the old lady behind the counter was even aware she was selling me gin.

[@MattsPlanet]

Ha! A reassuring swishing sound when you picked them up I assume?

[@dorskien]

Hi Matt! Been watching you videos for some weeks now and just now noticed that you have just beyond 10K subs!! I was sure I was watching a 500K-1mill subs aviation vlogger! A criminally overlooked channel! Thanks for the great content, keep it up! Greetings from Norway!

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks - that's the plan! It takes time though...

[@nickflintoff8077]

Great video Matt. Circling back to this for info and inspiration as currently plotting an Amsterdam-Aruba-Panama City-Mexico City-Amsterdam trip around March next year. I know KLM are rolling out their 1-2-1 across their fleet over the coming months so not sure what config I’d get at this stage, although I did fly that 2-2-2 to Rio and back a couple of years ago and like you I thought it was pretty decent. That shoddy cleaning job is unforgivable though.

[@MattsPlanet]

I have looked at revisiting KLM in their new seating but a first review of Air France probably comes first.... So many airlines, so little time!

[@ivanandhyiswara3333]

Good flight review! And I have to admit, for me it was a pleasure to listen and watch your story (frist time watching your channel). I have flown the KLM B772 and 3 many times to Bonaire in KLM WBC. I feel sad for you that you couldn't fly the "new" WBC configuration, but as you experienced, the windowseat is not bad at all. KLM is upgrading their tripple 7's to accommodate 1-2-1 configuration in WBC and their new product, Premium Economy. I hope to experience the new configuration this year, since I mostly travel alone to Bonaire. And yes, a fair part of the good WBC experience, is because of the friendly KLM-crew. Now I hope you enjoyed your stay at Bonaire and thank you for sharing your experience on KL0767 WBC.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Ivan! I did enjoy Bonaire, although it was better when I got my hands on a car....

[@dospalmascb]

OMG that Sausage in the lounge looked like it fell out a Mohel's bag! Great Video Matt (i may have said that already lol)

[@MattsPlanet]

Had to google that one! I've had better for sure!

[@Chris-fp3ol]

Thanks Matt, interesting video. I used to fly KLM WBC from Birmingham to Toronto via Amsterdam, long leg always on the 747 upper deck, which was great. I have a collection of the little houses! Looking forward to the Bonaire video.

[@MattsPlanet]

My collection still stands at 1, which is a little pathetic!!!

[@tonyracks2956]

i love your videos they are so honest

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks!

[@colinrenfrew48]

Fascinating!

[@MattsPlanet]

Glad you enjoyed

[@SAFFY7411]

Great review once again.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Saffy

[@juakkers1]

Consistently good and informative content Matt - love all your videos. The effort you put in really shows and is much appreciated!

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Julie! Means a lot to get feedback like this!

[@sternreport]

FYI: seeing you walk to the ticket machine at 1:53 I wanted to say that you don't actually need to buy a train ticket for most trains if not all in the Netherlands. You can just hold a credit or debit card against the reader and check out at you final destination. The card will get charged accordingly, and I think it's even cheaper than buying a paper ticket.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Julian - good to know... I was so focussed on trying to keep my shoulders level while walking (so the shot was smooth) it didn't even cross my mind! And the footage was still wobbly!

[@MattNav]

Nice one Matt! I've so far flown KLM long haul only once and it was in Economy on their 787-9 to Calgary. Very pleasant experience and good redemption at the time (Flying Blue miles back in 2017). Would definitely like to try their business class cabin someday but I'm definitely making sure that I end up with the Dreamliner because I'm stubbornly against 2-2-2 configs... Unless it's an apex suite then I'll allow it 😆

[@MattsPlanet]

Cheers Matt... I was pleasantly surprised with how nice the 777 was, even with the gymnastics required to get over the neighbour!! Indeed, I might even consider Lufty's 2-2-2 layout! Very good service on KLM though...

[@MattNav]

@@MattsPlanet Having been fortunate enough to try Lufthansa's latest business product on their newly delivered 787-9, I can definitely attest that the German carrier's newest product is a vast improvement compared to the rest of its fleet. Fun fact, I've been watching Flightradar24 and despite the LH 787 having commenced long haul service to Newark, the first 787 they received (D-ABPA, the one I flew in the autumn between FRA & MUC) is still mostly performing those same crew training sectors between Frankfurt and Munich so there's still a chance to try it without having to go all the way to the US

[@ukmaxi]

@@MattsPlanet @MattNav If it helps to know, the KLM 777 fleet is having its business class refurbished with the new 1-2-1 seats found on their dreamliners. I believe that is expected to be completed by the end of 2024 (possibly 2025, cannot remember precisely?).

[@patsadventures6381]

Matt: Good video which I found interesting. I posted a video last month on my channel of my KLM flight from Africa to Amsterdam, which was my first time on KLM. Plane was late coming in and was clearly not cleaned well at all when they boarded us. I was in business class and no pre departure drink. The staff seemed very indifferent to us. The food was horrible beyond belief and I could not eat it (same for the wife) and I can normally eat anything. I thought they were supposed to be top of the line and it was a let down. Also the lounge in Amsterdam was a madhouse with limited seating. The United Polaris Lounge for long haul business class is the way to go!! Thanks again and I subscribed.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Pat - your experience sounds awful! I can understand if the catering was below par if it was loaded at the outstation but the rest of it is not acceptable...

[@egorvelichko2473]

Thx a lot Matt for sharing! )

[@MattsPlanet]

You are very welcome

[@internationAL21]

Great video and congratulations on producing such interesting content. I’ll be flying via Amsterdam to Accra on KLM this Autumn. Currently planned on a 777 with the existing 2-2-2 configuration but I hear that KLM plan on updating their business class product on the 777s this year, so who knows. I’m looking forward to the experience in any case and to finally starting my gin house collection! Keep up the good work Matt.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks - fingers crossed for a renovated plane... I hope Accra is considered a premium destination which gets the shiny new seats first!

[@normhanson981]

Looks beautiful, thank you .

[@MattsPlanet]

It was quite good....

[@j2simpso]

Interesting trip report. Some notes to compare as I also flew KLM back in late July: Toronto to Glasgow (via Amsterdam) on a $1900 CAD J fare. Outbound (Toronto to Amsterdam) was operated on a 787 which I was very pleased with. Yes you are right that the 777 J is adequate, but boy that 787 with all aisle access (and no neighbour) makes a big difference in comfort and legroom. Fortunately this plane was clean (perhaps due it being cleaned at Toronto instead of Amsterdam?) Catering was good and agree that the service items and presentation was top notchalbeit the burger. I too had the burger on arrival which wasn't so good. The Delft houses were a nice touch too! I don't think you did the KLM Crown Lounge justice though, Matt. Perhaps it was because I had a 5 hour layover but I explored the lounge fully and got my money's worth! The lounge itself has shower stalls which you book when you arrive at the lounge (to ensure they're squeaky clean). There is also the option to book a sleeping room which can be useful for those extended layovers (albeit you'll pay extra for that service). The lounge also has lockers which can be useful if you've got carryon. Food was okay. Not as nice as the Emirates lounge (which I have access to flying Qantas internationally), but I've seen worse (i.e. the United Clubs in the US). One other thing I didn't see you mention but which I thoroughly enjoyed was the terrace accessible in the sky zone. Nothing like the fresh smell of Avgas and bird action to start off the day! I then flew KLM regional to/from Glasgow. Nothing too exciting, it was a regional jet with a fairly basic boxed meal. I've certainly had better meals on shorter flights with BA in business. One unique thing they do offer are bottled fruit juices which were nice. The lounge provided by KLM at Glasgow was the Upperdeck lounge which I've visited before. Wasn't chockablock but was fairly busy for the day I was travelling. Lounge was average although I must say I did enjoy myself a pint of Tennent's beer, something you cannot easily get in Sydney and certainly a treat! Returning to Toronto I ended up on the 777 and would agree with you somewhat that overall it was acceptable, but again (and perhaps I'm a bit spoiled here), I really don't like having a neighbour. Having to crawl over someone to use the lav is kind of annoying. That being said, catering and everything else was good and overall I quite enjoyed my status. And if that wasn't enough I earned Delta Gold Medallion status from this trip alone thanks in part to a Delta status match with my Qantas Gold!

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks! I would have liked the 787 but was happy with the 777... The biggest compliment is that I would certainly fly it again... My one house collection is too small!!! I did see the terrace in the lounge but in January it was closed off... It just filled up too easily given the seating design... But overall it was a very good experience!

[@CallumT5]

Camera quality looks good Matt!

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks! The Sony ZV1 features, intercut with the old DJI Osmo action. You can tell the difference if you look closely!!! A few learnings from this trip which should make the next one better... Cheers!

[@Steven-qi4gm]

They’ve done the same with me, booked In business to Brazil and back and one leg was on a 787, but now changed to 777. I’ve flown the 777 in business before with KLM and it was fine but it does wind me up when you get a lesser product than you originally booked. Happens all the time but it’s more so annoying when you go from a single window seat to suddenly having someone blocking you in.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks - I think some airlines (Qatar?) give you a free change if the equipment changes but I'd already booked my onward flight - Bonaire's poorly served so I had no real option to change the flight down from AMS in the hope of getting the plane I booked even if they let me change! It is annoying...

[@paololim3513]

Nice video... Are there plans to upgrade these 77Es to the 1-2-1 just like the 77Ws?

[@MattsPlanet]

I think they will in time...

[@heyimJaxin]

Thx for your vids I like them

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks for watching them!

[@heyimJaxin]

@@MattsPlanet u got a gd personality for an old person

[@Daniel27600]

7:24 Is that the crew rest area that is open during boarding?

[@MattsPlanet]

Hi Daniel - I believe it was... Steps straight up. I did a sharp cut as I got the flight attendant bang in shot!

[@TheGalwayFarmer]

777 is often refererd to as Triple 7 for good reason!

[@MattsPlanet]

Indeed!

[@PlanesKiwi]

What a cool way to learn ur A B Cs! Nice looking plane 💙✈

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks! Its really annoying that they line up on a map as ACB though!

[@ukmaxi]

If it helps to know, the KLM 777 fleet is having its business class refurbished with the new 1-2-1 seats found on their dreamliners. I believe that is expected to be completed by the end of 2024 (possibly 2025, cannot remember precisely?).

[@MattsPlanet]

Good to know... I'd have liked to fly the new layout on the 787 but this was by no means bad.... Gives me an excuse to fly them again somewhere else!

[@TheJKxClan]

Intro camera looks very good! Is it a new one?

[@MattsPlanet]

It is! Sony ZV1... I just need a longer arm so I can frame myself better....

[@IWTBF]

Hi Matt, any idea if when in business or first class, instead of ordering the fancy menu, is it possible to get a standard meal that would be served in economy? I’m not a lover of fancy food and quite happy with economy food as I find them rather nice. Thanks

[@MattsPlanet]

I'm sure you can... I'd mention it early so they have a chance to provision it. They'll probably want to decant it onto a plate to zhuzh it up a bit but it shouldn't be a problem.... Some of the up-front food is worth a look though!

[@IWTBF]

@@MattsPlanet thanks for the reply. Well ha I wouldn’t have a problem with them serving it on a fancy plate. I want that experience of it haha just rather a standard burger and chips or at best case whatever economy serves up. Most seem to slate it but I’ve never had a bad dinner or breakfast on long haul flights. Something about those dishes, can be rather appetising. Maybe it’s the long travel etc. But yeah just not a fan of ‘fancy food’ that I’ve never heard of or can pronounce haha. Also I’d rather a soft drink like a coke served in a champagne glass instead of champagne on arrival 😂 I’m a simple guy. I want the luxury and comfort it but doesn’t mean I suddenly want fancy food and drink 😁

[@peetbothma6982]

Nice one again Matt. Pity about the cleaning in Amsterdam, just not on. Glad you enjoyed the SA wine. Know it and it is acceptable. There are many better offerings to try when you visit. Personally I really dislike the 2-2-2 configuration. Those foot wells are a real pain😊👍🇿🇦

[@MattsPlanet]

Hi Peet!! Many years ago I was gifted some KWV port that was older than I am... Yum! Been a fan of SA wine ever since! You guys keep the good stuff for yourselves or do you export the best and keep the dregs?

[@peetbothma6982]

Hi Matt. KWV makes some excellent Ports. I still have a bottle of 1938 vintage, had a case at some point, a 1961, my birth year some others and a Magnum of 1964 my wifes birthyear😊🍷😋. Like every place in the world we try to have the best exported. There some real rubbish unfortunately. I am fortunate to have grown up with the good stuff and get them straight from the wine farms. No advertising but a close friend owns an estate the produces world beating reds. Don't take my word, they won the world championship in London 3 times. When you come, I will ensure you get the full and private tour😊. KWV has a glorious cellar in Paarl with very interesting tour. There you can buy all their goodies including some old and rare vintages. Their classic that has been exported for many years is KWV Roodeberg. Should be available in the UK. Very nice drinking red. On the sweet stuuf is the Vin de Constance, a dessert wine from Constantia. A favourite of Napoleon and British Royalty for literally a couple hundred years😊. A long weekend might just not be long enough🤣

[@MattsPlanet]

@@peetbothma6982 You make a persuasive case!!!!

[@peetbothma6982]

@@MattsPlanet There many challenges in our country but really so many great things to enjoy. Really worth a visit. Since you enjoy the statistics you can check it out. For every tourist coming in something like 7 poeple are in employment. With our absurdly high rate of unemployment we really need more than the 2 BA 380 flights into Johannesburg daily, more like 50 such flights daily. Add to that the weakness of the currency and the 11 hour flight makes coming here very worthwhile. Example an above average bottle of wine in a good restaurant wil set you back no more than GBP15. You could not buy a wine of that quality in Tesco for under GBP25😊🇿🇦

[@tjittekamminga5170]

nice video but alas KLM detrioriated a lot, either on ground service as in the cleanness of cabin! Catering is also soso, better choose for AF.

[@MattsPlanet]

I enjoyed this flight and am keen to try klm's new seats... Air France too!

[@michaelfretter9394]

I agree Matt, those security machines are SLOW and they seem to have a hit rate of around 50% on rejections for a manual check anyway meaning it takes longer that the conventional system would have done. All a bit odd

[@MattsPlanet]

You still have the pockets and belts / watches hassle so it really doesn't save that much time....

[@speedendurance]

Lounges are becoming too commonplace these days. Big rants on Twitter (for those who still use it) especially the American Express Platinum holders & Centurion lounges. 30 min waits to get in. As well, that really sucks having to pay for premium drinks.

[@MattsPlanet]

I remember twitter.... Still some good lounges out there fortunately!

[@pb456-7]

Just Vegas and back in business earnt (almost) enough points to fly one way business to the Caribbean? Seems very reasonable along with low taxes!

[@MattsPlanet]

A return flight on Virgin - actually DUB-LHR-JFK-LAS-ATL-JFK-DUB which was a good earner - earned almost enough for a one-way to the Caribbean... Flying ex Dublin helped keep the cost down!

[@pb456-7]

@@MattsPlanet Nice work!

[@oliverbutterfield9844]

That blue cheese looked good.

[@MattsPlanet]

Hi Oliver - it wasn't that "blue-y" actually, so it was very nice!

[@tonyferdaise5292]

Excellent trip report. The beard suits you very well 😊

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Tony. A few votes for the beard... Heading somewhere really warm in a couple of weeks so it is scheduled to be removed... Its really annoying when its hot...

[@tonyferdaise5292]

@@MattsPlanet Málaga?

[@MattsPlanet]

@@tonyferdaise5292 Warmer than that! South East Asia....

[@tonyferdaise5292]

@@MattsPlanet warmer and more humid. Keep the beard it suits you very well.

[@mikiewifnoe360]

Matt, do you always travel by yourself?

[@MattsPlanet]

Hi Mikie... These days I mostly do... Currently single but applications are being accepted! Some of the trips I take are a hard sell to a companion!

[@RobinsBookClub]

Sad to hear you've lost half an inch since prior videos, hope you find it again soon. #thoughtsandprayers

[@MattsPlanet]

Ha ha! I've rounded up in previous videos! But my desire for accuracy prevailed in this one!!! I guess it depends if I'm wearing heels....

[@RobinsBookClub]

@@MattsPlanet probably only noticed as I'm also tall (and secretly also a rounder upper!) :)

[@MattsPlanet]

@@RobinsBookClub Who in their right mind rounds down???

[@madds6678]

Very interesting wasn’t even aware of this destination & being that me & my wife both have 250k virgin miles it’s grabbed my attention especially at that price for business class 🙂, wasn’t impressed with the lounge at schipol though. I really do need to start using my BA & Virgin miles been paying through the nose for flights on BA to get myself back up to silver hopefully soon & travelling long haul in economy is not our idea of pleasant 🙁

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks. KLM (and Air France) have some interesting destinations in the Caribbean, plus Suriname in South America and they're all similarly priced.

[@Joe-lb8qn]

Hang on. You avoided paying £200 by paying for eurostar, an overnight hotel and a train to the airport? Was that really worth it?

[@MattsPlanet]

Nope! Not in this case as I would have struggled to get to AMS in the morning with enough time to get to the flight to BON. But I mention it to make the point that it can be a saving... Was quite happy with a night in AMS as its been a while since I went and I got a decent video out of the Eurostar trip too....

[@BonkersAboutAlice]

I initially liked this lounge but food offering was poor and I felt seating wasn't easily had On the return the lounge staff closed off almost all food and drink 2 hours before closure.

[@MattsPlanet]

I thought the food was OK but wouldn't go further than that! And it was crowded...

[@paololim3513]

One hashtag you can put for this flight is this is a #DomesticNonDomestic flight. Bonaire is politically integrated into the Netherlands but is not part of the Schengen area so a Schengen visa is not valid to travel here.

[@MattsPlanet]

Good point - I did get an entry stamp on arrival which I perhaps wasn't expecting

[@delanovrutaal9294]

The sausage did not look very wel baked tho

[@MattsPlanet]

It was still edible!

[@Clawow]

I saw prices for Bonaire at KLM business for around 4-10k, amazing that they dare to let you pay for drinks in the crown lounge. They should be ashamed.

[@MattsPlanet]

Much cheaper through a redemption!!! And they charge a lot of money to get into that Crown lounge if you don't have status, and still charge you for a drink!!

[@Clawow]

@@MattsPlanet it is insane. And yes, your tip regarding the points is godlike. I am from the Netherlands - gonna check if there we have a points program like that aswell. Thank you for your video - i enjoyed every minute of it!

[@philhounam523]

Good quality review, comprehensive and interesting. You just need to brush up on your Nederlands pronunciation for Stroopwafellen and Oranjestad.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Phil! Fair comment on the pronunciation!

[@marcusmyge]

Correction. Whilst the Kingdom of the Netherlands still includes the countries of Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten, and the public bodies of Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Bonaire. It does no longer include Suriname.

[@MattsPlanet]

I didn't mention Suriname in this video! A slight whoops in the.description, which has now been corrected....

[@marcusmyge]

@@MattsPlanet yeah. I don’t think many people noticed, but I thought it better to let you know anyway.

[@walter3433]

KLM isn't what it used to be. Food is substandard to average and the seats are horrible.

[@MattsPlanet]

I need to fly them again.... I was on a relatively old seat on this flight

[@tumolucky17]

Every time I travel via Amsterdam it’s always the same , security is a good 20mins on average. Terrible and outdated . Passport control always seems heavily understaffed

[@MattsPlanet]

There's new flight restrictions coming in too I believe... Anyone would think the government doesn't want people flying...

[@anonymous77173]

Matt used to hav hair

[@MattsPlanet]

I did - lots of it too!

[@anonymous77173]

That stewardess is trippin

[@MattsPlanet]

Very strict no filming rules on KLM!

[@derylhenriquez2962]

I love KLM the best 👍🏻

[@MattsPlanet]

I liked them!

[@adamingleton8529]

Did u complain ? Out of interest

[@MattsPlanet]

Not on this occasion! A lot more was right than was wrong and I really enjoyed it!

[@queercastlimburg]

Maybe you are little nitpicking. You could also have spoken to the crew to say that some things were not right. They would have liked to be able to solve it for you, but now you don't give them the chance to solve things, but you complain via KZbin

[@MattsPlanet]

Fair point - I try to achieve balance - this was a very enjoyable experience... As with my Iberia experience, I try not to interfere too much with the baseline service offered by the crew to see how the full flight is engineered to pan out... If you ding the bell too much you don't get to experience the "true" service experience.