 KLM - Still going strong
Flights with the Dutch national airline KLM go back as far as 1920, when it first began flying from London to Amsterdam with tiny Fokker aircraft. KLM eventually grew into a large international airline, operating flights worldwide from their base Amsterdam Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands. In May 2004, KLM merged with Air France, creating one of the world's largest carriers. Air France - KLM continue to fly under own brand names.
KLM Group also owns short haul airline KLM Cityhopper, Dutch holiday airline Transavia and half of Dutch airline Martinair.
KLM Routes and Destinations
KLM flies to Amsterdam from 16 airports in the UK from Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland and from Birmingham, Bristol, Durham, Teesside, Humberside, Leeds, London City, Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich, and Southampton in England. Also from 2 airports in Ireland: Cork, Dublin.
Air France - KLM is now one of world's largest airlines in terms of routes. They fly to more than 250 destinations all over the world, either non-stop or via other airports. Their flight hubs at Amsterdam Schiphol and Paris Charles de Gaulle act as transfer airports for their route network.
KLM City Hopper feeds traffic from many airports in the UK to Amsterdam Schiphol, using short range Fokker aircraft for transfer to KLM's onward flights. They also offer a good choice of direct flights to other cities in Europe. Allow sufficient transfer time, as Amsterdam Schiphol covers a vast area and changing planes can mean a lengthy walk.
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KLM World fares start from less than £270 return inc. taxes see...
The best bargins this year can be found when flying to the mid and far east.
There are many really cheap economy flights to Shanghai and Beijing from £350.
To the UAE there are numerous Flights to Dubai from many UK airports for just £269.
Check out the lastest KLM Flights to South Africa from many UK airports.
Flights via Amsterdam to South America from under £500.
Comments and Reviews
Leading airline research advisors Skytrax awarded KLM a "satisfactory" rating of 3 stars. Most passengers generally class KLM as a reliable airline, with respectable though not outstanding standards of service. On shorter European flights there is no in-flight entertainment on board. Long haul flights have movies on overhead projection screens, except on the Boeing 777 which has an excellent digital audio and video-on-demand system.
KLM's inflight catering has been completely revamped and improved during December 2006. The new meal service will also be available on all European flights from March 2007.
Other Useful Information
| Booking |
For the cheapest fares book as far in advance as possible, last minute bookings can be very expensive. With every booking, airport taxes, fuel surcharges, booking fees and credit card surcharges will be charged. 'Take Off' fares are the lowest but have the most restrictions. KLM 'Europe Select' tickets are fully flexible and include extra baggage allowance, advance seat reservation, priority check-in.
Online reservation is possible for up to 7 passengers, for larger group reservations you must contact the local KLM Reservations Office.
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| Flight changes |
Whether changes or cancellations can be made depends on the type of fare ticket. Administration fees may also apply. KLM 'Take-Off fares' (the lowest Economy fares) cannot be cancelled or changed. KLM 'Europe Select' tickets booked via the KLM.com website can be changed or cancelled online up to 30 hours before departure. |
| Seats |
Economy Class seats are fairly standard for a scheduled airline, with around 31" leg room, seat pitch in Business Class is 55-60 inches legroom.
At time of booking you can pre-select a window or aisle seat, except with an 'Action Fare'. On long haul flights, specific seats are only available for passengers with E-tickets, and within Europe for KLM 'Europe Select' tickets.
Extra legroom seats near emergency exits can be reserved at airport check-in desk if you're lucky.
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| Food |
Meals are included in flight fare. Special meals (vegetarian, children, medical, religious) can be ordered on long haul flights up to 24 - 36 hours before departure, phone KLM Reservations UK office on 08705 074074.
On European KLM flights the food is usually classed as fairly basic. In December 2006, all KLM's inflight catering has been completely revamped and improved, with new and more substantional meals now being rolled out on all these flights. |
| Baggage |
Economy Class: 2 pieces up to 20 kg each. (23kg to USA/Canada), hand luggage 10 kg.
Business Class: 2 pieces up to 30 kg each, max. overall dimensions 158 cm, hand luggage 10 kg plus up to 8 kg briefcase. Special rules for hand baggagge apply.
Sports equipment: Reserve in advance at KLM Reservations office, fees and conditions apply.
Excess baggage: Up to 20 kg excess luggage can be bought up to 24 hrs in advance before you fly, this way you can get up to 40% discount. Excess baggage costs are expensive, especially flying to the US, Canada & Mexico, prices start from 125 Euro for one extra bag to 375 Euros for the heaviest bags. For flights within Europe, excess charges start from EUR6/kg, rising to EUR15/kg for bags over 15 kg. Consider buying a business class ticket if you have a lot of luggage.
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| Check-In |
For Europe, USA/Canada/Caribbean: check in 2 hours before departure.
For Asia, Africa, Middle East, South America: check in 3 hours beforehand.
Airport check-in desks close 40 minutes (Europe) or 1 hour (long haul) before scheduled departure.
Check-in can be done by telephone, self-service machine, airport desk. Internet E-ticket holders can also use Internet check-in.
Self-service check-in machines are available at: Amsterdam Schiphol, Athens, Copenhagen, London Heathrow, Manchester, Oslo, Vancouver, Vienna and USA airports. |
| Fleet |
KLM has a large mixed fleet, mainly dominated by Boeing 747, Boeing 737, and the comfortable Boeing 777 with its excellent audio and video entertainment. Boeing 767 is being phased out and replaced by Airbus A330. KLM also fly a number of distinctive McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft, a tri-engined wide-bodied plane with an engine high up on the tail. For short haul flights KLM Cityhopper uses a fleet of Fokker 50, Fokker 70 and Fokker 100 aircraft. Average age of fleet is about 10 years.
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Latest News
July 2007 Check out great KLM deals on offer for flights from London to the US via Amsterdam Schiphol, best fares available for flights between November 1 to December 8 2007.
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