Update March 29, 2020: KLM has now retired its entire Boeing 747 fleet
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is one of the fewer airlines that is still operating some flights with a Boeing 747, one of my favorite types of aircraft. In April 2018, I had the chance to fly on one of the airline’s five 747-400s between Amsterdam and Paramaribo in World Business Class. I booked these flights for just 62,500 Flying Blue miles plus about $ 380 in taxes and fees using a Promo Award sale from the airline. An opportunity I couldn’t turn down as I’ve always dreamed of flying The Queen Of The Skys in World Business Class. In this review, I write about my flight from Amsterdam to Paramaribo on the lower deck.
Flight: KLM 713
Route: Amsterdam (AMS) – Paramaribo (PBM)
Date: Tuesday April 10, 2018
Depart: 2:20PM
Arrive: 6:20PM
Duration: 9h00min
Aircraft: Boeing 747-400
Class of service: World Business Class
KLM Crown Lounge Amsterdam
As a business class passenger, I had access to the KLM Crown Lounge in Amsterdam before boarding my plane to Paramaribo. The lounge has recently been renovated and offers more facilities now like sleep cabins and a restaurant. I stored my bag in one of the luggage lockers and took a seat.
Compared to my experience in other airline lounges, I was a bit disappointed to see what the buffet had to offer. Apart from a tomato soup and some bread, I didn’t take that much food in the lounge as I wanted to enjoy the meal service in World Business Class at the fullest. Later, I took a champagne and waited until I could board the aircraft.
KLM Boeing 747 World Business Class Lower Deck
My flight would leave from gate E09 which was a 10 minutes walk from the lounge. That moment when boarding The Queen Of The Skies, which is one of the biggest passenger aircrafts in the world, love it!
I boarded the plane through the first door where the friendly crew welcomed me on board. My flight was operated by a Boeing 747-400 and this aircraft features a total of 15 World Business Class seats on the lower deck. All seats are twin seats, except seat 1A, 4A and 4E which are better for those who are traveling alone. Check the seat map for more detailed information. I would have preferred seat 1A but unfortunately this seat was already taken. Luckily, seat 4A was still available.
On my seat, I found a pillow, blanket and headphones. The seat offers a lot of space for electronics, passports and other documents to the right and left of the headrest. The power outlets were on my left while the seat controls were on my right side. I directly put my seat in a more comfortable position to wait for my pre departure drink.
A few moments later, the crew came to introduce themselves. As a pre departure drink, I could choose from water, orange juice and champagne. Also an amenity kit was brought to me which contained an eye mask, airplane socks, a toothbrush with toothpaste and a comb. The seat itself is comfortable and offers a lot of space and privacy.
Once the plane doors were closed, we were ready to taxi to the runway. We took off with a cloudy sky and without delay.
In-Flight Dining
About half an hour after take off, one of the flight attendants asked me what I wanted to drink and I mentioned that I would like to have another glass of champagne. It turned out to be the Nicolas Feuillatte, Brut Réservé champagne, certainly not bad. I had the choice between nuts and cheese which wasn’t that difficult for me as I love cheese.
About half an hour later, my appetizer was served which consisted of smoked beef carpaccio with cream of almond oil, sweet and sour beech mushrooms and onions, green olives, celery and a black garlic and caper dressing.
I experienced a friendly and proactive service from the flight attendants. As soon as my glass was empty, I was asked for a refill. For the main course, I had three options. I went for the braised beef in Madras curry with fondant potatoes, broccoli, pickled cucumber and cashew seroendeng.
Every time when flight attendants asked me something, I was approached by name which I always love. After the main course, I was asked to try one of their delicious wines. I asked what wines are offered and opted for a delicious dessert wine. For dessert, I went for the Leonidas vanilla ice cream. Although the food was not that bad, I was a bit disappointed. Don’t get me wrong, but KLM definitely can work on improving their meal service.
About half an hour later, a bottle of water was brought to me and immigration forms for Suriname were distributed. Then, everyone was requested to close the window shades. I took yet another dessert wine and prepared myself to go to sleep for a few hours.
Pre Arrival Service
I slept for about 2 to 3 hours and when I woke up, we were only 1,5 hours flying away from Paramaribo. A pre arrival snack would be served and this consisted of a black Angus hamburger on a brioche bun with gherkin and tomato chutney. For drink, I took another champagne. For dessert, I went for a flan pastry with red fruit which I really enjoyed.
A few moments later, a flight attendant came to me with a whole selection of the well-known Dutch houses. This time I went for number 5. Once we landed in Paramaribo, I was expected to leave the aircraft using a jet bridge but to my surprise, this happened using ramp stairs! So special to leave such a huge aircraft this way.
After leaving the aircraft, I went through immigration and took the hotel shuttle to the Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Paramaribo. I spent about one week in beautiful Suriname and will write a separate blog post about what to see here.
KLM Boeing 747 WBC Lower Deck Bottom Line
KLM offers a decent product and service in their World Business Class. Although the Crown Lounge wasn’t renovated yet in 2018, I heard positive stories about it. I like it that the Boeing 747 has several seat options on the lower deck. It always feels so special to be seated in the very front of the plane or on the upper deck. This sets the Boeing 747 apart from the Boeing 777 or A330 that are featuring somehow the same seats.
Overall, I experienced a friendly and proactive service from the flight attendants. Unfortunately, the food during this flight wasn’t that special compared to what other airlines are offering. It is definitely something KLM can improve to make the passenger experience even more outstanding. Apart from this, I had a fantastic flight. What I also really like are these little Dutch houses passengers can collect. I’m excited to fly KLM World Business Class again next year on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner! I certainly can recommend KLM World Business Class, especially for the discount during the Promo Rewards every month. It’s definitely worth to pay the extra taxes and fees to get a great value out of your miles!
What is your experience with KLM Boeing 747 World Business Class? Have you flown them already or are you planning to make a flight with them? Let me know your questions and thoughts in the comments below!
Nice review!