Jan 23, 2005 11:30 AM
4170 Views
(Updated Jan 23, 2005 11:30 AM)
Probably, for one reading this review , one might think ''Oh geez! Here he goes again.'' I guess that is me! Well KLMwas a pretty sordid experience, but be warned , this could have been due to the fact that I was leaving my Birthplace (Saudi) forever, and did not really want to make the trip (sigh yes even though I got to fly on a plane)
This is from my point of view. My flight to Toronto, Canada from Saudi Arabia consisted of two sectors - Dammam - Amsterdam, Amsterdam - Toronto. Walking onto the boarding bridge, my thoughts were lost back in the dunes wondering if I will ever see my friends again.
But then again, I did have reasons to be excited as well, so as I turned the corner and saw the aircraft's door ahead - I thought ''WELL why not give it a try?'' Probably the most excellent example of a lovely female robot would have won hands down for the female Attendant standing in blue dress. I mean - there was no ''Hello!''.
Just a look - and a glance at our boarding cards. And then she did something that scared the living hell out of me. She was pointing to our seats, but she raised her arm so quickly that I thought she was about to 'jump' me!
Haha ! very funny ! We move on down the aisle which by now had some passengers already sleeping (Dorks! They just need a seat to sleep in) And we settled at the back with my family somewhere at the rear. Now all this 'excitement' and 'sorrow' made my forget about using the washroom, and the pressure in my bladder was building up.
Considering the fact that I would not be allowed to use the washroom when the plane started moving (for takeoff) - I decided to use the facilities when the aircraft was still on the ground.
The plane was A B767, one which I had NEVER travelled in. I move to the extreme back and was scared for a moment to look at a G - L - A - R - I - N - G attendant. I mean she was like one of Hitler's soldiers or something standing in perfect attention and with a mean, mean look on her face.
Had it not been that I desperately wanted to use the loo, I would have gone back. When I asked her where the W/C was, she gave me like a quizzical look, and I gave her one of my ''Duh! - how - am - I - supposed - to - know'' looks, and finally she pointed to where the w/c was. I mean sorry lady - for ALL the trouble.
The flight was pretty uneventful, we got to travel in Economy class since Business class was sold out in this sector, and guess expecting a PTV in KLM would be too much to ask for, except for the 'overhead' monitors.
The Attendants were so keen to put up chairs in the galley and chat. And they look so lovely when they snap at you when you go ask them for a glass of whatever! I wish I could freeze those hostile glares that they give you. (Maybe thats cuz I am Indian - hey thats no surprise !) There is one special mention to ONE attendant though. She was so friendly to everyone on the plane, I could have sworn she made the other ''Hail Hitler'' follower envious. She was smiling, and even came around with an extra blanket for people who needed them. She took care to smile and kneel down in the aisle to help people with immigration forms.
AMSTERDAM is a really really beautiful city. I mean the whole setting is like that of some fairytale land. Simply amazing. And much unlike the crew - the Ground staff were so damn awesome. They are probably what hold the airline together. Very much organized, and so sleek and smily. I have not seen anyone like them. You can always expect a friendly ''Good Morning - Vot is it that I Kaan Do four yu'' Really amazing!
Right, halfway away from my birthplace moving to a country I know nothing about, (except apart frm the fact that we don't support the U.S. which rocks!) And our boarding call for Toronto was announced. Once again there were smiley and genuine ''Hav a nice flite - Thaank Yu four flying KLM''.
We were 'again' greeted by a really surly looking attendant. I must agree out of the two (the other attendant, if u remember being the one who was surly at the door , sector 1 of my trip) this lady must beat all the other rude attendants in all other airlines(yes including Saudia) She practically 'barked' at us because my brother was lagging behind.
T H E N seeing our Business class boarding cards, there was a sudden magical appearance change. ''Oh sir! Pleez Velcom on board KLM - May I show you to your seats?'' My My - What a 'nice' lady. I mean one second I thought she would shove me into my seat, but here she was escorting all of us to our seats! Crew on this flight had a bit of a sense of Humor. Either that or because we were paying extra $$$ for Business class.
WARNING! - KLM uses the MD -11 for this route. PLEASE stay away from this aircraft. It makes a hell of a lot noise and during descent, it actuallyfeels like you are going to crash. Beware you have been warned!
I would, if I were you steer clear of the food in KLM. Obviously they have employed some chef who was kicked out of Holiday INN! As for the overall service, I wouldn't say they are HORRIBLE! NO! they are OK! Its your $$ they expect, you pay em - you get all the frills (smiles), you pay less, you still get there, but don't complain about MS. Hail Hitler treating you like an outcast!
Cheers Faz
