Our vacation has ended and we’re heading home with KLM on their 787-10 in business class. I’ve actually ridden on this exact plane in the past. If you’d like to check that out, KLM 787-10 Business Class Review(2022). I think it was even the same seat assignment, I don’t remember exactly and my photos don’t tell.
KLM mostly uses these 787s for Trans-Atlantic flights these days. They are well suited for that role. Lots of these routes are served by the A330 with it’s aging 2-2-2 business class (KLM A330-200 Business Class Review) so the 787 and the 1-2-1 arrangement will be a welcome improvement in business class. For economy, I’d say the A330 is a more comfortable ride.
We’re having a bit of an off day. We left from the hotel right on time, caught the tram as expected, then our sprinter train to the airport wouldn’t let people board, the conductor assured us there’s one right behind in less than 5. He was lying. We waited for the scheduled 15 minutes to the next one
That next train ended up stopping with us on it for more than 20 minutes. So we finally arrived at Schiphol about 40 minutes after we intended.
Bottom Line: I really want to like KLM, they do some things really well. The service is prompt and professional, the seats are comfortable, and the in seat entertainment is very good. The food just isn’t great and the bedding could be improved. But at the end of the flight, you get a fun little souvenir house full of gin so that’s nice.
KLM AMS Check-in and Passport Control
To make matters worse, I didn’t have a boarding pass yet as I couldn’t check in last night. Val could, but no luck for me. At the counter I found out why, I had been selected for SSSS. This is basically extra security screening. It’s “random” I have no clue how they actually assign it, but I’ve been selected in the past.
We got through security and immigration in what would be considered above average time, but not excessive. We wanted to get some sandwiches for the plane because I’m not super impressed with the meal selection online.
KLM 787-10 Business Class Boarding
We had a few minutes so we stopped into the 52 lounge here at AMS. I’ve reviewed it before and not much has changed. This was very much a grab and go, the boards were showing “go to gate” as we sat in the lounge.
After a very quick stop we headed to the gate and they were boarding zone 1 so we jumped in line. This is when I noticed this is the same plane as we rode on a few years ago. I recognized the distinctive 100 year livery. At the gate I got my SSSS search. Val went ahead and got settled into her seat.
KLM 787-10 Business Class Cabin
Onboard I met Val and found my seat on the right hand side of the plane. I tend to follow the POSH rules when flying TATL originating in north America. Port Out, Starboard Home. Better views usually.
The reverse hearing bone seats are very nice. There’s plenty of space, good storage, and a decent level of privacy.
The KLM 787-10 Business Class is arranged into a standard 1-2-1 configuration. The overhead bins are also large so finding space for my carry on bag was easy.
KLM 787-10 Business Class Seats
In my seat there was a a pillow, blanket, headphones, and bottle of water. The flight attendant then distributed amenity kits. This was soon followed by champagne and then the menu for the flight. I had preordered ahead, but that’s only for the main, the starter and snacks later in the flight are still via the menu.
I stowed my pillow and blanket on the ottoman and got settled into my seat. The head purser came around and introduced herself. She’s very nice and welcomed both Val and I to the flight.
Over my right shoulder there is a small storage cubby that has the provided headphones and bottle of water. Below that there is a USB power port, universal power port, and audio ports for headphones.
The seat controls are just above the tray table. Pretty standard stuff here.
There’s also another button just to raise the seat. I think this is for flight attendants to be able to quickly raise the seat without having to look at the control panel.
Overhead KLM has opted for no individual air vents. I really don’t like the new trend of business class not having air vents. I mind less on daytime flights, but on overnights I really miss it.
KLM 787-10 Business Class In Seat Entertainment
The in flight entertainment on the KLM 787 is excellent. The screens are large and very responsive.
There’s a wide selection of movies and shows to choose from.
Because the screen is kinda far away, there’s a remote that you can also use to control the IFE. In flight, this can also show a moving map.
KLM 787-10 Business Class Menu
While here at the gate, the Champaign provided was ok, but not amazing.
KLM Business Class Lunch Menu. The flight attendant asked for our meal and appetizers selection, I’m a little surprised as I had pre-ordered but oh well.
KLM Business Class Lunch Menu
KLM Business Class Lunch Menu
KLM Business Class Lunch Menu
KLM Business Class Lunch Menu
KLM Business Class Lunch Menu
KLM 787-10 Departure and Take-off
Outside it’s cool and raining but inside the cabin it’s very hot. The KLM 787 doesn’t have overhead vents in the business class cabin so hopefully it cools off soon.
The captain came on and gave his welcome. Told us it would be a 8:05 flight to Chicago. Everything looks to be on time and we’ll be taxiiing tfrom the gate within 10 minutes.
My pre-depaeture beverage was collected and we pushed back from the gate right on time.
The safety video was shown as we taxied to the runway. The good news is that once the engines were started, the cabin started to cool off.
We took off towards the Southwest today. The 787 climbs pretty smoothly and is a nice quiet ride. It’s also fun to watch the wing flex on takeoff.
We took off and we climbed above the clouds pretty quickly. Once up, the seatbelt sign was turned off as we settled into the flight.
I like that KLM is usually pretty quick at turning off the seat-belt sign. The mood lights were put on display
One thing I really like about the 787 on daytime flights are the dimmable windows. Allows me to look out the window with it still being a little shaded.
KLM Business Class Lunch Service
The lunch service started with hot towels being distributed.
Next was some Dutch Gouda and a pre-lunch drink. I just had a Coke.
Starters and salad came next.
The smoked salmon was pretty good, better than I expected, but still a little bit of a reach.
For those interested, we’re passing over Scotland as we enjoy our lunch.
For my main, I had the “taste of delicacies” It’s a collection of Indonesian dishes including chicken, fish, and cabbage. It was ok. I did eat all the rice… I had a gin and tonic to go along with my lunch.
Finally desert. This was a Speculoos Bavarois. Kinda like a fruit on top of a custard. It was pretty good, not amazing.
Over all I’d give this meal a rating of “Meh.” I ate it, but not really sure I enjoyed any of it.
KLM 787-10 Lavatory
After lunch I went to the bathroom to get cleaned up. There are several bathrooms available to business class passengers. They are seem to have about the same amount of space. They were kept clean through the flight.
KLM Business Class Amenity Kit
The KLM Business Class amenity kit.
The KLM amenity kit is a sort of closet bag organizer. I like this idea of amenity kits being useful afterwords. I love my SAS laundry bag. This one from KLM isn’t amazing, but at least it’s not just a bag.
Inside was the standard fare, eye mask, socks, dental kit, earplugs, lip balm, face cream, and a pen.
KLM 787-10 Business Class In Flight
With about 5 hours left in the flight, the business class cabin was quiet as most people either slept or watched a movie.
I decided to watch a movie while trying to get some sleep.
The flight attendants came through the cabin a few times to offer snacks and drinks. I’m a sucker for Stroopwafels.
Our view as we crossed the North Atlantic.
In the galley area, there was a little selection of chocolates and snacks to grab at our leisure. The dark chocolate went quickly so the only thing left was gross white and milk chocolate.
I put on a movie and tried to get some more sleep. I was somewhat successful, but these daytime flights it’s a little difficult.
KLM 787-10 Business Class Pre-Arrival Snack
Ok, let’s get this out of the way. The food on KLM isn’t great. The second meal was offered but I declined. I had a sandwich I brought from the airport. So yes, I’d rather eat an airport sandwich over KLM food. I did ask for a coke to drink along with my sandwich.
KLM 787-10 Business Class Pre-Arrival
KLM has a fun and unique parting gift for business class passengers. The Delft Houses are bespoke porcelain figures that are filled with Dutch Gin. There are hundreds of different versions that are all inspired by various houses around Amsterdam.
This is the one I chose. I always get nervous I’ll pick a duplicate of one I already have or pick the same one as Val, but so far, we’ve been lucky. I’ll add this to my collection at home.
We’ve begun our decent into Chicago.
The flight attendants came through the cabin to collect any trash and prepare the cabin for landing at ORD.
KLM 787-10 Business Class Landing and Arrival
At first it looked like it would be a little cloudy in Chicago, but as we got closer the clouds cleared and it looks like a nice sunny day.
As a final pass through, the flight attendant reminded me to put my shoulder strap on. During takeoff and landing this is required.
When landing, we were seemingly on a normal approach. Unfortunately just a few minutes later the engines spooled back up and the nose pointed upward. Looks like we’re going around, bummer. I was looking forward to getting on the ground to make our connection. Should be just fine still.
A few minutes later the pilot came on and told us we were a little too close to another aircraft landing. Because of that we flew a missed approach, we should be on the ground in about 10 minutes. I put on some music, we should be landing soon, I didn’t want to start a new movie. No big deal, I’ve gone around a few times in the past, including a diversion on Air France when Val and I went to Sicily.
After our circle, we landed uneventfully. Should be to the gate right around our scheduled arrival time. We’ll have no issues making our unprotected flight connection down to Greenville.
KLM 787-10 Business Class Final Thoughts
The hard product on KLM is great. The seats are excellent, lots of storage, clean, private, and comfortable. The in seat entertainment is very good, responsive with a wide selection. The flight attendants are great, friendly and helpful. The only down side is the lack of overhead air vents, but that’s a trivial complaint.
Where KLM is disappointing is the food. There’s no hiding from it, I just don’t enjoy it. Yes, it’s bad enough that I’ll bring a sandwich from the airport.
I’ve ridden with KLM many times in the past, I’ll continue to ride with them. But if I have the ability to ride with their sister, Air France, I’d prefer it.
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