32 replies to this topic

[Albert Steptoe]

Take KLM as Schipol is a big but very well organised Airport from Uk 50mins to the Dam then direct flight of around 12hrs depending on the plane type,flew Finnair once they were pretty poor and the Airport in Helsinki is horrendously priced for anything and everything

[FatboyUK]

360, on 12 April 2012 - 02:00 AM, said:

FBUK, can you elaborate? I'll probably have to choose between flying KLM or Finnair. They're both in the same price and flight-time brecket (approx. $850, ~14h). Would you prefer one over the other?

Firstly, never travelled on KLM long haul. One of the reasons I have never done so to date, was the ageing 747 Combi's KLM Asia used on the BKK route. (I do know that they have changed this since to 777 equipment) Perhaps someone else can offer advice on their product, or visit www.airlinequality.com for reviews.

Secondly, I am used to the pleasure of business class (and occasionally First) mostly these days on BA, so any ride I undertake in economy may be slightly "jaded".

I've always wanted to try Finnair, as they belong to the same alliance as my employer, and thus, gave me some insight into their product. I was always wanting to see how short the "shortest route to Asia" as they promote, really was, and at 12:30, it would of been quicker to just fly to London direct.

Finnair is using new A330/A340 equipment now (the MD11 is long gone) but very minimal room in economy class, both in seat width and pitch. Arm rests dont raise fully, so if you are lucky enough (like I was) to get 3 seats to yourself, it is still very hard to lie out for some rest. (I didn't know how flexible I could be)

You get a hot meal after take off, and cold one before landing. Any other snack you want is "buy on board". As is alcohol outside of meal services.

In flight entertainment is at your seat and on demand, but in my opinion has limited choice.

HEL is a very efficient airport, and I was off the BKK, collected my luggage, and re-checked in on my BA flight to London within 25 minutes. But as mentioned, once on board your next flight, you are still on occasions 3 hours away from Heathrow, unlike AMS's 50 minutes flight time.....

Edited by FatboyUK, 13 April 2012 - 11:29 AM.

[Albert Steptoe]

I have been on Finnair and can say they where not great,I fly KLM 3 times a year with various enterprises to Africa which is 10hrs to Joburg from Amsterdam if you get the direct flight ,not sure the type of plane but it was new and big not a 747 as that is one of the few planes I can identify ,but great service ,good feed and as much as u can drink

[360]

Albert, FBUK, thanks for the detailed information and advice! I buy my tickets at the very last minute so their respective pricing at time of purchase will probably also influence my decision. Thanks guys for taking the time to write the detailed answers, whichever I fly I'll let you know how it went.

[kwan]

Chum of mine checking his usual Xmas flight - early December - usually 650 Quid now quoted 900.

[Albert Steptoe]

I made a saving of around 300 quid last year by going 2 days earlier than planned and returning 2 days later than planned ,okay you might say I spent the saving in the extended stay but better spend it on booze and fun than giving it to the airlines

[Robi_slo]

I flown with KLM Asia on my return trip from BKK to EU last December. 747 is old and beaten and seats are narrow but they do the job ok. Food is good and entertainment is.. so so but I had whole row for myself so I slept all the time. As I said in my TR I was surprised with KLM and Air France in positive way and I would sure travel with them next time.

[360]

Thanks for the info Robi. As I see it at the moment there isn't much of a difference between the two (from where I stand) and it'll be doww to pricing and availability when I have my dates set.

[Slacker]

jcs, on 08 April 2012 - 07:04 AM, said:

...Looking now for November and have seen plenty for less than £500, good layover times as well.

Any pointers as to where you're finding the sub-£500 fares ? I can only find offers from Vietnam Airlines, but they appear to suffer from dated planes and ho-hum food & entertainment. At the moment I'm tempted to go with EVA again to prevent the song and dance at Middle Eastern airports, but they're closer to £600.

[Albert Steptoe]

£600 or less for Eva is decent as its direct ,otherwise Emirates or Etihad with the sand dance in the middle.

[360]

www.kayak.com
set your dates as flexible (+- 3days), try different departure dates and you should be able to find some exceptinal rates for May-June

[operator]

Usually fly with Eva but they don't fly certain days during low season. Anyway managed to get a cheaper direct flight than Eva. Thai Air £565 and it's on a A340-600 so should get decent films etc. Fly out 9th May.

[gerard1502]

i alway's fly whit china air i did businuss clas before but they raice up the price till 1800 euro

also eva air become more expensive , for 6 weeks ago i fly again whit china economy class 665 euro

directly from amsterdam to BKK