Flight: KLM KL566 from Nairobi to Amsterdam
Duration: 8 hours 15 minutes
Aircraft: B744(Boeing 747-400)
Class: Business
Seat: 1J-1K (Window-Aisle)
Seat Specification: Flatbed seat, Seat pitch: 63.0 “. Seat width: 20 ”
I had booked our return flight from Nairobi back to USA on KLM using Delta Skymiles. I had never flown KLM before but knew that both segments were on the Boeing 747 which featured the newly redesigned business class with flatbed seats instead of old angled flat. I had selected seats on the lower deck because of good reviews of the 2J-2K seats although in hindsight I should have selected upper deck cabin for at least one segment just for variety.
The new KLM business class features 15 seats in lower deck and 20 in upper deck in 2×2 configuration with 2 really good solitary seats in lower deck.
As we made our way into the cabin, I really liked the cabin color scheme. One thing I did not care for was the cheap looking divider between the seats. 🙂
One of the best seats on this plane is 1A (just across the aisle to us). If you are traveling solo, it would give you a very cozy, secluded experience.
Meal service started about an hour after takeoff. Karen and I both chose the chicken curry and let me tell you, it was Amazing !! I would say that this is probably one of the most delicious chicken entree I’ve had dining out (not just on a plane but also including restaurants).
After dinner, I laid down the seat in bed mode and decided to take some much needed sleep after a very long, tiring day spent getting from Masai Mara back to Nairobi.
I woke up only about 10 minutes before landing and skipped the breakfast service. Karen however took the following picture of her breakfast. 🙂
Bottomline:
Seat: ****
Service: ***
Food: ****
The only downside of this seat is the lack of direct aisle access of all seats. With 1-2-1 configuration on so many airlines, the 2-2 configuration is not competitive any more. However, since we were a couple traveling together it was not that big a deal trying to climb over while the other person is sleeping but I would not want to have window seat traveling beside a stranger.
Service was efficient European service, not too many smiles but still courteous.
Chicken curry for dinner entree was really good but otherwise food was average.