KLM Flying Dutchman - What is KL like in J?

Hello, I will be flying KL for the first time in July. My flight will be ATL-AMS in J on an MD-11. Then on to HEL (not sure about aircraft), also in J. I am wondering what KL is like in J? I tried to do a search on this site but could not come up with anything. Thanks!

First of all, your perception will depend on what airlines you usually fly in J cabin.

KL J seats are outdated. I can sleep in them, but there is a tendency to slide down (that's why they are called slippery slope seats in this forum). Their IFE (inflight entertainment system) is quite decent. Their soft product (food and drinks) are nowadays on the positive side of the scale in my opinion. You will find a big selection of interesting and sometimes excellent wines if that is your thing. And I experience the service as informal and friendly.

If you are in an MD-11, by all means, try to get a seat in row 1 or 2. It's in their cozy front mini-cabin and that section is as good as it gets on their fleet.

AMS-HEL will be in a funky Embraer 190 or a 737. In both you'll get standard economy seats with extra leg space. On the 737 the middle seat in 3-3 configuration will be left free. On the Embraer it's 2-2 so a bit less comfy. Nice little aircraft though. The soft product is decent for a short haul flight. Breakfast, warm lunch, warm diner depending on the time of the day. Less impressive selection of drinks.

Hope it helps! Have a nice flight.

And the extra leg space on the AMS-HEL leg isn't much.

And the extra leg space on the AMS-HEL leg isn't much.

But noticeable.

By the way. I reckon the op is usually on DL metal. I think most would agree that J is generally better on KL.

But noticeable.

By the way. I reckon the op is usually on DL metal. I think most would agree that J is generally better on KL.

Yep. Almost always on DL metal. And I know no other long-haul J cabin except DL. I like DL J, so I think KL will be a really nice flight. Thanks for all the comments!

Yep. Almost always on DL metal. And I know no other long-haul J cabin except DL. I like DL J, so I think KL will be a really nice flight. Thanks for all the comments!

DL: better 777 and 764.
same: maybe A330 but DL might have an edge
DL's 763 and 757 are way worse.

so KL is right in the middle there. DL's flat beds are better IMO, else KL is pretty much fine.

DL: better 777 and 764.
same: maybe A330 but DL might have an edge
DL's 763 and 757 are way worse.

so KL is right in the middle there. DL's flat beds are better IMO, else KL is pretty much fine.

Depends on what criterea you use. The 777 and 764 config on DL are rare compared to any other config you can get on their long haul fleet. Less than 1 out of 5, to be more precise.

http://www.delta.com/about_delta/corporate_information/delta_stats_facts/aircraft_fleet/

And I would like to add to that the general consensus is that the soft product on KL is better. So KL would actually look considerably better than DL if you apply those criteria.