Other Middle East and Africa Frequent Flyer Programs - Kenya Airways 'Premier World' Business Class: Information

I've seen various questions in the past asking about Kenya Airways 'Premier World' business class, so I thought I'd post some updated information here. (This is from some recent short/medium-haul flights, and long-haul flights longer ago, so other people may have more to add regarding long-haul).

Seating Configuration
Embraer E170
2+2 seating (similar to Economy, but slightly more legroom)

Embraer 190
1+2 seating (much more spacious than Economy)

Boeing 737 (300/700/800)
2+2 seating (‘armchair’ like – reasonable pitch and recline, but not lie-flat)

Boeing 767
2+1+2 (fully flat bed); (in the past, one or two of their older short-haul planes had the 737-type seats - but these have apparently now all been upgraded)

Boeing 777-200
2+3+2 (fully flat bed, with at-seat power)

SeatGuru (http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Kenya_Airways/information.php) seems to only show the 777-200, not KQ's other planes.

In-Flight Entertainment
I think that on each plane, the IFE is the same in Business as in Economy, namely:

E170:
Nothing

E190 (KYP, KYQ, KYR, KYS):
Touchscreen AVOD, with a modest selection of films and TV episodes

B737-300:
Nothing

B737-NG (KQE, KQF, KQG, KQH, KYB, KYC, KYD, KYE, KYF):
Overhead TV
(KQH is painted in SkyTeam colours)

B767:
KQX, KQY, KQZ:
PTV, with about 12 channels running concurrently

KQP, KQQ:
These are older short-haul planes, that in economy only have overhead TV (I vaguely recall that they give personal Digiplayers in J but I might be wrong...)

B777 (KQS, KQT, KQU, KYZ):
AVOD, with ~15-20 films

Contents Of Amenity Kit
Fabric case
Socks
Eye-mask
Pen
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Comb
Lip balm
Body lotion
Ear plugs

This doesn't seem to be given on short-haul flights, but is given on medium/long-haul (I'm not sure whether the distinction is made on aircraft type, or flight duration, or some other factor).

Passenger Information List
The following information is given on the FAs' Passenger Information List (on a short-haul flight; I haven't seen the long-haul one, so I don't know if it's the same or different):

Additional Information (presumably meaning additional information exists somewhere)
Skyteam Elite Plus
Corporate Elite Plus
Name Too Long (presumably means name is too long to be fully printed on the passenger list)
Corporate
Transit Passenger
Preferred Seat

And here are some sample menus from short/medium haul flights in 'Premier World' Business Class on Kenya Airways.

Hot Snack
Main course
Meat Ball, Fish Fingers & Vegetable Kebab, served with barbeque sauce
OR
Vegetable Samosa, Spring Rolls, accompanied by sweet & sour sauce

Dessert
Coffee cake, served with strawberry sauce

Beverages
Tea or coffee (a choice of coffee, regular, herbal pure or chamomile or hibiscus or green tea)

Hot Light Meal
Main course
Grilled Chicken Breast (biryani sauce, Swahili pilau spiced rice with raisins and creamed spinach)
OR
Coffee Crusted Beef Medallion (Malagasy sauce, lyonnaise potatoes and tian of roasted vegetables)

Dessert
Double Chocolate Gateau

Bakery
Bread (a selection of assorted bread rolls)

Beverages
Tea or coffee (a choice of coffee, regular, herbal pure or chamomile or hibiscus or green tea)

Hot Light Meal
Main course
Healthy Option of (grilled chicken, Arabic mezze and mixed vegetable salad (cold entrée))
OR
Beef medallion (balsamic jus, roasted sweet potato mash and fresh market vegetables)
OR
Vegetables with Paneer Korma and Basmatic Rice

Dessert
Tiramisu
OR
Tropical Fruits

Bakery
Bread (a selection of assorted bread rolls)

Beverages
Tea or coffee (a choice of coffee, regular, herbal pure or chamomile or hibiscus or green tea)

Hot Main Meal
Appetiser
Poached tuna (with clipped salad green and tomato vinaigrette)

Main course
Beef tenderloin (mushroom sauce, mashed potatoes, honey glazed carrots and Kenyan beans)
OR
Grilled tilapia (soya citrus and honey sauce, fried rice and Asian vegetables)
OR
Vegetable Lasagna (tomato sauce and mixed vegetables)

Dessert
Mango Cheese Cake (with passion fruit sauce)
OR
A Choice Of Kenyan Farmhouse Cheese
OR
Tropical Fruit Platter

Bread
A selection of mint chapatti, garlic, pitta and whole wheat bread

Beverages
Tea or coffee (a choice of coffee, regular, herbal pure or chamomile or hibiscus or green tea)

Bar Service (seems to be the same on all flights)
Whisky: Chivas Regal, Johnny Walker Black Label
Brandy: Remy Martin
Vodka: Absolut Vodka
Gin: Bombay Sapphire
Rum: Bacardi
Beers: Tusker Lager, Heineken
Liqueurs: Amarula, Baileys, Cointreau
Non-alcoholic: fruit juices, assorted soft drinks

Wine Selection (not sure how often this changes)
White: Laroche Chablis, Kleine Zalze Chardonnay 2010
Red: Château d’Escot, Long Mountain Merlot Shiraz
Port: Grahams Vintage

Very helpful, thanks for posting.

Johan

Thanks for this KQ 321. It is very comprehensive:)


Boeing 767
(I think) 2+1+2 (fully flat bed on most aircraft; they also have one or two older short-haul planes that in the past had the 737-type seats - I think these have now been upgraded but I am not 100% sure)


All the 767 planes are 2-1-2 in J class. None have the 737 seats in them at all.




Contents Of Amenity Kit
Fabric case
Socks
Eye-mask
Pen
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Comb
Lip balm
Body lotion
Ear plugs

This doesn't seem to be given on short-haul flights, but is given on medium/long-haul (I'm not sure whether the distinction is made on aircraft type, or flight duration, or some other factor).



These are given on all overnight flights (except short haul such as EBB, DAR, MBA, etc.), as well on all long haul flights.

And here are some sample menus from short/medium haul flights in 'Premier World' Business Class on Kenya Airways.


On all domestic flights, they have stopped serving any meals at all in all classes. All you get is a bag or two of nuts. Drinks are also limited to soft drinks.:td::td::td:

Not sure if they still serve meals on EBB, DAR routes.

Some information on the KQ Lounges

Nairobi International

Premier World has a dedicated lounge (no access to Platinum and Golds). It is not very large. Can accommodate around 18 on single sofa's, 8 on bar stools and 20 on dining tables.

Food selection includes sandwiches, fruit, crisps, nuts, cereal and bakery items (breakfast), and small pastries (that can be heated up in a microwave).

Drinks include soft drinks, beer, water, wine and some spirits. Champagne (if it is not in the fridge) can be found by asking one of the wait staff. Tea can be ordered and coffee is available for self service.

WiFi is free (slow), and two computers are also available.

There are two very good showers. KQ provide towel and toiletries. Also Gents and Ladies that are clean.

Overall it is a nice lounge, but WAY TOO SMALL for the number of flights KQ (and KLM) operate.

There is a separate lounge for Platinum and Gold guests above the Premier World Lounge. It has similar food and drink offerings as the Premium Lounge (I think).

Nairobi Domestic

This is a new lounge near the departure gate. It seems very functional. Had seating for around 30 people, and is also open to Platinum and Golds.

Food consists of fresh fruit, sandwiches and breakfast pastries (at breakfast time).

Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer and white/red wine.

Mombasa Domestic

This lounge is located just above the check in area before you clear security. It is a Kenya Airports Authority lounge, and contacted by KQ. Open to J, as well as Platinum and Gold. The lounge is large, with seating for around 30 people. Also there is a terrace (smoking) with seating for 16 people.

Food - serves sandwiches, crisps and pastries.

Drinks is limited to soft drinks only. Beer and wine can be purchased.

The great thing is the lounge is air conditioned:)

Kisumu

Not sure about this. Can anyone comment?

Malindi/Lamu

No lounges here.

Nairobi International (Frequent Flyer)
As the 'Simba' Premier World lounge is so small, ST E+ pax in Y are not able to use it. Instead, there is a separate lounge for such pax (along the corridor to the left of the Simba lounge, and up one level).

It has recently been refurbished, and is reasonably spacious, with a mix of seating (armchairs, straight chairs at tables, swivel chairs).

Food selection is similar to the Simba lounge (but can run low at busy times).

Drinks are similar to the Simba lounge, but hot drinks are self-service (and I'm not sure whether champagne is available...)

Free wifi.

Two showers.

And some more sample menus from short/medium haul flights in 'Premier World' Business Class on Kenya Airways:

Hot Snack
Appetiser
Tuna and Pasta Salad

Main course
Chicken breast, (served with barbeque sauce, mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables)
OR
Prawns with Tomato Cream, (accompanied by white and yellow rice, broccoli and carrots)
OR
Vine Leaves Stuffed with Rice, (served with vegetable samosa, spring roll and orzo)

Dessert
Rice Pudding

Bakery
Bread (selection of fresh bread)

Beverages
Tea or coffee (a choice of coffee, regular, herbal pure or chamomile or hibiscus or green tea)


Hot Light Meal
Main course
Beef Tenderloin (with mushroom sauce, mashed potatoes, honey glazed carrots and Kenyan beans)
OR
Grilled tilapia (soya citrus and honey sauce, fried rice and Asian vegetable)
OR
Penne Pasta (oven dried tomato pesto)

Dessert
Mango Cheese Cake (with passion fruit sauce)

Bakery
Bread (a selection of assorted bread rolls)

Beverages
Tea or coffee (a choice of coffee, regular, herbal pure or chamomile or hibiscus or green tea)


Hot Breakfast
Appetiser
Fresh Fruit Salad
Cereal
Yoghurt

Main course
Tortilla Filled with Spiced Chicken (beans ragout, grilled tomato filled with spinach)
OR
Vegetable Omelette, with Grilled Chicken Sausage (hash brown potato and grilled tomato)
OR
Channa Batata (sautéed sweet potato and grilled tomato with herbs)

Bakery
Bread (a selection of assorted bread rolls and croissant, butter and preserve)

Beverages
Tea or coffee (a choice of coffee, regular, herbal pure or chamomile or hibiscus or green tea)

Those meals look the same as what I've seen for the last 5 years or so with KQ I've got a couple KQ long haul flights coming up next month. BKK-NBO and NBO-AMS. We'll see if there are any surprises, but I don't expect it.

On my last KQ flight I saw priority Immigration at JKIA for arrival and departure.

For departure there is a separate manned lane that feeds to the front of the "normal" lines. On arrival there was a separate lane, but when KQ 101 landed from LHR, the Immigration official took his break. On the plane they give you so called Fast Track cards on arrival into Nairobi.

Ex. Mombasa where the boarding cards are collected to board, there is a separate lane for J class and Elite Plus. As we were in the lounge, I don't know how effective this lane was.

But checkin at JKIA International for J class is a pathetic. You can queue for up to 15 minutes. The lounge sucks. Hopefully with T4 opening next year, KQ get access to more lounge space.

On my last KQ flight I saw priority Immigration at JKIA for arrival and departure.

For departure there is a separate manned lane that feeds to the front of the "normal" lines. On arrival there was a separate lane, but when KQ 101 landed from LHR, the Immigration official took his break. On the plane they give you so called Fast Track cards on arrival into Nairobi.

I got priority cards recently too. But there was no priority lane on arrival. I beat the crowds so was ok anyways. On the outbound the priority border check lane was closed in the morning.

But checkin at JKIA International for J class is a pathetic. You can queue for up to 15 minutes. The lounge sucks. Hopefully with T4 opening next year, KQ get access to more lounge space.

Indeed it is terrible at NBO. They now have big signs saying Skyteam Priority, but who knows what that means? It should say Business Class too. So what you have is a lot of economy non-elites using the Skyteam Priority check in and no one from KQ checking to see if they should rather be in the economy lines.

And forget the KQ lounge if you have Priority Pass. The PP lounges are right near the gates saving you the long walk to the Simba lounge.

And forget the KQ lounge if you have Priority Pass. The PP lounges are right near the gates saving you the long walk to the Simba lounge.

I would only use the KQ lounge to have a shower. The PP lounge in the evenings is quite crowded. Arrive as late as possible to avoid JKIA lounges :D:D:D

On all domestic flights, they have stopped serving any meals at all in all classes. All you get is a bag or two of nuts. Drinks are also limited to soft drinks.:td::td::td:

Not sure if they still serve meals on EBB, DAR routes.

For years now they stopped alcohol on domestic routes. And yes they serve meals and drinks in business class to EBB and KGL IME.

The PP lounge in the evenings is quite crowded. Arrive as late as possible to avoid JKIA lounges :D:D:D

I agree on the advice to arrive as late as possible. I only do carry on with PYOBP and try to arrive less than an hour before the flight. But I usually don't have a problem with the PP lounges. One of them is used for evening EK and SR flights and kind of busy, but the other one is empty when I take the BA flight.

This is very helpful information.

For the 777-200s can you clarify what "Fully Flat Bed" means? Is it angled flat, or 180 degrees flat bed? They look like the angled variety but have not been able to find anything that confirms either way

This is very helpful information.

For the 777-200s can you clarify what "Fully Flat Bed" means? Is it angled flat, or 180 degrees flat bed? They look like the angled variety but have not been able to find anything that confirms either way

180 degrees flat. No sliding down like LH, AF & KL.

180 degrees flat. No sliding down like LH, AF & KL.

thanks, that's good to know, can't wait until they start service to the US

thanks, that's good to know, can't wait until they start service to the US

The morons who run the TSA have blocked that from happening even though at first they told DL and KQ it was approved. But maybe with the new terminal at NBO they won't be able to block it any longer.

The morons who run the TSA have blocked that from happening even though at first they told DL and KQ it was approved. But maybe with the new terminal at NBO they won't be able to block it any longer.

ah our wonderful clowns at TSA. Such a shame. Do you know if they are having better luck north of the border? I believe they intended to start with Toronto first and then add IAD

From what I know, the talk all along has been ATL. Which is really has to be the first choice I think. But KQ has a bunch of 787's on order which have pretty long range.

From what I know, the talk all along has been ATL. Which is really has to be the first choice I think. But KQ has a bunch of 787's on order which have pretty long range.

ATL would seem a great choice from a SkyTeam perspective but I guess the alliance doesn't always trump the individual airline's needs and desires. I read on CAPA (http://www.centreforaviation.com/analysis/rapidly-expanding-kenya-airways-charts-growth-with-plan-to-serve-every-inhabited-continent-by-2017-71784) that YYZ was the first planned North America destination and then IAD, both with 777-200LR service. No mentioned of 787 service to NA but not beyond realm of possibility.

This is very helpful information.

For the 777-200s can you clarify what "Fully Flat Bed" means? Is it angled flat, or 180 degrees flat bed? They look like the angled variety but have not been able to find anything that confirms either way

They are 180 degree flat beds.

Just flew NBO LHR NBO in J.

Some changes at NBO Lounge:

* Hot food options
* Better wines and champagne

Also KQ are trying very hard with Sky Priority - check in, boarding, and luggage.^

Also KQ are trying very hard with Sky Priority - check in, boarding, and luggage.^

Do they have someone checking at the beginning of the queue to see if people are entitled to use the Sky Priority Check in now? That would be a huge development at NBO because IME whoever feels entitled to use it, uses it.

Do they have someone checking at the beginning of the queue to see if people are entitled to use the Sky Priority Check in now? That would be a huge development at NBO because IME whoever feels entitled to use it, uses it.

Not at check in, but they do at boarding. However at check in I have seen sometimes passengers being turned away if they were not eligible to use the desk.

Not at check in, but they do at boarding. However at check in I have seen sometimes passengers being turned away if they were not eligible to use the desk.

I really don't care about boarding as I usually stay in the lounge and board last. But I always see people in the Premier check in area flying economy without status. I've never seen anyone turned away. I had hopes with the new Sky Priority setup, but I think that most people there don't even know what Sky Priority means and just check in wherever they see a shorter line. It's really bad on a Friday night.

Flew Delhi-NBO-Gaborone in August in J.

Not too bad. Decent service, food and wine. Most importantly, on time.......

Lounge in Nairobi was fairly good. Showers clean/comfortable/refreshing. Lovely Kenyan coffee.....

Seats were okay - IFE was N/A .....

Overall, I'd fly them again if I had to.

Some changes at NBO Lounge:
* Hot food options
* Better wines and champagne

Good to know. That must be a pretty recent change, as there wasn't hot food when I flew at the end of last month. (Or may be it also depends on the time of day?) I wonder if they have also improved the food options in the frequent flyer lounge?

Do they have someone checking at the beginning of the queue to see if people are entitled to use the Sky Priority Check in now? That would be a huge development at NBO because IME whoever feels entitled to use it, uses it.
Hmmm. I generally haven't had too many problems once inside the check-in hall. However, there are often long queues for the security check to enter Unit Two, and the Premium entrance either isn't open, or will only accept J-class pax, not FB E+.

They've also now created a new SkyPriority transfer desk (directly opposite the existing KQ transfer desk, between 'Gate 6' and the bridge to arrivals). However, although there's a huge SkyPriority sign behind the counter, there's nothing on the entrance to the queuing area to indicate who is eligible. (When I was there the other day, they had someone out front who was doing a very good job of pre-filtering the queue, and making sure people were only there if they had a query that had to be dealt with at the transfer desk - but I am not sure if she was also checking eligibility to use that desk in the first place). And when it's not busy, they may close the regular transfer desk and only use the SkyPriority one (which makes sense from a resource management perspective, but risks confusing pax regarding who can use which desk).

According to this article (Kenya Airways increases capacity at the Simba Lounge (http://www.etravelblackboardasia.com/article/86800/kenya-airways-increases-capacity-at-the-simba-lounge)) KQ has revamped its premium lounges at JKIA, and both are now open to both J-class and ST E+ pax. (Previously, the smaller Simba lounge near the prayer rooms was only for J-class pax, and ST E+ pax in Y had to use the lounge upstairs). From the article, I am not quite clear if the upstairs lounge is just the 'new' area (which was previously the non-status pax transit area), and/or also the 'old' area. Hopefully it means both, as I think they need the space. Hopefully it also means the F&B offering in the upstairs lounge will be raised to meet the standard of the Simba lounge (as in the past, it would offer run short of food at busy times).

It would also be nice if they could manage a designated quiet area, as both lounges often seem to have TVs on at an irritatingly loud volume.

Anyhow, I should get to check it out within a few weeks.

According to this article (Kenya Airways increases capacity at the Simba Lounge (http://www.etravelblackboardasia.com/article/86800/kenya-airways-increases-capacity-at-the-simba-lounge)) KQ has revamped its premium lounges at JKIA, and both are now open to both J-class and ST E+ pax. (Previously, the smaller Simba lounge near the prayer rooms was only for J-class pax, and ST E+ pax in Y had to use the lounge upstairs). From the article, I am not quite clear if the upstairs lounge is just the 'new' area (which was previously the non-status pax transit area), and/or also the 'old' area. Hopefully it means both, as I think they need the space. Hopefully it also means the F&B offering in the upstairs lounge will be raised to meet the standard of the Simba lounge (as in the past, it would offer run short of food at busy times).

It would also be nice if they could manage a designated quiet area, as both lounges often seem to have TVs on at an irritatingly loud volume.

Anyhow, I should get to check it out within a few weeks.

Wish I had seen the above post earlier. Just flew to EBB, and would have checked it out. Instead used my Gold Visa Card and used the 1st Class lounge which at 0700 is very quiet.

Here is an update on the refurbished premium lounges at JKIA, following a couple of visits in recent weeks. There are now two lounges, apparently both open to both J-class and ST E+ pax:


The Simba lounge (formerly J-class only): next to the prayer rooms, in the corridor between the two arrivals Immigration areas. 50 seats. I didn’t actually visit this one, as it’s often quite crowded.

The Pride lounge (formerly ST E+ pax travelling in Y): along the side-corridor next to the Simba lounge, and up one set of stairs. 150 seats. The area of this lounge has been expanded, so it now includes both the ‘old’ premium lounge area, and the ‘new’ premium lounge area (which a couple of years ago was the non-status pax transit area). They’ve re-done the seating arrangements, so the majority are now pairs of seats, facing across a coffee table – which probably suits the profile of the majority of passengers using the lounge (ie: travelling alone or with one other person). However, there are still some arrangements with 4 or more chairs around a coffee table.


In terms of facilities in the Pride lounge (and I assume the Simba lounge is similar):

Free wifi: ask for the password at reception
Power: most seats now seem to have power sockets nearby (while in the ‘old’ lounge, there were only a handful of sockets in the whole room)
Showers: ask for towels at reception
Food: the food offering has significantly improved. There seem to be a range of hot and cold snacks available at all times, but there is also hot food at meal times. A cooked breakfast (and also cereals, etc) in the morning; and then cooked meals (eg: stew/rice – only one main option, but good and plentiful) at lunch and dinner time.
Drinks: the soft drink options seem to be the same as previously (eg: water, sodas, fruit juices; as well as hot drinks machines). I’ll leave it to a connoisseur to comment on the alcoholic selection.


With the increase in seating capacity, the lounges should not get nearly as crowded as they did in the past. However, at one point when it was starting to fill up (ahead of the evening long-haul wave) a staff member came round and asked people who had bags, jackets, etc placed on additional chairs to move them, to free up space for other pax if needed – which I thought was good service.

Overall, I was quite impressed. There are certainly some significant improvements compared to a couple of years back, and it will definitely make my long-ish transfers in NBO more pleasant...

KQ 321, this is great news. Will try it out next week.

Now, I know this is a long shot, but do KQ offer pyjamas on overnight flights?!
(I've been a bit spoilt on other airlines obviously).

I'm flying with them for the first time this week and very excited to try a different carrier now I'm working in Africa.

Thank you all for your very helpful information.

Now, I know this is a long shot, but do KQ offer pyjamas on overnight flights?!
(I've been a bit spoilt on other airlines obviously).

I'm flying with them for the first time this week and very excited to try a different carrier now I'm working in Africa.

Thank you all for your very helpful information.
:)No they don't:) But they do offer great service. The pillow and blanket are very thin, so try and grab a few spare pillows if you can. They are usually located in the overhead bins in row 4.

Enjoy KQ

Now, I know this is a long shot, but do KQ offer pyjamas on overnight flights?!
(I've been a bit spoilt on other airlines obviously).

Are you flying long haul on a jumbo? Or short haul on a 737 such as JNB-NBO? Long haul should have a fully flat seat. But as KQ does not have a First class, no PJ's. I don't know of any airline that offers PJ's in business class. So just bring along your first class PJ's from another flight and change into them on board with KQ. That's what I do.

Are you flying long haul on a jumbo? Or short haul on a 737 such as JNB-NBO? Long haul should have a fully flat seat. But as KQ does not have a First class, no PJ's. I don't know of any airline that offers PJ's in business class. So just bring along your first class PJ's from another flight and change into them on board with KQ. That's what I do.

Stimpy, I know Qantas offer PJ's in Business Class:)

I too use my Emirates or Qantas PJ's on KQ flights. Most of the passengers are dressed in suits, and wear them the whole flight. I get on board, change and look to them probably like a prat:D

Stimpy, I know Qantas offer PJ's in Business Class:)

Really? It's been years since I've flown them long haul, but I'm pretty sure they didn't offer them then. At least not on the HKG run.

QR also has PJ's in C.

I'm trying out KQ in a couple months on the 767 long haul, so I guess I get the lie flats. AMS-NBO-EBB. Do I have to clear customs in NBO before my connection? I'm assuming not.

QR also has PJ's in C.

I'm trying out KQ in a couple months on the 767 long haul, so I guess I get the lie flats. AMS-NBO-EBB. Do I have to clear customs in NBO before my connection? I'm assuming not.

I flew QR HKG-DOH-NBO in C and didn't get PJ's. What route did you get them? Was it a red-eye?

I've flown between AMS and NBO many times with KQ and have always had a 777. Are you sure you are on a 767? If so I hope that isn't permanent.

As for NBO-EBB, no worries. They do security at the gate at NBO so you arrive in the departure terminal and just proceed to your next gate, assuming your connection is international. For domestic it's in a different terminal. And all this will change with the new terminal I guess.

I flew QR HKG-DOH-NBO in C and didn't get PJ's. What route did you get them? Was it a red-eye?

I've flown between AMS and NBO many times with KQ and have always had a 777. Are you sure you are on a 767? If so I hope that isn't permanent.

As for NBO-EBB, no worries. They do security at the gate at NBO so you arrive in the departure terminal and just proceed to your next gate, assuming your connection is international. For domestic it's in a different terminal. And all this will change with the new terminal I guess.

Thanks for the quick response.

I was on QR DOH-LHR in C on a red-eye about 2 months ago and got the PJ's. Picked my size for me and everything.

Good call about the NBO-AMS segment. It is the 777. Flightstats has it wrong, but DL.dumb says 772. Right now I'm on the KLM AMS-EBB direct (sort of, stop in KGL, but at least I don't have to get off the plane), and return via NBO on KQ, but schedule wise I'm probably going to have to swap to the KQ down there also.

Any preference on KQ vs KLM? I've gotten pretty good service on the AMS-EBB KLM flight, and the couple times I've flown it the C cabin isn't even 1/2 full. The back half (rows 6/7) were completely empty.

Any preference on KQ vs KLM? I've gotten pretty good service on the AMS-EBB KLM flight, and the couple times I've flown it the C cabin isn't even 1/2 full. The back half (rows 6/7) were completely empty.

Well yes I prefer flat seats, so that means KQ. But I also prefer day flights. So I usually fly KL down AMS-NBO during the day and KQ NBO-AMS during the day. Thankfully they are full partners and its pretty easy to buy tickets that way. And about half the time I fly BA to NBO which also features flat seats as well as the ability to easily upgrade to F.

I haven't tried to fly to KGL from Europe as I always fly over from NBO, but perhaps if I did have to fly directly to KGL I would consider KLM.

I'm trying out KQ in a couple months on the 767 long haul, so I guess I get the lie flats.
Note that they're not angled lie flats, but fully flat (beds) :). (As noted earlier in this thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18197988-post4.html), it seems the entire 763 fleet now has fully flats - while in the past there were 1 or 2 second-hand 767s used on short-haul routes that didn't.)

I've flown between AMS and NBO many times with KQ and have always had a 777. Are you sure you are on a 767? If so I hope that isn't permanent.
Good call about the NBO-AMS segment. It is the 777. Flightstats has it wrong, but DL.dumb says 772.
Interesting... KQ116/117 is currently timetabled as 763. The SkyTeam downloadable timetable (http://www.skyteam.com/en/your-trip/Services/Download-Timetables/) shows it as changing to 777 in late January, but Amadeus (http://www.KVSTool.com) shows it continuing as 763. It was a 763 when I flew it last month, but I'm fairly sure it was 777 each time I flew it in 2011. However, I get the impression that KQ switch between 763 and 777 quite frequently - not necessarily solely according to the timetable, but also at fairly short notice based on load factor. (They certainly switch E170 / E190 quite regularly on short-haul routes, and sometimes even between Embraer and 737. I guess it is positive that they are apparently quite good at fleet optimisation, but it can be disappointing when you're expecting one plane, and get a different one.)

AMS-NBO-EBB. Do I have to clear customs in NBO before my connection? I'm assuming not.
As for NBO-EBB, no worries. They do security at the gate at NBO so you arrive in the departure terminal and just proceed to your next gate, assuming your connection is international.
As Stimpy says, you just need to walk from one gate to the other. KQ often like to board quite early (to maintain a punctual departure record) so if you're transferring from KQ117 to KQ410 you may not have much time. However, if you have a few minutes spare, you can get to the lounge (see posts above (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/19734200-post31.html) - I can normally make it to the lounge, even when on a 50min connection in NBO...)

Any preference on KQ vs KLM? I've gotten pretty good service on the AMS-EBB KLM flight, and the couple times I've flown it the C cabin isn't even 1/2 full.
Hmmm. I tend to choose based on schedule rather than anything else (and most of the time I'm flying in Y anyway...) However, comparing them in J:
- Seat/bed: For sleeping, I certainly prefer KQ's fully flat model, to any 'angled lie flat'. So, on an overnight flight, I'd probably pick KQ.
- IFE: I find KL's IFE better than KQ's (wider selection of movies, and an easier interface). That said, KQ's IFE (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18165280-post1.html) on 777 isn't bad either, but the 763 just has ~12 movies, each running concurrently on a loop (ie: you can choose a film, but you can't pause or rewind it, etc)
- Food: I'd probably pick KL (but less relevant on a night flight, as I might just choose to sleep)
- Huisje: only on KLM, of course...

So, if I had a straight choice, I'd probably pick KL for a daytime flight, and KQ for an overnight flight (but feel sorry about missing the huisje!)

As Stimpy says, you just need to walk from one gate to the other. KQ often like to board quite early (to maintain a punctual departure record) so if you're transferring from KQ117 to KQ410 you may not have much time. However, if you have a few minutes spare, you can get to the lounge (see posts above (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/19734200-post31.html) - I can normally make it to the lounge, even when on a 50min connection in NBO...)

And if you have a Priority Pass card, you can use the lounges which are right near the gates. I usually peek my head out the door to see if they have started boarding so I get more time in the lounge rather than sitting on plastic seats at the gate.

On the HKG-BKK leg, what do J class passengers typically get in terms of amenities/food? Is there Fast Track for BKK?

This sounds crazy, but I kinda like my collection of Dutch houses of gin from KLM. :) That being said, I'll probably stick to the AMS-EBB KLM flight down since it's a daytime flight and the KQ EBB-NBO-AMS flight back and try to get the overnight flight.

Just had to change it up to get back to ATL earlier, so now I'm returning EBB-NBO-LHR-ATL on the 772. Any preference of seat to sleep?

On the HKG-BKK leg, what do J class passengers typically get in terms of amenities/food? Is there Fast Track for BKK?

I've never taken that leg. For the BKK-NBO flight you do get a fast track pass, amenity kit, etc. I didn't eat on board though since the flight leaves around 1am.

Just had to change it up to get back to ATL earlier, so now I'm returning EBB-NBO-LHR-ATL on the 772. Any preference of seat to sleep?

I usually sit in 1A or 1J, but I think they are all pretty much the same for sleeping.

QR also has PJ's in C.

I'm trying out KQ in a couple months on the 767 long haul, so I guess I get the lie flats. AMS-NBO-EBB. Do I have to clear customs in NBO before my connection? I'm assuming not.

You don't need to clear customs. Just proceed to the lounge, and wait to be called for the EBB flight.

Just had to change it up to get back to ATL earlier, so now I'm returning EBB-NBO-LHR-ATL on the 772. Any preference of seat to sleep?

A window seat is best -2A/K or 3A/K. Row one can be noisy due to the galley, and row 4 has an economy galley behind it.

I didn't notice any champagne at the NBO Frequent Flyer lounge for ST Elite Plus.

I didn't notice any champagne at the NBO Frequent Flyer lounge for ST Elite Plus.

It is normally in the Premier World Lounge - J Class only. If there is none in the fridge, you have to ask, and they bring a bottle out.

Meal Times (posted at entrance to upstairs lounge)
Breakfast: 05:00 to 09:00
Lunch: 12:30 to 15:30
Dinner: 20:30 to 22:30

However, as noted above, there is a wide range of hot and cold snacks available, outside of these times.

Sample Lunch Menu
Roast chicken in tomato sauce
Fried lamb on bone
Buttered vegetable rice
Potato bhajia
Tossed mixed vegetables
"All food served conforms to halal standards"

Lounge Access
The article referenced above (Kenya Airways increases capacity at the Simba Lounge (http://www.etravelblackboardasia.com/article/86800/kenya-airways-increases-capacity-at-the-simba-lounge), also published in Msafari magazine) implies that FB/ST E+ pax travelling in Y would be able to use either lounge ("The expanded facility complements the already popular Simba Lounge which will now offer similar services, with passengers getting an option to choose which of the two lounges to use while waiting to depart.") However, the other day I noted that there was still a sign saying "Premier World only" outside the smaller lounge, and when I asked at the upstairs (larger) lounge, I was told that the smaller lounge was indeed still for J-class pax only ("as it doesn't have enough space for people to bring guests as well"). I haven't yet tried to access the smaller lounge, when travelling in Y (and unless I'm very short of time, I'm generally happy to walk slightly further anyway, to reach the upstairs lounge which is more spacious and lighter...)

It seems that KQ have recently produced a new amenity pack for Premier World.

Contents
Two-part case (zipped fabric outer, and removable plastic inner)
Socks
Eye-mask
Pen
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Comb
Lip balm
Moisturiser
Ear plugs
Shoe horn

http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/6791/newkqamenitypack.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/833/newkqamenitypack.jpg/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

It seems that KQ have recently produced a new amenity pack for Premier World.

Contents
Two-part case (zipped fabric outer, and removable plastic inner)
Socks
Eye-mask
Pen
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Comb
Lip balm
Moisturiser
Ear plugs
Shoe horn

That's nice as the old one was pretty sparse. However I have never understood why airlines include shoe horns in amenity kits? People who really need them probably carry one with them and who really needs those these days? Millions of these must get binned each year.

That's nice as the old one was pretty sparse. However I have never understood why airlines include shoe horns in amenity kits? People who really need them probably carry one with them and who really needs those these days? Millions of these must get binned each year.

:D:D:D they make good door stops :D:D:D