KLM Flying Dutchman - General Comments

I find this new change of Northwest WorldPerks members in Europe automatically becoming Flying Dutchman really confusing. What I want to know is why don't they simply get rid of one program and make it only one program for both airlines rather than move each other around. I'm posted in Europe for only a short time with my WorldPerks accounts which is now Flying Dutchman but most of my benefits are European while i travel mostly to the states. Anyone heard anything?

It's ridiculouly pathetic and stupid. My friend applied for a Flying Dutchman membership and got a WorldPerks package delivered to him instead with an explanation letter telling him that Flying Dutchman is not available in Canada.

conversely, there are some FD benefits with KL partnerships in the Caribbean which WorldPerks doesn't have. Basically, NW is entirely pulling all marketing support from Europe, and KL is doing likewise in the US. I read in one of the business magazines that mgt at KL and NW have basically come to the conclusion that they don't care whether you fly over the Atlantic in a blue-tail or red-tail aircraft. My last transatlantic flight (last February) with these carriers was TPA/DTW/AMS/FRA/DTW/TPA--I wasn't that impressed with KL coach, but had an excellent flight on NW in coach. (I was expecting the reverse!) Also was irritated--I had an upgrade coupon for the DTW/TPA flight which the staff at FRA would not help me with--I ended up calling from the Diners' Club lounge back to the US to confirm the upgrade!