Flying today on KLM, IAD-AMS, AMS-PRG. Trip is a gift to my sister, who's never been to Europe. Big, exciting day. Bought tickets from Delta. Went to KLM website last night to check in; check in not available. Tried again this morning. Our seat assignments had been totally blown -- instead of seated together, we were on opposite sides of the plane 10 rows apart. And the only way to be seated together was to pay 50 GBP ($75) for economy comfort seats.
I know seat assignments with KLM are a mess, and that's generally been written off to technical issues. But how is a consumer supposed to know this isn't just a bait-and-switch attempt to generate some extra revenue from travelers on the harried day of departure? And while my sister and I would be just fine if seated separately, a) why on earth would their system separate passengers on the same reservation, and b) what happens if you're traveling with a child or an elderly passenger, or even a business colleague, and there's a real need to sit together?
To top if all off, KLM's online system refused to complete the online check in and let me print boarding passes. My call to KLM's customer service line went straight to Delta, who, after a long wait (and what appeared to be good-faith efforts to resolve things) told me there was nothing they could do about the seats or the check in, and that I'd have to speak with KLM agents at the airport.
So, KLM, you just cheated me out of $150, forced me to leave for the airport earlier than planned to stand in line at IAD, and left me without any confidence that the rest of this trip, meant as a special treat for my sister, will go well. Good morning's work for you!
Im a loyal Skyteam traveler but, maaaaaan, do I dislike KLM. There is no perfect airline but there sure appears to be one that really wants to be known as the worst.
I'm based out of Prague and they recently made the PRG-JFK flight seasonal. So far 4 flights through AF - all good experiences(outside of the actual CDG airport). 1 flight through AMS and I miss my connection even though I sprint, yea that embarrassing full on sprint with a carry on through the entire airport, and make it to the gate before it closes(with other passengers still going through security). I'm told that my luggage isn't nearly as fast so they decided to rebook me(with an extra stop, no less) and refused me entry.
I guess that was a fair point, EXCEPT the flight I took in the end(forcing me to miss two meetings) also didnt have my luggage on board. It arrived the next day. Strange how that works....
Programs: DL PM/SC, HH Devalued Diamond, Hertz President's Club
Posts: 194
I had the same thing happen on an ORD-AMS KLM flight. Lost my EC seats. Fortunately, I arrived at the KLM ORD counter VERY early and voices my issue. Had I not had a little status with DL, I would have been slammed way back in regular coach. Lesson learned when flying a codeshare internationally!!
Never ever book a codeshare. Codeshare is a major travel scam and should be outlawed. If you fly KLM, book on www.klm.com.
Out of curiosity, why?
I am new to this forum so I'm oblivious to other people's horror stories. From my experience, it has been fine. Even with KLM messed up and I was booked through Delta, the Delta reps were very helpful and apologized for KLM's shortcomings, which they totally didn't need to do as it wasn't their fault.
Ugh, doesn't this thread answer your question? I book with KLM when I fly with KLM and never had a problem like OP.
Its certainly an unfortunate situation what happened to OP but I was just wondering if this is an exception or the norm. I guess I was just looking for more insight.
Since they made DL 210/211 seasonal in 2012/2013(and I expect this to continue going forward), I am forced to fly codeshare. So any advice is much appreciated.
While I agree that booking with KLM/AF would make more sense, the new MQD system throws a monkey wrench into that approach.
Tried for 6 months to use a SWU to no avail. Enjoyed looking a several empty J seats for 7 hours from my seat in 2nd row of EC.
Skyteam is not seamless.
The only thing good I can say about KLM is their hub is not CDG.
While that must be frustrating, they are DL SWUs and I think DL would be the one who would have to push for their SWUs to be more useful on partners. But that assumes that DL cares to make the SWUs usable, which I'm not sure is true.
I don't know if it's fair to say that KL sucks because of that. I for one like KLM. They're not perfect but KLM is a very decent airline, in many aspects.
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I'm in the vicinity of an area adjacent to a location.
Location: Pagus Bracbantensis, Kingdom of the Netherlands
Programs: DL (S)Plat, KLM Bump
Posts: 87
It's a little late for the first leg but for the next legs or return trip (if flown with KLM):
Go to airfrance website, fill in your Delta PNR/Booking reference number (deltamatic sytem) to get the amadeus PNR that KLM uses.
With this new booking referenced number go to the KLM website to check where your seats really are. If not correct make the adjustments there or call KLM in the Netherlands (+31 (0) 20 474 7747 don't call the USA number, you will get Delta agents representing KLM..they just don't have access to the full 'KLM system' and phonenumbers of all KLM departments)
Check seats regulary after that to make sure....
Also KLM system doesn't 'recognize' PM/DM members and sees them as regulary SE+ members...you might be able to get some of your money back after the trip if you are a PM/DM.
Am a PM member based out of AMS doing 30-35 KLM legs each year and i have to call everytime when flying KLM to get the proper seats/money back.
Good thing about flying with KLM...you appreciate flying with Delta more (and i'm dutch for what it is worth).
I book with KLM when I fly with KLM and never had a problem like OP.
