The two gate agents responsible for boarding my flight AMS-ARN yesterday somehow managed to follow procedures. Not only was the Priority Boarding sign placed in the right location and thus visible to all, but an announcement was made inviting Europe Select and Elite pax to board first. Amazing! It can actually be done!

The boarding card of the first gentleman who stepped up to the gate was rejected. After consulting a list, the gate agent asked him "Would you like to sit in First Class?" I'm not sure how high his expectations were, but have no doubt that they were met or exceeded.

I was next, and my boarding card was rejected too. I was not asked whether I would like to sit in First Class, but instead told that my new seat was also an aisle seat. Indeed it was, and I even had an unoccupied middle seat next to me.

Europe Select is and remains a joke, but the purser was friendly and efficient, there was a choice of three newspapers (De Telegraaf, The Guardian and The International Herald Tribune. I can remember the days when KL would also offer newspapers from the country of destination, even in Y class), and the catering was not all that bad. The meal consisted of a starter (three slices of some kind of dead fish with a salad) and a hot pastry (cheese or chicken curry). Drinks were served, followed by coffee, tea and liqueurs, and finally ice cream (Häagen Dazs, vanilla or strawberry). Quite acceptable, really.

johan