I have just returned from a short trip to Asia using KL (in Y class unfortunately) as opposed to AF and although Schipol is a joy KL itself really is as bad as they say! Two or three things stand out. On all three flights (AMS-KUL-CGK, HKG-AMS) the most desirable seats were reserved for KL employees. On two of the flights (all full to overbooked) the purser upgraded employees after the doors were closed and moved relations of the employees to the best seats (at the front of the cabin) leaving us idiotic Platinum Elites where we belonged with our knees around our ears. Clearly KLM is an airline that cares deeply for its employees, which is great. Equally clear is their contempt for customers, which not so great.

Secondly, the aircraft used are very battered and there is no IFE to speak of, which is, in this day and age (see VS CX SQ QF etc), a real drawback on a 14 hour flight.

Thirdly, KL catering is just astonishingly awful. Even US carriers seem to do better than that. Again, on short flights (or even to the US) no one really cares, but on long flights it does matter a bit, although clearly not to KLM. My advice would be to have a decent dinner before getting on the plane (though difficult if you have a tight connection) and take some snacks with you. Oh, and don't bother asking the FA's for anything as they are likely to give you a very nasty look if you interrupt their chat. They may hate their customers but they do look very cute walking around in their cosy looking blue track suits during their breaks. Bless.

So if you want to enjoy a KLM flight get a job with the Flying Dutchman. Otherwise stick to Air France (or anybody else for that matter).