Early this month rang KLM in London about our flight to LAX on July 15th, (KL603), which they had just withdrawn. Just happened to ask about any promos going as I had a weeks hol. + wedding anniversary. Got MME - IAH for £180 plus tax but could have had MME - SFO for £170. Were these actually posted anywhere?
At the same time, as G/E got select seating we prefer, 12 D and E on 74M. Received boarding cards at MME showing same. At the gate at Schipol the person dealing with the cards asked us to pop across to the agent who informed us, "in order to allow a family to sit close to each other we have re-assigned you to seats 30 A and B.(This is 2 of a row of 3, 10 rows down in the main cabin).
I was not a happy bunny!!The gate agent was surprised that I was less than pleased but felt that he was serving the greater need! Eventually as we were walking away still angry that this could happen, he called us back and told us he would block the centre(B)seat and hoped this would help. Not until the doors shut did we believe him.Anybody else found this kind of thing happens to select seating?
Finally for info. At IAH there is a dedicated KL lounge in Terminal D opposite gate 9. beyond the LH AF and BA lounges.It is small, 37 seats with a further small ex RW annex attached and a small "space" containing a TV and a few seats. Usual nibbles and refreshments.The lady i/c had a KLM ID and 30 minutes prior to boarding came into the room to announce boarding in 5 minutes. As we emerged same lady was doing the boarding at the gate. The "holding pen" was quiet, only 40 pax, and FA explained although it was a full flight many were still waiting to check in.Two hours previously economy check in line was at least 40 metres long and interwoven with checking in BA and LH pax.GE privileges meant almost instant check in and lounge access even on cheap fare, so won that bit. Beware security checks on traffic entering airport site..it catches rental cars and can cause delays, although they waved us through.
Apologies for mixed bag, bit like KLM really!!
Exraf