On Board Service Changes - Corona
#17
Join Date: Mar 2018
Programs: DL DM, FB Gold
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#18
Join Date: Sep 2014
Programs: Flying Blue Plat, Air Europa Silver, IHG Plat, Accor Plat
Posts: 1,010
Looking at it from the crew's perspective, many of them will have loved ones at home with underlying health conditions, which creates a lot of stress about flying. I think we need to show appreciation for the fact they are showing up to serve us. I don't envy the position they are in.
#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Looking at it from the crew's perspective, many of them will have loved ones at home with underlying health conditions, which creates a lot of stress about flying. I think we need to show appreciation for the fact they are showing up to serve us. I don't envy the position they are in.
#20
Join Date: Mar 2018
Programs: DL DM, FB Gold
Posts: 296
New update from KLM today. This is simply unbelievable... no more hot food on the JFK-AMS / AMS-JFK route (below 9 hrs), not even in Business class. Also no food or drinks in the lounge. If you consider that most restaurants and food outlets in the airport are closed, that basically means that someone with a connection may have to go 14 hours or so without anything to eat apart from the snack box they provide you.
I can understand scaling back the offerings to save money a little bit (e.g. no longer serving alcohol in the lounge). But I think it's a horrible move to no longer offer real food on flights as long as 8h30. Especially when a ticket in Business for JFK-AMS round trip is $5,500. The worst thing of all is failing to admit that all of this is primarily a cost saving measure. The final note in the e-mail reads
I personally don't see how the "situation" allows flight attendants to serve everyone water and soft drinks but not miniature bottles of spirits or cans of beer.
Simplified onboard catering service
The following measures have been taken to limit physical contact between yourself and our cabin crew:
• On intercontinental flights, all passengers will be offered the same simplified catering. You will find a bag containing snacks, fruit and drinks on your seat when you board the aircraft. A hot meal can only be served on flights longer than 9 hours.
• On European flights, you will find a box containing a sandwich, a cup of water and a biscuit on your seat.
• We regret you cannot order any special meals at this time.
• Also our drinks service has been simplified; we will only be able to offer you water or soft drinks.
• Of course, you are most welcome to bring your own snacks. Please note that food & beverage shops on some airports may be closed.
The following measures have been taken to limit physical contact between yourself and our cabin crew:
• On intercontinental flights, all passengers will be offered the same simplified catering. You will find a bag containing snacks, fruit and drinks on your seat when you board the aircraft. A hot meal can only be served on flights longer than 9 hours.
• On European flights, you will find a box containing a sandwich, a cup of water and a biscuit on your seat.
• We regret you cannot order any special meals at this time.
• Also our drinks service has been simplified; we will only be able to offer you water or soft drinks.
• Of course, you are most welcome to bring your own snacks. Please note that food & beverage shops on some airports may be closed.
It goes without saying that we will resume our normal service as soon as the situation allows
#22
Join Date: Mar 2018
Programs: DL DM, FB Gold
Posts: 296
Yes, and that’s one of the reasons I am flying DL longhaul. However, the drinks selection and food offering is already reduced - I really hope DL doesn’t follow KL’s concept. Domestic flights including JFK-LAX are already without real meals and drinks in all classes.
#23
Moderator: Flying Blue (Air France & KLM), France and TravelBuzz!
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Paris, France, AF F+ Rouge pour toujours, Flying Blue whatever, LH FTL, HHonors Gold, formerly proud SCC Executive, now IC Ambassador, BA down to nobody, Grand Voyageur Le Club
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#24
Join Date: Mar 2018
Programs: DL DM, FB Gold
Posts: 296
And not to forget the need for economy passengers to sleep in the business cabin if the distance back there is too little.
#25
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: San Francisco
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 154
New update from KLM today. This is simply unbelievable... no more hot food on the JFK-AMS / AMS-JFK route (below 9 hrs), not even in Business class. Also no food or drinks in the lounge. If you consider that most restaurants and food outlets in the airport are closed, that basically means that someone with a connection may have to go 14 hours or so without anything to eat apart from the snack box they provide you.
#26
Join Date: Feb 2008
Programs: Flying Blue Platinum / Marriott Gold / Hilton Gold / IHG Platinum ... A former AA Platinum
Posts: 106
I'd like some of the catering to move to an option of wrapped 'luxury' sandwiches. There are some truly A++ sandos out there, and of course, this isn't to compare them a hot meal, but if there was an effort to go to options that are easy to distribute, have a bit of shelf life, are super tasty ... with some good chips, and a good vintage,. You know, for now, it'd be fine.
#27
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
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The likes of Pan Am and TWA once complained bitterly that KLM was spoiling its Economy Class passengers (and breaking IATA rules) by offering them "sumptuous" cold sandwiches on their transatlantic flights...
Time Magazine: The Great Sandwich War of 1958
(It seems the US carriers have a long history of complaining!!!)
#28
Moderator: Flying Blue (Air France & KLM), France and TravelBuzz!
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Paris, France, AF F+ Rouge pour toujours, Flying Blue whatever, LH FTL, HHonors Gold, formerly proud SCC Executive, now IC Ambassador, BA down to nobody, Grand Voyageur Le Club
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Several off-topic comments, some of which were of a personal nature, have been removed. Please remain on focus. Thanks for your understanding.
Jouy31
Air France/KLM co-moderator
Jouy31
Air France/KLM co-moderator
Last edited by JOUY31; May 13, 2020 at 1:06 pm
#29
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Europe
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