Since both NW and KLM fly 747's on the DTW-AMS route, who's business and coach service better or are they about the same?

I used KLM's Business Class product last year from MEM-AMS. Overall, it was pretty good service, but not as good as a BA trip I took recently. But it was better than an AA business class trip I took. The top-tier European carriers generally are better than the best US carriers in terms of service. I'd go with KLM. Probably a newer aircraft too.

KL use 747-300 aircraft which are not brand new but relatively new. They also "look" good both in and out.

NW use 747-400 aircraft which are sometimes quite nice but other times they are among the older versions of the plane. They also use very old DC 10 aircraft on certain flights.

Besides the aircraft the servicxe on KL will usually be better even though both airlines claim that the "World Business Class" product is equal.

Try KL and you should be happy. Nothing spectacular but nice.

KLM.

I agree with most of these statements, except Indogulf's about the new KLM 747-300's and older NW 747-400's. The KLM 747-300 are approaching 20 years old. They only have 8 doors (2 were removed to save weight and make room for seats--the FAA issued new rules not allowing this for the 747-400).
The NW 747-400 weren't delivered until around 1990 or later. They have new PW4000 engines, not the older PW JT9D engines.
Both of these choices are better, in my opinion than 757's or 767's. However, I'm startled at the use of 2 engined ETOPS over long Pacific routes. It's a long, cold way to Petropavlosk, Russia versus (on Atlantic routes) the relatively close and well equipped Keflavik Airport in Iceland.

[This message has been edited by travellight (edited 10-05-1999).]

Having done the DTW-AMS service with both NW and KL, I can say from experience that KL is far better in all aspects of flight service.

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Travellight:

With the full realization that I'm becoming the Cliff Claven of FlyerTalk, your dates are off by a little.

The first 747-300 was delivered to Swissair on 3/19/83. KL took delivery of its first -300 on 4/30/83, so its about 16 years old. There are one or two -200s that were converted to 200SUDs prior to the development of the -300.

NW was the launch customer for the -400 and took delivery of the first -400 on 4/29/88, so its about 11 years old. I'd be more concerned about NWs DC10-30/40s which are pushing 20 to 25+ years old.

Agree with all other statements about KL vs NW service levels.

Robert Johnson
danville 1K

I fly DTW to AMS and back business class once a month, using both NW and KLM. KLM's luggage bins are bigger, you get those cute little blue and white ceramic houses as giveaways, japanese crackers instead of nuts, and the flight crew holds back coach while business class disembarks. The NW flight crew, however, is friendlier.