Couple of things
Apr 27, 2003 | 10:35 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Co. Durham, UK
Posts: 217
Couple of things
Early this month rang KLM in London about our flight to LAX on July 15th, (KL603), which they had just withdrawn.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 Ł180 plus tax but could have had MME - SFO for Ł170. 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
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
Apr 27, 2003 | 2:44 pm
#2
Suspended
Join Date: May 2001
Location: DUS
Posts: 4,004
The lounge attendant is also handling the boarding process ? That explains why nobody was there on Friday, when I entered the lounge.
The LH Sen/* Gold lounge a couple of steps away was packed, but I forgot that KLM has a lounge there, too.....
Since it is a KLM lounge, it should be possible to upgrade there, right ??
The LH Sen/* Gold lounge a couple of steps away was packed, but I forgot that KLM has a lounge there, too.....
Since it is a KLM lounge, it should be possible to upgrade there, right ??
Apr 28, 2003 | 12:35 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Co. Durham, UK
Posts: 217
Re. upgrades. Don't know. We were on Q fare I presume but as G/E's, had qualified to enter lounge. Attendant had print out, presumably of WBC pax, and scribbled our names on to list. I Commented that she seemed to have a nice job and she confirmed that once we were boarded her day was over!
Yamms888 Re.MME. Not as busy as it was in the early 60's when as well as Javelins we used it as a dispersal base for the Sqdn Vulcan II's..but try flying on the 06.10 to AMS on the first day of half term. We did it Feb.15th and at 5a.m check-in Q was back to entrance. Hardly had time to visit lounge for coffee and newspaper! You weren't the guy wearing the tie were you ?
Exraf
Yamms888 Re.MME. Not as busy as it was in the early 60's when as well as Javelins we used it as a dispersal base for the Sqdn Vulcan II's..but try flying on the 06.10 to AMS on the first day of half term. We did it Feb.15th and at 5a.m check-in Q was back to entrance. Hardly had time to visit lounge for coffee and newspaper! You weren't the guy wearing the tie were you ?
Exraf