KLM

[KARFA]

With LS gone on that route and no other competition it is fairly typical behaviour for KLM I am afraid. They do tend to have much higher pricing on UK-AMS routes where there is no competition like the examples you mention, whereas e.g. MAN-AMS and LHR-AMS are much more reasonable.

 

[A400]

But could that also be down to demand since Jet2 axed AMS. With only the one airline doing the route now demand must be higher now than it was when they faced competition with LS.

Also that they are cancelling some flights due to AMS restrictions.

 

[White Heather]

NCL obviously doing something right as they lose only 1 flight and still have nearly double the LBA flights. Lisbon's flights have increased!

Meanwhile, it gets more difficult to interline on long haul with the journey starting at LBA, with no interlining option at LHR, nor Paris, nor Madrid, nor Frankfurt, and a significant reduction to AMS. Good news perhaps for Aer Lingus via DUB, but that's mainly due the US market.

 

[LBAYORKIE]

We are taking our grand children to Amsterdam this autumn. The plan was to fly from LBA but if there's so much difference we will have to fly from MAN. Don't mind paying a bit more to fly from Leeds but when there are 4 of you the extra cost is just too much. Shame Jet2 pulled off the route- a monopoly us never good.

Maybe Flybe will look at LBA-AMS when the restrictions settle down.

 

[AirBingley]

So far so good, just been into my September booking and it seems to be running as planned but now the Cityhopper E2 as opposed to the 700 series. To BCN its now a 739 so fingers crossed its only the equipment thats changed!

 

[lbaspotter]

KLM September 2022 reduced Leeds/Bradford - Amsterdam timetable

Mondays

------------------------------------- / KL1540 = LBA 06:20 – AMS 08:40 = EMBRAER 190
KL1541 = AMS 09:15 – LBA 09:25 / KL1542 = LBA 10:05 – AMS 12:20 = EMBRAER 175
KL1551 = AMS 22:00 – LBA 22:10 / ------------------------------------- = EMBRAER 190
Tuesdays
------------------------------------- / KL1540 = LBA 08:45 – AMS 11:00 = EMBRAER 190
KL1549 = AMS 16:40 – LBA 16:50 / KL1550 = LBA 17:20 – AMS 19:35 = EMBRAER 190
KL1551 = AMS 22:00 – LBA 22:10 / ------------------------------------- = EMBRAER 190
Wednesdays
------------------------------------- / KL1540 = LBA 06:20 – AMS 08:40 = EMBRAER 190
KL1541 = AMS 09:15 – LBA 09:25 / KL1542 = LBA 10:05 – AMS 12:20 = EMBRAER 190
KL1551 = AMS 22:00 – LBA 22:10 / ------------------------------------- = EMBRAER 175
Thursdays
------------------------------------- / KL1540 = LBA 08:45 – AMS 11:00 = EMBRAER 175
KL1549 = AMS 16:40 – LBA 16:50 / KL1550 = LBA 17:20 – AMS 19:35 = EMBRAER 190
KL1551 = AMS 22:00 – LBA 22:10 / ------------------------------------- = EMBRAER 190
Fridays
------------------------------------- / KL1540 = LBA 06:20 – AMS 08:40 = EMBRAER 190
KL1541 = AMS 09:15 – LBA 09:25 / KL1542 = LBA 10:05 – AMS 12:20 = EMBRAER 190-E2
KL1551 = AMS 22:00 – LBA 22:10 / ------------------------------------- = EMBRAER 175
Saturdays
------------------------------------- / KL1540 = LBA 08:45 – AMS 11:00 = EMBRAER 175
KL1551 = AMS 22:00 – LBA 22:10 / ------------------------------------- = EMBRAER 190
Sundays
------------------------------------- / KL1540 = LBA 06:20 – AMS 08:40 = EMBRAER 190
KL1541 = AMS 09:15 – LBA 09:25 / KL1542 = LBA 10:05 – AMS 12:20 = BOEING 737-700
KL1549 = AMS 16:40 – LBA 16:50 / KL1550 = LBA 17:15 – AMS 19:35 = EMBRAER 175
KL1551 = AMS 22:00 – LBA 22:10 / ------------------------------------- = EMBRAER 190

 

[Finger66]

Not sure “like” is the right reaction but a sign of the times. At least we still have quite a good service. Let’s hope we can get back to 3 a day asap

 

[AirBingley]

Flew out to BCN via ANS with KL yesterday. Experience at LBA very good as we checked in around 8 am with no wait for security. I have to say Swissport check in staff were a bit disinterested. Load factor 100%. Flight slightly late on new E2 with lovely crew. Drinks and cake served. Upgraded to sky priority for BCN leg so for £70 got:
1 Fast track at AMS and the Schengen immigration queue was horrific
2. Crown lounge which is lovely
3 upgraded legroom meal and seat on flight to BCN
4. Valet baggage at BCN

I do like what KL do and even with a 2.5 hour slot delay due to French ATC smiles were delivered constantly.

We need to see them more often at LBA

 

[Fat Phelan]

KL is our link with the wider world and my, don't they know it. Just booked LBA-AMS-DTW return for a princely £2,000. All economy.

Same flights from MAN were £1,500. I can't stand MAN and hate driving back on the M62 after a long-haul flight.

My good/not so good points about flying KL from LBA last 16 years:

Good:

-Smaller, easier boarding on Embraer's rather than 739s
-Friendly, professional crew.
-Lounge access at LBA to get away from the larger louts mainlining pints of Stella at 6am (and somewhere to actually sit down)
-Lounge access at AMS (very nice indeed)
-All the skyteam benefits/connections etc..
-Excellent 0620 departure for connections in AMS
-The only 'premium' feeling airline at LBA

Not so good:

-Crappy little cake for a snack.
- Seemingly endless taxi when landing/departing on the Polderbaan.
- Lounge at LBA doesn't open until 5am.
- No more F70/F100's (loved those)
- Bags hardly ever turn up at LBA, was really bad this summer.
- On-going issues at AMS with staffing levels (see above)
-Not using jetbrige at LBA anymore. Premium, full-service airline choosing to ignore a jetbridge?

Love KLM, I too wish we saw more of them and the price was better. Maybe now jet2 have gone there is little chance of prices coming down. Interestingly, on 2nd October, my return flight to LBA is showing as a 737. I'll bet we use the jetbridge then?

 

[White Heather]

KL is our link with the wider world and my, don't they know it. Just booked LBA-AMS-DTW return for a princely £2,000. All economy.

Same flights from MAN were £1,500. I can't stand MAN and hate driving back on the M62 after a long-haul flight.

My good/not so good points about flying KL from LBA last 16 years:

Good:

-Smaller, easier boarding on Embraer's rather than 739s
-Friendly, professional crew.
-Lounge access at LBA to get away from the larger louts mainlining pints of Stella at 6am (and somewhere to actually sit down)
-Lounge access at AMS (very nice indeed)
-All the skyteam benefits/connections etc..
-Excellent 0620 departure for connections in AMS
-The only 'premium' feeling airline at LBA

Not so good:

-Crappy little cake for a snack.
- Seemingly endless taxi when landing/departing on the Polderbaan.
- Lounge at LBA doesn't open until 5am.
- No more F70/F100's (loved those)
- Bags hardly ever turn up at LBA, was really bad this summer.
- On-going issues at AMS with staffing levels (see above)
-Not using jetbrige at LBA anymore. Premium, full-service airline choosing to ignore a jetbridge?

Love KLM, I too wish we saw more of them and the price was better. Maybe now jet2 have gone there is little chance of prices coming down. Interestingly, on 2nd October, my return flight to LBA is showing as a 737. I'll bet we use the jetbridge then?

I wouldn't be at all surprised if the fact they don't use the air-bridge is connected to Swissport and their lack of staff.

 

[craigston_tom]

KL is our link with the wider world and my, don't they know it. Just booked LBA-AMS-DTW return for a princely £2,000. All economy.

Same flights from MAN were £1,500. I can't stand MAN and hate driving back on the M62 after a long-haul flight.

My good/not so good points about flying KL from LBA last 16 years:

Good:

-Smaller, easier boarding on Embraer's rather than 739s
-Friendly, professional crew.
-Lounge access at LBA to get away from the larger louts mainlining pints of Stella at 6am (and somewhere to actually sit down)
-Lounge access at AMS (very nice indeed)
-All the skyteam benefits/connections etc..
-Excellent 0620 departure for connections in AMS
-The only 'premium' feeling airline at LBA

Not so good:

-Crappy little cake for a snack.
- Seemingly endless taxi when landing/departing on the Polderbaan.
- Lounge at LBA doesn't open until 5am.
- No more F70/F100's (loved those)
- Bags hardly ever turn up at LBA, was really bad this summer.
- On-going issues at AMS with staffing levels (see above)
-Not using jetbrige at LBA anymore. Premium, full-service airline choosing to ignore a jetbridge?

Love KLM, I too wish we saw more of them and the price was better. Maybe now jet2 have gone there is little chance of prices coming down. Interestingly, on 2nd October, my return flight to LBA is showing as a 737. I'll bet we use the jetbridge then?

I have to add my opinion on a few of your afore mentioned points.

Just because someone drinks Stella doesn’t make them a lager lout. I’m quite partial to a pint of Belgiums finest, and in no way am I a lout!
Your other ‘good’ points I agree with.

For your bad points, I have to ask how much food do you need on a 1 hr flight to Amsterdam, having already been in the lounge?
Yes the taxi at Amsterdam on the Polderbaan is quite long but that’s just part and parcel of flying from a major international airport.

 

[Finger66]

And this is why different airlines/airports/routes survive - we all have our preferences - we are all different - we all have our opinions. KLM have stuck by the regions and should be applauded for that. Other carriers closer to home should perhaps take note, however in their defence - a stretch of water and no direct train service every hour or better help with point to point top up for AMS. LBA has kept better service to AMS through COVID than some others so KL must see it as a good market. This is where I dont get how other airlines dont see the LBA potential. Marketed and timed correctly - as KLM are - works a treat. Surely it ain't rocket science is it!

 

[Fat Phelan]

I have to add my opinion on a few of your afore mentioned points.

Just because someone drinks Stella doesn’t make them a lager lout. I’m quite partial to a pint of Belgiums finest, and in no way am I a lout!
Your other ‘good’ points I agree with.

For your bad points, I have to ask how much food do you need on a 1 hr flight to Amsterdam, having already been in the lounge?
Yes the taxi at Amsterdam on the Polderbaan is quite long but that’s just part and parcel of flying from a major international airport.

I love larger too. Just not 6 pints of the stuff at 6am on my way to benidorm

Post automatically merged: Sep 22, 2022

And this is why different airlines/airports/routes survive - we all have our preferences - we are all different - we all have our opinions. KLM have stuck by the regions and should be applauded for that. Other carriers closer to home should perhaps take note, however in their defence - a stretch of water and no direct train service every hour or better help with point to point top up for AMS. LBA has kept better service to AMS through COVID than some others so KL must see it as a good market. This is where I dont get how other airlines dont see the LBA potential. Marketed and timed correctly - as KLM are - works a treat. Surely it ain't rocket science is it!

Agreed. Waiting at gate D6 in AMS is fun, all the regional flights to UK. KLM doing the regions well!

 

[CM.]

Not using jetbrige at LBA anymore. Premium, full-service airline choosing to ignore a jetbridge?

With regards to this point it’s not that KLM are ignoring the choice to use the jetbridge it’s upto the airport to decide what plane is going where. And the point regarding Swissport shortages that might be a reason but also anyone can’t just move the jetbridge you have to be trained to do so and maybe the people that are at Swissport can’t do so.

They usually park KLM at stand 8 which has the jetbridge but I’ve not seen it in use much (as it’s been broken) which also maybe a reason that the bridge isn’t working.


I do however agree with your point about the shortages at AMS as I’ve had recent experience there.

 

[White Heather]

With regards to this point it’s not that KLM are ignoring the choice to use the jetbridge it’s upto the airport to decide what plane is going where. And the point regarding Swissport shortages that might be a reason but also anyone can’t just move the jetbridge you have to be trained to do so and maybe the people that are at Swissport can’t do so.

They usually park KLM at stand 8 which has the jetbridge but I’ve not seen it in use much (as it’s been broken) which also maybe a reason that the bridge isn’t working.


I do however agree with your point about the shortages at AMS as I’ve had recent experience there.

The ATC will allocate the air bridge if the airline want it and pay to use it. The one at stand 8 is now fixed, but apparently still not used by KLM, whereas Jet2, who have their own ground crews, do use it. I am convinced it's down to Swissport not having enough staff to deal with an air bridge. They struggle to do the basics at times!

 

[CM.]

The ATC will allocate the air bridge if the airline want it and pay to use it.nTge one at stand 8 is now fixed, but apparently still not used by KLM, whereas Jet2, who have their own ground crews, do use it. I am convinced it's down to Swissport not having enough staff to deal with an air bridge. They struggle to do the basics at times!

Jet2 have been using 8 but they’re using steps again. (Weather it broke again I don’t know).

 

[Fat Phelan]

Just arrived on KL 1541. Still no jetbridge and it's right there. Such a disappointing arrival experience shunted onto a bus to travel a few metres.

 

[Aviador]

View attachment 26803Just arrived on KL 1541. Still no jetbridge and it's right there. Such a disappointing arrival experience shunted onto a bus to travel a few metres.

I have to admit if my aircraft was parked on a stand with an air bridge but not using it, I would be disappointed too.

Stand 8 is a premium stand. It's poor use of resources if the air bridge is not being used by the aircraft on the stand.

 

[CM.]

It’s not been working as I’ve been mentioned before. But has recently been work on it. I believe you have to be retrained to use it so it’s probably the case swissport staff haven’t been trained to do so at present.

I understand the frustration when you want to use the Jetbridge but unfortunately sometimes they don’t work or the ground staff are unable to use it.

 

[Sherburnflyer92]

It’s not been working as I’ve been mentioned before. But has recently been work on it. I believe you have to be retrained to use it so it’s probably the case swissport staff haven’t been trained to do so at present.

I understand the frustration when you want to use the Jetbridge but unfortunately sometimes they don’t work or the ground staff are unable to use it.

Therefore rather then Swissport handling it the airport should give it to the airport/airside operations to operate Jet Bridge.