Initial Thoughts: KLM 777 Business Class Singapore-Denpasar

Intro

A few days ago, I had the opportunity to try out KLM in business class for the first time on their updated 777s. Previously, I had given Singapore Airlines my business on visa runs to Singapore, but I decided to give KLM a shot this time after how disappointing SQ is.

Honestly, while this was a step up in terms of my experience on Singapore Airlines, it reminded me what a treat it is to fly on most* Asian carriers. For now, these are my initial thoughts, but I will have a full review coming in the next few months.

The Seat/Cabin

Stepping onboard, I was excited to see what these newish business class seats were like on the 777, as the last time I flew with KLM on their 777s was in 2020, when the airline featured a 2-2-2 configuration.

I decided to select seat 9A, in the two-row mini cabin behind door 2, and I have to say that I was really quite impressed by the hard product in most parts. The seat was quite spacious all around, the doors provided ample privacy when we were in the air, and the footwell was large, thanks in part of the wide fuselage of the 777-3ooER.

KLM 777 Business Class Cabin

KLM 777 Business Class Cabin

Very wide footwells here...

KLM 777 Business Class Cabin

Even without the door closed, it was very private

Thankfully, there was almost no one else in this mini cabin

But a couple of things just didn't make sense to me. Considering how new these business class seats are, one has to wonder how the doors are difficult to pull shut, in addition to why there happens to be wireless charging, but no Bluetooth connectivity?

Yes, these are very minor details, on a product which is not only a huge step up, but a nice product to fly on for a long-haul flight.

IFE+WIFI

Usually, this would be the part where I talk about amenities, but there were none aside from a very small pillow (they lose in this category to SQ). However, I was relatively pleased by the offerings on KLM, as the movie/TV selection is quite good.

Some good stuff was on the TV show selection

Of course, you will see the latest movies just like every other major carrier

And the WiFi wasn't that bad either. Granted, the flight was only 2 hours, and the full flight pass was around 16 Euros, and the 2-hour flight pass was 9 Euros (makes no sense), but I was still quite happy with my free messaging pass. It's nice to stay disconnected for a few hours in today's modern world...

KLM Wifi 77W

KLM Wifi 77W

Food

Now, when I get to the full report, I'll touch on the whole meal service, but my biggest question coming into this flight is how scaled back will the meal service be?

The answer was relatively so, but still acceptable. While certainly not up to par with their long-haul routes, the beef rendang was acceptable.

KLM Business Class Meal Service Singapore-Denpasar

Service

Now for the part that left me utterly bamboozled during this flight, as I have never seen a crew more disinterested, while still being exceptionally kind. Let's start with the veggies before dessert:

• Never once was I addressed by name

• When they came to take my meal order, it was just, "Would you like the beef rendang?"

• Never once was I offered a drink before my meal; I had to ask

• Which brings me to my main point, the entire crew was reactive versus proactive. With over an hour left after the meal service, I found them all sitting in the galley, all eating.

But here's the thing: every time that I asked for something, I was always met with a small joke and a smile. I don't mind this sort of service, but it's just a shock t,o me having spent the last 5 months in Asia now. Some people do mind, and that's okay, but there is no one way that fits everyone.

I had a long talk with the purser as we waited for the jetbridge at DPS. A lovely man who was a pleasure to talk to.

Final Thoughts

Look, these are only my initial thoughts for now, as I need a few more weeks to reflect on this flight to get a better grasp. However, the two main questions are, would I fly them again on this route? And would I recommend them?

I would certainly fly KLM again on this route to Denpasar, as the fares are astronomically cheaper than SQ in Business Class, and better in terms of seat & service.

However, would I recommend flying KLM business class? That completely depends on your preferences. I can't deal with the regional seats on SQ J for working, but I am sure many people enjoy them. Additionally, I don't mind reactive service as much; it's not going to win any awards, but it's easy and leaves little margin for error. Proactive service when done right (SQ, SU, GA) is incredibly better, but few airlines can pull it off properly...