NZ flights

[waimarie]

I am planning to visit NZ in late August and the most convenient starting point is Humberside Airport. The route offered is with KLM via Amsterdam. I am not too keen on this but notice that all the legs, except the return Humberside-Amsterdan plus the first leg to Kuala Lumpur, are operated by Malaysian Airlines. (KUL-AKL-KUL-AMS). I am more than happy with this but still a bit sceptical with the KLM association. Has anybody used this link up and willing to make a comment??

[sponsmith]

Malaysian Airlines are an excellent carrier and in most people's opinions far superior than most European Airlines.
I have also flown KLM many times and they offer a high standard of service and very competitive legroom compared to their major rivals.
Having flown to NZ on a couple of occassions LHR-LAX-AUK with BA
(probably the quickest route) i urge you to spend the extra money and fly a more direct route! It's a long way!!!!

[jno]

quickest route I think is via Tokyo - several hours shorter than via LA; no connecting flight on the way back so JAL put you up in the airport hotel for a proper night's sleep. But these are out of London, which may not help.

check out http://www.airlinequality.com/Product/seat_intro.htm for legroom on different airlines (and other flight reviews etc on the same site) - on flights of 24 hours or so, leg room is very important.

[kovac]

I've done many longhaul flights via Schipol Airport with KLM and I can't fault them. Living in Newcastle, I prefer flying via Amsterdam than London. Its a quick flight, Schipol is a major European hub and KLM are a very good airline. I'm planning a trip to Malaysia next yr via Schipol. Hope you enjoy your trip.

[Gef]

Not sure why you are sceptical about the KLM association waimarie. As sponsmith says KLM are an excellent airline and I have enjoyed flying with them (although I don't like flying).

Anyway I'm off to NZ in June. Glasgow to LHR with BA then LHR to Auckland via Singapore with Singapore Airlines.

[waimarie]

Many thanks to everybody for those positive comments. My reason for the Humberside Airport is similar to kovacs, a difference of a twenty minute taxi journey to Humberside or minimum two and a half hours to Manchester, no contest really. All your positive comments on KLM are reassuring as others I have received have not been so encouraging. Enough I think to go ahead. Look for my impressions in November !!!

[waimarie]

Maybe I should have added that London airports are out of the question owing to distance and hassle of anything south of Watford. (Only kidding, honest!). Even so, a good, reliable feeder airport to international hubs within a reasonable distance from home is a godsend to anybody. Thank goodness for Humberside !!

[jno]

well, I notice that website I linked to gives Malaysia 5 stars (out of 5) but only 3 for KLM. I've had no problems with either, but it's been a few years now since I used them.

[mrsann]

I have used both KLM and Malaysia Airways in the last year and been very satisfied with both.Schipol airport can involve quite long walks from landing to take-off zones though so don't overload on the handluggage.Spirits aren't particularly cheap at Schipol duty free but perfumes and toiletries are usually very much cheaper than at airports here.Enjoy your trip

[mrsann]

Oops forgot to say K.L. airport isn't the best signposted airport in the world so keep your eyes open as the different levels can be confusing there

[dzug]

A few years ago Amsterdam airport had a bit of a reputation for 'losing' baggage. Not irretrievably - it would invariably be on the next flight and delivered to your hotel or wherever you tell them, but could be a minor inconvenience.

Whether things have improved (they have spent a lot on the baggage handling system) I don't know.

Both your airlines are perfectly OK.