Saturday, May 17, 2008

Luxembourg: Amsterdam Schipol International (AMS) to Luxembourg, Luxembourg (LUX)

KL1745 17MAY08 Amsterdam Schipol International, Amsterdam Netherlands (AMS) Luxembourg 2:10p 3:25p PH-LXP F50 operated by KLM cithhopper

Flight Time: 1:00
Seat Map

In a few minutes, we got to the airplane. We had to wait a bit as another passenger boarded from a Special Services bus. As it was raining, I waited until almost everyone had boarded before I left the bus.

I chatted a bit with the Captain who was doing his inspections before takeoff. I asked him about the weather and he said he will update us later, but he thinks it is the same as here in Amsterdam.

On boarding, the male flight attendant greeted me and checked my boarding pass and then ushered me forward. This airplane as blue cloth seats with pink headrests that says KLM cityhopper on it configured as 2-2.

I got comfortable and asked the guy behind me if I could stow my bag under the seat next to him as I was at the bulkhead; he agreed so I did.

At 2:12p, the Captain came on the PA and advised that they were waiting for docs which is the reason for the delay. As he spoke, the documents arrived and we were ready to go closing the doors at 2:15p.

Two minutes later, an announcement was made that our flying time is 1:00, then the manual safety demo started in both English and Dutch. One flight attendant demoed while the other talked.

The right engine started at 2:21p and seven minutes, we pulled forward and headed out for runway 36C-18C. We waited for a Fokker F70 to take off and 2:37p it was our turn to go.

Soon after takeoff, we were offered two sandwiches; veal and pesto cheese; offers of drinks followed shortly after.

Captain gave his PA; took off in a northerly direction and then headed south heading directly towards Luxembourg using runway 24. should land at 3:23p with a five minute taxi time. Except turbulence on landing with showers in the vicinity of the airport. 18C is the local temp. Continue to enjoy the flight; made up time lost in Amsterdam and have a good evening. He then said it in Dutch.

We did start our descent after and kanded at about 3:23p as predicted.

Luxembourg: Arriving in Amsterdam Schipol International and then leaving for Luxembourg (LUX)

Amsterdam Schipol International, Amsterdam Netherlands (AMS)

The runway we used, 06, is parallel to the cargo area so I was able to see several Martinair (MP) MD11s Cargo as the cargo area as well as a Japan Airlines Boeing 747-400 Cargo heading for the runway.

It was still a bit of a taxi to get to G3 where we arrived at 11:40a, after passing a KLM Boeing 747-400 and a KLM Boeing 737-800 with winglets.

I disembarked and headed for the transfer desk. Once there, I got my boarding pass after the agent inadvertently checked me in for Lisbon, Spain (LIS). It was funny, as I realized her error and was thinking of a diplomatic way to tell her. So I just did. It was hilarious and we both laughed it off.

I then headed for the Immigration area as I wanted to get a book at one of the local stores. The Immigration area at F was closed so I made it back to the main one. It took about 10 minutes to get through as I watched the agent ask a lady before me for several documents which she was able to produce.

Once outside, I made my way to the shop, but could not find it. Apparently, it is now replaced by a new shop that seems to be sponsored by KLM as there is an MD-11 engine there, MD-11 main landing gear and a cockpit of a Boeing 737. You can actually take pictures in the cockpit for 6 EUR. They even loan you pilot jackets for kids as well.

Disappointed, I left and headed for security where I showed my boarding pass and then cleared security without incident.

I then headed for the KLM Lounge in the B, C area. There I relaxed a bit, charged up, connected to the Internet and updated the blogs. I also asked for and received a dental kit with a toothbrush and toothpaste as I really needed to brush my teeth since I had dropped my tooth brush on the flight from Houston.

I left the Lounge at 1:25p and headed to gate B24. it was about 10 minutes away says the airport boards. Once there, I handed my boarding card to the agent and waited for a seat. I walked around to see if I could find an electric outlet, but without any luck. I saw a guy using a plug from behind a desk, so I found an empty desk and did the same.

Soon boarding stared and I got a boarding pass with a choice of window or aisle in the europe select cabin. I chose a window seat. I wondered how that would work in an F50 which only has one cabin.

I joined the queue and boarded the bus for the trip out to the airplane.