Steph_SEA

Has anyone flown the direct SEA > AMS on Northwest Airlines? A while back it was a KLM flight on a DC-10. I think the new NW flight is on an A330. Any experiences with this flight? Comfort, etc?

Boots

No, I have not taken this flight, but I often fly business class on the Northwest Airbus from Detroit to Paris. The new seats are wonderful! I suspect economy is cramped and will be full. If you have miles, why not try for an upgrade? Boots

Garfield

Schedule for NW still shows a DC 10 for non-stop flights SEA-AMS

Steph_SEA

Garfield, you're right. That would explain why no one's responding.
I was only searching for my travel dates and assumed that they were currently flying the same aircraft now. BUT, it looks like starting June 1st NWA switches from the old DC-10 to an A330. Very nice!

Subway_Scoundrel

I have not flown on that flight but the Amsterdam--> Memphis is a DC10. They are older and I would much rather take a A330 or 747. I am taking the AMS--memphis business class in a couple of weeks. The DC10 are Ok for comfort but do not have the individual entertainmene units in the seat like the A330s coach class. I have flown NWA alot (Platinum Worldperks Member)and have only flown a KLM flight/plane once over the Atlantic. I like NWA but always want a KLM if I can get it. It is time for NWA to update their fleet, at least get the DC10s out of service. Even with the 747s, the last 3 times I flew over the Atlantic/Pacific, we had issues with the plane before takeoff or right after take off. Nothing like sitting in Business Class upstairs in a 747 and have 4 Japaneese mechanics scurrying around with worried looks on thier face, to get you ready for a 12 hour flight !!! But still, NWA is my favorite for European flight due to their relationship with KLM. They can get you anywhere!!! And NWA has the best upgrade policy and points programs.

spottiew

I flew SEA-AMS on NW a few years ago... being that I had just reissued my passport and was running 2 days late on my honeymoon, I was quite happy to sit in the middle section by 2 small kids. Really, the plane seemed comfortable, and they had no shortage of food for us.

Giselle

I flew direct Seattle to Amsterdam a few years ago. No complaints. I love being able to fly direct.

To me, it's just get from point A to point B. The only one with more leg room is American and even that doesn't provide me with much more comfort on that long 9-10 hour flight. I know a lot of you are more fussy.

My flight was practically empty on coach but then it was the first week of December.

linawood

We flew Seattle to Amsterdam and return in October on NW and for some reason the seats seemed particularly close together. We have flown on NW to Europe several times before and also on other airlines, but this time it seemed even tighter. I'm about 5'7" and weigh 120 pounds but I had to keep my knees on either side of the seat in front of me when the seatback was lowered (the whole trip). Still, I would fly with them again for the price and the schedule. The flight attendants were friendly and attentive. It was uncomfortable but over fairly quickly.

rkkwan

Here are a few reasons why a NW DC-10 may not be as comfortable as other aircrafts, despite similar seat width & pitch,

- The seats are old. The seatback may be a little thicker than newer designs, so less legroom. And more important, the person in front of you may be able to recline more than they're supposed to, because of worn/abuse.

- These DC-10s have much less overhead luggage space per passenger than newer planes like the 777s. Which means more people have to leave their stuff down on the floor. If that's your seatmate, you'll feel more cramped.

- You absolutely definitely will not want to find yourself in the middle of the 5-abreast seat for 10 hours. [This is also true on certain airlines' 777.]

- There's no personal video screen for entertainment. This has nothing to do with space, but most people find a long flight easier to pass with a screen.

- These old planes are significantly noisier in the cabin than the newer 777s or 330/340s.

Anyways, I was on a short BOS-MSP flight on a NW DC-10 a few years ago, in the middle middle seat. Two hours was about all I could tolerate. Can't imagine being stuck there for SEA-AMS flight. And I am used to long Pacific flights, including those on NW's 747. I am glad that I haven't set foot on a DC-10 since that BOS-MSP trip.

jay

Yes I have as I live in Seattle. It is a DC-10 and probably be so for a while. Although I'm a Platinum Elite on NWA usually I fly coach on international flights because I don't get an automatic upgrade. My recommendation is to sit in row 22 seats c and d or f and g. It is a bulkhead row but has the most legroom. You can email me with any other questions.