For a flight that cost just £47, this was an absolute steal. KLM’s fifth freedom service between Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta operates as part of their Amsterdam-Kuala Lumpur-Jakarta route, giving passengers the unique chance to experience an international full-service carrier on a short regional hop.
After a couple of nights to reset and explore Kuala Lumpur, it was time to get back to the skies.
Despite living and traveling in Europe for most of my life, I’d somehow never flown with KLM before. So, when I spotted this route at a price only a few pounds more than a budget airline, flight KL809 was an easy decision. The question was—would it be noticeably better than a low-cost carrier, or was this a no-frills service in disguise?
Booking & Check-in – Flawless Execution
Booking was a total breeze. The website was simple, intuitive, and even prompted me for visa and customs information prior to online check-in. No app glitches, no confusing interfaces—just a smooth, straightforward process.
At the airport, things were equally stress-free. Kuala Lumpur International Airport isn’t the newest airport in the world, but it’s well-maintained, modern, and easy to navigate. Security and immigration were quick and efficient, with no unexpected delays. It’s worth noting at KUL the main security screening takes place AT the gate, so don’t leave getting to the gate too late.
A Quick Stop at the Sky Suite Airport Lounge – Not Worth It
Before the flight, I checked out the Sky Suite at KUL, which accepts Priority Pass holders. Unfortunately, this was one of those moments that highlight the problem with Priority Pass (and paid/contract) lounges—they’re not always great.
Rather than a purpose-built lounge, this was more like the restaurant and bar area of the in-terminal airside hotel, meaning it lacked the secluded, premium feel of a true airport lounge. Food and drinks were basic, and overall, it wasn’t worth the visit. I wouldn’t return, and frankly, you’re probably better off just grabbing a meal elsewhere in the terminal.
Boarding – Speedy and Efficient
I arrived early to the gate, where I was able to get some great shots of the plane taxing to our gate after its journey in from Amsterdam.
Boarding only started ten minutes before the scheduled departure, which felt like it might be a disaster—but surprisingly, it wasn’t. Everyone followed instructions, the crew managed the process brilliantly, and somehow, we were seated, locked in, and ready for takeoff (albeit slightly delayed) in no time.
There’s something to be said for how efficiently KLM and its passengers handled this process—especially compared to other airlines where boarding feels like a chaotic free-for-all.
The Cabin & Seat – Roomy but Showing Its Age
First impressions of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with KLM were mostly positive. The seats felt spacious, which was a surprise given it’s economy class on a short-haul route. Legroom was among the best I’ve experienced in economy lately, and the seat-back entertainment system was full-sized, responsive, and featured a dropdown cup holder—a nice touch.
But while the seat was comfortable, I started to notice some cleanliness issues. The aircraft had already flown from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur earlier that day, and while surface cleaning had clearly been done, there were signs of longer-term neglect—dusty air vents, dirt in the seat tracks, and a general feeling that the deep cleaning schedule might not be as frequent as it should be.
Entertainment & Wi-Fi – Solid, but Not Exceptional
The in-flight entertainment system was modern, responsive, and well-designed, but the actual content selection was just okay. Plenty of options, but not the most comprehensive I’ve seen. Again, had I been on the full flight I imagine I would have exhausted the options before too long.
Wi-Fi was available, and while I was able to connect, I couldn’t get the captive log-in screen to pop up, and ultimately gave up after a few resets. Maybe it just wasn’t available on this hop, but had I been on the “full” leg from Amsterdam, I’d have definitely asked the Cabin Crew for assistance here.
Service & Dining – Unexpectedly Generous
This was where KLM really impressed me.
Despite the flight being just 1.5 hours long, the crew managed to serve a full hot meal and drinks, including beer and wine. Given that British Airways didn’t even offer a hot meal on my five-hour flight to Cairo, this was a massive surprise.
The meal itself? A simple potato and rice curry. Nothing groundbreaking, but hot, filling, and miles better than nothing. The efficiency of the service was also outstanding—within 20 minutes of departure, the crew had already started meal service, ensuring everyone was fed and watered well before descent.
The crew were fantastic—polite, professional, and clearly took pride in their roles. They worked non-stop from boarding to disembarkation, managing to balance efficiency with genuine hospitality.
Comfort & Atmosphere – Quiet, Spacious, and Pleasant
I didn’t bother reclining my seat, but even without doing so, I found it really comfortable. Legroom was excellent, and thanks to the modern Dreamliner design, the cabin felt airy and spacious.
The lighting setup reminded me of Virgin Atlantic’s mood lighting, which was a nice touch—unsurprising given their SkyTeam alliance partnership. Engine noise was minimal, and passengers were mostly quiet, making for a relaxed atmosphere throughout the flight.
One of my favorite little touches was the branded plastic glassware and embossed side plates, featuring Dutch windmill designs. It’s a small thing, but it adds personality and a sense of pride in the airline’s heritage—something that’s increasingly rare these days.
Arrival in Jakarta – A Seamless Process
The approach into Jakarta was smooth, with beautiful views over the city despite the rainy weather. The Dreamliner’s gentle landing characteristics made for an uneventful touchdown.
Deplaning was surprisingly fast, thanks to the use of two exit doors—a simple but effective way to get everyone off the aircraft quickly.
Immigration was an all-digital process and took just seconds—one of the fastest I’ve experienced in a while. However, it did require some advance planning, as Indonesia’s digital customs forms aren’t the most user-friendly. The website was a bit temperamental, but once everything was sorted, the actual process in the airport was as smooth as it gets.
After dodging the inevitable wave of overly eager taxi drivers, I made my way up to Terminal 3 arrivals. From there, a SkyTrain connects to other terminals, making transit around the airport simple. Since I had a self-transfer to another flight later that afternoon, I headed up to T3 Departures, where I spent a couple of hours soaking in the 30-degree humidity outside—a questionable life choice, but one I stand by.
Final Thoughts – Totally Worth It
For just £47 for 702 miles, this flight was a no-brainer.
Compared to a low-cost carrier, KLM’s offering was significantly better, with a proper economy seat, checked baggage allowance, a hot meal with drinks, and a smooth, professional service experience.
It’s not without its minor downsides—the aircraft wasn’t the cleanest, and as with all fifth freedom flights, there’s always a risk of delays or cancellations if something goes wrong with the inbound aircraft. If you’re on a tight schedule, even any schedule at all- that’s something to consider.
But overall, this was an excellent value-for-money flight.
Would I fly this again? Absolutely. If the price was the same, I wouldn’t hesitate to book this over an LCC. Faster boarding, a better seat, and a proper meal make it a far better experience than squeezing into a budget airline cabin for a flight of the same length.
Best for budget-conscious travelers, aviation geeks, and anyone who appreciates a good-value full-service flight.
KLM nailed it.
