Flew KLM Tokyo to Amsterdam to Newcastle , flight was delayed an hour at Narita, due to arriving late cos of weather, these things happen. Meant we only had 30 mins to make our connection at Ams, not fun with tired children, little legs and a lot of airport to cover.
We arrived in Newcastle OK , but our bags didn't, no doubt due to the tight turn around. These things happen. However, despite KLM assuring us the bags would be delivered by 3PM, the delivery company didn't pick them up til 5.30 but can't deliver them until 10AM tomorrow because they have no drivers.
I suspect the insidious influence of procurement. For those of you who do not encounter this in your jobs, procurement stems from consultants who tell service providers they can shave 10% of costs of vendors every year. In order to win or keep business vendors submit fantasy estimates they can't keep to without trimming service. So in this case KLM has opted for a cheap delivery service who cannot fill their side of the deal.
The result is my kids haven't got their clean clothes or pyjamas, and I have listen to my parents telling me how to complain to the poor guys put in the firing line.
So while we all know things don't always go smoothly, always oppose the pressure to opt for cheaper over better. KLM is a good airline, but they have just scored poorly because of poor management's choices. Our esteemed Dutch members, please remind your national carrier that they have great routes for us Northerners, don't make me go back to wanky Virgin or Snooty BA, and transit via Heathrow, which I fucking hate.
Measured rant over. I'm sure KLM will quake in the face of the power of the fg
