KLM Cityhopper Economy E2-195 Review BLL-AMS (2024)

Last year, I had the chance to fly to Billund in Denmark. On my way out, I flew a KLM Cityhopper E2-195. It was my first time on a second generation E-Jet. A surprisingly low frills, but comfortable flight to Amsterdam. Here is my KLM Cityhopper E2-195 Economy review.

Billund Airport Check In & Boarding

Billund airport is rather small, as you’d expect for a smaller city in Jutland. After a quick bus ride from my hotel to the airport, I made my way to check in. I want to note, public transit in Billund is extremely reliable (as it is in much of Europe).  Taking a city bus at 5am felt perfectly safe. The city was mostly sleepy given it was too early for Legoland to be open.

The check in area had a few open check in counters, one for Atlantic Airways of the Faroe Islands, an airline and place I’m dying to try. Check in for KLM was extremely efficient. To my surprise, I was assigned an exit row seat, which made for this early morning flight a bit better. Once past security, there were very few stores open (aside from Duty Free) and a couple of cafes. I ended up going to the contract lounge (accessible to Priority Pass members) to get some breakfast. It seems everyone else though of the same thing, as the place was packed. It took me a solid 5 minutes trying to find an open seat. The breakfast options were fine: a full English spread, pastries, and a continental spread.

About 10 minutes before scheduled boarding time, I proceeded to the gate. There was a bit of commotion, as next to us a Ryanair flight was heading to London. Once people were able to line up for their respective flights, things looked more orderly. Boarding for KLM Cityhopper to Amsterdam started 25 minutes prior to scheduled departure.

KLM Cityhopper E2-195 Economy Class Cabin

The E2-195 was about a year old, but still had the new plane smell. The aircraft is narrow and long, feeling similar to the old MD-80s that American Airlines flew. I made my way to my exit row seat, and I have to say, the legroom was plentiful. On some regional jets, the exit row space still feels relatively cramped, but I had enough space to stretch my legs.

The slimline leather seats were reasonably padded; nothing like the old days, but a bit better than “ironing board” padding found on other carriers. There were USB-A power outlets in between every pair of seats.

Departure & Take Off

Boarding was pretty quick, we were ready for departure not 20 minutes after boarding had started. At this point, the Dutch captain came on the PA system and advised us on our flight. A bit bumpy on the way up, but smooth and clear until we landed in Amsterdam. He expected us to arrive slightly early.

After that, the cabin crew made the safety demonstration and we pushed off. Billund airport’s runway is a short taxi away from the terminal, and after a quick but powerful take off, we were airborne.

On Board Service

I was surprised that there was any onboard service on a European carrier. After BA and Lufthansa have effectively eliminated any onboard service other than water, coffee and chips, I was pleasantly surprised with KLM. Flight attendants came by offering a small oatmeal cookie, along with a choice of water, orange juice or coffee. I asked for water and coffee and they happily obliged. The cookie was delicious, no raisins!

For the rest of the flight, I read my book and looked out the window. The cabin was kept dark, with most people opting to sleep.

Landing & Arrival

As the sun started to rise, the captain came on the PA and noted the good weather in Amsterdam and we began our decent into the city. Once we landed, we taxied for about 15 minutes to the terminal, to then have to wait for a gate. I was surprised we landed on a contact gate (a jet bridge) vs a remote stand, as is fairly common at hubs on a regional jet. Now, I just had to wait for my onward flight to Luxembourg!

Conrado’s Thoughts

KLM Cityhopper’s E2-195s are very pleasant. The fact that they offer a cookie and drinks on the flight surprised me, especially given the early hour of the flight. I would not hesitate to fly KLM again if the price is right. Billund airport is a pleasant experience to fly out of! Can’t wait to visit in the summer when Legoland is open!

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