Airline suggestions from east coast to Amsterdam needed

[Ine]

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions.

 

One issue with a travel agency is the discount airlines in Europe ( like South west and Spirit here) do not participate with TA's

 

We are in coastal NC so RDU was one of the airports I included in the research.

 

Currently considering a rt into and out of AMS and the overnight train from PRG to AMS. Overnight train eliminates a hotel stay and allows for making departure in AMS back to US Train is less than flight.

 

I am not sure train is such a great option. It takes a lot of time, you might have problems storing your luggage. Apart from the fare you might need a sleeper facility (extra) and of course meals arenot included.

Did you check the multi city option/open jaw on e.g. KLM, Delta, Lufthansa and others? Flying into Prague and leaving from another city e.g. from Amsterdam? Why not phone Delta, who takes care of KLM in the USA or United/Lufthansa.

If you book all flights in 1 ticket you have apart from 12 kg. handluggage also a suitcase of 23 kg. ( 55lb?) free.

Discount airlines (easyjet?)can be booked directly on their website, you donot need a TA for that. Also realise that on those airlines you pay extra for luggage, possible meal and also often if you want a reserved seat.

 

PS The AF strike is over, but it might take 1 or 2 more days before flights are back to normal.

Edited September 29, 2014 by Ine

[nana541]

Lufhansia flies all the short hops in Europe...

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Ine]

PS About the train Amsterdam to Prague. You realise that takes about 14 hours

[Hydrokitty]

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions.

 

One issue with a travel agency is the discount airlines in Europe ( like South west and Spirit here) do not participate with TA's

 

We are in coastal NC so RDU was one of the airports I included in the research.

 

Currently considering a rt into and out of AMS and the overnight train from PRG to AMS. Overnight train eliminates a hotel stay and allows for making departure in AMS back to US Train is less than flight.

 

Dear Fred, I've been following all the responses from day one and I have to agree with Ine and several other posters. I bo ok my own travel to Europe all the time and I don't generally recommend a TA, BUT, if I were booking travel for 12 people and their luggage I would definitely use a good TA. Here's why:

 

The opportunity for SNAFU, which can be anything from mildly annoying to total disaster, is always present, but for 12 people moving as a group it has to be enormous!

 

The trip from the East coast to Amsterdam is roughly 7+ hours. Your discount flight will have you seated in a seat about 15" wide, in a row 3-4 across. After arriving in Amsterdam you will shepherd your group and their luggage from the airport to the over-night train arriving in Prague 14 hours after having been on a plane for 7? That's 21+ hours without lying down, my friend. Unless you want to pay extra for a sleeper car on the train, which will probably make anything you saved flying disappear.

 

Discount airlines are known for low ticket prices but everything to make your trip bearable will cost extra! Checked luggage? Extra. Carry on bag? Could be extra. Don't want to sit in the last row of the plane or next to the bathrooms? Extra fee to reserve seat ahead of time. Want a pillow or blanket? Extra. Want a sandwich or meal or drink? Extra...and you hope they don't run out of everything but PB&J if you're sitting in the back of the plane! My point is that by the time you add up all the extra fees, how much have you saved? Throw in the train fare from Amsterdam to Prague, and there's a good chance you haven't saved much over the cost of American or Lufthansa or any of the other major airlines.

 

Good luck with your trip (I mean that sincerely, not snarkly) and let us know what you finally decide to do.

[NC Fred]

I am not sure train is such a great option. It takes a lot of time, you might have problems storing your luggage. Apart from the fare you might need a sleeper facility (extra) and of course meals arenot included.

Did you check the multi city option/open jaw on e.g. KLM, Delta, Lufthansa and others? Flying into Prague and leaving from another city e.g. from Amsterdam? Why not phone Delta, who takes care of KLM in the USA or United/Lufthansa.

If you book all flights in 1 ticket you have apart from 12 kg. handluggage also a suitcase of 23 kg. ( 55lb?) free.

Discount airlines (easyjet?)can be booked directly on their website, you donot need a TA for that. Also realise that on those airlines you pay extra for luggage, possible meal and also often if you want a reserved seat.

 

PS The AF strike is over, but it might take 1 or 2 more days before flights are back to normal.

 

The cost of a Deluxe Sleeper cabin is $165 PRG to AMS. Includes breakfast.

 

Yes, checked with all the major US carriers. It appears IAD TO AMS on Iceland Air is best bet. Only issue is they fly 757's, not wide bodies.

[NC Fred]

Dear Fred, I've been following all the responses from day one and I have to agree with Ine and several other posters. I bo ok my own travel to Europe all the time and I don't generally recommend a TA, BUT, if I were booking travel for 12 people and their luggage I would definitely use a good TA. Here's why:

 

The opportunity for SNAFU, which can be anything from mildly annoying to total disaster, is always present, but for 12 people moving as a group it has to be enormous!

 

The trip from the East coast to Amsterdam is roughly 7+ hours. Your discount flight will have you seated in a seat about 15" wide, in a row 3-4 across. After arriving in Amsterdam you will shepherd your group and their luggage from the airport to the over-night train arriving in Prague 14 hours after having been on a plane for 7? That's 21+ hours without lying down, my friend. Unless you want to pay extra for a sleeper car on the train, which will probably make anything you saved flying disappear.

 

Discount airlines are known for low ticket prices but everything to make your trip bearable will cost extra! Checked luggage? Extra. Carry on bag? Could be extra. Don't want to sit in the last row of the plane or next to the bathrooms? Extra fee to reserve seat ahead of time. Want a pillow or blanket? Extra. Want a sandwich or meal or drink? Extra...and you hope they don't run out of everything but PB&J if you're sitting in the back of the plane! My point is that by the time you add up all the extra fees, how much have you saved? Throw in the train fare from Amsterdam to Prague, and there's a good chance you haven't saved much over the cost of American or Lufthansa or any of the other major airlines.

 

Good luck with your trip (I mean that sincerely, not snarkly) and let us know what you finally decide to do.

 

The river cruise leaves from AMS thus once we arrive there ( most likely will go a day or two prior) it is onto the ship. It is the return from PRG that has been the issue. The City Night train seems to be one of the possible solutions. As mentioned, the cost is equal to or less than the best air fare I could find and the sleeper cabin eliminates the extra night in a hotel. It is 15 hours total by train. Leaves at 6:30 PM arriving about 10:00AM.

 

Just did a Princess Baltic cruise a month ago with most of the same people who will joining on this trip. We are all aware of the baggage issues and limitations. Actually, two of the men in the group traveled with the hand help luggage scales. Kept the wives from buying too much along the way!!!

[Hydrokitty]

The river cruise leaves from AMS thus once we arrive there ( most likely will go a day or two prior) it is onto the ship. It is the return from PRG that has been the issue. The City Night train seems to be one of the possible solutions. As mentioned, the cost is equal to or less than the best air fare I could find and the sleeper cabin eliminates the extra night in a hotel. It is 15 hours total by train. Leaves at 6:30 PM arriving about 10:00AM.

 

Just did a Princess Baltic cruise a month ago with most of the same people who will joining on this trip. We are all aware of the baggage issues and limitations. Actually, two of the men in the group traveled with the hand help luggage scales. Kept the wives from buying too much along the way!!!

 

I travel with one too. I won't tell your wife that if you buy enough they'll ship for you if you don't tell DH that's what I've been doing! :D

 

As for your travel arrangements there's not much left to add. Fares are high and getting higher. Only difficulty now will be coordinating train from Prague with plane from Amsterdam...Good luck...hope it all works well for you.

Edited September 30, 2014 by Hydrokitty

[Hydrokitty]

The cost of a Deluxe Sleeper cabin is $165 PRG to AMS. Includes breakfast.

 

Yes, checked with all the major US carriers. It appears IAD TO AMS on Iceland Air is best bet. Only issue is they fly 757's, not wide bodies.

 

I've flown Iceland Air and it was quite nice. Planes are smaller but configuration was 2x3. They served dinner on our 5 hour flight from NY to Reykyavik but I was asleep so I don't know how food was....but I wouldn't hesitate to fly them again. Iceland was our final destination but most people were going in to Europe.

[Katosmama]

My advice would be to book the transatlantic flight on a separate ticket from your short haul flights.

 

Assuming you can get a direct flight from wherever is closest to you to Amsterdam, book that round trip (I find KLM is generally pretty cheap for this). Then book whatever airline you want for Prague back to Amsterdam on a separate ticket. When you are not limited by codeshares you can more options that can be a lot cheaper. The only issue is that you will have to pick up your luggage and recheck it.

 

We just did this for some flights in Asia and saved ourselves a couple of thousand dollars AND had much better/shorter connections.

[Hydrokitty]

We are a group of 12 doing the Amsterdam to Budapest cruise on Emerald Waterways next July. I have begun researching air fares and it seems everything is around $1700 rt. We will be returning from Prague and that may increase the price. I have looked at ATL, PHL, IAD, JFK. Anyone have and suggestion on possibly getting the fare down?

 

Hey Fred, I know you're from coastal NC, but I just got an e-mail from Air Canada with a fare from NY LGA to Frankfort for $439 each way. You will fly from NY to Toronto or Montreal and from there to Frankfort. From Frankfort you can go anywhere in the world! I know Southwest services LaGuardia from NC, not sure if it's Raleigh or Charlotte or both but if you could save enough on the air fare, it might be worth a night in NY. I didn't research the details, that's for you to do! :D In fact, you might even consider flying from NC to either Toronto or Montreal and from there to Amsterdam and Prague. I would bet everybody serves at least one of those two cities to the rest of the world! And could be for less money.

[NC Fred]

Hey Fred, I know you're from coastal NC, but I just got an e-mail from Air Canada with a fare from NY LGA to Frankfort for $439 each way. You will fly from NY to Toronto or Montreal and from there to Frankfort. From Frankfort you can go anywhere in the world! I know Southwest services LaGuardia from NC, not sure if it's Raleigh or Charlotte or both but if you could save enough on the air fare, it might be worth a night in NY. I didn't research the details, that's for you to do! :D In fact, you might even consider flying from NC to either Toronto or Montreal and from there to Amsterdam and Prague. I would bet everybody serves at least one of those two cities to the rest of the world! And could be for less money.

 

 

Great idea and that is a terrific fare. Will look into it.

[Hydrokitty]

Great idea and that is a terrific fare. Will look into it.

 

I am very bored! Fred you have GOT to check out Air Canada from Toronto!! I just plugged in an arbitrary date in June, 2015, on Tuesdays, from Toronto to Amsterdam and returning in two weeks from Prague to Toronto. Cheapest flights were $489 each way and business class was about $1500 each way! Flights are on Lufthansa, which is my airline of choice!!! I'm thinking I might book this myself when we go to Amsterdam and return from Bern in June! Now, they will hit you for trip insurance, use of their lounge (unless you buy business) and there was something else, but I forgot, I was so excited. Let me know how you make out!! For me it's no biggie to get to Toronto, for you might not be so good.....I would suggest plugging in your home airport as well as Toronto and see who they code share with...since Canada to Europe is on Lufthansa, I'm thinking Star Alliance, which is United here.

[purduemom1]

FYI-while Lufthansa gets high marks for their product, you should know that LH and their pilots are undergoing a labor dispute....since early this year. Last spring it was a fleet wide strike and now the union picks one day, one of their hubs and long and/or short haul flights. Recently, negotiations failed and neither side seems willing to give. One could argue that right now the strikes aren't fleet wide but who knows what is ahead? Also if it is your flight that happens to fall within the parameters of a particular action, it really doesn't matter, you are just out of luck! Not easy to rebook a wide body plane full of pax and get all of them to their destination as planned. Who can say if it will be settled by next June? Apparently it is easy for European airline unions to strike, unlike US airline unions. Last month it was a 2 week fleet wide strike by Air France.

 

If you decide to take a chance that they will settle before next June, just a heads up, you will pay extra to choose your seat at the time of booking however, you can wait until check in to choose for no charge. Read up on LH's carry on policy and know that it is common knowledge that your carry ons are likely to be weighed at the gate. Some may say it has never happened to them in X number of flights but I was in FRA last Dec and saw hand held scales being used at more than one gate. European airlines, as a rule, have much stricter baggage rules. Not a bad thing as long as you are aware. Now if your book business class, there may be some different rules, not sure.

 

Good Luck!

[Hydrokitty]

So are you suggesting he shouldn't book anything with Lufthansa because they might have a strike? Some clarification of your post:

 

1. As of 9/15 the pilots strike has been averted and negotiations will continue. I was in Russia when the cabin attendants had a job action resulting in my flight from St Petersburg to Frankfort being 4 hours late, which resulted in missing my connection to NYC. As the plane was nearing Frankfort the cabin attendant announced that all passengers with connecting flights that were not also delayed were already rebooked on tomorrow's flight, hotel arrangements were already made, meal vouchers for dinner and breakfast were already prepared and we would be escorted from the plane to customer service for new boarding passes and confirmation. We were also escorted through immigration and those who wanted to claim their luggage for over-night were free to do so, but would have to arrive at the airport 2 hours before flight time to go through check-in and security again. We were also given free access to internet to notify family or hired cars of change in arrival.

 

2. As for luggage LH allows one checked bag weighing 50 pounds to be checked free in economy (2 for premium economy) and 2 free 70 pound bags in business and first.

 

3. Economy allows 1 carry-on weighing up to 17 pounds. Plus 1 "personal" item no more than 30x40x10". Business and first can carry on 2 17 pound bags plus a personal item.

 

To be honest, I fly business class and without checking their baggage policy (I did) I would have said, if you can lift it you can bring it! Like you, I think hand held scales for carry-on should be used by every airline at every gate at every airport all the time!

 

While airline strikes are always disruptive I find that European airlines tend to use the "job action" more frequently than the full on strike where nothing moves. For instance the Air France job action had planes seriously disrupted, but there were flights flying between Europe and the US several times a day, the problem was as you said, getting a few hundred people from one plane onto another one that's already full! Same thing when LH had their job action, planes were delayed and flights were fewer, but they were flying between Europe and US. Most seriously effected was their cargo operations, which shut down completely.

 

My point is that no matter where or when you fly you are always subject to the whims of something/someone whether it's weather, mechanical, political or corporate.....it's always an adventure:D

[purduemom1]

Hydrokitty,

 

Whoa! The first "word" if you will, of my post was "FYI"-at no time did I suggest that the OP not book a flight on LH. I was merely sharing information so that the OP can make an informed decision when booking. It it good to know that LH took such good care of those on your flight during a strike action however I am sure there were those for whom the delay was problematic. However, it was never my intent to debate Lufthansa's service but only to inform the OP. In fact, I did say that their product gets high marks.

 

You are correct, a strike was averted on Sept. 15 when negotiations resumed. Unfortunately, those negotiations broke off less than 2 weeks later and another strike was held on Sept 30. (I believe I convered this in my post when I said "recently negotiations failed".....

This week, the strike involves Lufthansa's cargo fleet whose pilots are in unison with the passenger fleet pilots. It seems likely that these weekly strikes will continue and it is anybody's guess if the strikes will involve passenger or cargo fleets in any given week.

 

My comments about luggage were not a criticism but again just for the OP's information since European airlines are much stricter with carry ons. I am not aware of any US airlines that restrict the weight of a carry on. I was only alerting the OP to the differences so that he/she is aware. ( I believe I made the comment that their baggage restrictions were not necessarily a bad thing. I did not mention the checked baggage as I saw no reason to-LH is on a par with US mainline carriers-at least in coach.

 

Since the OP had stated that cost is a concern, I am assuming that this group will not be booking business class. If they do, then perhaps some of my information may not be of a concern to any of them.

 

I have always been grateful for the information so many CC posters have shared and have, on more that one occasion, been able to avert a serious problem because I was given a "heads up". Thus my post is only that and it does not matter to me if the OP or anyone else makes use of the information.

 

I agree, travel is an adventure and being armed with information will hopefully make that adventure an enjoyable on. Happy travels to all.

[Host Jazzbeau]

I agree that European airlines can be problematic because of their stringent baggage limits and recent labor issues.

 

But as I choose my own travel connections, non-stop flights have an attraction that tends to overcome such worries.

 

Luckily for OP, Amsterdam is well served by Delta. Not my favorite airline, but they do have a liberal baggage policy and no labor problems at present.

 

Sadly for me, the next flights I'm planning are to Paris. Schedule favors Air France, which is also highly rated for onboard service. But the French pilots and other unions are notorious for strikes and wildcats and any other type of work stoppage they can think of. What to do?

[Hydrokitty]

Unfortunately Delta is in the same alliance as Air France that's why so many people flying Delta to Boston were having problems...the transatlantic portion was code shared with AF. Problem is the major airlines all own the small feeder airlines and paying feeder pilots and crew a lot less than the legacy pilots and cabin attendants. The carriers want to restructure their pay plans to ostensibly make things fairer but which the older pilots see as a chance for corporate to cut their pay. It's a big issue and it's global so we're probably going to see more of these job actions in future.

Edited October 9, 2014 by Hydrokitty

[Host Jazzbeau]

Unfortunately Delta is in the same alliance as Air France that's why so many people flying Delta to Boston were having problems...the transatlantic portion was code shared with AF. Problem is the major airlines all own the small feeder airlines and paying feeder pilots and crew a lot less than the legacy pilots and cabin attendants. The carriers want to restructure their pay plans to ostensibly make things fairer but which the older pilots see as a chance for corporate to cut their pay. It's a big issue and it's global so we're probably going to see more of these job actions in future.

 

Yes, but you can see on the website which airline actually operates the flights. True Delta flights would not be affected by an Air France strike (except that any open seats would be filled by Air France customers).

[NC Fred]

I am very bored! Fred you have GOT to check out Air Canada from Toronto!! I just plugged in an arbitrary date in June, 2015, on Tuesdays, from Toronto to Amsterdam and returning in two weeks from Prague to Toronto. Cheapest flights were $489 each way and business class was about $1500 each way! Flights are on Lufthansa, which is my airline of choice!!! I'm thinking I might book this myself when we go to Amsterdam and return from Bern in June! Now, they will hit you for trip insurance, use of their lounge (unless you buy business) and there was something else, but I forgot, I was so excited. Let me know how you make out!! For me it's no biggie to get to Toronto, for you might not be so good.....I would suggest plugging in your home airport as well as Toronto and see who they code share with...since Canada to Europe is on Lufthansa, I'm thinking Star Alliance, which is United here.

I checked out AC from Toronto to AMS and returning from Prague. Over $1400 and that still leaves getting to and from Toronto. Back to $1700rt pp

[greatam]

I didn't think open jaw still made a difference since everyone sells their tickets one-way these days. I thought the days of saving when you purchased a round trip ticket disappeared when the cheap airlines came about. Good advice....

 

One way tickets on US airlines are ONLY sold domestically. One way tickets to foreign countries on US airlines are ASTRONOMICALLY priced as a general rule.

 

Open jaw ticket is the way to go.

 

And look at the foreign carriers people don't think of as often. LOT is the Polish airline and sometimes has some spectacular prices to various European cities. Aer Lingus flies from various points in the US to most of Europe through Dublin or Shannon. You MAY NOT be able to book the complete flight in one ticket this early but you CAN book USA to Ireland, then purchase a separate ticket from Ireland to wherever you need to be in Europe. Then CALL the Aer Lingus USA office and have them put the two tickets together. Your luggage allowance from the USA will continue all the way through Europe, unlike booking some of the budget carriers intra Europe where you are lucky to get a backpack on the plane without extra fees. LOTS of benefits flying Aer Lingus-free stopover in Ireland if you want it, some of their "vacation packages" have some really good hotel rates if you are inclined to stop over and the real beauty of flying home through Ireland-IMMIGRATION and sometimes Customs is processed in IRELAND. No long lines, no hassle as a general rule. When you arrive USA, you just go to your next flight as if you had flown domestically.

 

Icelandair is another discount carrier that flies through most of Europe. And another one that allows free stopovers, although Iceland is a pretty expensive country for hotels and food.

 

And the Middle Eastern airlines-Emirates and Etihad particularly, have recently opened up a lot of flights from the East Coast/Chicago to the middle of Europe. The Middle Eastern airlines went on a buying spree at the Paris air show last year and are taking delivery of a lot of new planes. Seats need to be filled and some of the prices are simply unbelievably cheap. You can take the train from Germany (Etihad) to Amsterdam.

 

And DO NOT try to book all 12 at once unless you work through a travel agent.

 

IF you need more concrete advice, including actual flight info, please go to the cruise air forum, post your dates, departure and arrival cities and any other pertinent info.

[Hydrokitty]

I checked out AC from Toronto to AMS and returning from Prague. Over $1400 and that still leaves getting to and from Toronto. Back to $1700rt pp

 

I'm truly sorry to hear that, Fred....I don't know what to tell you.:(

[NC Fred]

One way tickets on US airlines are ONLY sold domestically. One way tickets to foreign countries on US airlines are ASTRONOMICALLY priced as a general rule.

 

Open jaw ticket is the way to go.

 

And look at the foreign carriers people don't think of as often. LOT is the Polish airline and sometimes has some spectacular prices to various European cities. Aer Lingus flies from various points in the US to most of Europe through Dublin or Shannon. You MAY NOT be able to book the complete flight in one ticket this early but you CAN book USA to Ireland, then purchase a separate ticket from Ireland to wherever you need to be in Europe. Then CALL the Aer Lingus USA office and have them put the two tickets together. Your luggage allowance from the USA will continue all the way through Europe, unlike booking some of the budget carriers intra Europe where you are lucky to get a backpack on the plane without extra fees. LOTS of benefits flying Aer Lingus-free stopover in Ireland if you want it, some of their "vacation packages" have some really good hotel rates if you are inclined to stop over and the real beauty of flying home through Ireland-IMMIGRATION and sometimes Customs is processed in IRELAND. No long lines, no hassle as a general rule. When you arrive USA, you just go to your next flight as if you had flown domestically.

 

Icelandair is another discount carrier that flies through most of Europe. And another one that allows free stopovers, although Iceland is a pretty expensive country for hotels and food.

 

And the Middle Eastern airlines-Emirates and Etihad particularly, have recently opened up a lot of flights from the East Coast/Chicago to the middle of Europe. The Middle Eastern airlines went on a buying spree at the Paris air show last year and are taking delivery of a lot of new planes. Seats need to be filled and some of the prices are simply unbelievably cheap. You can take the train from Germany (Etihad) to Amsterdam.

 

And DO NOT try to book all 12 at once unless you work through a travel agent.

 

IF you need more concrete advice, including actual flight info, please go to the cruise air forum, post your dates, departure and arrival cities and any other pertinent info.

 

 

Thanks so much greatam. Really appreciate the insight. I have looked at Air Lingas and Icelandair and yes they offer some nice alternatives.