Flight from Amsterdam to U.S.

[teacher06]

Our cruise ends up in Rotterdam at 8AM. Any ideas as to what a reasonable departure time would be for the return home flight from Amsterdam? Thanks for any suggestions.

[sail7seas]

Truthfully - - - -

Next day.

[Dave in NJ]

I've debarked in Rotterdam several times with a flight home to NYC the same day; generally westbound flights at least to NYC leave Schipol early to mid-afternoon so you should have plenty of time, barring the unexpected. To relieve myself of any anxiety I used the HAL transfer and booked the air thru HAL which was very competitively priced with purchasing it myself.

[magandab]

We did this last summer. It is an hour +/- from Rotterdam to Amsterdam on the HAL transfer. Getting through the Amsterdam airport was a NIGHTMARE. Unbelievable crowds and very poor signs. Mid-afternoon would be my recommendation and we too booked our flights through HAL and used their transfer. Took away a lot of the stress and the price was well below what we could have booked on our own.

[sail7seas]

Just trying to get a luggage cart at that airport is a nightmare. Leave lots of time to work your way through Schipol.

[LindaM]

We did this last summer. It is an hour +/- from Rotterdam to Amsterdam on the HAL transfer. Getting through the Amsterdam airport was a NIGHTMARE. Unbelievable crowds and very poor signs. Mid-afternoon would be my recommendation and we too booked our flights through HAL and used their transfer. Took away a lot of the stress and the price was well below what we could have booked on our own.

 

Schipol is our airport of choice always. To me, it is the most friendly and easy to navigate. I avoid Frankfurt and Charles deGaulle like the plague! I think I might put Rome on that list as well.

 

That said, we have learned it is much more pleasant to spend the night in the ship's arrival ciy. Some people even spend the night at the airport. If you have the vacation days, I promise you will never go back to flying to the US on the same day. Too much can go wrong. I was the last on a plane at Heathrow because of an ignorant Agent (and also his boss) who said our empty 4 oz. bottles in the carry on were liquid. They were seen on the xray. The ship was late....I got no sympathy!! I agree with the rest of the above post re HAL transfers and using their air.

[Randyk47]

Truthfully - - - -

Next day.

 

Truthfully plus one....next day. Now that's based on flying home from the Med over the past three years plus the one coming up in just days. The majority flights leave early in the morning, at least to make all connections to get back to San Antonio on the same day. For us a 11:20 AM fly non-stop to Philidelphia out of Athens was the latest flight, the rest left anywhere from 6:30 AM TO 9:30 AM and weren't direct flights to the US. We're staying overnight on this coming disembarkation day, not going to gamble on a late ship and a hectic run to the airport.

[qsuzi]

Schiphol- where you can spend forever taxiing and it's such long distances between some terminals. Linda have they made improvements in more recent years? Frankfort is also not my favorite. Sometimes a better overall flight option is to go to a hotel if you have a flight with long layovers.

Edited June 4, 2015 by qsuzi

[Hlitner]

Schiphol- where you can spend forever taxiing and it's such long distances between some terminals. Linda have they made improvements in more recent years? Frankfort is also not my favorite. Sometimes a better overall flight option is to go to a hotel if you have a flight with long layovers.

 

Now you have me confused. Most frequent European flyers count Schipol as one of the best airports in all of Europe. There is only ONE terminal building although it can certainly be a long hike to get to some of the distance gates. But unlike many other airports such as Heathrow and CDG you do not have the hassle of moving between terminals (sometimes with new security every time). You are right that some flights will have a long taxi distance, but this is because this airport has 7 Runways (which helps make it one of the most efficient in Europe).

 

Hank

[Despegue]

A good alternative to AMS is BRU, Brussels Airport.

 

Less connections to the USA though, but easier to navigate and the Belgian chocolates are cheaper;)

 

Schiphol however is one of the better airports Worldwide though, after Singapore Changi, BKK, KUL, CPH and OSL in my opinion.

[qsuzi]

Now you have me confused. Most frequent European flyers count Schipol as one of the best airports in all of Europe. There is only ONE terminal building although it can certainly be a long hike to get to some of the distance gates. But unlike many other airports such as Heathrow and CDG you do not have the hassle of moving between terminals (sometimes with new security every time). You are right that some flights will have a long taxi distance, but this is because this airport has 7 Runways (which helps make it one of the most efficient in Europe).

 

Hank

 

Okay I hear you. The last time were went through Schipol was in 2007 and seems I need to better educate myself. My primary comments were about distance within the terminal and very long plane taxi times (twice) which were the longest we have ever experienced. Even though the schedule turnaround time was more than adequate, it was not fun running long distances through a terminal you are not familiar with and being concerned because you barely made the flight which they had to hold because so many of us were running. I have been through Heathrow and moved between terminals and if you have sufficient time it had wonderful facilities. Ever gone through Rome during one of their labor disputes!!!!!

Edited June 5, 2015 by qsuzi

[Copper10-8]

Schiphol; consistently rated one of the best airports around with lots of stuff to do waiting for your flight! OP, if you have the time, consider one or two days post cruise in Holland; You won't regret it!

[POA1]

I'd shoot for a departure after noon, but that might not be possible. It depends on where you are flying to, and if you have to connect. If you can spend an extra day in Amsterdam, it's well worth it.

[colbe]

Book into a hotel close to the Central station in Amsterdam. Get the train out to the airport the next morning. Easy, no stress travel.

[qsuzi]

Schiphol; consistently rated one of the best airports around with lots of stuff to do waiting for your flight! OP, if you have the time, consider one or two days post cruise in Holland; You won't regret it!

 

Guess I was running too quickly through the airport to notice much. :)

 

Rated #1 for "Best Airports in Europe 2014" by at least one website. "Travellers praise the airport for being an efficient, comfortable and friendly place. Early voters would in fact go so far as to write they “could move in here” and they “like everything about AMS” – but more recent voters were less delighted. It seems that AMS is currently undergoing a renovation, which has significantly reduced the rest zone seating and comfort. The airport is temporarily a little less sleepable – and we’re not sure how long this will last for. For transit passengers wishing stay active, a number of the terminal’s famed activities and amenities are still available and accessible. This includes unlimited free Wi-Fi, (fewer) rest zones, sleep pods, a casino, a library and the extension of the city’s famous Rijks Museum. We hope that with the end of the construction period, the airport will return to its usually sensational self – so stay tuned!

Edited June 5, 2015 by qsuzi

[Copper10-8]

Guess I was running too quickly through the airport to notice much. :)

 

Rated #1 for "Best Airports in Europe 2014" by at least one website. "Travellers praise the airport for being an efficient, comfortable and friendly place. Early voters would in fact go so far as to write they “could move in here” and they “like everything about AMS” – but more recent voters were less delighted. It seems that AMS is currently undergoing a renovation, which has significantly reduced the rest zone seating and comfort. The airport is temporarily a little less sleepable – and we’re not sure how long this will last for. For transit passengers wishing stay active, a number of the terminal’s famed activities and amenities are still available and accessible. This includes unlimited free Wi-Fi, (fewer) rest zones, sleep pods, a casino, a library and the extension of the city’s famous Rijks Museum. We hope that with the end of the construction period, the airport will return to its usually sensational self – so stay tuned!

 

If I may, most inbound flights from North America utilize/land on what's known as Schiphol's "Polderbaan" runway (18R/36L). Sounds like your flight did. It is the longest out of the airport's six runways but, as you experienced, it is also the furthest away from the central terminal building and its "piers" / "concourses" with at least a fifteen minute taxi time to get there.

 

Unlike DFW and other major airports, AMS does not have a people mover that will get you to those different piers and your next gate (if you have a connection to elsewhere in Europe) The piers have moving walkways (listen for the "Mind your step" ;)) but, yes, if you're short on time and if your unlucky enough to have your next gate on the other side, it can be a trek. Certainly hope your next flight into, and subsequent connection from, Schiphol won't be such a rush job

[Despegue]

Taxying takes some time if the Polderbaan is in use (18R/36L), but on the other hand, there is almost no congestion at the holding point, unlike for example JFK, where 45 min. queing is fairly normal during peak times...

[Copper10-8]

Taxying takes some time if the Polderbaan is in use (18R/36L), but on the other hand, there is almost no congestion at the holding point, unlike for example JFK, where 45 min. queing is fairly normal during peak times...

 

Got that right! Don't much care for JFK and prefer EWR coming from the west coast but, even there, rush hour is no day at the beach; Het beste daar in Belgie/All the best in Belgium :)

[qsuzi]

If I may, most inbound flights from North America utilize/land on what's known as Schiphol's "Polderbaan" runway (18R/36L). Sounds like your flight did. It is the longest out of the airport's six runways but, as you experienced, it is also the furthest away from the central terminal building and its "piers" / "concourses" with at least a fifteen minute taxi time to get there.

 

Unlike DFW and other major airports, AMS does not have a people mover that will get you to those different piers and your next gate (if you have a connection to elsewhere in Europe) The piers have moving walkways (listen for the "Mind your step" ;)) but, yes, if you're short on time and if your unlucky enough to have your next gate on the other side, it can be a trek. Certainly hope your next flight into, and subsequent connection from, Schiphol won't be such a rush job

Thanks that information is helpful Cooper. If there is a next time I will allow much more time between flights. I know we allowed what we we thought was appropriate excess of minimum connect time.

Edited June 5, 2015 by qsuzi

[LindaM]

Okay I hear you. The last time were went through Schipol was in 2007 and seems I need to better educate myself. My primary comments were about distance within the terminal and very long plane taxi times (twice) which were the longest we have ever experienced. Even though the schedule turnaround time was more than adequate, it was not fun running long distances through a terminal you are not familiar with and being concerned because you barely made the flight which they had to hold because so many of us were running. I have been through Heathrow and moved between terminals and if you have sufficient time it had wonderful facilities. Ever gone through Rome during one of their labor disputes!!!!!

 

I was shocked at how non user friendly Heathrow has become. I know I'm not the only one who has had issues there. Everything is in English, but it's still more difficult to navigate than some European airports. We had a better experience flying into Gatwick.

 

I am probably too anxious about connection times, but we have missed a lot of connections. And, we've made connections with only 45 min. difference, in Frankfort, where they took us by bus, into the back entrance into Turkish Air (or whatever it's called).Hal called 45 min a legal connection. Well, maybe not the correct term. I like to plan at least 3 hours. I'm OK with a magazine or book. We are buying a daypass for KLM in Nov. in AMS. Their skylounge is wonderful.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Anytime after 1pm and you will be fine.

[Laminator]

Schiphol; consistently rated one of the best airports around with lots of stuff to do waiting for your flight! OP, if you have the time, consider one or two days post cruise in Holland; You won't regret it!

 

I am in full agreement. Just spent 5 days in Amsterdam 2 weeks ago. A beautiful city. Our friends took us on an hour drive to Volendam which was also fantastic. We will definitely go back in a year or two. More toward late July early August when it is a bit warmer.

 

As for Schiphol I thought that airport was a piece of cake compared to some in the States. Very modern with many amenities.

Edited June 5, 2015 by Laminator

[Ine]

At the moment construction is going on at Schiphol. Since 2 days security will no longer take place at the gates but at a central position. Also now arriving and departing passengers are divided at certain points, depending where you go to or came from. Because of this contruction not all shops are open at the moment.

 

If arriving in Rotterdam at around 8, donot book a plane leaving before noon or better 1 pm.

[Despegue]

Got that right! Don't much care for JFK and prefer EWR coming from the west coast but, even there, rush hour is no day at the beach; Het beste daar in Belgie/All the best in Belgium :)

 

Hartelijk bedankt Copper!

 

Greetings from Lomé ( Togo)

[Copper10-8]

Hartelijk bedankt Copper!

 

Greetings from Lomé ( Togo)

 

Thanks for doing what you do in Africa!