I am excited to be going on my first Rick Steves tour in June and am researching airfare. I will fly Delta from Portland to Amsterdam then have a 2 1/4 layover before a flight to Hamburg. There is another flight 2 hours later. The question for you seasoned Schipol travelers is, is 2.25 enough time with carryon only, to make the flight or should I just book the 4 hour layover flight? Thank you!
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11874 posts
Is this a single ticket or are you doing two bookings? The distinction is important
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6713 posts
Probably OK if it's one ticket.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon
5687 posts
I've done that a few times (Delta PDX to AMS) and picked up another flight out on a separate ticket. Yes, it's taking a risk. In your case, if your flight is late and you miss the connection, you'll be buying a new ticket on the next available flight at last-minute prices (assuming there's an open seat). What would that cost? (Check for say tomorrow - prices might be different in June.)
If the Delta flight is on time, you will make it no problem. I've been lucky the times I've done it - no delays. The Delta flight doesn't have to deal with weather problems in the US - the nice thing about a direct flight. But it can be delayed. I flew it home to PDX once and it was a few hours late. You never know. I figured didn't want to sit around an extra few hours at the airport.
Sometimes trip delay insurance will cover the cost of delays like this, too. Check into it (maybe through a credit card?)
Posted by
OP
Happy Valley,OR
83 posts
I can go either way, book one ticket with a Delta or change to a different airline for the second portion. Stilling watching and weighing cost differences. More than likely, one ticket with Delta...
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11874 posts
More than likely, one ticket with Delta...
That would be my choice.. 'one ticket'
Posted by
San Jose
1194 posts
It’s enough time but why take the chance? Book a longer layover. If your flight is on time there is plenty to see and do at the airport.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon
5687 posts
Why wouldn't you book it as one ticket? Difference in price? If on one ticket, they will be responsible for getting you to Hamburg no matter what - delays, etc.
Posted by
OP
Happy Valley,OR
83 posts
Yes, two different tickets if I can get a much better price, or if I can find perhaps a 3 hour layover...still in the researching phase, but it sounds like the one ticket is the way to go. Thanks all for the input.
Posted by
Paris
10188 posts
I can go either way, book one ticket with a Delta or change to a different airline for the second portion.
No question, book it as a single ticket. No price "savings" is worth the risk of having to buy a ticket a walk-up price on the day for the second portion due to a late arrival of the first plane.
If it's booked as one ticket, the 2.25 hour gap is fine as they have to put you on a later flight anyway if you miss your planned one.
Posted by
WA State
3961 posts
We flew Delta last year from SeaTac to Schipol, one ticket with 3 hour layover. We are doing the same this year. As others reported, as long as Delta is on time, one ticket, most likely 2.25 should be fine. We check luggage and have always found it to be a smooth & organized process. Schipol is our favorite European layover.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8879 posts
Please purchase this as one ticket on Delta with the 2.25 hour layover.
1. This protects your connection. If something delays your first flight to Amsterdam, then delta is responsible to get you on the next available seat to Hamburg at no additional cost.
2. Reduces stress on whether you will make a connection. It is a vacation, treat yourself well.
3. Most efficient method, allowing you to arrive in the shortest flight time and rest up to start your tour.
Remember, you want at least one day on the ground before your tour begins and you lose a day traveling to Europe. For example, if the tour starts on the 10th, you would need to fly out of Portland no later than the 8th.