Itinerary Dilemma-JFK to Dublin via Amsterdam?

If this is bought as one ticket, your baggage will be automatically checked through to Dublin.

You will not have to go through immigration in Amsterdam. You will do that in Dublin.

I also don't believe there is any security for connecting passengers in Amsterdam.

I would think the nonstop flight would be less stress. What you can do is buy lounge access for the day to help kill the time at the airport. Lounges are usually moe comfortable and offer free food and booze.

Thank you, Frank. The ticket was bought on the Delta website with some of my ecredits. I thought that since we are coming from the USA and arriving to a Schengen country that we had to go through passport control or some kind of screening. But, I also heard of something called a "transfer area." But if you've done this then you know more than I do. I've never had to change planes and change airlines traveling from the USA overseas. I've always flown non-stop. Or, I had to change planes within Europe or the UK (i.e. Flying Southampton to Edinburgh to Norway for example).

I am trying not to eat or drink much before or during this flight due to health concerns so the lounge would not be best for me although it is a GREAT idea for most people and I've done that in the past, when I was younger and did not have the health issues I have now. I agree the nonstop would be less stressful but the wait and possible delay concerns me. Wish JFK Terminal 4 had those "Take a nap" pods ;-).

I think the confusion is caused by Ireland being one of the few EU countries which is NOT part of the Schengen zone (they deemed being part of the CTA with UK more beneficial). So technically you are not entering Schengen at all and can do an airside transfer with luggage checked through. You will pass through Irish immigration controls at Dublin. The flight to Amsterdam will not be by Air France, it's code share and presumably Air France are offering slightly better prices. The flight is KLM 642 but also has AirFrance and probably Delta flight numbers as well. The big question is whether this will be before the Schengen zone introduce their EES/ETIAS pre flight registration systems, which this journey would not need but check in agents at JFK may want to see!

With either itinerary essentially you have almost the same amount of waiting time when you factor your JFK dropoff time. The least stressful option seems to be the nonstop one. Although an often delayed flight adds another dimension. The variables with the connecting flight may be top of mind until you arrive at your destination (transfer, luggage, assistance, etc). I recommend going with the option that you feel will be less stressful for you. Have a great trip.

I decided to change to the nonstop but I will leave this thread open in case people have ideas about what to do with all the time besides eating or drinking. I guess I could check my luggage in and then go to another terminal on the air train and go through security later. I heard the TWA hotel can be fun to see.

Thank you all for your help. I agree...both choices=LONG "waits" of some type. I just have to figure out what to do with my time at JFK since I cannot use it for eating or drinking (much).

I think you made a good choice on doing the non-stop. I'm sorry to hear you have such an early arrival at JFK. Even if you don't want to eat/drink, a visit to a club may be worth the money just to have a place to sit and relax if you have a credit card or other relationship that allows you to enter a club. Unfortunately, some clubs have rules now that limit how long you can stay in them. The TWA Hotel would indeed by cool to visit. Apparently there is some sort of JFK flight museum there. I guess there's always reading a book. :)

Here is one pilot's guide to things to do at JFK airport: https://thepilotwhoexplores.com/the-ultimate-7-hour-jfk-airport-layover-by-an-airline-pilot/

I would always take a nonstop-one less chance for flight to be cancelled.

I have a work colleague who recently flew JFK through Amsterdam to Portugal/Spain both directions and ended up delayed in Amsterdam both coming and going. They lost their entire planned first day (flight scheduled to arrive late morning and actually arrived at 1:00 the following day; needed to spend the night in Amsterdam on the return and made the final leg home a day late. Delays can and do happen all the time, but at least with a nonstop you’re not delayed and stuck somewhere in the middle. I think you made the correct choice!

Always the non-stop in my mind. Good choice!

Yes. The non-stop is the better choice. Wishing for you that it goes on time the day you départ!

For certain, pay for lounge access if you have none with your credit cards.

I'm curious about the wheelchair assistance. My partner has had to have this for our past few trips to Europe.
We always tip the "pushers" in JFK--depending on whether or not we have the same "pusher," from check-in to lounge, and then later, on to the gate, and if we feel that person has been unusually helpful, we tip either $10 or $20.

We do not tip in the European airports of the same service. In fact, we rarely tip at all in Spain or Italy, where we travel most often.

If you don't mind discussing this topic, about how much would you (or others reading this) consider an appropriate tip for someone who has taken you from check-in to lounge and later, to the gate?? I'm new to all of this!!

If I remember correctly, the TWA Hotel may offer day rooms if available.

Even if you don't eat or drink, a lounge might be a quieter option. Of course, see how long you can stay.