I've browsed earlier posts but haven't found quite the answer I'm looking for. In May I am flying to AMS from Portland, Oregon (direct flight) on Northwest/KLM and transferring to an Aer Lingus flight to Dublin. Connection time is approx. 2 hours. Two questions: 1) is that enough time to clear whatever passport control there might be, get through the gate security, and on to the Aer Lingus flight (it’s considered “domestic”); and 2) does anyone have recent history with Aer Lingus to know whether I’ll have to check my Northwest friendly RS style backpack on the Dublin flight? If so, will they do a gate check or do I have to try and check in elsewhere? Thanks for the assist.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9100 posts
For Schipol 2 hours is plenty of time to make this connection. If you don't receive your Aer Lingus boarding pass in Portland or can't print it out at home, you will have to get one at the AL transfer desk located near your departure gate. I see no reason why they wouldn't let you carry-on your "Rick" bag.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19095 posts
Last I looked Aer Lingus had a 6kg (13 lb) carry on limit. You'll probably have to check it.
Posted by
Chattanooga, TN, USA
95 posts
We are flying Aer Lingus DC-Dublin and I just read that our carry on in coach is 6 kilos -- hats off to you if you can pack a whole trip in 13 pounds.
Posted by
Scotland
505 posts
Greetings
2 hours should be just fine in Schipol. A word of advice though - check your gate when you arrive, because the gate printed on your boarding pass back in your initial airport is often incorrect by the time you arrive in Schipol.
Also, it's a good idea to be at the gate as soon as, or even a bit before the boarding time because it can be a long walk between gates and also, at least for some gates, you have to pass through security at the gate, then pass again through a check of your boarding pass.
With all the passengers from a flight trying to get through one small security scanner and get their boarding passes & passports checked by one (or two) gate agents, the process can take quite awhile. When I flew back from the US on KLM via Schipol to Scotland, boarding time was a full hour before the flight and it took pretty much the full hour to get us all through security & ticket/passport check.
Kate