traveling from Seattle to Amsterdam

Well, I just flew this route going the other way, Iceland to Seattle, with the same amount of layover. I too, was concerned about the short layover time of 40 min., but believe me, it was fine. Easy, peasy. You just kind of walk off of one plane, and go get on the next one. Blustery wind outside and you have to walk up stairs outside to get into the plane, so bring a coat. Nice scenery over Iceland too.

The jet is fine, there was as much space in the seat as any other plane I have flown on. Take your own food or be prepared to order some on the plane or ahead of time, as they don't offer free food. I also wish I would have brought a big bottle of water with me too, as they didn't offer drinks very often. Great choice of entertainment to watch.

I enjoyed the short flight, just a bit over 7 hours going to Seattle. Going to Europe, it is only supposed to be 7.15 hours. This is what sold me. The sooner I can get off that trans-Atlantic flight, the better. The view is fantastic, and I took a whole lot of photos. Make sure you pick the correct side of the plane for the best view. Glaciers, mountains, snow as far as the eye could see, icebergs, lakes and rivers and all a crystal white. Stunning and everyone on the plane was taking pictures. Flying back soon, so don't know how the flight will be going the other direction, but am looking forward to it.

Iceland Air has a new favorite customer, and I hope next year to plan a layover in the country for a day or two, just to see it.

I flew this route a few years ago (I am assuming you are talking about flying Icelandair). The flight was no less comfortable than any other long haul flight I've ever been on. It leaves Seattle in the afternoon, so you'll be flying mostly in the dark, which should make it easier to sleep. If you can't sleep, the personal TV screens in each seat are a nice touch to keep you entertained. The stop in Iceland is a good way to break up the long route from Seattle to Amsterdam. I think our layover going to Europe was about an hour, maybe 1:05 - we had enough time to go through security and wait for the next flight.

MIke,

Flying and comfortable will depend on your pocketbook and type of plane.

On my trip last year the seats were that great. I think the cushion in the small of your back was causing issues for some people. My seat mate, could NOT get comfortable at all. I dont want to scare you about flying, but sometimes you just have to learn the hard way where to sit. If you like to getup alot, get an isle seat. if you want to look at all of the pretty clouds/scenery, get a window seat. i would avoid the middle at all cost, but thats just me and how i learned the hard way. Whats the name of the website... passenger 61 or whatever has info on which seats too choose. ive personally never used the site, yet, since ive been lucky with being able to choose the seats i like so far.

try going from PDX to AMS. thats a long stretch.

have fun.

happy trails.

Comfort and the value of upgrading depend greatly on how tall you are.

One other thing is important to consider with Iceland itineraries.
We were in Amsterdam in May 2011 on a 12 day visit when one of the many volcanos on Iceland blew. As is often the case, all flights into and out of Reykjavik were
cancelled (for about 10 days). We were very happy that we were booked on the direct flight to Seattle (and not via Iceland). As it was, our flight which normally flies not too far from Iceland had to add 1 hour to our time in the air to detour well away from the ash clouds.
CW

I fly often. I flew in 757s several times until I got tired of the plane only having one isle that is constantly in demand from flight attendants and their 6 or so many passes with carts, folks trying to get exercise, and then folks trying to get to the bathroom. It got to be too crowded for me. I then started flying on 767s which have two isles and found it much more to my liking. The flight attendants were still there but the other passenger trips were cut in half. My usual flight is between Seattle and Honolulu on Hawaiian who are starting to replace their 767s with AirBus aircraft. Since I fly to Europe every summer on AirBus planes, I am familiar with them and like them at least as well as the 767s. I have thought about the Iceland route but the long flight from Seattle to Iceland to Europe on a 757 is a deal breaker for me.

We flew to Europe twice from SeaTac on Icelandair and both flights were excellent. The food isn't free but it's good. We got exit row seats by booking way ahead without having to be frequent flyers. Reykjavik is a small airport and the transfer is easy, flights come in from various US cities and others leave about an hour later for various European cities. A bonus is that you clear immigration if you're heading to a Schengen country (like the Netherlands), so you don't have to deal with that at Schipohl. Fares are lower than on the nonstops, other variables being equal (like when you book). Another bonus is paying the same fare whether you stop in Iceland for an hour or several days. On the other hand, total travel time is longer than a nonstop and you're no less tired after the flight, maybe more so.

We've never flown home on Icelandair because the volcano blew both times while we were in Europe (2010 and 2011). But nobody can prove we caused it! ;) Both times, Icelandair found us other flights with great efficiency and goodwill.

You mentioned going through London as an alternative. I'd avoid that if possible, Heathrow is one of the worst airports by all accounts. We flew Delta nonstop from Seattle to Amsterdam last month, a perfectly fine flight with a good fare. Reykjavik is a piece of cake, Heathrow can be something else.

@ jeff,

Tall is only one factor. weight/girth is another.

If youre stuck in between people that are 300+ how would that confort level look? or if the you are 300# plus or dont fit the chair design.

Then there are those that have medical or physical issuse. On my first commerical flight i was sitting behind someone with a leg cast. he was on the isle seat and he wasnt comfortable in coach. someone came by and accently hit his leg while they walked by. the guy with the cast was not a happy camper and a fight almost broke out between the two.

it all depends on which side of the fence you are on.

happy trails.