Amsterdam

[KenB]

Has anyone on this board flown to Kiev by way of Amsterdam? There is a flight that goes from Pittsburgh to Amsterdam to Kiev. Do they speak English in the airport? I would not have much time to pick up the next flight and do not want to be running around like a chicken without a head not knowing where to go. Thanks in advance. KenB

[Sal]

... in response to Amsterdam, posted by KenB on Aug 14, 2002

When I went thru(May and June), customs wasn't bad. As mentioned before most everyone speaks english. I bet even the people at the Iranian airlines check-in do.  The check-in is shaped like a "L". I noticed most of the "US" airlines are located at the bottom of the "L" I think it was section "C".  If you do have some time there is also a place to eat at the top of the "L", again I'm not sure if that was section "A". There is an elevator or stairs you can take to get up there.

Something I haven't seen mentioned yet is if the Euro is starting to be used in Russia or Ukraine. I doubt it, but if it is you can pick some up just outside customs.

[Alfred]

... in response to Amsterdam, posted by KenB on Aug 14, 2002

If you are concerned about making your connecting flight, stop at one of the transfer desks as you get off your first flight and ask them to call ahead to let them know you are coming.  I did that last time because my first flight was late and my connecting flight was already boarding when I reached Amsterdam.

[wsbill]

... in response to Amsterdam, posted by KenB on Aug 14, 2002

You cannot go wrong.

Hope your not flying UAL/US Air...

Don't worry about the walk, it's not that bad.

Besides give you plenty of time to check out those hot looking dutch stewardess & (TALL)!!!

Heck, you just might want to visit this place for a wife, I've only had a layover for about 2-3 hours.

Also, there is a internet cafe upstairs, close to the McDonalds, you can pay with US Dollars..they'll just give you Dutch change in return....great for the collection.

Send us an e-mail.  Give us a heads up on your journey.

Security is tight, and you'll be re-check when flying out to Kiev or where ever.

It was kinda neat...taking off from Memphis/Detroit to AMS and watching the sunset in American and Landing there with the sun just coming up... pulling into the gate around 9am there time...  Gee, I think it's like 3am your internal clock time.

Take some vitamin C tablets and drink plenty of water, as you sure don't want to pick up something on that airplane trip over.  Avoid cokes and booze.

Make sure you take some junkfood, Doretos chips and whatever with you... way cheaper and when you get to your destination.  You've got something from home to eat.  Since, they have some european equivent...

Make sure you take your good camera and take lots of pictures!!  Check the battery before you go.

[tfcrew]

... in response to Amsterdam, posted by KenB on Aug 14, 2002

last spring.... flew from Amsterdam to both Kiev and Odessa.

[TexasPhil]

... in response to Amsterdam, posted by KenB on Aug 14, 2002

Schiphol airport in Amsterdam is very large so wear your walking shoes!  English is their second language so you won't have any problems communicating or finding help.  When you exit the plane there will be someone there to point you in the right direction to catch your connecting flight.  I live in Texas but 2 years ago I worked in A’dam for 5 months and that’s where I meet my first Russian lady.

The Dutch are famous for their flowers and you’ll find a great flower shop to as your walking through the airport.  The flowers are larger and fresher than they get in Russia.  At least this is what my girlfriend told me when I gave her the roses I picked up for her when we meet in St. Petersburg last December.  She will love any of the flowers you buy from the airport and they will still be fresh when you get to Kiev.

Phil

[MarkInTx]

... in response to Amsterdam, posted by KenB on Aug 14, 2002

What airline?

(Not US Air, I hope!!!)

[Ramblin]

... in response to Amsterdam, posted by KenB on Aug 14, 2002

Yes, I have flown to Kiev through Amsterdam.  The terminal there is bigger than any I have ever seen.  I arrived and looked at the overhead monitor to see that my flight to Kiev was delayed an hour.  I walked the 10 miles or so to the gate for the Kiev flight.  The dufus there told me that I had to get a boarding pass from one of the transit desks.  So I go get in line at a transit desk and the very long line is not moving.  After a long wait, I ask a lady and she directs me to another transit desk 5 miles away.  I go there and there is a line but I ask a lady over the railing about my boarding pass.  She says to go back to my gate where I started.  I run the 15 miles all the way back to my gate and the dufus is not there and a lady gives me my boarding pass and I still have to wait 15 or 20 minutes.  So the point is, just follow what's on the overhead screen and be careful what the idiots at the desks tell you because you could do a lot of walking and running at that airport.

[greg2]

... in response to Amsterdam, posted by KenB on Aug 14, 2002

Everyone I ran into their spoke English. No problems - all went like clockwork. Thier security was tighter than any that I had experienced up to date and it took longer to board because of such.

[John F]

... in response to Amsterdam, posted by KenB on Aug 14, 2002

We flew through Amsterdam from Warsaw when my wife got her visa.  Yes, they speak English well.  Also, the airport is  comparable to any of our large airports.  Don't worry about Amsterdam.

Well, there was one problem.  A group of older Dutch people boarded our flight and the geezers couldn't keep their eyes off my wife.