AMS Nonrev Questions

We're planning on nonreving from AMS next Monday or Tuesday. We'll arrive at AMS late Sunday evening and will stay at a convenient hotel overnight.

A lot has physically changed at AMS this year and for the first time, we need to check a bag while nonreving. The AMS write up on DLNET is years old and I don't want to rely on it.

Can anyone provide guidance for where to go and what to do when we get to AMS in the morning. I'm planning on checking in and printing our Seat Request Cards before we get to the airport.

When you do, please share your experience. You can be the latest guinea pig. We'll follow your advice; we come thru early Oct on the way back from Malta. Also overnighting near AMS. Cheers!

I do hope it isn't a big pain. I guess I'll try to find the nonrev office when we arrive on Sunday night and get there in the morning when they open. They'll probably think I'm crazy since if I don't make the 1st JFK flight I'll take whatever I can get back to the US.

I'll do my best to post a decent trip report.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by msynyc

I do hope it isn't a big pain. I guess I'll try to find the nonrev office when we arrive on Sunday night and get there in the morning when they open. They'll probably think I'm crazy since if I don't make the 1st JFK flight I'll take whatever I can get back to the US.

I'll do my best to post a decent trip report.

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AMS has 3 DTW, 3 ATL and I'm guessing BOS is still an option. I see your locations but not sure of your current one, so, like you said--you'll take anything! I wonder if they still have nonrev office? I doubt you'd need to go there first, but maybe someone here can update.

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Originally Posted by mrs767er

AMS has 3 DTW, 3 ATL and I'm guessing BOS is still an option. I see your locations but not sure of your current one, so, like you said--you'll take anything! I wonder if they still have nonrev office? I doubt you'd need to go there first, but maybe someone here can update.

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Don't forget the 2 MSP flights if things get really out of whack.
And do find out about the non-rev landscape and give us a report !

14 AMS - US. 2 JFK, 2 BOS, 4 DTW, 3 MSP, 3 ATL. Any would work for us.

DTW	133	8:00 AM		332
ATL	71	8:45 AM		333
JFK	47	9:30 AM		763
DTW	135	10:05 AM		744
BOS	231	10:35 AM		333
MSP	161	10:50 AM		333
ATL	73	10:55 AM		744
JFK	49	11:30 AM		763
DTW	137	12:55 PM		333
MSP	163	1:00 PM		333
ATL	75	1:25 PM		77L
BOS	233	2:55 PM		764
DTW	139	3:00 PM		332
MSP	165	3:10 PM		764

I tend to negate MSP, as it's not the most conducive option to get to many EST zone destinations. Mostly because if cnx are req'd, they can be problematic.

MSP is our last choice but if it's the only way back, we'll take it. When we're up north for the summer (we'll be heading to New Orleans a week after we get back) JFK is primary and BOS is secondary. DTW's OK since we'll spend a day with our son and his wife and ATL gives us lots of options back to JFK (where our car is parked). When we're in MSY, DTW becomes primary with JFK secondary. We try to avoid ATL since there's so much nonrev in and out.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mrs767er

I tend to negate MSP, as it's not the most conducive option to get to many EST zone destinations. Mostly because if cnx are req'd, they can be problematic.

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You are correct in the "Negate" - nothing quite like OVERSHOOTING the city of destination and having to come back - But when it is the last course of resort then Que sera sera !

The major factor for non-revs traveling where there is a water hazard to overcome be it Hawaii - Europe - Asia or South America is to get on the otherside of the problem and then
work things out with air or surface travel as an alternative on home turf.
Cardinal Rule 111.0 non-rev travel book of secrets. LOL !

Any way is good as long as it works !
Rowing a dingy across an ocean is not a satisfactory solution however !

Quote:

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Originally Posted by R.M.Anderson

You are correct in the "Negate" - nothing quite like OVERSHOOTING the city of destination and having to come back - But when it is the last course of resort then Que sera sera !

The major factor for non-revs traveling where there is a water hazard to overcome be it Hawaii - Europe - Asia or South America is to get on the otherside of the problem and then
work things out with air or surface travel as an alternative on home turf.
Cardinal Rule 111.0 non-rev travel book of secrets. LOL !

Any way is good as long as it works !
Rowing a dingy across an ocean is not a satisfactory solution however !

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You are SO right! If I've got to spend an extra night on the trip, I'd rather do it in the US and get up early for the first flight back (or near) home the following morning.

MSYNYC--the hotel strip (not the "Landing Strip") in DTW/Romulus is on of the best priced for overnights, besides ATL N Virginia Ave. Plenty of nonrev deals by calling direct. Don't hesitate to ask for my short list. We did MSP (a bit pricey) and MOA (ghastly place but our pub fare was great).
I concur w/Mr. Anderson regarding the big pond...

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Originally Posted by mrs767er

MSYNYC--the hotel strip (not the "Landing Strip") in DTW/Romulus is on of the best priced for overnights, besides ATL N Virginia Ave. Plenty of nonrev deals by calling direct. Don't hesitate to ask for my short list. We did MSP (a bit pricey) and MOA (ghastly place but our pub fare was great).
I concur w/Mr. Anderson regarding the big pond...

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DTW is usually a no-brainer for us. Our son and his wife both work at DTW and live nearby. While we love to see them, we try not to screw up their schedules since they're both on 2nd shift so I'd be grateful for your list.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by R.M.Anderson

You are correct in the "Negate" - nothing quite like OVERSHOOTING the city of destination and having to come back - But when it is the last course of resort then Que sera sera !

The major factor for non-revs traveling where there is a water hazard to overcome be it Hawaii - Europe - Asia or South America is to get on the otherside of the problem and then
work things out with air or surface travel as an alternative on home turf.
Cardinal Rule 111.0 non-rev travel book of secrets. LOL !

Any way is good as long as it works !
Rowing a dingy across an ocean is not a satisfactory solution however !

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This is so true! Although, sometimes the rowing a dingy across the ocean needs to be considered! We were in Amsterdam when the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland decided to burp and stall air travel across much of Europe... Lets just say my stay became longer than I anticipated! We were at AMS when everything was grounded and, as we were flying standby we decided to go directly to the KLM nonrev desk. The agent explained what she knew and we decided to buy confirmed tickets home with the caveat that it could be days or weeks before things returned to normal. We looked at every option possible including Cruise Ships crossing the pond.... I really was not prepared for a 13-day transatlantic crossing... As luck would have it, our confirmed flights got us out 9 days late but we got home!

Anyhoo... I digress... get back to the right side of the pond and then figure things out!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by msynyc

DTW is usually a no-brainer for us. Our son and his wife both work at DTW and live nearby. While we love to see them, we try not to screw up their schedules since they're both on 2nd shift so I'd be grateful for your list.

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2 faves:
Comfort Inn 734-326-2100 (Marcoz "Pub" in lobby--good food)
Sheraton 734-729-2600 Great staff, BEST BEDS!, easy walk to lots of food/bev (Also 4 Points Sheraton but never stayed there)
Direct call for $ for crew family
Too many chains to recall all--ck booking.com to expand my short list
All w/shuttles

Quote:

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Originally Posted by msynyc

We're planning on nonreving from AMS next Monday or Tuesday. We'll arrive at AMS late Sunday evening and will stay at a convenient hotel overnight.

A lot has physically changed at AMS this year and for the first time, we need to check a bag while nonreving. The AMS write up on DLNET is years old and I don't want to rely on it.

Can anyone provide guidance for where to go and what to do when we get to AMS in the morning. I'm planning on checking in and printing our Seat Request Cards before we get to the airport.

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Hi msynyc,

Though I don't know the Delta procedures for non-rev'ing from Amsterdam, I do know KLM's procedures. Given their partnership they may be fairly similar.
You can drop your luggage at one of the check-in desk at Departures 2. All non-rev travellers (at least for KLM) have to use the Economy check-in desks (rows 12 to 16 if I'm correct). Please note that you can't use the Self-Service Drop-Off Points so you need to use the manned desks (where passengers have to check-in and pay for their excess baggage too). Afterwards proceed towards central security at the second floor of Departures 2. Nowadays security tends to be rather quick with Schiphol aiming to let passengers wait at most 10 minutes. I must say that security feels very pleasant nowadays. I'm not sure where the Delta Staff Travel Center is at Schiphol, though I recall that I saw something at the 2nd floor of the Holland Boulevard. I'm not sure whether that's still accessible though due to the current renovations of Lounge 2 and the Holland Boulevard. You might try one of the Pre-Departure Centers (PDCs) at either gate D1 or gate E4, though I'm not sure whether there's something for Delta Staff. Maybe the best thing to do is ask the KLM staff at check-in, the'll probably know what you need to do, maybe you just need to go to the PDC and then to your gate (as that's the general KLM procedure).

Good luck!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Hayotje

Hi msynyc,

Though I don't know the Delta procedures for non-rev'ing from Amsterdam, I do know KLM's procedures. Given their partnership they may be fairly similar.
You can drop your luggage at one of the check-in desk at Departures 2. All non-rev travellers (at least for KLM) have to use the Economy check-in desks (rows 12 to 16 if I'm correct). Please note that you can't use the Self-Service Drop-Off Points so you need to use the manned desks (where passengers have to check-in and pay for their excess baggage too). Afterwards proceed towards central security at the second floor of Departures 2. Nowadays security tends to be rather quick with Schiphol aiming to let passengers wait at most 10 minutes. I must say that security feels very pleasant nowadays. I'm not sure where the Delta Staff Travel Center is at Schiphol, though I recall that I saw something at the 2nd floor of the Holland Boulevard. I'm not sure whether that's still accessible though due to the current renovations of Lounge 2 and the Holland Boulevard. You might try one of the Pre-Departure Centers (PDCs) at either gate D1 or gate E4, though I'm not sure whether there's something for Delta Staff. Maybe the best thing to do is ask the KLM staff at check-in, the'll probably know what you need to do, maybe you just need to go to the PDC and then to your gate (as that's the general KLM procedure).

Good luck!

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Thank you. We nonrevved AMS - JFK this morning and I'm working on a post that will cover it for Delta nonrevs. It isn't much different from what you've described.
Security was a large pain for me - I'm very used to precheck and one of the security agents seemed to delight in opening everything in both of my carry-ons (lots of electronics) as well as emptying every compartment of my wallet. I have surgical metal in both shoulders and I was surprised that they were satisfied with a pat down.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by msynyc

Thank you. We nonrevved AMS - JFK this morning and I'm working on a post that will cover it for Delta nonrevs. It isn't much different from what you've described.
Security was a large pain for me - I'm very used to precheck and one of the security agents seemed to delight in opening everything in both of my carry-ons (lots of electronics) as well as emptying every compartment of my wallet. I have surgical metal in both shoulders and I was surprised that they were satisfied with a pat down.

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Sounds more like you have android issues! Can't wait to hear all the details. Welcome home!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by msynyc

Thank you. We nonrevved AMS - JFK this morning and I'm working on a post that will cover it for Delta nonrevs. It isn't much different from what you've described.
Security was a large pain for me - I'm very used to precheck and one of the security agents seemed to delight in opening everything in both of my carry-ons (lots of electronics) as well as emptying every compartment of my wallet. I have surgical metal in both shoulders and I was surprised that they were satisfied with a pat down.

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Glad you made it :).
In my opinion security is now much more plesant than it was before (at the gate), at least there's space now and waiting times shouldn't be that long too.

I started a new thread "How to Non-Rev at AMS" to describe the process as it was on Monday.

Thanks to all of you for the help you're been.

We spent 5 days each in PRG, BUD, and VIE with a day trip to Salzburg. Our travel plans between cities were affected by the ongoing refugee crisis but the inconveniences were minor compared to what they're going through.

All the places were wonderful. Each is a different city with it's own systems, places to see and eat and unique experiences. I'm very fortunate that I can enjoy each for what is has to offer and that I don't compare one to another.

As an aside, I believe that world travel is like eating at restaurants in New Orleans. One of the major topics of discussion while you're enjoying a great meal is where are we eating next. And so, the subject of discussion on the flight home was where and when are the next trips. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by msynyc

I started a new thread "How to Non-Rev at AMS" to describe the process as it was on Monday.

Thanks to all of you for the help you're been.

We spent 5 days each in PRG, BUD, and VIE with a day trip to Salzburg. Our travel plans between cities were affected by the ongoing refugee crisis but the inconveniences were minor compared to what they're going through.

All the places were wonderful. Each is a different city with it's own systems, places to see and eat and unique experiences. I'm very fortunate that I can enjoy each for what is has to offer and that I don't compare one to another.

As an aside, I believe that world travel is like eating at restaurants in New Orleans. One of the major topics of discussion while you're enjoying a great meal is where are we eating next. And so, the subject of discussion on the flight home was where and when are the next trips. :)

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How clever of you to make that thread. Never been to VIE but sure know oodles about the other 2. Looking forward to any future reports of the experience. PRG is on my schedule in a few wks--last trip for Boss (possibly) before early retirement...

Prague. My favorite city of the trip for a variety of reasons.

4 Restaurants worth mentioning;

The Little Blue Duck
Restaurant U modré kachničky
Nebovidská 6,
Prague 1 - Malá Strana
Tel.: +420 257 320 308
www.umodrekachnicky.cz

This was recommended by a FlyerTalk poster who's given me top recommendations in the past and he was right again. Reservation required. Great food and atmosphere. About $60 each for 4 with 2 bottles of wine and drinks. Appetizers, salad, main and dessert.

Ristorante Pagana
Vladislavova 17, 110 00 Praha, Czech Republic
+420 224 056 300
Contact - Ristorante Pagana

Recommendd by a friend in New Orleans

Italian - Only open Mon - Fri- Lunch and Dinner Reservations REQUIRED - dinners are booked way in advance, we went for a 2 hour lunch.
Family owned and operated. Family raised in restaurant business in Tuscany. Restaurant there is 70 years old. About $60 per person with drinks and 2 wine, etc.

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Lunches - we were taken to these two places by our local guide. You'll probably be the only non-locals there. Both are beer pubs with really good food.

Krcma
Address: Kostečná 4, 110 00 Praha 1, Czech Republic
Phone:+420 226 219 386


U Rudolfina
Address: Křižovnická 60/10, 110 00 Praha, Czech Republic
Phone:+420 222 328 758


We stayed at a hotel just below the Monastery and above the Castle, right at the Pohorelec stop on the #22 Tram (Hotel Questenberk). Great views - day and night and easy walking and connections to other trams, particularly the 18 and 17.