I see what you are saying. We are definitely not turning our backs on KLM/EI. And a longer transit time is definitely a good idea the next time.
My niece's 1st trip was on BA/EI. It was quite abit more expensive than KLM/EI. Check-in with BA with EI was no problem at all online except the boarding pass for EI needed to be picked up at LHR ( but confirmed check-in for all flights ). But 400.00SGD more on BA/EI and not a good FF program. And EI flight was also delayed on that 1. But good point that EI has more flights to AMS a day. Will definitely keep that in mind.
Flying Blue - yeah, got her to sign-up. Hv not checked with her if her miles posted yet. Will do so.
TK - thanks for the infor on IST isnt a great airport to stick around compared to AMS. Good to keep in mind. One reason to look at TK is the StarAlliance FF program it belongs to. I am thinking it might be a better program to build on compared to Flying Blue for the next 4 years. Better redemption I think. But I need to study up on TK and StarAlliance to know more.
Ultimately, I think the fare will most likely dictate the course. Qatar and Etihad sometimes runs very good fare to Europe. But I was told TK is a very good airlines. Appreciate any thots u hv abt TK airlines n its service.
Thank you!
Originally Posted by
irishguy28
TK via IST is of course another option, but the fact that it involves no codeshare shouldn't really make any difference. A TK to TK connection at IST is, in theory, just as likely to run into connection issues as an EI to KL connection at AMS. As long as you are travelling on a single ticket the carrier will be under some obligation to thepassenger if they fail to make the connection. Travelling on an all-TK metal journey doesn't "protect" you to any greater extent, or make it less likely that "issues" might occur.
KL/EI have been partners for years, and the relationship usually works smoothly. Online checkin usually works fine.
The TK option, given that there is only 1 flight a day from DUB compared to EI's 5 flights to AMS, probably means a longer time in transit waiting for the onward connection. IST isn't as good an airport to kill the time while waiting as AMS is.
I wouldn't turn my back on EI/KL just yet - 1 bad experience caused by the unfortunate combination of a delayed flight with check-in problems isn't what you can expect as the norm on this flight. Though perhaps taking an earlier EI flight - rather than the last one of the day - may be more to your niece's liking next time. Allowing 1 hour for a connection in Amsterdam is usually sufficient, but as you saw yourself, when the incoming flight is delayed it can quickly lead to a situation full of stress and worry.
By the way, you should get your niece to sign up for Flying Blue and credit the miles for these flights to her account, if she hasn't already done so.