Do 30 day Sky Club passes still exist?
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2001
Programs: DL 1 million, AA 1 mil, HH lapsed Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 28,190
#17
formerly jackvogt
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Atlanta, GA
Programs: Delta SkyMiles,
Posts: 822
I would consider purchasing a cheaper one way from MSP to GRR earlier than the original. That seems like a painful amount of time to sit around when you're so close. You can also pay for a SDC on standby for an earlier flight.
#18
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,393
There's a charge for SDC/SDS for nonelites and for SDC fare class availability is required. There also is probably the issue of a checked bag.
Assuming niece dosn't need a visa to enter Holland, I'd vote for leaving the airport and getting a hotel, perhaps downtown depending on timing. This assumes that she has some travel experience.
At MSP, take the light rail to MOA or downtown Minneapolis. Someone mentioned showers, but note that none of the MSP lounges have showers and all of the airport hotels are off property and require use of a shuttle bus or the light rail line--nothing is walkable. A kid from overseas is likely to enjoy the MOA. However, depending on her ago, note that during certain hours underage kids are required to be with a parent at MOA, so check the details if she's under 18. There's a big food court with lots of options, but no restaurants I'd really recommend. If pressed, maybe Rainforest Cafe (if it still exists as there have been some recent changes) for a variety of food in a sitdown restaurant with a tropical theme that offers burgers, salads, etc. The movie theaters at MOA have just been renovated, so catching a movie or visiting the aquarium are ways to kill time at MOA but AFAIK still subject to the no kids without parents rules.
Assuming niece dosn't need a visa to enter Holland, I'd vote for leaving the airport and getting a hotel, perhaps downtown depending on timing. This assumes that she has some travel experience.
At MSP, take the light rail to MOA or downtown Minneapolis. Someone mentioned showers, but note that none of the MSP lounges have showers and all of the airport hotels are off property and require use of a shuttle bus or the light rail line--nothing is walkable. A kid from overseas is likely to enjoy the MOA. However, depending on her ago, note that during certain hours underage kids are required to be with a parent at MOA, so check the details if she's under 18. There's a big food court with lots of options, but no restaurants I'd really recommend. If pressed, maybe Rainforest Cafe (if it still exists as there have been some recent changes) for a variety of food in a sitdown restaurant with a tropical theme that offers burgers, salads, etc. The movie theaters at MOA have just been renovated, so catching a movie or visiting the aquarium are ways to kill time at MOA but AFAIK still subject to the no kids without parents rules.
#19
formerly jackvogt
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Atlanta, GA
Programs: Delta SkyMiles,
Posts: 822
There's a charge for SDC/SDS for nonelites and for SDC fare class availability is required. There also is probably the issue of a checked bag.
Assuming niece dosn't need a visa to enter Holland, I'd vote for leaving the airport and getting a hotel, perhaps downtown depending on timing. This assumes that she has some travel experience.
At MSP, take the light rail to MOA or downtown Minneapolis. Someone mentioned showers, but note that none of the MSP lounges have showers and all of the airport hotels are off property and require use of a shuttle bus or the light rail line--nothing is walkable. A kid from overseas is likely to enjoy the MOA. However, depending on her ago, note that during certain hours underage kids are required to be with a parent at MOA, so check the details if she's under 18. There's a big food court with lots of options, but no restaurants I'd really recommend. If pressed, maybe Rainforest Cafe (if it still exists as there have been some recent changes) for a variety of food in a sitdown restaurant with a tropical theme that offers burgers, salads, etc. The movie theaters at MOA have just been renovated, so catching a movie or visiting the aquarium are ways to kill time at MOA but AFAIK still subject to the no kids without parents rules.
Assuming niece dosn't need a visa to enter Holland, I'd vote for leaving the airport and getting a hotel, perhaps downtown depending on timing. This assumes that she has some travel experience.
At MSP, take the light rail to MOA or downtown Minneapolis. Someone mentioned showers, but note that none of the MSP lounges have showers and all of the airport hotels are off property and require use of a shuttle bus or the light rail line--nothing is walkable. A kid from overseas is likely to enjoy the MOA. However, depending on her ago, note that during certain hours underage kids are required to be with a parent at MOA, so check the details if she's under 18. There's a big food court with lots of options, but no restaurants I'd really recommend. If pressed, maybe Rainforest Cafe (if it still exists as there have been some recent changes) for a variety of food in a sitdown restaurant with a tropical theme that offers burgers, salads, etc. The movie theaters at MOA have just been renovated, so catching a movie or visiting the aquarium are ways to kill time at MOA but AFAIK still subject to the no kids without parents rules.
#20
Join Date: May 2006
Location: GA
Programs: VA-PLT, QF-GLD, DL-GM, UA-ex1K, AA-exPLT, HH-DM, IHG-PLT, MR-GLD
Posts: 8,242
I can't imagine spending 18 hours at AMS. There's an excellent city a short, cheap, and easy train ride away. You can store your luggage at AMS. Walking around Amsterdam is a beautiful and pleasant experience, and there are plenty of indoor spaces to enjoy if the weather is poor.
Last edited by CPMaverick; May 9, 2018 at 5:56 pm
#21
Join Date: May 2004
Location: formerly Gold now Diamond, formerly MSY, now LAX, formerly NW, now DL
Programs: Hyatt Plat, Hilton Gold, SPG Gold, Delta Diamond/1MM
Posts: 4,635
Also, going into Amsterdam from Schipol is an easy option. I do that sometimes even with 3-4 hours. Certainly 18, she can sleep, and do quite a bit in the city since the train is 20 minutes away every 15 minutes and about $8 one way.
MSP is best likely with the light rail to the Mall of America or even downtown MPLS. Minnehaha Falls in a nice outdoor hike from the train as well.
MSP is best likely with the light rail to the Mall of America or even downtown MPLS. Minnehaha Falls in a nice outdoor hike from the train as well.
#22
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Verdi, NV, SFO & Olympic (aka Squaw )Valley.
Programs: Ikon Pass Full + AS Gold + Marriott Titanium + Hilton Gold. Recovering UA Plat. LT lounge AA+DL+UA
Posts: 3,823
Sounds like a great excuse to sign up for an Amex Plat and add her as an additional cardholder.