Doha, Qatar
 

I'll be heading out there from IAH. I'd like to get miles awarded on either my SkyMiles account or OnePass.

Any good strategies for one or the other?

M8

If you want Onepass or Skymiles you can fly IAH-AMS-DOH on KLM, or break the ticket up and fly CO to AMS and then KLM to DOH. It is a pretty long flight. 7-8 hours from AMS, and they use a 767 I think.

Thanks. I was thinking AirFrance for the SkyMiles, but have not checked if there is a CDG-DOH connection. I am enrolled in their Petroleum Club, but usually do that for the routes into Africa.

One thing I like about KLM and AF is that they allow for unlimited stopovers at AMS or CDG. I haven't been to AMS in about three years, so I think I might choose that route.

M8

I agree that IAH-AMS-DOH is the way to go.

I don't know why, but to me, AMS is a million times better than CDG for transit.

Note that the AMS-DOH flight stops enroute in Dammam and it is on a 767.

I would recommend flying via DXB (777) or via BAH (333) if the fare rules allow it.

Cheers

Thanks for the heads up on that. The main reason I like CDG is for the stopover in Paris, but Amsterdam is just as enjoyable and I really like that Sheraton Pulitzer.

M8

Cheap coach tickets don't have unlimited stopovers, but you can stop up to 24 hours for free. If you're on a full-fare ticket (or business class), the rules are probably much more flexible.

In coach, I like KLM's 767. It's a bit ratty and lacking in good IFE, but has a decent amount of space (no IFE boxes under the seats to steal my legroom) and what's not to like about 2-3-2 config? In WBC, KLM's 767 is sub-par, but it gets you there. I think I'd rather fly directly to DOH on a 767 than take a 777/330 to BAH/DXB and still need to get to DOH.

There are so many reasons why:

• Easy walk between connecting flights (no dreaded CDG shuttle bus)
• Easy and inexpensive train to central Amsterdam directly from the terminal
• Airside art museum, casino and surprisingly good shopping (mmm.... gouda...)
• Free lounge chairs and showers available to the public (bring your own towel)
• Everybody speaks superb English--sans attitude
• Much lower airport taxes than CDG (making connecting through AMS on cheap fares cheaper)
• Did I mention the gouda?

So would I, but if you add the ground time at Dammam, the inconvience of changing planes at BAH or DXB (with great connection times) would be worth it for me.

Cheers

[QUOTE=sadiqhassan]I would recommend flying via DXB (777) or via BAH (333) if the fare rules allow it.

Actually I believe that the flights via BAH use a 332. Don't know if there is that much difference between 332 and 333 on KLM.

You are correct. I fly with a fully refundable business class ticket, which allows for this.

[QUOTE=Caloy]Sorry. My bad habit :o I used to use 330 as a short form for A330 all series, but for some reason I have now changed to 333 :)

Cheers