Europe Airports - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

SigEpSean · 03-14-2005, 12:01 PM

Hey guys, I found cheap airfare from Amsterdam to Prague. For my trip, I think that this would make more sense than taking a train all the way through Germany to Prague. However, my brother thinks otherwise. When it comes down to it, I think we would save precious time and money. He doesn't want to "hassel with the airports."

I guess my question is, when flying throughout Europe, is the security real tight, like you have to get there two hours early, etc.? Also, we will both be carrying the Transcontinental Journey by Eagle Creek, does anyone know if we will have a problem carrying it on to a plane? How far are these airports away from the city center? Any other advice to help me talk some sense into my brother would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

-Sean

**kingcrazylegs** · 03-14-2005, 12:44 PM

I've been in alot of European airports and never had any real trouble. I have found European airports easier than US ones in general

**space virgin** · 03-14-2005, 01:21 PM

The airports are not like they are here in the US. Trust me-- your brothers' fears are probably for naught.

Ryder · 03-14-2005, 01:40 PM

I've found European airports to be a lot easier. Quick lines in security, quick check in(unless you're flying back to the US on a US airline) and it was pretty straight forward and easy. you just need to be there AT LEAST 30 minutes before your flight or they wont check you in. I've cut it down to 15 minutes, but that was once, and I was lucky.

**omisan** · 03-14-2005, 02:04 PM

Yeah, what everyone else said.

And as for passport controls - they only check you once when you get into the EU. If you're on an EU-to-EU flight, you'll only have to present it at the counter for check-in, not to border control agents or anything. Same goes for customs.. super-easy!

Keep in mind that Schiphol airport in Amsterdam is HUGE. So if you do decide to fly out of there, check the terminals to see where you have to head, etc. They do their best, though, to make transfers pretty hassle-free, and it's amazing how fast their security goes, even when there are thousands of people getting ready to depart.

If you do decide to take the train, it's only about 15 min. from Schiphol to Centraal Station.

I don't know exactly how large your bag is, but it probably won't count as hand-baggage, and you'll have to check it. I'm not sure what airline(s) you plan on flying with, but this shouldn't present much of a delay, and if your flight to Prague is on a partner airline with whomever you're flying to Amsterdam, you can have your bags checked straight through.

Speaking of which - what airline has a cheap fare from Amsterdam to Prague? I've been trying to get myself there w/ limited time (i.e. not enough for the train) but can never find anything cheap enough!

**butterj** · 03-14-2005, 04:36 PM

yeh iv'e always found them really easy, ive had some planes where i have never shown a passport, but i second the be carefull with time it is very easy to underestimate the size of an airport. I had a bad one from amsterdam, we were in a coffee shop 45 mins before departure, got to the airport 15 mins before takeoff lucky we found an auto chckin machine and ran through customs, and found out terminal was the furthes away in the whole airport, damn we ran so fast i nearly died. Just made the plane nice

SigEpSean · 03-15-2005, 08:24 AM

I found it through whichbudget.com. The airline is Smart Wings (http://www.smartwings.net/en/). I found flights from amsterdam to prague, and prague to greece, both for $45. It looks like they only fly two days a week, but it looks like a pretty good price.

**afterlife3** · 03-15-2005, 11:05 AM

The transcontinental i belive is a little big to carry on the plane. but there is a daypack, so detach that and put your stuff in it.

SigEpSean · 03-15-2005, 11:58 AM

Ever had any trouble checking baggage? I've heard horror stories, and don't want to fuck around with it on a limited budget.

**omisan** · 03-15-2005, 02:22 PM

The only time I've ever had trouble w/ checked baggage has been with American airlines (my backpack got on the next plane to London due to a 45-second layover at JFK, another time they ripped a handle off a suitcase) and America West (totally inexplicable). I've flown what seems like hundreds of other times and haven't had trouble with checked baggage otherwise.

I was a little nervous when I was flying through Amsterdam. I took BasiqAir/Transavia and when I checked my bag, because of all the straps, they told me to put it in this blue cart and just leave it unattended 'til someone takes the cart to the plane... This also happened on the way out from Barcelona. But lo and behold, each time I got to an airport, my backpack was among the first off the belt.

My main concern with lost luggage is time, not money. A lot of airlines will give you a voucher to buy new clothes & stuff until your luggage is brought to you. I got a voucher from American to buy stuff at the Heathrow shops in London, whereas my friend got really lucky and got some crazy amount to spend at Harrod's. But knowing that doesn't always happen, make sure you keep a simple change of clothes (at least some socks, underwear, and a t-shirt) in your daypack. Just in case.