Skip London Airports: My STRESS FREE Trip with KLM Cityhopper!

Рет қаралды 11,253

Күн бұрын

Пікірлер: 104

@noelphilips Ай бұрын

Used to love KLM when I lived in the north of England. They were a better national airline than BA if you lived outside of London!

@michaelhortin Ай бұрын

Yup being in the north KLM are a very viable option. London is such an ache to get too, particularly Gatwick.....

@gerald8811 2 ай бұрын

Agree. The CityHopper is really convenient. Although the route I took several times many years back doesn't exist anymore (Amsterdam Colombo) I started my journey in Cardiff. In the 90s the route on a 747 was Amsterdam Dharan Karachi and finally Colombo.

@michaelhortin 2 ай бұрын

Yes, it is a good alternative. Sometimes the costs and time work v London airports, sometimes not. 👍

@Rob-ee1im 2 ай бұрын

the stadium is from AZ (Alkmaar).

@michaelhortin 2 ай бұрын

Thx Rob, looks a great stadium. Think I may need to go there some time. 👍

@MitchellBrekelmans 2 ай бұрын

@@michaelhortin then you should watch against Ajax.

@Funstories-nz4ex 14 күн бұрын

yes

@Funstories-nz4ex 14 күн бұрын

that is the AZ stadium in Alkmaar and I can almost see it from my room because I live near Alkmaar

@michaelhortin 13 күн бұрын

Thx for the info

@nothingtosee7718 Ай бұрын

Going Amsterdam first and then onto your actual destination is crazy - too many options for delays with this hub and spoke approach to an “international destinations”. As someone who travels by air at least every two weeks this is a massive no. Amsterdam is one of the worst airports in Europe and certainly worse than both Manchester and Heathrow for delays and getting around. U.K. needs a policy to divest flights from both Manchester and Heathrow. Good to hear Doncaster is reopening and this should be setup to be the east coast Manchester, splitting the traffic to ease congestion both on the air and on the roads. Leeds is in the wrong place and just too small, so is pointless. Train links need putting into all the minor airports or rail link services direct to the mainline stations. Hub and spoke within the UK makes much more sense. Hourly or bi-hourly flights on small clipper aircraft needs to be in place. However, given the new government who is against everyone and everything but giving our money away - it’s never happening. Heathrow needs to expand to, no more delays, it needs to happen.

@michaelhortin Ай бұрын

Hi, I’m aware of some of the issues at Amsterdam, but on balance for trips like the one in this video it works out better for me. I had quite a long layover between flights, as I mentioned in the video and used it to work on this channel. if you don’t live near London or Manchester, it’s quite a pain getting to the airport. Overall it’s a case for me of the least worst option at times. Michael

@aviationtrainsfc1 2 ай бұрын

Very good video

@michaelhortin 2 ай бұрын

Thx for the nice comment, I appreciate it.👍

@LetsMakeaTrip 2 ай бұрын

Nicely done Michael. Have a sub from me! 😊

@michaelhortin 2 ай бұрын

Thx, I’ve enjoyed a few of your vids too…👍

@l3v1ckUK 2 ай бұрын

I've been using KLM for travelling for work for years. (At least until I switched jobs recently) They were very handy for going to more obscure destinations like Bergen. The only slight issue has been some very tight connections at Schiphol.

@michaelhortin 2 ай бұрын

My layovers both ways were quite long which probably helped. I used the time to work on this channel. infact i edited this video on the way back...:)

@l3v1ckUK 2 ай бұрын

@@michaelhortin Usually I had about an hour. Often my flight was a bit late landing, then it landed in that runway that's miles from the airport, with the long taxi time. Then there was passport control. Frequently I had to run from gate to gate.

@borleyboo5613 Ай бұрын

I enjoyed this video very much. Lovely scenery, lovely airports and beautiful aeroplanes. And good information. I’m in Norwich and KLM City Hopper flies to Schipol frequently from Norwich airport. I have subscribed. Thank you.

@michaelhortin Ай бұрын

I am pleased you enjoyed it. I find for certain routes using KLM into Amsterdam can work quite well. Getting to London airports is at least a two hour journey for me. Michael

@parmentier7457 2 ай бұрын

That is the AFAS stadium of AZ Alkmaar. AZ played against West Ham Utd in the Conference League last season.

@michaelhortin 2 ай бұрын

Thx, looks like one I need to visit..👍

@BubblesZest 2 ай бұрын

I've been hoping for a video like this for a very long time, you should make videos on other regional uk airports. Aren't too many videos like this for Teesside, Norwich or Exeter.

@michaelhortin 2 ай бұрын

Thx, will think about it for the future...

@Funstories-nz4ex 14 күн бұрын

what the duck I saw the lake of Alkmaardermeer And almost saw my house💀

@michaelhortin 13 күн бұрын

Was a very clear day

@JLO72 2 ай бұрын

Would it be cheaper going through Aberdeen as we have direct flights to Bergen

@michaelhortin Ай бұрын

Hi, According to Skyscanner it’s £527 return. Then depending on where you live there are costs of getting to the airport and time. From where I live it would not work. Michael

@FrecklesAviation Ай бұрын

In my experience travelling with KLM cityhopper it's been positive, all I will say is ensure that you have a long layover if you are going with checked luggage. At least 1 hour and 30 mins, otherwise you risk your luggage not making it. If you have a short connection due to the schedule or due to delays you will get a nice text from KLM as you land in AMS inviting you through the short connections passport lane. It took me 10 mins to from shengen to non shengen flight. And if you miss your connection they will put you on the next available flight. All in all, very hassle free

@michaelhortin Ай бұрын

I agree on the length of layover. Both of mine were longer than I would have liked, but I used the time to work on the channel in the Aspire Lounge. So all was good..

@johnnierainey01 2 ай бұрын

Forward planning (several months ahead) with KLM City Hopper flights can often pay dividends, from experience, impulse purchases are invariably punitive. But wow, you shared fleeting glimpses of on-screen financial information, whilst simultaneously talking over the various travel options. Quite difficult to readily absorb, without rewinding and unpicking! Definitely looking forward to seeing your Hurtigruten adventures! PS Do you always travel alone? Since single fares are often eye-wateringly more expensive.

@michaelhortin 2 ай бұрын

For a variety of reasons, it was a relatively late booking for this trip! I think it’s helpful if I share as much as possible of costs, as I know people who are thinking about going places like to have an idea of how much things will hit their bank account. I mostly travel alone, though in this instance I did meet up with the family for the trip in Norway. I won’t include them in the videos as it’s not their choice to be on KZbin it’s mine! That said, I nearly always have my own room, so I am well used to paying solo traveller ‘tax!’ 😉

@alexmcwhirter6611 2 ай бұрын

KL operates City Hopper mainly to feed its Schiphol hub. So yes fares solely to AMS can be expensive unless booking well ahead.

@Titot182 2 ай бұрын

KLM is very convenient for european business travel to obscure locations with their AMS hub. BRS to AMS is served daily, so it's quite handy, except when they had the Schipol staffing cock-up.

@michaelhortin 2 ай бұрын

I will certainly look at it for long haul in the future..

@obud3777 Ай бұрын

KLM is owned by Air France, that explains the bad customer service.

@michaelhortin Ай бұрын

I have found them a bit hit and miss, but on this trip they were fine tbh...

@obud3777 Ай бұрын

@@michaelhortin You can get lucky sometimes!

@michaelhortin Ай бұрын

@@obud3777 often I don’t 😉

@Esirxg 2 ай бұрын

Am I the only one who noticed it said "Bergen Airport, England"?

@michaelhortin 2 ай бұрын

You are, good spot. My bad, I proof the vids so many times… 🙄🤷‍♂️🙃

@robdingwall03 Ай бұрын

No you are not the only one who spotted Bergen England!

@michaelhortin Ай бұрын

@@robdingwall03 😳🤷‍♂️🙃😉

@RJS4287 2 ай бұрын

You said it Schiphol is not a great airport to transit through. Did it once also on KLM back to Australia from Manchester (where travellators, airbridges did not work!). Hubbing through Singapore, Bangkok etc is far, far easier and more efficient. Sorry but most European especially UK Airports are way below the best in Asia. Singapore is always 1st or 2nd in Skytrax Airport Rankings - only Heathrow makes it into top 20. Aussie airports are not as good as Asian but they are all easier and more efficient than LGW or STN.

@michaelhortin 2 ай бұрын

Agree on european airport hubs being poor in general. But in this case coming from northern England with a decent layover it works in time and is close financially to London. I suspect when I next go down under flying from London will be cheaper and probably be quicker. i guess it is a case of worse evils and horses for courses atr times.

@alexmcwhirter6611 2 ай бұрын

Really good video Michael. I noticed that Norwegian flies direct from MAN so it's not essential to trek south to London (for direct flight). No surprise re KL in the UK. It departs from over 20 airports. Its network is built on connectivity and especially for lucrative long-haul services.

@maximusg88 2 ай бұрын

Especially since BA seems to have given up (e.g., no more flights to Leeds) - and no proper train links to the London airports from up north

@alexmcwhirter6611 2 ай бұрын

@@maximusg88 Correct. BA does not operate international flights from the regions...hence its nickname London Airways.

@johnnierainey01 2 ай бұрын

@@alexmcwhirter6611 Well said, Mr M.

@michaelhortin 2 ай бұрын

Thx Alex. I have had bad times at Manchester and generally avoid. I did States from Humberside to Schiphol which was handy. I just like the short journey home when I return.

@maximusg88 2 ай бұрын

@@michaelhortin Manchester is okayish (but it was rough after covid)... but TPExpress is just a nightmare

@OurLifeOurJourney 2 ай бұрын

Not just Northern England, twice daily from Southampton too

@michaelhortin 2 ай бұрын

Is it better from Southampton than Gatwick and Heathrow?

@michaelhortin 2 ай бұрын

Is it better from Southampton than Gatwick and Heathrow?

@TypicalDutchSaysHi 2 ай бұрын

Problem for Amsterdam - London aren't the London airports, it's Schiphol and it's long lines for passport control. 1,5 hours of waiting isn't strange there. Just two lines for families and non-e-passports. So I happily fly to Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted or Luton. As long as I can skip Amsterdam

@michaelhortin 2 ай бұрын

I wouldn’t do a quick connection at Schiphol, but longer is fine. On balance it is still better in my case as London airports are two and a half hours drive minimum for me. Then add in contingency etc and Schiphol wins ‘just’…👍

@robdingwall03 Ай бұрын

If you are conveying the difference between London and provincial airports perhaps some content on, in this case, the facilities at Humberside and the benefits if any. Also, and yes one can pause a video, but why display the costs on screen for an unreadable nano second ! Feels as though you are trying to hide the prices. It is a trip I would never have cause to do but thanks for sharing.

@michaelhortin Ай бұрын

Thx for the feedback Rob will bear it mind for future videos. Not trying to hide the costs at all, my aim is openness on this to help others plan.. As for Humberside airport, save for the bag check you have pretty much seen it all, it is very small.

@richardtalbot8769 Ай бұрын

I looked at Southampton to Ams with KLM in economy it was around the same price as BA, but in Business it was almost £900 return, BA from Gatwick at £290 return - I needed to take 2 hold bags with me. It can take a while at Schiphol to taxi as many english flights arrive on the polderbaan which is 5km from the terminal.

@michaelhortin Ай бұрын

Yes the old taxi feels like a second flight in itself at times.....

@ed7872 2 ай бұрын

Quite funny to see that the most critical comments are made by seemingly Dutch (Judging by the names used). Schiphol is quite efficient and has better connections than any UK airport unless you live in the London area. And for the long waiting lines transfering from the Schengen to the non Schengen area or vice versa: there is a dedicated line for short transfers.

@michaelhortin 2 ай бұрын

I guess our views might change if we used it loads. Schengen wait was about 20 minutes both ways for me…but yes more urgent were let through.

@ed7872 2 ай бұрын

@@michaelhortin And for British people Brexit didn't help either. You are now in the 'all other passports' queue.

@michaelhortin 2 ай бұрын

@@ed7872 yup certainly is worse, but I have lots of stamps😳

@alanwood4968 Ай бұрын

been twice to London for flights a long time ago to difficult follow instructions for flights to expensive inside. I just decided to flights from a near home and go to amsterdam dubai or the other two always cheaper always cleaner always easy flight instructions. cleaner. just nicer all round.

@michaelhortin Ай бұрын

Hi Alan, Thanks for the comment, TBH my heart sinks with some flights particularly from Gatwick...

@danthepilotman99 2 ай бұрын

Nice to see Humberside. It is the very first airport I flew to, back in 84. It was indeed from Amsterdam (and through to Leeds Bradford), although not with KLM but with AirUK. I remember we had to disembark from the aircraft (an F27) and walk into a simple arrival building for paper checks, and then get back on board for continuing the flight to Leeds.

@michaelhortin 2 ай бұрын

Flight from Humberside to Leeds how funny… Im a fan of the small regional airports. Can prove to be very handy.

@buzzukfiftythree 2 ай бұрын

If you live in Northern England, surely it would make sense to go from Manchester Airport. It covers most medium and long haul destinations as London's airports. KLM via Schiphol is certainly an alternative, but one needs to consider the cost.

@michaelhortin 2 ай бұрын

Manchester Airport is 2 1/2 hours drive for me. Im also not massively keen on it as an airport 🤷‍♂️

@pendolinofan643 2 ай бұрын

British airways need to start operating out of the north, don’t come saying “Um well they fly shuttle services” no they need to serve their country or may as well be called London airways

@michaelhortin 2 ай бұрын

Not sure on domestic flights tbh. Living a few hours from major airports make the journey to and from the airport such a pain..😳

@MODECHARLIE Ай бұрын

That's a lot of money for an economy class European flight.

@michaelhortin Ай бұрын

Hi, the price was for the 4 flights there and back, and compared to return from Gatwick to Bergen….

@yyyfffff33333 Ай бұрын

Totally agree . Schipol is a great airport !

@michaelhortin Ай бұрын

Certainly handy for me in northern England

@georgewoolf1732 2 ай бұрын

Live 20 minutes away from Southampton airport, and KLM city hoper is a blessing! Plus I find they usually offer £50 upgrades to business, so on the way back KLMs lovely non-Schengen lounge is must!

@michaelhortin 2 ай бұрын

Thx for the tip-off on the upgrade…👍

@georgewoolf1732 2 ай бұрын

@@michaelhortin Yes sir, it’s usually on the seat selection screen. They try and charge 60 or 70 for just lounge access, so business class with the extra leg room, excellent onboard service and lounge access for 50 is a bargain! Plus I think it credits to Delta sky miles at a higher %

@michaelhortin 2 ай бұрын

Thx for that

@ferhatsaltk9624 2 ай бұрын

I’ve used KLM last month and because of the delay from UK to Amsterdam I missed my connection flight. Transit times are usually 50 min which is not enough. I ended up staying in Amsterdam for a day cause the next flight was the next day. I will Never fly with KLM again.

@michaelhortin 2 ай бұрын

That sounds awful…

@maximusg88 2 ай бұрын

Using these KLM connections a lot for work... The walks within Schiphol are extremely long unless you fly to the US... And customer service of KLM is absolutely awful (especially if you want to claim compensation)

@alexmcwhirter6611 2 ай бұрын

@@maximusg88 When today's Schiphol terminal opened in 1967 it was hailed as an aviation wonder. (At the time, as an excited teenager, I used it for a BCal flight to LGW) But in the years since it's been enlarged several times and is now too large. Yet Schiphol has not increased its minimum connecting times of 40-50 mins. Schiphol has planned an additional terminal pre-pandemic and not sure how that's progressing right now.

@maximusg88 2 ай бұрын

@@alexmcwhirter6611 they should install more moving sidewalks and staff more border control officers in that case

@michaelhortin 2 ай бұрын

I’d only connect at Schiphol with a decent amount of time. This time also TBF passport wsan’t too bad…

@alexmcwhirter6611 2 ай бұрын

@@michaelhortin Yes as at LHR passport queues vary throughout the day and from one terminal to another. Wise to allow lots of connecting time at Schiphol. Some travellers have missed flight connections or their checked luggage never made it (the connection). It happened to me in the 1980s when taking KL from LHR to FRA via AMS. I had adequate connection time and Schiphol wasn't so busy back then.

@geegab5178 2 ай бұрын

Not bad, at all.

@michaelhortin 2 ай бұрын

Thx

@WillemAnema 2 ай бұрын

You're lucky your baggage didn't get lost in the transfer at Schiphol!

@michaelhortin 2 ай бұрын

😂😂 My connection was a few hours. 😳😉🙃👍

@itsianok 2 ай бұрын

You mentioned Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in this. Belfast is so portly served by airlines. And that includes KLM. The one daily flight departs Belfast at 17:20 and arrives in Amsterdam at nearly 8pm so making any useful connections are almost impossible. It probably works fine the other way. We would more likely fly out of Dublin Airport which is just a nicer airport overall

@michaelhortin 2 ай бұрын

I guess you can only stay overnight, which adds more cost! I like Dublin too, I have used preclearance there to get to the States. I found it pretty straight forward...