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Finland | Tagged Posts
2016
18
September
Is a 2-hour layover in Toronto enough when flying from Amsterdam to Vancouver with Air Transat?
18
September
Question:
Humans say...
Christia
Lufthansa flights has always been great for my gf's family when they have gone to Germany
Andrew
Yes flew with condor before but its a long flight back
Corinne
If Airtransat bookwd the flights straight through with a 2 hr connect, it will be fine. If 2 different and unaffiliated airlines are involved you must trust the first is on time because you'll pass through immigration there. A 2 hr connection time in Pearson is OK.
Andrew
thanks
Joel
People have told me Lufthansa is great. Layover in Toronto means you have to go through customs, and then you have to make you your flight. It would probably be easier to take the layover and go through customs in Vancouver. Personally I think it's less of a hassle.
Andrew
i was thinking the same thing
Marilyn
I've had baggage delays in Pearson and if a lot of international flights are coming in at the same time 2 hours will be tight for a connection.
Corinne
If your looking for alternatives, I always fly Icelandicair into YVR every summer from home in Helsinki. Reykjavik is a small airport and the longhaul flight is 6.5 hrs. Connection time is only 50 mins and I've had time to spare.It's competitive pricewise with Lufthansa and KLM. Don't know if it flies from Amsterdam, though.
Andrew
Yes they do was looking at that option also for the free layover. But price was high wow are was cheap tho to fly to LA 349cnd
Corinne
Flying into Abbotsford is sometimes much cheaper if Westjet has seats on sale from Calgary.
Andrew
I've never thought about this option
Corinne
We got our return tix Hel- Abbotsford for 640 this summer. Westjet had deep cuts in February. And the best part is that since Grandma lives in Hope, wr don't have to deal with the city traffic. Can pretty much skip Vancouver all together this year.
Andrew
I booked 216 one way with westjet. Now I know the exact date I have to come back cost way more to book a return
Corinne
It's a bit more expensive flying out of Finland. We sometimes take a ferry to Stockholm to get tix almost half price.
Patty
I avoid YYZ whenever possible....
Shirley
1.5 hours is the min. transfer time you want. As noted above, same airline, 2 hours is totally fine. Different airlines, and you are at risk unless you are flying business class or higher. Pearson and Frankfurt are not the best transfer points for such a small window of time. But I would take Pearson over Frankfurt anytime. I try to stay away from Frankfurt every time. ENJOY!!!
Jeannett
Toronto can be a nightmare
Ute
Air transat is flying once or twice a week directly into Vancouver.
Kar
I flew air transat a few years back when they were using Thomas Cook planes. It was horrible! The leg space was SO cramped, I would never fly them again transatlantic. Also if there is any delay departing, you lose the time getting through customs at Pearson.
Marion
Just flew KLM to Italy and back. The best service! Worth extra $
Andrew
Thanks for the advice everyone. Decided to fly out from Berlin and skip the connection in Pearson
Mk
Anything is better then Air Transat.
A.I. says...
Connecting Flight Options: Air Transat vs. Lufthansa/Condor
When planning a long-haul flight, it's important to consider the connection time for any layovers. In your case, you're weighing two options for a flight from Amsterdam to Vancouver with a connection in either Toronto (Air Transat) or Frankfurt (Lufthansa/Condor).
Air Transat: 2-Hour Layover in Toronto
A 2-hour layover in Toronto for a connecting flight to Vancouver can be tight, but it is generally feasible if everything goes smoothly. Here's what you need to consider:
- Luggage Transfer: Air Transat handles luggage transfer, so you won't have to worry about collecting and re-checking your bags in Toronto.
- Immigration and Security: As you're connecting to a domestic flight in Vancouver, you won't need to go through customs in Toronto. However, you may need to go through security screening again.
- Terminal Changes: Air Transat typically operates from Terminal 3 at Toronto Pearson International Airport, while domestic flights to Vancouver depart from Terminal 1. The walk between terminals takes about 10-15 minutes.
- Potential Delays: Allow for potential delays, such as late arrivals or long security lines. It's advisable to have at least a 3-hour layover to be on the safe side.
Lufthansa/Condor: 2-Hour Layover in Frankfurt
A 2-hour layover in Frankfurt for a connecting flight to Vancouver can be more manageable, as Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is a major international hub with efficient transfer processes.
- Luggage Transfer: Both Lufthansa and Condor handle luggage transfer, so your bags will be checked through to Vancouver.
- Immigration and Security: You will need to go through passport control and security screening again in Frankfurt, as you're connecting to an international flight.
- Terminal Changes: Lufthansa and Condor typically operate from Terminal 1 at FRA, where international and domestic flights depart from the same terminal.
- Potential Delays: As with any connection, allow for potential delays. FRA is a busy airport, so it's a good idea to give yourself ample time.
Which Option Is Better?
Based on the information provided, Lufthansa/Condor would be a slightly better choice due to the more ample layover time in Frankfurt and the convenience of having international and domestic flights depart from the same terminal.
However, the price difference of $75 is something to consider. If the savings with Air Transat are significant to you, and you're comfortable with the tighter connection time, then Air Transat could be a viable option.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your preferences and budget.
Additional Tips
- Book your flights as early as possible to secure the best fares.
- Check the airline's website for any specific baggage restrictions or transfer procedures.
- Arrive at the airport well in advance of your departure time to allow for unexpected delays.
- Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself against flight cancellations or delays.
Sites
Andrew
Hi I'm planning to booked a flight with airtransat. Amsterdam to Vancouver there's a connection at Toronto for just over 2 hours. Will that be enough time to connect. My 2nd option is flying out with Luthansa/Condor with 2 hour layover at Frankfurt. Which would be better choice. However Condor is 75 cnd more than airtransat. Thanks