This airline is adding a nonstop route from California to Amsterdam

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has a new flight to Amsterdam

By Mark Reif Published November 14, 2024

Amsterdam in the sun — Amsterdam, Netherlands Javier M. via Unsplash

On May 8, 2025, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will add a direct flight from San Diego to Amsterdam. Embarking from San Diego International Airport (SAN) and arriving at KLM’s hub at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), the route will operate year-round aboard modern Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The flight takes off three days per week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

SAN to AMS: Flight numbers and travel times

San Diego beach — San Diego, California Frank McKenna via Unsplash / Unsplash

Flight KL640 takes off from SAN at 1:55 p.m., and lands at AMS the next day at 9:15 a.m. Flight KL639 departs AMS at 9:50 a.m. and arrives at SAN at 12:00 p.m. Flight time is approximately 11 hours. Travelers can choose from 30 World Business Class seats, 21 Premium Comfort Class seats, and 224 Economy seats.

Recommended Videos

When the flight debuts, it’ll be only the third nonstop route from San Diego to Europe, alongside flights from Lufthansa to Munich and British Airways to London. Additionally, since KLM Royal Dutch Airline is a SkyTeam Alliance member, it offers smooth transitions throughout Europe via partners like Air France and Delta Air Lines. The direct route follows KLM’s recent addition of service to Portland International Airport (PDX).

Boaz Hulsman, Vice President of Commercial, North America at Air-France KLM, said: “The launch of KLM’s direct service between Amsterdam and San Diego marks an exciting milestone in our North American expansion. This new route opens a gateway to Southern California’s dynamic economy while connecting the San Diego community to Amsterdam and beyond. We’re excited to offer seamless connectivity to over 160+ destinations, enhancing travel options for both business and leisure travelers.”

Mark Reif is a writer from Stowe, Vermont. During the winter, he works as a snowboard coach and rides more than 100 days. The…

Travel

Air India just ordered 100 planes from this company

Air India makes huge order from Airbus

Air India A350

Building on strong passenger growth, Air India has ordered 100 Airbus aircraft. The order includes 10 widebody A350s and 90 narrowbody A320s, which include the A321neo. The planes will join Air India’s firm orders of 470 aircraft in the past year, including models from Boeing and Airbus. Previously, Air India had ordered 250 Airbus planes in 2023, comprised of 210 A320s and 40 A350s. The new order will put 350 Airbus aircraft in the Air India fleet.

The airline will also utilize Airbus’ Flight Hour Services-Component (FHS-C) to maintain its A350 fleet. This will keep the planes in perfect working order for routes worldwide.
Air India’s Airbus order paves the way for future growth

Travel

Southwest is offering 10X points if you do this

Southwest gives 10X points to those who make charity donations

Southwest airplane

Southwest Airlines is offering Rapid Rewards members 10X points for donating to select charities. The promotion runs through Monday, December 16, and is part of the airline’s Points for a Purpose program, which provides air travel to charitable organizations. The offer is a win-win for charities and travelers. Here are the details.
Earn 10X points while helping those in need

The Points for a Purpose program helps community partners who need air travel. To participate, Rapid Rewards members donate their points so organizations can get where they need to go. For this promotion, members receive 10 points for every dollar donated (minimum $25) to the following Points for a Purpose partners: Make-A-Wish, which grants life-changing wishes to ill children; Team Rubicon, a veteran-led disaster relief provider; and Rescue America, which rescues victims of human trafficking. The donation limit is $1,000 for 10,000 points.

Travel

This airline is opening a state-of-the-art pilot training facility in Salt Lake City

Delta Air Lines opens new pilot training center

Delta Pilot Training Center, Salt Lake City

Airline pilots blend knowledge and skills to safely transport passengers across the globe. Flying state-of-the-art aircraft requires training and experience, whether negotiating turbulent skies or gliding to a smooth landing. To that end, Delta Air Lines has unveiled a high-tech pilot training center in Salt Lake City.

The training center is located near Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and features flight simulators, briefing rooms, classrooms, emergency equipment training spaces, and more.
The training center benefits pilots and Salt Lake City