Soon, there will be a new nonstop flight from the West Coast to Amsterdam

Get to Amsterdam without the hassle of a layover

By Mark Reif Published July 11, 2024

Amsterdam, Netherlands boats and canals — Amsterdam, Netherlands Ethan Hu / Unsplash

Long-haul flights help you realize your travel dreams, taking you worldwide in hours, not days. Racing over the landscape at hundreds of miles per hour, you can kick back and relax, knowing you’ll be there soon. But making connecting flights breaks up a trip’s rhythm, forcing you to plan and navigate instead of relaxing. Nonstop is the way to go.

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Soon, those traveling to Amsterdam from the West Coast will have a new nonstop option. With this option, they can reach the city’s canals and artwork quickly without hopping from flight to flight. Here are the details.

Portland to Amsterdam: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines’ new nonstop flight

Netherlands windmills along the water — Zaanse Schans, Netherlands Moritz Kindler via Unsplash

Portland is about 5,000 miles from Amsterdam. On the way, you’ll want to make plans, not endure connection after connection. Locking in a time to visit the Van Gogh Museum sounds more appealing than deplaning and then finding the next gate. In October, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines adds a new nonstop route, so you can jet from Portland to Amsterdam in peace.

Beginning October 27, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will take over Delta Airlines’ flights from Portland to Amsterdam. For the past 15 years, Delta made the trip daily, while KLM will offer the flight on select days. From November to March, the route leaves Portland on Friday, Sunday, and Tuesday. During the summer, that increases to five days per week, including Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Dan Pippenger, Chief Aviation Officer at the Port of Portland, stated, “The nonstop from PDX to Amsterdam is an important and popular flight for our business community and for vacationers to and from Europe.”

He continued, “It will be KLM’s first route out of PDX and there’s a lot to look forward to: it’s a new carrier option for travelers, operated with a 787 Dreamliner, and there’s the transatlantic partnership with Delta to support the transition.”

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

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Have you ever found yourself wondering, how much is a first-class flight? I know I did. Before I had the chance to experience it myself, first class always felt like a luxury that was just out of my reach. But now that I know what it actually costs, I’m here to share what I’ve learned about the true price of flying first class. So, here’s how much a first-class flight really costs.
Factors that affect the price of first-class flights

First things first, the price of a first-class ticket can vary depending on the different factors at play. But there is a general range, so let’s break it down a bit.
The airline and route
The cost of a first-class ticket depends mainly on the airline and the route you’re taking. For example, on a popular international route like New York to London, a first-class ticket can range from $4,000 to $7,000, sometimes even more. If you’re flying from Los Angeles to Tokyo, that price tag can jump to $14,000 or more. These prices fluctuate based on the airline’s pricing structure and the demand for seats on that specific flight.
The flight duration
Another big factor is the length of the flight. The longer the journey, the more expensive the first-class ticket tends to be. A shorter domestic flight might cost somewhere in the range of $1,000 for a first-class seat, while international flights that can last 10 hours or more could easily push into the $8,000-$15,000 range for first class.
When you book your flight
Timing also plays a big role in the cost of your first-class ticket. The Luxury Travel Expert recommends booking your flight as early as possible to secure the best deals. So if you book months in advance, you’ll probably find better fares. However, airlines do occasionally offer last-minute discounts or promotions to fill seats, although this isn’t always the case. It’s always best to plan ahead, but keep an eye out for any deals, especially during off-peak travel seasons.
The time of year
Airline ticket prices also vary depending on the time of year. Traveling during peak times, like the holidays or summer vacation, will typically result in higher prices. Airlines usually raise prices to accommodate the increased demand during these periods.
What do you get for the price of first class?