Help on Aircraft Type -- 747-400 vs. Airbus 330-200
 

I am planning on traveling DTW-AMS-KGL in September for our outbound flights. After reading about connection times in AMS, I am considering 2 DL flights out of DTW. My husband & I will be traveling in Economy. The 1st is on a 747-400 and has a 2 hr layover. The 2nd is on an A330-200 and has a 4 hr layover.

Which would you recommend?

There was another choice of an A330-200 with a 1 hr layover but I was concerned about the short connection time.

I always fly on United, not on Delta. My own preference is to stay away from the Airbus as I seem to have (minor) cabin pressure problems with them. That said, the 2-4-2 seating on the DL A330-200 would be good since there are two of you.

The 747-400 has 3-4-3 seating. You would probably have a seatmate if you took the aisle/window 3 seats. If you could get one of the rows of only 2 seats (windown/aisle) at the back of the economy cabin, this might be just fine.

Seatguru dot com is my go-to place for airplane configuration and 'good' seat selection, if you've not looked there.
Carol

Check seatguru.com about Delta's 747. I don't think they have any individual tv's.

Thanks for your replies.

The 747 doesn't have individual TV's but the Airbus does. I'm leaning towards the Airbus. The flight from AMS to KGL is on an Airbus. I'm trying to decide what DL flight to take from DTW to AMS.

There is only 1 flight to KGL daily. If I miss the connection, my trip itinerary will be disrupted and I may miss out on a pre-paid gorilla trek. I just hate to add a couple of additional layover hours to 2 long flights. The 1 hour connection time doesn't allow for any delay out of DTW. Delta could not provide me with any on-time info for this flight.

Does anyone have any experience in making connections in AMS?

There is no comparison. DL's 747-400s inherited from NW are just horrible in economy - no personal TV, worn out cushions, etc (though they did get new leather covers).

Definitely go with the 330!

A330 every time. More pitch. 2-4-2 vs 3-4-3 seating. AVOD vs overhead movies. Power ports in the front half of coach. Better in every way.

They are refurbing the 747s, but even after that is done, I'd probably go with the A330, due to the fewer people in each row.

As for the connection... Normally, I'd go with the hour, and have never had a connection that wouldn't make it, but I usually have the luxury of a later flight that day. In this case, I think the risk is too high and would book at least the 2 hour connection. There are some nice seating areas in AMS, and you'd have some time to stretch your legs, so 4 hours wouldn't be awful. The Mercure hotel in the terminal sells passes to take a shower.

I would also take the A330 - I much prefer the AVOD vs. overhead movies. I know the layover isn't desirable, but honestly, if there is only one flight a day to KGL and you could possibly miss something important, I would take the 4 hour layover. A 2-hr. layover doesn't allow for any wiggle room.

Could you fly in the day before and spend a day in AMS and do something fun ? That is usually the advice with cruises and it sounds like you are in a similar situation ? Would allow you to reduce the wear and tear on the body also ?