In my ongoing search for a good combination of flights from Dulles to Vienna, then Nuremberg back to Dulles, next December, I'm looking at several that show Northwest/operated by KLM. This means what? Any comments on either or both airlines? I'd be flying business class.

I've also posted this query on the airlines board but thought I'd give it a try here as well.

It means a codeshare flight on KLM equipment and operated mainly by KLM personnel.

If you are in Business Class AND the flight timings and prices are good it seems like a no brainer in a way. Are there realistic alternatives? If not, I'd book it and concern myself with other aspects of the trip.
If not

It means that you go to the Northwest counter (which will likely say Northwest, with the KLM logo underneath), and your ticket says a Northwest flight number, but the aircraft, and all of its staff will say KLM, and they are most likely based in Amsterdam. They're good, and I have flown their business class once (but it was 5-7 years ago), and I would rate it as good to very good.

This is also what is meant by a "codeshare" flight. Northwest "codeshares" it with KLM. KLM operates the flight in every sense of the word.

They are so integrally partnered, it is really like they are just one company. AirFrance is also part of that same partnership now, but not nearly so seamlessly combined.

Best wishes,

Rex

Hi Underhill, when I fly to Venice from SFO I make the reservations through NW but fly on KLM. I have always been happy with KLM. And of course my FF miles are credited to my NW FF account. I fly on KLM as the flight flies nonstop from SFO to Amsterdam , then just one change in Amsterdam for the KLM flight to Venice.

Underhill, I would CALL Northwest and be CERTAIN that you actually DO check in at the Northwest counter at Dulles.

On SOME codeshare arrangements you can/should actually check in at the OPERATING airline's counter.

On our trip to Italy last fall we flew NWA to AMS and KLM to Rome . Both ends of the flight were good. The only problem came beforehand. I could never into the KLM website and check on the flights because I had NWA flight #'s and NWA did not address KLM flights. And NWA customer service was no help until one dear girl gave me the KLM #'s to match. A minor inconvenience but indicative of these confusing relationships tha teven the airlines do not understand

On codeshare flights you generally check in at the operating carrier's counter. However, NW and KL are so closely integrated that in the US they share the same ticket counter marked Northwest/KLM.

Underhill,
I answered your post on the airlines board, but I was just wondering if you're taking a Christmas Market cruise by any chance?

Good guess, Patty--that's just what all this is about. I want to get to Vienna one day before the tour starts so that I can decompress. And do a little sightseeing...

Hope you have a great time. Which boat are you on? We did the same route with Viking in 2003.

Have you checked with Austrian Airlines? They have a direct flight from IAD to Vienna. Their website is www.aua.com, though I found this route using the trip planner at http://matrix.itasoftware.com/cvg/dispatch/login

The direct flight is what GCT is using, but I want to go a day ahead and Austrian Airlines is very expensive, unfortunately--about $400 above the Orbitz rates for KLM and Air France.

Patty,

I don't know the ship's name yet but will keep you posted when I find out. How did you like your trip?

Patty,

My one concern is getting from the ship to the Nuremberg airport for a 6:45 a.m. flight to AMS. Can you tell me how long a trip this is, since I'd be going on my own?

We had a great time. We almost had some problems with the low water levels that year but everything turned out OK. I posted a long trip report on the cruisemates board. The ports should be the same or similar. If you'd like to read it, go to www.cruisemates.com/mbindex and select Viking under Cruise Lines, on the second page of posts, look for the one entitled "Very Long Trip Report - Nov 23rd Viking Pride Christmas Market Cruise" - I don't know how to link to that board.

Have the ship prearrange a taxi for you the day prior or they may have their own transfer bus going to the airport in the morning. The taxi ride takes approximately half an hour and costs around 20 euros. Nuremburg airport isn't that big so getting there an hour in advance should be plenty of time.

At SFO I check into the KLM counter (International of course) even though I have made the reservations through NW. My flight is always on KLM. But if you have any confusion someone at the airport will be able to assist you I am sure.