unemployed

(sorry I posted in another thread, but I thought this would get more hits)

I haven't yet booked my ticket, so I need some advice. I am planning a pre-grad school solo trip to Europe for 2.5 months. I'm flying from LAX-Amsterdam on March 6 (Monday-midday) with a 5:45 hour layover in Philly, then returning on May 20 (Saturday-midday) from Amsterdam-SFO with a 5 hour layover in Philly. I think I have to jump from Terminal A to B roundtrip. Here's the catch: my best friend (old gf) lives in Philly and I won't see her for a little under 3 months. This would be a great time to say goodbye before I leave the States, and then awesome to meet up for a little bit to tell my stories on the way back. She has a car, so we will want to go somewhere for quick dinner. However, I'm not sure if this reunion will be worth it since its probably going to be rushed and stressful.

3 questions:
-Is this layover doable with the international custom check?
-This ticket cost $522(cheap), but it is highly restrictive. Any change will result in $200 fee plus difference. I'm not sure if this is recommended because I have no idea what I am going to be doing in Europe, so I'm afraid I might become lonely or homesick and end up wasting money day by day.
-Or should I get a $645 (flexible) ticket where the penalty is $25 plus difference, but a regular Atlanta layover (no Philly)

hsv

I think a quick lunch/dinner in PHL should be feasible provided your flight is on time. I would not get away too far from the airport, though. As your bags will be checked already, you won't need much more than 1.5 hours prior to departure, but you should allow for this time.

Maybe somone can recommend a restaurant either close to the airport or even within?

Whether there is enough time for a 'layover' is a different question...;-)

Regarding your last question: I don't think it would make sense to spend more on a ticket that would give you flexibility when you won't need the flexibility as you obviously don't on a stop-over in Atlanta (no layover there, I presume...).

Have loads of fun!

unemployed

You make some valid suggestions. Thanks.

Ragarding the flexible ticket, I feel somewhat safe with it since I will be traveling alone in Europe for 2.5 months with no itinerary. I'm just afraid I might want to alter my departure date if I'm just sick of being by myself or "wasting" money until my departure day comes. However, I hope that is not the case, and I meet amazing people to party and travel with.

I guess I'm just deciding between seeing my best friend for 2 quick lunches/dinners or having a ticket where I can have some control over my trip.

We'll see if I can get a layover

hsv

unemployed,

I am based in Europe (Hamburg). Do post here (well, rather the Europe board), if you need any advice on Germany (Northern and Berlin in particular) or let me know of your e-mail address. I can contact you then.

schmerl

Your friend could park right at the airport and you could get together in the restaurant at the Airport Marriot. Just walk right across the street from the airport teminal. It's on the airport's grounds.

SenecaGirl

If you do end up making a change while you're in Europe, the change with the Philly ticket is $722 + difference. The change with the Atlanta ticket is $670 + difference. That's a $52 difference between your two options.

Is seeing your friend in Philly worth the extra $52 is you decide to change your trip while in Europe?

Airport Mariott is a good suggestion -- nice restaurant/bar area. The walkway is from Terminal B coming out of security -- don't even have to go outside!

yk

#1 - If I were you, I'd get the $645 ticket for the flexibiligy. 2.5 months is a long time, and I'm 99% sure you'll have a great time. BUT, in case you do need to change your flight, it's cheaper and easier to do so.

#2 - 5 hours layover is plenty of time to leave the PHL airport. My question is, is the itinerary all on 1 ticket? If yes, then at LAX you should have been checked-in thru AMS, and should have gotten your boarding pass for PHL-AMS. Then all you need to do is show up to the airport 1hr or 1hr 15 mins early to get thru security.

The airport is only 15 mins from the city by car. Your friend in Philly should know this, and you'll have plenty of time to catch up with her and have a decent meal in Center City.

SenecaGirl

yk -- here's the dilema -- the $645 ticket goes thru Atlanta, not Philly.

unemployed -- if you do go thru Philly, then yk is right about having already checked in and having your boarding pass.