The best airlines with direct flights from Chicago to Amsterdam

United Airlines and Dutch-based airline KLM provide direct links between Chicago and Amsterdam. They are the only carriers that fly between Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam (as of January 2021). Both airlines are major players with global networks, with United delivering a strong business class experience and KLM offering a positive overall experience.

 

 

From Chicago to Amsterdam with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

 

KLM operates one flight daily from Chicago to Amsterdam, departing in the evening and arriving in the Netherlands the next morning. A member of the SkyTeam alliance, the airline also has a daily service from Amsterdam to Chicago. Direct flights are generally operated on Boeing 787-9 or 777-200 aircraft.

 

Long-haul flights between Amsterdam and Chicago offer spacious cabins and diverse in-flight entertainment. World Business Class offers a more personalised service with fine dining, priority boarding, and fully flat seats in a dedicated cabin. In Economy Class, passengers have a choice of complimentary meals and on-demand seatback entertainment. For extra room, premium seats offer more space in Economy.

 

For World Business Class passengers, the Air France-KLM Lounge is in Terminal 5 at O’Hare. The lounge sits between Gates M8 and M7 after security. Perks include a selection of hot and cold meals as well as refreshments. There is free Wi-Fi and a diverse collection of local and international newspapers. In Amsterdam, travellers to Chicago have access to the two-floor KLM Non-Schengen Crown Lounge at Schiphol. You can enjoy a hot shower or rest in a sleep cabin before your flight. You can also savour a meal or snack at the Blue restaurant.

 

If you are looking for the best overall airline with direct flights between Chicago and Amsterdam, KLM is your choice. KLM is a leading European airline with a global network. The Dutch airline also has a strong reputation. Skytrax, a leader in airline ratings and reviews, recognises KLM as a 4-star airline. Four-star airlines deliver good overall performance in terms of quality and product standards. In 2019, the organisation also ranked KLM 18th in its list of the world’s best airlines. KLM was also nominated for the World’s Leading Airline to Europe, Europe’s Leading Airline, World’s Leading Cabin Crew and more for the 2020 World Travel Awards.

 

 

Flying with United Airlines to Amsterdam

 

From March 2021, United offers daily flights between Chicago and Amsterdam. These flights are generally operated on Boeing 767-300 aircraft. Like KLM, flights to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport depart in the evening and arrive the next morning. Flights to Chicago O’Hare depart and arrive on the same day.

 

United flights between the two cities feature business and economy services. United Polaris business class includes a five-course meal, mid-flight snacks and a pre-arrival meal. Sophisticated lie-flat seats have electronic privacy dividers and premium amenities. United Economy features complimentary three-course meal service and a mid-flight snack. For more space, Economy Plus has extra legroom closer to the front of the aircraft. Seatback on-demand entertainment is available throughout the aircraft.

 

In Chicago, the United Polaris Lounge at Terminal 5 is an exclusive space for international premium cabin travellers. The contemporary lounge has relaxation areas, rest pods and spa-like showers. A multi-course dining experience, à la carte snacks and a wide range of beverages are other perks. At Schiphol, United passengers can access the stylish Star Alliance Lounge. Modern workspaces and a selection of food and drink are available. Travellers with United also have access to the Aspire Lounge in the Non-Schengen area of the airport. The lounge features free internet access, beverages and snacks. Showers, workstations and a TV area are also available.

 

United has a 3-star rating from Skytrax, meaning it delivers a fair quality of service or about average for the industry. In 2019, the industry organisation ranked United 68th in the world. The airline’s business class product, however, has a strong reputation. In 2019, Skytrax ranked United Airlines’ business class seats sixth in the world. United also ranked second best for its lounge dining and eighth for business class amenities. For the 2020 World Travel Awards, United was nominated for North America’s Leading Airline.

 

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