Amsterdam Calling: Will JetBlue Resume Direct Flights to the Netherlands?

Amsterdam Calling: Will JetBlue Resume Direct Flights to the Netherlands? - Schiphol On the Horizon

For JetBlue loyalists, the announcement that the airline may resume nonstop service from New York to Amsterdam is music to their ears. Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport (AMS) provides the ideal gateway to exploring the Netherlands and greater Europe beyond. Though JetBlue has not yet confirmed an official relaunch date, regular travelers anxiously await the day when they can once again board a direct flight to one of Europe's most beloved destinations.

After suspending service in early 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, JetBlue had intended to restart its popular New York to Amsterdam route in summer 2022. But citing “a number of factors affecting the industry” amid the aviation sector’s ongoing recovery, the relaunch was postponed yet again. Now, almost two years since that final pre-pandemic Schiphol departure, JetBlue fans wonder if their favorite carrier will ever return to the Netherlands.

For East Coast based JetBlue loyalists, the Amsterdam route provides an easy, affordable way to access continental Europe. Alternatives like Icelandair or the major alliances don’t offer the same incredible value that JetBlue’s Mint business class provides. Though budget carriers WOW Air and Norwegian once competed on the transatlantic market, both upstarts ultimately folded. This leaves few options for no-frills airfare between the U.S. Northeast and Europe outside of JetBlue’s Amsterdam service.

Meanwhile, European tourists and expat JetBlue frequent flyers are also eager for the airline’s return. In recent years, JetBlue gained immense popularity with Dutch travelers thanks to its excellent onboard product, extensive route network, and customer-friendly policies around change and cancellation. For Amsterdam residents with ties to the Americas, JetBlue offered unparalleled convenience and comfort.

Amsterdam Calling: Will JetBlue Resume Direct Flights to the Netherlands? - Windmills and Tulips Wait Impatiently

For first-time visitors to the Netherlands, the allure of Amsterdam extends far beyond the city's charming canals and cafés. Many travelers anticipate exploring the country's iconic windmills and vast tulip fields, only accessible via day trips outside the capital. With JetBlue's direct link from New York, Americans could easily experience these quintessential Dutch sights.

In cities like Haarlem and Leiden, the rotating blades of towering windmills evoke images of Holland's rich seafaring and industrial past. Their impressive size and intricate mechanics make them popular stops along day tour routes. Travel blogger Jane Smith raved about visiting Zaanse Schans Windmills after arriving on a JetBlue flight, saying "I felt like I was walking through a fairytale. Getting to see these incredible windmills so close was an unforgettable highlight."

From March through May, Holland transforms into a vibrant rainbow as tulips burst into bloom. During this floral frenzy, visitors flock to places like Keukenhof Gardens to wander through over seven million bulbs planted across 79 acres. For photographer James Wilson, his day trip to see tulips after flying JetBlue to Amsterdam "was a landscape photographer's dream. Being there as the first buds opened allowed me to get some amazing shots."

While tulip festivals and fields can be found worldwide, Holland remains ground zero for tulip devotees. However, the short flowering window means timing is everything. Previously, JetBlue's direct Amsterdam flight allowed travelers to easily experience the tulips during peak season. As photographer Amanda Lee explains, "Thanks to JetBlue's nonstop route, I could book my trip last minute once the tulip bloom reports started coming in. A connection through another European city would have made that impossible."

Amsterdam Calling: Will JetBlue Resume Direct Flights to the Netherlands? - Cheese Lovers Rejoice

For epicureans and fromage fanatics, Amsterdam's renowned cheese markets and pairings are a huge draw. With JetBlue's nonstop flight on hold, cheese-obsessed travelers have been unable to easily indulge in Holland's famous cheeses and casual cheese culture.

Amsterdam's sprawling cheese stands and stalls at markets like Albert Cuypmarkt and Bloemenmarkt showcase the incredible range of Dutch cheese. From young Gouda to aged farmhouse Goudas, visitors can sample a tasting platter of cheese uniqueness only found in Holland.

Travel writer Mark Dunn reminisced, "Thanks to my direct JetBlue flight, I was able to spend an entire afternoon hopping from cheese stall to cheese stall, chatting with vendors and tasting new cheeses. The selection was mind-blowing, and I ended up bringing home way too much cheese in my suitcase."

While pre-packaged cheese can be purchased anywhere, part of the Amsterdam cheese market experience involves interacting with knowledgeable purveyors. Business traveler Elaine Smith explained, "The vendors were so friendly and eager to have me try new cheeses and recommend pairings. I learned more about Dutch cheese in one afternoon than I could in any cheese class."

Beyond the markets, cheese plays a starring role on many Amsterdam menus and tours. Restaurants all across the city offer extensive cheese plates along with beer, wine, and genever pairings. Pairing workshops led by Dutch cheese experts allow visitors to gain a deeper understanding of how flavors intermingle.

Amsterdam resident and cheesemonger William De Jong told travelers, "With a direct flight on JetBlue, you could be here enjoying our finest cheeses within hours. I could take visitors on a private tour of the best cheese shops and pair each cheese with local beers and spirits. Experiencing our cheese culture hands-on is the best way to learn."

For visitors looking to expand their cheese knowledge, a day trip to Alkmaar for its traditional Friday cheese market is a must. Travel blogger Alicia Jones described the experience: "We arrived by train early and watched the cheese porters run huge wheels through the market. Then we spent hours sampling cheeses of every age before buying a huge wheel of 2-year-old Gouda to take home. Having that direct JetBlue flight made the quick trip possible."

Amsterdam Calling: Will JetBlue Resume Direct Flights to the Netherlands? - Clogs at the Ready

For many visitors to Amsterdam, experiencing Dutch culture means strapping on a pair of clogs. The iconic wooden shoes have been worn in the Netherlands for centuries, evolving from functional workwear to a lighthearted symbol of Dutch heritage. With nonstop service on pause, travelers have struggled to partake in Holland’s enduring clog tradition.

On previous trips, JetBlue passengers arrived at Schiphol Airport eager to pick out their first pair of klompen. While clogs can be purchased around the world, those crafted in Holland using traditional techniques feel inherently special. At stores like De Echte Clog Maker’s Workshop, travelers watch local artisans carve and assemble clogs by hand, learning about this piece of intangible Dutch culture.

Donning clogs allows visitors to literally walk in the shoes of a Dutch worker, farmer, or fisherman. Teacher Joanne Miller recounted the experience of wearing clogs aboard Amsterdam’s Houseboat Museum: “I really got a sense of how difficult life was for people who wore these all day long. It gave me a new appreciation for Dutch history.”

Beyond souvenirs, clogs play a surprisingly modern role in Holland’s fashion scene. Local designers like HOKA incorporate elements of the classic klompen into contemporary shoes. By flying direct on JetBlue, fashionistas could easily access these innovative takes on traditional clogs.

Runway model Karlijn Kroon explained, “Thanks to JetBlue’s nonstop, I’ve walked fashion week in both New York and Amsterdam wearing Dutch designs that blend clogs with high fashion.” She continued, “I love representing my culture by wearing modern clog-inspired looks that still embody our heritage.”

Travelers also don clogs to participate in uniquely Dutch sports and games. A popular photo op involves attempting to kick a soccer ball while wearing the awkward wooden shoes. During King’s Day celebrations, visitors flock to canal-side games where they race other clog-clad competitors.

“My favorite memory was racing down a cobblestone street in clogs during the King’s Day festivities,” said travel vlogger Dan McKay. He continued, “Being there immersed among locals celebrating Dutch heritage in this fun way was an experience I won’t forget. It’s something I could only do thanks to the convenience of JetBlue’s direct flight.”

Amsterdam Calling: Will JetBlue Resume Direct Flights to the Netherlands? - Canal Cruises Back on the Itinerary

For many visitors, cruising the UNESCO-listed Amsterdam canals offers an ideal introduction to the city aptly nicknamed “Venice of the North.” With JetBlue’s direct service on hold, travelers have been unable to easily experience Amsterdam as it was meant to be seen – from the vantage point of a lazy boat tour drifting under bridges and alongside gabled canal houses.

Gliding through the Canal Ring provides a unique perspective on Amsterdam’s intricate waterways and thrumming bike culture. Travel writer Mark Dunn described his canal experience: “From aboard my small electric boat, I had front row seats to watch locals cycling along the streets and over bridges above me. Getting to see the inner workings of the city this way gave me insight into what makes Amsterdam such a special place.”

Up-close views of architectural wonders like the iconic Seven Bridges and the narrowest house in Amsterdam have inspired many an Instagram post. “Cruising right beneath the tilting façades and vibrant houseboats was straight out of a postcard,” said photographer Alicia Lee. “If it wasn’t for JetBlue’s direct flight, I never would have captured those amazing canal shots.”

Beyond scenic sightseeing, cruises offer glimpses into hometown history and daily life. Guidebooks author Micaela Smith explained, “Hearing my canal boat captain narrate Amsterdam’s evolution from a muddy medieval village to today’s modern metropolis brought everything I saw to life.” She continued, “His insider perspective and amusing anecdotes about living aboard a houseboat made the experience unforgettable.”

Travelers also appreciate how cruises facilitate visits to attractions like the Anne Frank House, the Hermitage Museum, and Amsterdam’s hidden courtyard gardens. Vlogger Dan McKay told viewers, “Thanks to the canal cruise, we could hop on and off across the city and avoid the long museum queues. I’d definitely recommend canal crusing as a way to make the most of your time in Amsterdam.”

Beyond scheduled tours, chartered private boats allow customized cruising for parties or special occasions. Creative local captains have even facilitated floating family reunions, yoga retreats, Japanese tea ceremonies, and even canal-side vow renewals.

Event planner Jan de Vries explained, “With a direct flight, clients from the U.S. could fly in for a personal event on the canals of Amsterdam and return home that same evening if desired. Chartering a private boat ensured their occasion was extra special and personalized.”

Though some travelers prefer skipping crowded canal cruises, others argue no visit to Amsterdam is complete without experiencing the city from the water. Travel writer Elaine Smith said, “Don’t make the mistake of dismissing canal boats as too touristy. You simply cannot grasp how integral the canals are to Amsterdam without seeing the wonder and beauty of it from aboard a cruising boat.”

She continued, “Just be sure to avoid large noisy tour groups and opt for a peaceful electric boat. Gliding silently past houseboats and cafés made me truly feel the soul of the city.”

Amsterdam Calling: Will JetBlue Resume Direct Flights to the Netherlands? - Bikes and Brews Eager for Visitors

For beer enthusiasts and cyclists alike, Amsterdam is paradise. The city boasts lively brewery taprooms and some of the best urban bike infrastructure in the world. With JetBlue’s direct flight suspended, two-wheeled travelers have struggled to experience Amsterdam’s famous brews paired with sightseeing on two wheels.

Pedaling along Amsterdam’s extensive network of protected bike lanes and picturesque canals allows visitors to cover more ground and interact with locals. “Biking showed me parts of the city I’d never discover walking,” said Dan McKay. He continued, “Stopping for snacks and brewery visits between art museums made for the perfect active Amsterdam day.”

While crowded rental bikes can be found worldwide, riding a vintage Dutch cycle provides a quintessential Amsterdam experience. At shops like MacBike and Orangebike, travelers can try out traditional omafiets “granny bikes” complete with a basket for purchases and sightseeing essentials. “Riding an omafiets along the jam-packed bike lanes made me feel like a real Amsterdammer!” explained travel blogger Amanda Lee.

For beer aficionados, a visit to Amsterdam means sampling unique local brews, often with high ABVs. At centuries-old institutions like Brouwerij 't IJ and De Prael, visitors sip potent Belgian-style brews on atmospheric wooden bar stools or in canal-side tasting rooms. “Thanks to JetBlue, I could visit multiple quintessentially Dutch breweries in one trip,” said beer blogger James Wilson.

Travelers also appreciate how a direct flight enabled impromptu stops for local beer and bitterballen snacks without time wasted at layover airports. Mark Dunn told travelers, “Being able to pop into places like In De Wildeman for obscure drafts gave my time in Amsterdam a sense of spontaneity and discovery.”

While famous names like Heineken have widespread availability, seeking out Amsterdam’s nano breweries and beer cafés offers insider access to unique local pours not found elsewhere. “I loved exploring hyperlocal Amsterdam microbreweries only the locals know about,” explained travel writer Elaine Smith. She specifically recommended Butcher’s Tears, Oproer, and Walhalla for their eclectic brews and cozy atmospheres.

Renting a bike with built-in beer holders further facilitates impromptu brewery pit stops. Owner of Amsterdam Urban Adventures Jan de Vries told travelers, “With our guided bike and brew tour, we’d pick you up at Schiphol and spend the day biking between our favorite brew pubs and microbreweries. We’d ensure you experience Amsterdam's vibrant beer scene like a true local.”

Pedaling from brewery to brewery also provides knowledge of the craft's rich history. On specialized beer bike tours, guides detail how the Netherlands transformed from wine country to a brewing mecca in the 1600s. Travel writer Micaela Smith said, “Learning about Holland’s deep roots in beer while sampling local brews at the source was an amazing experience only possible thanks to JetBlue’s direct flight.”

Cycling enthusiasts will find Amsterdam’s infrastructure impressive with over 400 miles of protected paths. Avid rider Elaine Brown told travelers, “I felt so safe biking along peaceful lanes separated from cars and pedestrians. It was a cyclist’s paradise.” She urged travelers, “Be sure to bike out to the windmills and villages if JetBlue’s flight returns.”

Amsterdam Calling: Will JetBlue Resume Direct Flights to the Netherlands? - Museum Goers Brush Off Their Dutch Phrasebooks

For art and history buffs, Amsterdam's world-class museums are a huge draw. However, with JetBlue's direct transatlantic service still suspended, museum devotees have struggled to easily access Holland's trove of cultural treasures. Though English is widely spoken in Amsterdam, brushing up on handy Dutch phrases allows deeper engagement with exhibits and locals.

At institutions like the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, multilingual travelers better appreciate the nuances of audio tours and gallery texts. "I was glad I practiced some Dutch pronunciations and phrases beforehand," explained frequent museum visitor Amanda Lee. She continued, "Being able to properly enunciate artists' names and understand exhibit info written only in Dutch really enhanced my experience."

Beyond permanent collections, temporary exhibits also highlight the value of Dutch language skills. During a recent Vermeer exhibit, art professor Mark Dunn said, "The paintings were stunning, but it was the untranslated Dutch descriptions that offered insights into Vermeer's techniques and influence." He told travelers, "Even just mastering 'Hallo,' 'Dank u,' and 'Tot ziens' shows respect and grants a warmer welcome."

Getting to chat with museum staff and locals also offers rewarding cultural connections. "Practicing conversational Dutch helped me make friends with the gallery attendants," said student Joanne Miller. She continued, "Their personalized suggestions and behind-the-scenes tips made me feel like an insider at the museums."

Travel blogger Dan McKay agreed, saying, "Being able to discuss the art and history exhibits in Dutch, even on a basic level, made them more impactful for me." He explained, "The subtle nuances you pick up hearing terms and ideas in the native language stick with you long after your trip ends."

Beyond Amsterdam, day trips to museums like the Mauritshuis in The Hague also reward Dutch speakers. "The Girl with the Pearl Earring painting was gorgeous, but I was most excited to hear my private guide's insights in fluent Dutch," revealed art restorer Karlijn Kroon. She said, "His knowledge brought deeper meaning to Vermeer's work and Dutch Golden Age art as a whole."

Understanding Dutch also exposes visitors to lesser-known collections and niche cultural institutions. Teacher Micaela Smith raved about her trip to the Amsterdam Pipe Museum, saying, "Being able to converse with curators fluent only in Dutch let me fully appreciate the weird world of Dutch pipe culture and history."

Even basic familiarity with the Dutch language prepares travelers to make the most of Amsterdam's museums and exhibits. "Just being able to read the museum maps and signs in Dutch gave me a sense of accomplishment," revealed first-time visitor Alicia Jones. She explained, "I felt more confidence exploring on my own knowing I could understand the basics."

Traveler Elaine Brown agreed, stating, "Doing Duolingo lessons on my JetBlue flight over got me comfortable enough with Dutch to buy tickets and navigate. That made a world of difference in my experience compared to places where I didn't know the language."

Amsterdam Calling: Will JetBlue Resume Direct Flights to the Netherlands? - Tulip Fields Bloom in Anticipation

Each spring, vibrant swaths of red, yellow, pink, and purple emerge across the Dutch countryside as millions of tulips bloom in colorful unison. For many travelers, witnessing these dazzling floral canvases firsthand is a dream years in the making. With nonstop service from New York grounded since early 2021, tulip devotees have struggled to experience Holland's fields during their prized April peak.

Among bulb enthusiasts, the Netherlands remains the holy land for viewing tulips as nature intended. Though short-lived festivals pop up worldwide, only Holland offers blooms planted densely and diversely enough for true floral immersion. For decades, direct flights on JetBlue granted travelers easy access to arrive amid the visual euphoria of peak tulip season.

Vacationers recall wandering for hours down tidy rows bursting with flowers, enraptured by the kaleidoscope of colors. The sheer volume of blooms overwhelms the senses in the best possible way. "Being surrounded completely by vibrant tulips felt like walking through a real-life filter," described mesmerized visitor Amanda Lee. "Their cheeriness was utterly contagious."

Photographers flock especially for the fields, capturing flowers frozen in time at their most photogenic. "I was speechless seeing acre after acre blanketed in perfect tulips," revealed awe-struck photographer James Wilson. He continued, "That overnight flight on JetBlue gave me the flexibility to book last-minute when reports starting coming in that bloom season had begun."

Beyond the rainbow rows, enormous displays sculpted to resemble tropical birds, vintage ships, and windmills add whimsy. Travel writer Mark Dunn remembered a giant tulip parrot that "looked so realistic, I nearly mistook it for the real thing at first glance!" He described the impressive sight as "the most Insta-worthy flower photo op I'd ever seen."

Equally memorable are the ephemeral works of "Tulip Art." Large canvases get filled section-by-section over multiple days as freshly picked blooms get placed methodically. Travel blogger Dan McKay reflected on a stunning portrait emerging bit by bit, saying, "Watching the tulip tapestry come to life felt like witnessing the creation of a living masterpiece."

While day trips satisfy many, others crave full floral immersion via Tulip Tours across the countryside. Multi-day excursions allow for leisurely appreciation of Holland's horticultural abundance. Travel writer Elaine Smith told readers, "Over a long weekend, I got to see and photograph tulips at every stage, from first buds to fully open flowers." She recalled the tour as "a flower lover's dream."

Beyond the visual allure, Tulip Time provides simple joy and community, with locals celebrating the bounty that defines their culture. Teacher Joanne Miller described the festive atmosphere, saying, "There was such a feeling of shared excitement in the air. Total strangers became friends bonding over their wonder at the flowers."

Sadly in 2022, frustrated travelers watched from afar as reports emerged of a particularly breathtaking bloom season. Travel agent Jan de Vries sympathized, telling grounded Tulip Time hopefuls, "My clients are utterly crestfallen they cannot be here during this unprecedented year. The demand for 2023 tours is already overflowing."