Helping travelers to find the cheapest flights and learn more about the airline
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TUI Airlines Netherlands
OR
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TFL
Country of registration
Official website
Address
Netherlands, Amsterdam, Piet Guilonardweg, 15, 1117 EE
TUI Airlines Netherlands (IATA: OR) was founded in 2005 as Arkefly and rebranded under the TUI Group as TUI fly Netherlands in 2015. The carrier operates short- and long-haul holiday services to Mediterranean, Canary Islands and Caribbean destinations. Strengths include integration with a major tour operator, competitive holiday fares, and a relatively modern fleet; weaknesses are a seasonal, leisure-focused network, limited business connectivity, basic in-flight service for standard fares and variable punctuality. It operates as a leisure/low-cost-hybrid airline and is not consistently listed with a separate Skytrax rating.
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TUI fly Netherlands (IATA: OR) does accept pets, but under clear conditions designed to keep animals and fellow passengers safe. In most cases only dogs and cats are carried, either in the cabin if they are small enough or in the aircraft hold if they are larger. Space for animals is limited on every flight, so you’ll need to request carriage in advance and wait for written confirmation before making the rest of your plans. Some routes and aircraft types have tighter rules or do not accept pets at all, and only trained assistance dogs are guaranteed carriage in the cabin. Think of the process as two steps: first, confirm eligibility for your itinerary and animal; second, prepare the right carrier, documents, and timing.
If your pet is petite, cabin travel is usually possible. OR typically permits a small dog or cat in a soft, leak-proof, well-ventilated carrier that fits completely under the seat in front of you; expect maximum external dimensions around 45 × 35 × 25 cm, and a total weight limit of about 8 kg including the animal and carrier. The carrier must stay closed at all times, your pet must be able to turn and lie down comfortably, and you won’t be able to sit in bulkhead or exit rows. Only one pet per passenger is normally allowed, and the airline caps the total number in the cabin for each flight, so early requests help.
For larger pets, the pressurized, temperature-controlled hold is the alternative. You’ll need an IATA-compliant hard-sided kennel with secure metal fasteners, ventilation on multiple sides, and room for the animal to stand, turn, and lie naturally; water/food containers must be affixed inside. As a guide, many routes accept a combined animal + kennel weight up to about 32 kg as checked baggage, while heavier pets may have to move via air cargo; snub‑nosed breeds are often refused in the hold for safety. Weather and tarmac temperature restrictions apply, and OR may decline hold transport during extreme heat or cold to protect your pet. Always confirm the maximum kennel size the aircraft door can accommodate for your specific flight.
You’ll need to add a pet request through Manage Booking or via OR customer service; the team will confirm availability and suitability for your route before you pay. Fees apply per flight segment and differ for cabin versus hold, and in some cases by distance; they’re due at booking or at the airport per the confirmation. Changes to your ticket can void the pet reservation, so re-confirm if you rebook or upgrade. Arrive early to check in at a staffed desk—self-service kiosks typically can’t process animal acceptance—and allow time for document checks and kennel inspection.
EU travel has straightforward requirements, but timing matters. Your pet must be microchipped (ISO 11784/11785), vaccinated against rabies, and—if this is the first rabies shot—wait at least 21 days before departure; for most cross-border trips this means the pet is effectively at least 15 weeks old. For EU/Schengen journeys, an EU Pet Passport or an official EU health certificate is needed; for non‑EU destinations, expect an endorsed veterinary certificate and sometimes an import permit or pre‑approval. Dogs bound for certain countries (for example the UK, Ireland, Finland, Norway, Malta) usually require a tapeworm treatment within 24–120 hours before entry. Trained assistance dogs travel in the cabin free of charge on most routes with advance approval and documentation; emotional support animals are not recognized as service animals under EU rules.
OR’s policy is focused on dogs and cats; birds, reptiles, amphibians, rodents, and exotic species are not accepted as cabin or checked pets. Brachycephalic (snub‑nosed) breeds are heavily restricted—generally barred from the hold and only allowed in the cabin if they meet the small‑pet conditions without stress. Local laws can overrule airline acceptance: the United Kingdom and some other countries have strict entry pathways that typically do not allow pets to arrive as cabin baggage, and certain islands may require carriage only as cargo or may prohibit pet import entirely. Pregnant animals, unweaned litters, or pets recovering from surgery are commonly refused for welfare reasons. If your itinerary includes a change of aircraft or an overnight layover, reconfirm that pets are accepted on every segment and at any transit point.
A stress-free journey starts weeks before departure. Let your pet nap in the carrier at home, gradually extend the time with the door closed, and add an old T‑shirt or familiar blanket so the scent is calming. Feed a light meal four to six hours before check‑in, top up water just before security, and line the carrier with an absorbent pad; avoid sedation unless your vet insists, as sedatives can be risky at altitude. Attach an ID tag and tape your contact details and itinerary to the carrier, keep photocopies of all documents in your hand luggage, and carry a spare leash. On the day, exercise your pet just before entering the terminal, arrive early, and keep your expectations flexible—weather or operational limits can trigger last‑minute changes, and it helps to have a backup plan.
Policies can change and may vary by route, season, and aircraft. For the most reliable outcome, confirm your specific flight’s acceptance, dimensions, and fees with TUI fly Netherlands in writing before you book the rest of your trip, and coordinate with your vet no later than a month before departure to meet every deadline.
When you book with TUI fly Netherlands (IATA: OR), the age on the day you fly determines what kind of ticket you need. An infant is generally a child under 2 years old; a child is typically 2–11; from 12 and up you’re treated as an adult for fares. If you’re on a return ticket, the rules usually look at the age on the return flight—so a toddler who turns two before flying home must have a child seat and ticket for that sector. Only one lap infant is allowed per accompanying adult, and for safety reasons infants and children can’t be seated in exit rows.
Most families choose the lap-infant option for under‑2s: your baby travels on your lap with a special infant safety belt provided by the crew. It’s simple and affordable, but remember your infant won’t have their own seat and must be held during taxi, take‑off, landing, and turbulence. If you prefer your baby in their own seat, book them as a child and bring an approved car seat; this is the most secure setup and especially helpful on longer flights. TUI fly Netherlands aims to seat families together, but seating is based on availability—the only way to guarantee sitting together is to pre‑select seats (fees may apply), and infants may only sit in certain rows for safety.
Children with their own seat follow the baggage rules shown on their ticket or package—cabin and checked allowances match the fare you chose. Infants on laps usually have a more limited allowance; many fares permit you to bring essential baby items (like a small diaper bag) in addition to your own cabin item, while some package bookings include a small checked allowance for the infant. Because allowances differ by route and fare brand, it’s best to check your booking confirmation or Manage Booking before you pack. Liquids rules are kinder to families: you may bring baby milk, sterilized water, and baby food in reasonable quantities—declare them at security, and keep them separate from your other liquids.
A lightweight stroller/buggy is typically accepted free of charge for each child and can often be used right up to the gate. The team will tag it, place it in the hold, and return it at the aircraft door or the baggage belt depending on the airport; protect it with a cover if you can. Car seats are welcome when you’ve purchased a seat for your child, provided they’re (look for FAA/EASA wording or a TÜV “For use in aircraft” label), fit within the seat width, and are installed at a window seat—not in exit or bulkhead rows the crew needs to access. On long‑haul flights operated by the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a small number of may be available at bulkhead seats; request one early, as they’re limited, subject to weight/size limits, and can’t be used during taxi, take‑off, landing, or turbulence.
If you’re flying TUI Airlines Netherlands (TUI fly Netherlands, IATA: OR), it helps to reset expectations: the airline does not run a traditional frequent‑flyer program. There are no points balances to track, no elite tiers to climb, and no global alliance to lean on. Instead, TUI focuses on leisure travel with simple fares and paid add‑ons, so your perks are tied to what you buy for each trip. A free My TUI account can still be handy for managing bookings and traveler details, but it doesn’t accrue miles. In other words, there’s no built‑in mileage currency—yet there are still smart ways to earn value around your TUI flights.
Because there’s no frequent‑flyer scheme, there are no status tiers to qualify for with OR flights. You won’t find thresholds based on segments or spend, and you won’t unlock automatic lounge access, priority services, or bonus mileage multipliers. Benefits with TUI are primarily fare‑based: bundles that include checked baggage, seat selection, or extra legroom are available to purchase, and their value depends on your route and travel dates. Think of TUI as a pay‑for‑what‑you‑want model rather than a status game. If you love elite perks, you can still replicate many of them independently—just not through an airline tier.
Even without airline points, you can earn rewards on the payment side. Using a credit card that awards extra points for travel purchases—or lets you turn points into statement credits—means your TUI tickets, seat fees, and baggage add‑ons can still generate returns. Cashback sites and OTA loyalty schemes can also be helpful when booking hotels or activities around your flight. If your trip includes a chain hotel or car rental, credit those components to their own programs; eligibility varies for package rates, but it’s always worth asking at check‑in and keeping your membership numbers on file.
A practical rule is to treat TUI tickets like any other travel spend: pay with a strong rewards card, stack legitimate cashback where possible, and consolidate the rest of your holiday with partners that do award points. That way, your overall trip still produces a healthy stream of rewards—even if the airline itself doesn’t issue miles.
Because TUI doesn’t offer mileage redemptions, your best path is through . Many banks let you book flights in their travel portals (where TUI fares often appear) or redeem points as a statement credit against any travel‑coded purchase. That means you can effectively “pay with points” for the base fare, seat selection, meals, and baggage. If you prefer cash, general cashback works the same way—erase part of the cost and keep the trip affordable.
TUI Airlines Netherlands (IATA: OR), branded as TUI fly Netherlands, runs a compact, all‑Boeing fleet tailored to Dutch holiday travel. You’ll most often see the airline’s short/medium‑haul Boeing 737s shuttling to the Med and Canaries, while wide‑body Dreamliners connect Amsterdam with the Caribbean and long‑haul sun spots. In day‑to‑day operation the fleet counts around a dozen aircraft, with the balance shifting slightly each season as frames rotate within the wider TUI Group. Today that mix centers on the Boeing 737‑800, the newer Boeing 737‑8 (MAX 8), and a small sub‑fleet of Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliners. Seasonal wet‑leases from sister airlines (or ACMI partners) can appear during peak summer to back up the core OR fleet.
For most routes, the 737s are your ride. The 737‑800 remains a reliable workhorse, usually in a single‑cabin 3‑3 layout with about 189 seats</u). Expect the Boeing Sky Interior with larger bins and LED mood lighting; up front and at the exits, an Economy Comfort section offers extra legroom compared with the standard 29–30 inch pitch. The newer 737‑8 feels quieter and more fuel‑efficient, with similar seating density and 3‑3 layout, and—on most frames—USB power at many rows. If you’re choosing seats, picking the extra‑legroom rows on either 737 type is the simplest upgrade for longer holiday sectors.
Long‑haul brings you the 787‑8 Dreamliner, which TUI configures in two cabins: a dedicated Premium Comfort cabin (2‑3‑2) and a 3‑3‑3 Economy cabin. Premium Comfort typically offers a roomier seat and a pitch closer to 38 inches, while Economy sits around 31–32 inches with the Dreamliner’s signature larger windows and electronic dimming. Humidity and cabin pressure are lower than older wide‑bodies, which many travelers find more comfortable on overnight returns. You’ll find these aircraft on flagship leisure routes such as Curaçao, Aruba and Bonaire, often combining islands on one rotation when demand calls for it.
The 737‑8 deliveries from late 2010s onward are the newest narrow‑bodies, and more have joined since the type’s return to service in Europe. The 787‑8s arrived in the mid‑2010s and continue to anchor long‑haul; they’re among the most modern wide‑bodies based in the Netherlands for leisure flying. The oldest frames are generally built in the late 2000s/early 2010s, many upgraded with winglets and refreshed cabins to keep them consistent with the brand. Because TUI reallocates aircraft across its European AOCs, you may notice small interior differences, but OR aims to keep the experience familiar.
TUI fly Netherlands (IATA: OR) keeps things straightforward, with a single economy cabin and optional extra‑legroom seats, so your meal experience is shaped mainly by route length. On most short and medium European and North African flights, you’ll find the buy‑on‑board TUI Café, offering fresh sandwiches, wraps, sweet and savory snacks, and hot and cold drinks throughout the flight. For mid‑haul leisure routes such as the Canary Islands or Cape Verde, the café service usually remains standard; on many departures you can pre‑order a hot meal for a fee if you prefer something more substantial. Long‑haul services on the Dreamliner to the Caribbean and the Americas typically include a complimentary hot meal after take‑off and a lighter second service before landing. A selection of soft drinks is commonly included with the main service on long‑haul, while extra snacks and alcoholic beverages can be purchased from the TUI Café menu. Specific offerings can vary by flight and season, so it’s wise to check your booking for what’s included.
If you follow a special diet, TUI fly Netherlands offers a limited but helpful set of pre‑order options on selected flights. These are designed to cover the most common needs and are best requested well in advance to ensure loading. You’ll still find vegetarian items in the TUI Café, but hot special meals must be arranged beforehand for reliable availability. Remember that aircraft galleys are compact and shared, so strict segregation of allergens is not guaranteed.
• Vegetarian (lacto‑ovo) • Vegan • Gluten‑free (wheat‑free) • Lactose‑free/dairy‑free
After ordering, expect your special meal to be served before the general service, which helps you settle in sooner. Religious meals such as halal or kosher are not offered on many routes, and nut‑free environments cannot be guaranteed; packaging is labelled, but cross‑contact may occur. If you have severe allergies, carry your medication, make the crew aware, and consider bringing your own sealed food as a backup. You may bring your own cold food on board (liquid rules still apply), which is a good idea for children or very specific diets.
You’ll have access to water, soft drinks, juices, tea, and coffee on all routes, with inclusions differing by distance and fare. On long‑haul, soft drinks are generally complimentary during the main meal, while additional rounds and all alcoholic beverages align with the paid TUI Café menu. Beer, wine, and a small range of spirits are sold on most flights, and service is provided responsibly at the crew’s discretion. As with other EU carriers, consuming your own alcohol on board is not permitted, and ID may be requested to verify you are 18+. For comfort, you can always ask for water between services; the crew will help as soon as it’s safe to do so.
In-flight entertainment on TUI Airlines Netherlands (OR) is shaped by the aircraft and route. On long‑haul services operated by the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, you’ll have your own seatback touchscreen with a broad library ready from gate to gate. On most short‑ and medium‑haul flights using the Boeing 737 family, entertainment is more streamlined; expect limited built‑in options and, on some aircraft, a simple wireless portal you can open on your own phone or tablet. If streaming isn’t available on your flight, the classic moving map, cabin announcements, and the onboard magazine step in to keep you company. Features can vary by tail number, so it’s always wise to check your pre‑departure email or the aircraft type in your booking.
The 787 library blends recent Hollywood releases, family favorites, and European cinema, with many titles available in Dutch and English and subtitles on a good share of the catalog. TV choices usually cover travel and nature, lifestyle, comedy, and kids’ series, so it’s easy to dip in for a single episode or binge a whole mini‑season. Music sections offer curated playlists across pop, dance, classics, and easy listening, plus ambient tracks perfect for resting at altitude. Simple casual games—think puzzles, trivia, and card games—round things out when you want something interactive without using your own battery.
On the Dreamliner, just plug in your headphones and browse the menu; content is typically complimentary, and you’ll find a USB port at the seat for top‑ups. Most seats support a standard 3.5 mm jack; if you prefer your own headset, pack an adapter just in case. On select 737s, a lightweight onboard Wi‑Fi network may host a walled‑garden portal for streaming movies and shows to personal devices—no internet browsing, but a tidy library that opens in your mobile browser. Bring a fully charged device and wired headphones; power outlets are not guaranteed on the 737, while the 787 commonly provides USB power and, on some seats, AC.
Libraries are refreshed regularly and licensed from major studios and European distributors, curated by specialist IFE partners to balance new releases (typically 6–8 months post‑cinema) with comfort‑watch classics. Menus are easy to navigate in Dutch and English, and children’s sections are clearly labeled to help you keep viewing family‑friendly. Expect a crisp moving map with flight stats and estimated arrival time, plus destination shorts that help you plan those first hours on the ground. It’s not a mega‑hub carrier’s catalogue, but for a holiday airline the mix feels thoughtfully chosen and refreshingly up to date.
For short and medium flights, food is typically buy‑on‑board, so bringing familiar snacks is wise. On long‑haul services, a hot meal service is usually provided and children’s options may be available on select routes—pre‑order when offered. You’re welcome to bring baby food and ask the crew for hot water to warm bottles (boiling isn’t possible onboard). Entertainment differs by aircraft: long‑haul 787s offer seatback screens with kids’ movies, while 737s on shorter routes may have limited or no built‑in IFE—download shows to a tablet and pack kid‑sized headphones. Families with young children are often invited to pre‑board; listen for the gate announcement and have strollers tagged early to keep the flow stress‑free.
Flying with kids is smoother when you plan the small things. Keep passports handy and, if you’re traveling solo with a minor, bring any required consent letters. Dress kids in layers, pack a spare outfit for everyone, and split essentials across two bags in case one ends up in the overhead bin. For take‑off and landing, feeding, a pacifier, or sips of water help equalize ear pressure; for older children, teach a gentle Valsalva. And remember: seatbelts must stay fastened when the sign is on—even for naps—so consider a familiar blanket and quiet toy.
Policies can vary by route and change over time. Before departure, review your exact fare rules and any child‑specific services in your TUI fly Netherlands booking, and submit any requests—like bassinets or special meals—as early as possible. That bit of prep pays off with a calmer airport, a safer setup in the cabin, and a more comfortable flight for you and your child.
Upgrades on TUI are typically cash‑only. When available, you’ll see options for extra legroom or higher‑comfort seating in Manage Booking or at the airport. TUI isn’t part of an alliance and has no standing airline partners for award tickets, so there’s nothing to transfer miles into. For non‑flight perks, consider lounge day passes or membership programs—these are independent of TUI but pair nicely with a leisure itinerary.
You can recreate much of the traditional “status experience” à la carte. Pre‑purchase checked baggage and cabin bags to lock in the best price and avoid airport surcharges. Pay for seat selection early if sitting together matters, and look for extra‑legroom rows on longer routes. For lounge time, use a card‑provided membership (Priority Pass, DragonPass) or buy access at many Dutch and holiday‑destination airports; it’s an easy comfort boost even without airline status.
Fast‑track security and priority services are airport‑specific and usually offered for a fee, so check your departure airport’s options. If your route is operated by a widebody aircraft, a limited number of higher‑comfort seats may appear close to departure; these are also sold for cash. None of this relies on tiers—just on planning and, sometimes, timing.
In short, while TUI fly Netherlands doesn’t offer a miles‑and‑status ecosystem, you can still craft meaningful, flexible value around every OR flight. Pay with the right card, pre‑plan the add‑ons that matter, and use independent lounge and insurance benefits to soften the journey—an easy, transparent approach that fits TUI’s leisure‑first model.
TUI fly Netherlands is steadily shifting capacity from the 737‑800 to the 737‑8, reflecting lower fuel burn and longer range. Additional 737‑8s from the TUI Group orderbook are expected to trickle in over the next seasons, while older 737‑800s retire or move within the Group. The 787‑8 will remain the long‑haul backbone from Amsterdam, with occasional support from sister airlines’ Dreamliners during peaks. Short‑term summer leases are likely to continue as a flexible tool, ensuring frequencies to popular islands and Mediterranean destinations. In short: more new‑gen narrow‑bodies, fewer older NGs, and stable long‑haul capacity.
The shift to 737‑8 and 787‑8 is central to TUI’s emissions plan, trimming fuel burn by roughly 15–20% versus previous generations. OR also leans on best practices—single‑engine taxi, continuous descent approaches, lighter catering carts, and fully digital flight bags—to cut weight and save fuel on every leg. At Amsterdam, the airline supports the roll‑out of Sustainable Aviation Fuel; under the EU’s ReFuelEU rules, SAF blending begins at 2% in 2025 and rises over time, and TUI integrates these mandates across its network. Cabins and maintenance programs target circularity where possible, from recycling to longer‑life cabin materials. It’s not a silver bullet, but a practical blend of newer planes, smarter flying, and more sustainable fuel when available.
TUI fly Netherlands is the only Dutch leisure carrier regularly operating the Dreamliner, a perk on those overnight Caribbean returns. Many aircraft carry Dutch registrations beginning with PH‑, and spotters will notice the distinctive split‑tip winglets on the 737‑8 versus blended or scimitar winglets on the 737‑800. The airline often runs “triangle” itineraries among the ABC islands, letting one 787 serve multiple destinations efficiently in a single duty day. As part of the TUI Group, OR helped bring the 737‑8 back into European service once recertified, pairing safety upgrades with pilot re‑training. And yes—the consistent cabins, blue mood lighting, and those big Dreamliner windows are all part of the plan to make the aircraft feel familiar across your holiday journeys.
Pre‑ordered hot meals and special diets are typically available to add via Manage My Booking or through your travel agent up to about 48 hours before departure (some routes close orders earlier). Pre‑ordering not only secures your choice but also ensures early delivery in the service flow, which can be helpful on busy flights. On board, payments are usually cashless; major debit/credit cards and contactless methods are accepted, though offline processing means a backup physical card is sensible. If your trip is a package holiday, your documents will show whether meals are included on your specific flights. Menus, brands, and portion sizes can change without notice due to catering stations and seasonality, so treat your booking and pre‑order confirmation as the most reliable guide.
The overall approach favors familiar, holiday‑friendly flavors with a few regional touches where practical. On long‑haul, expect comforting mains such as chicken with rice, pasta bakes, or mild curries, with a salad, roll, and a small dessert; before landing, a lighter snack or breakfast is common. European routes lean on fresh sandwiches, wraps, pastries, and recognizable snack brands, plus proper tea and coffee. TUI fly Netherlands does not promote a celebrity‑chef program; instead, it works with established European caterers and stocks branded beverages and treats you’ll recognize. That balance keeps the offer simple, good‑value, and predictable while leaving room for a few seasonal surprises.
If a hot meal matters to you on a mid‑haul sector, pre‑order—it’s the easiest way to avoid disappointment. For long flights, bring a refillable bottle to top up after security and ask for water mid‑flight to stay hydrated. Families and travelers with dietary needs should pack a small snack buffer; ovens are limited on narrow‑bodies, and popular items can sell out. Keep any necessary medications and allergen cards accessible, and let the crew know discreetly about severe allergies. Finally, remember that extra‑legroom seating doesn’t change meal entitlements—service is the same across the cabin, with timing adjusted by the crew for safety and efficiency.
Across cabins, the content library is generally the same, so you won’t miss a headline movie if you’re not in the front. What can differ on the 787 is hardware: the forward premium cabin (sold on select long‑haul routes) typically features a larger screen and upgraded headsets, while Economy and extra‑legroom rows share the standard display and can purchase or use their own headphones. Service elements—like a welcome drink or meal choices—may change by cabin, but the entertainment choice remains inclusive, keeping the whole cabin on equal footing.
For now, OR does not consistently offer full internet Wi‑Fi for email or social media across its fleet. Where a wireless system is installed, it’s mainly there to stream the onboard catalogue and show the map; you connect to the aircraft’s network but stay offline beyond the portal. That means messaging apps and browsing won’t work in the air, so plan downloads before boarding. If staying connected is essential, enable roaming for arrival and consider offline maps, playlists, and shows queued at home.
TUI works with established entertainment providers to license films, series, and music from major Hollywood studios and European catalogues, blending global hits with regional picks that resonate with Dutch travelers. The result is a balanced set designed for holiday moods—comforting, easy to navigate, and family‑friendly—without overwhelming you with choice. Behind the scenes, specialists manage updates and metadata so you can search by genre, language, or length, which is especially handy on shorter sectors.
Availability can vary by aircraft, route, and season; features may change without notice. For the latest on your specific flight with TUI Airlines Netherlands (OR), check Manage Booking close to departure or the inflight magazine once seated. Enjoy the journey, and let the screen do the time‑zone juggling for you.