hifly15

I've got family connecting at AMS from HAM going onward to BHX with a 40 minute connection time, arriving and departing with KLM. I'm pretty sure this too little, what do you think?

KLflyerRalph

It really depends on the assigned gates. HAM is usually served by Fokker A/C's so they'll probably have a B-gate. In the worst case even a bus gate. That can really delay them.
UK bound flights however usually depart from the D-concourse. Right after passport control -which they'll have to clear in the terminal when going to the non-Schengen part-, so no hike to the furthest gates. Boarding closes ten minutes before departure, and they'll have to clear security at the gate. Pretty tight.
If the HAM flight is early, they'll probably make it. But if it is even slightly later, I don't think they will.

Aviatrix

40 minutes is the exact minimum connecting time at AMS. It's been the minimum connecting time since time immemorial, and although I've done 40 minute connections in recent years my personal opinion is that it's no longer appropriate except for Schengen-to-Schengen connections where you just walk from one gate to the next.

HAM flights are normally E190s and you normally disembark at a gate (I travel AMS-HAM a lot so this is from personal experience). I don't know, without looking it up, if BHX flights go from D6 (the bus gate) or one of the other D gates. D6 has the advantage that it's not far to go, but it's got the disadvantage that it's ten gates rolled into one with only one security checkpoint so you often have long queues.

MichielR

I assume the 40 minute HAM-AMS-BHX is the KL1781 to KL1431 one. KL1781 is operated by E190 and as pointed out these flights mostly arrive at the B 20's gates.

BHX B737 flights mostly depart at the 'low D' gates, not the D6 bus station.

B to D including passport control and security check is tight, KLM offer it as within the minimum connection time and there is a later flight to BHX...

I'd say yes if your familiy member knows AMS, can walk fast and holds a EU passport. Of course row 1 or row 17 on the E190 makes some difference as well...

hifly15

Now this is the other problem. They don't know AMS and one of them has to walk slowly.
For the better, i'll tell them to cancel it now, and move onto the next flight as it's not worth the risk of staying in AMS for a night or something if the next flight is full.

El_Duderito

In my experince bus gates for HAM-AMS are often used, even for the E190s which now serve the route exclusively afaik. With a bus gate a seat upfront won't help. Just last weekend I did a 55min connection HAM-AMS-MAN which was doable but I won't recommend. If passport control is slow it could become really tight.

But the: what is there to loose? When would the next BHX flight be?

KLflyerRalph

The next flight is the 21:45 KL1435. That's a long wait and there's a risk the flight is full so you'll need to stay overnight.

Aviatrix

How about booking assistance (i.e., a ride in an electric cart)? They'll jump the queues that way...

SDQBound

First time connecting in AMS. I am planning on booking this itinerary on 1/21/2012:

Delta – Flight 8400
Operated by Air France
Take-off Sat 7:15a CDG Paris, France
Landing Sat 8:35a AMS Amsterdam, Netherlands

Connection AMS Amsterdam, Netherlands 1h 15m
Delta – Flight 179 10h 35m
Take-off Sat 9:50a AMS Amsterdam, Netherlands
Landing Sat 11:25a PDX Portland, OR

Should I feel comfortable with the 1h15m?

Gajan

Should be fine as you are going from Schengen to Non-Schengen. The security will be done at the gate of your departing flight.

Gajan

KLflyerRalph

Is he able (as Delta FO) to use fast track immigration or is this only for AFKL Elite(+)s and ST Elite+?

SDQBound

Usually not. It's been hit or miss for me, but I've heard about other FO's not having luck at all. Will be a Delta GM by then though.

KLflyerRalph

IIRC there is a priority lane at passport control at least for AFKL elites and also ST Elite+. If lines are long you can use it.
But I think your time will be enough. Just no time for the lounge.

SQ325

Wasnt there a fast lane for short connections at the security/passportcontrol between B/C and D/E/F?

Gajan

Yes, but I believe only for Non-Schengen to Schengen.

Normally the queue for Schengen to Non-Schengen is not long as security is done at the gate while when entering the Schengen zone security is done there.