CO / KLM connection in AMS
 

I have a connecting flight coming up on CO EWR - AMS - MXP (Unfortunately, CO doesn't have daily service to Milan anymore and I have to connect).

I was just wondering if anyone has any opinions on the connections in AMS. I know they don't have pre assigned seats for the connection. Are they assigned at check in or is it free-for-all come boarding time?

I remember doing a connection EWR-CDG-NCE last year CO to AF and it was a horrible ordeal.

I'm just hoping KLM might treat Onepass elite's a little better than AF. (I noticed Gold's can "preboard" but wonder if this is true as well)

Any suggestions/opinions? (hope I didn't open a can of worms http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Thanks

While I cannot speak for the connections, I can tell you that Schiphol is one great airport! If you have the time, go shopping! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Andrew:
Whenever I have connected from NW to KL flights in AMS to go to places like VCE or FRA, you need to go thru immigration, at your first entry into Europe (AMS), since your travel onward will be considered 'domestic' and you will not clear immigration/customs at your final stop. I believe that most European countries are involved in this process (called the 'Shengen' (sp) area). The walk from where you disembark from CO/NW to your KLM flight can be VERY LONG, although passing thru immigration is usually fast.

Schiphol is one of the best hub airports in Europe, much better than CDG; no worries here. You'll have to clear immigration to cross over to the Schengen area. If you have a long layover, you might want to check the non-Schengen area first.

If you are flying KLM on AMS-MXP you should get your seat assignment for that flight upon check-in at EWR. I always got my connecting KL BP beforehand even when flying from SFO or NRT.

Elites have a good chance of getting an European C-class seat (2+3 across, quite comfortable) at the front of the Y cabin on 737's, behind the moveable curtain. There are usually 3-6 rows left to be assigned to elites (probably KL>NW>CO), even though one cannot request them before check-in. Enquire politely at check-in, if your row number is in the low teens you are set.

There is no pre-boarding in Schiphol due to the layout of the boarding areas. One has to clear additional security (handcarry x-ray + boarding pass scan) before being admitted into each gate's waiting area, preventing any elite screening at boarding time. There are very few seats within those waiting areas: go either early or late, or you'll spend a long time standing. Some gates are a good 10+ minutes walk from the 'heart' of the giant octopus Schiphol is: time yourself accordingly, as there is nothing to do in the 'legs'.

The walk to your gate on your way back will be much shorter, as the departure area for US flights is close to the 'heart'. However the security checks are much longer.
You may wish to tear out the page listing walking times at AMS from the KLM magazine on your MXP-AMS flight for future reference.


[This message has been edited by monahos (edited 01-30-2002).]

Really? In approximately 15 KL intra-EU trips over the last 3 years as a NW Plat, I may have been "upgraded" to the C cabin once. And that includes itineraries on which I had upgraded (using miles) to C-class on the US-AMS sectors. Must get an image consultant :-)

Pushpak

Sorry, speaking of my experience as a KL elite... I never made it to the C cabin on a Y fare intra-Europe, just to a C seat with Y service.

Being in upgraded C on the intercontinental leg makes absolutely no difference, KLM being stingy with free upgrades http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif. The concept of free upgrades for elites has not made it past the Atlantic I am afraid.

I have been upgraded on KLM intra Europe and also intercontinental KLM flights by KLM frequently.

I have been a KLM RoyalWing elite for about 6 years now, although recently slipped to SilverWing, and I have never bought anything other than the cheapest fare possible.

Generally it has been when I've had an overnightin amsterdam and so had to checkin for my onward connection.
On the AMS to LIS route I would say my upgrade rate is about 3 in 4

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