Delta and KLM both promise me a 55 min transfer at AMS
Jul 10, 2018, 1:29 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 375
Delta and KLM both promise me a 55 min transfer at AMS
Flying BCN to AMS on (real) KLM, and connecting to DL to Seattle. I'm aware of the Fast Track and short connection passport lanes, but do I also have to factor time for a security check, or is an intra-Schengen flight considered safe? And will the Delta US flights pre-check desk let the gate know if we're running late?
Jul 10, 2018, 1:43 pm
#2
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: NJ
Programs: DL DM, Marriott Plat
Posts: 867
Flying BCN to AMS on (real) KLM, and connecting to DL to Seattle. I'm aware of the Fast Track and short connection passport lanes, but do I also have to factor time for a security check, or is an intra-Schengen flight considered safe? And will the Delta US flights pre-check desk let the gate know if we're running late?
I can't speak to the notification from D1/E1 if you're running late, but FWIW, even though DL has signage about gates closing 20 minutes (or maybe it's 30 minutes?) prior to departure, I've seen people board as soon as 5 mins before the door closes.
Jul 10, 2018, 1:47 pm
#3
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Washington, DC, Chapel Hill, NC (RDU)
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Flying BCN to AMS on (real) KLM, and connecting to DL to Seattle. I'm aware of the Fast Track and short connection passport lanes, but do I also have to factor time for a security check, or is an intra-Schengen flight considered safe? And will the Delta US flights pre-check desk let the gate know if we're running late?
I had 2 short connections in AMS in the last month -- US arrival to Schengen was about 65 minutes -- in the morning rush -- showed my boarding pass and was sent through the short connection line at EU passport control.
And Schengen (mid C gate) arrival to Asia departure from a high F gate, because of delay that was only 40 minutes. Made it with time to spare. Again, went through the short connection line at passport control.
55 minutes is doable, but tight.
Bags may not make it if they are checked.
Jul 10, 2018, 1:49 pm
#4
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Washington, DC, Chapel Hill, NC (RDU)
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Unless you get a talkative agent -- last week the guy interviewing me on the SP side wanted to know about how I liked Budapest and tell me what he thought of it. Maybe it was part of a heightened security check because he though I might be a risk?
Jul 10, 2018, 2:14 pm
#5
Join Date: Dec 2009
Programs: Hilton Diamond Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,180
Last time coming back from Slovakia through Amsterdam the guy interviewing me acted like I was coming back from Syria or something. He wanted to know exactly what I did, why I went there, how I booked my tickets, among others. He wanted my boarding pass from my flights into the EU as well. He also asked how long my flights and bus rides were between the cities I visited. It was quite odd. It really depends on the agent I guess.
Jul 10, 2018, 3:28 pm
#7
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: NJ
Programs: DL DM, Marriott Plat
Posts: 867
Last time coming back from Slovakia through Amsterdam the guy interviewing me acted like I was coming back from Syria or something. He wanted to know exactly what I did, why I went there, how I booked my tickets, among others. He wanted my boarding pass from my flights into the EU as well. He also asked how long my flights and bus rides were between the cities I visited. It was quite odd. It really depends on the agent I guess.
Must be a randomization strategy or something, just to catch people off guard so they don't get used to the routine.
Jul 10, 2018, 7:18 pm
#8
Join Date: May 2004
Location: formerly Gold now Diamond, formerly MSY, now LAX, formerly NW, now DL
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Posts: 4,635
The last few flights from AMS-->US I've been on KLM, no annoying security questions!!
There are also the same people standing outside the KLM 52 lounge which never has anyone. I'll be doing that there at the end of the month.
Also they have the automated gates for passport control now for US citizens. I didn't use that since that line looked longer than the security officer one.
There are also the same people standing outside the KLM 52 lounge which never has anyone. I'll be doing that there at the end of the month.
Also they have the automated gates for passport control now for US citizens. I didn't use that since that line looked longer than the security officer one.
Jul 10, 2018, 7:38 pm
#9
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OP, what is (fake) KLM? 
All pax go through security interview for US bound flights, inciuding KLM. Some are conducted at check-in/bag drop (landside); while others at the gate (airside).
All pax go through security interview for US bound flights, inciuding KLM. Some are conducted at check-in/bag drop (landside); while others at the gate (airside).
Jul 10, 2018, 7:39 pm
#10
Join Date: Dec 2009
Programs: Hilton Diamond Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,180
Wow - that does sound extreme. Also, what would've happened if you didn't have your inbound BPs? As soon as I see my flights post to my SM account, I usually toss them, so chances are slim that I would've had them.
Must be a randomization strategy or something, just to catch people off guard so they don't get used to the routine.
Must be a randomization strategy or something, just to catch people off guard so they don't get used to the routine.
Jul 10, 2018, 9:01 pm
#12
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: San Francisco, CA
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Posts: 7,899
In my only experience of a tight connection at AMS, KL simply gave away my seat although I made it to the gate mid-way through boarding.
Beware in case your incoming is delayed.
Beware in case your incoming is delayed.
Jul 11, 2018, 4:39 am
#13
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No, KLM doesn't do the security interview. Only thing KLM does is have selectees get an extra bag screening at the gate.
Jul 11, 2018, 4:42 am
#14
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There is no security check if arriving from the US or Schengen countries. There is a security check if arriving from Asia or Africa (I think those are the distinctions). Arriving from countries that require a security check you go to the upper level of the concourses are are cycled through a common security check.
I had 2 short connections in AMS in the last month -- US arrival to Schengen was about 65 minutes -- in the morning rush -- showed my boarding pass and was sent through the short connection line at EU passport control.
And Schengen (mid C gate) arrival to Asia departure from a high F gate, because of delay that was only 40 minutes. Made it with time to spare. Again, went through the short connection line at passport control.
55 minutes is doable, but tight.
Bags may not make it if they are checked.
I had 2 short connections in AMS in the last month -- US arrival to Schengen was about 65 minutes -- in the morning rush -- showed my boarding pass and was sent through the short connection line at EU passport control.
And Schengen (mid C gate) arrival to Asia departure from a high F gate, because of delay that was only 40 minutes. Made it with time to spare. Again, went through the short connection line at passport control.
55 minutes is doable, but tight.
Bags may not make it if they are checked.
Jul 11, 2018, 5:21 am
#15
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Washington, DC, Chapel Hill, NC (RDU)
Programs: DL Plat (won't hit DM again) 2MM (2.5), HH Gold, PC Gold, Hyatt Plat
Posts: 5,626
Haven't been at Lounge 52 in the afternoon for my last 2 returns -- end of May and end of June.