Delta and KLM both promise me a 55 min transfer at AMS
#31
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: OKC
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This thread is igniting my concern about a 50 minutes connection in AMS next January.
I am flying OKC-ATL-AMS on DL then KL to OTP where I have a 4.5 hour layover to fly on Tarom to IAS.
Where is this short connection line? I went through AMS last month and all the lines were long but an agent near the non-EU line was yelling something like if you flight is leaving at xxx time then get in this priority line. That seemed ad hoc and not something marked with signs.
I am flying OKC-ATL-AMS on DL then KL to OTP where I have a 4.5 hour layover to fly on Tarom to IAS.
Where is this short connection line? I went through AMS last month and all the lines were long but an agent near the non-EU line was yelling something like if you flight is leaving at xxx time then get in this priority line. That seemed ad hoc and not something marked with signs.
#32
Join Date: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,746
Perhaps some day they'll establish custom MCTs rather than one size fits all. For example, you need less time to connect to a non-Schengen flight at AMS than a Schengen flight. You need less time to connect to a Schengen flight at AMS if you have an EU/EEA/Swiss passport. You need even less time if you are a Privium member.
#33
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: DCA
Programs: DL DM, AA EXP, various hotel
Posts: 2,227
Perhaps some day they'll establish custom MCTs rather than one size fits all. For example, you need less time to connect to a non-Schengen flight at AMS than a Schengen flight. You need less time to connect to a Schengen flight at AMS if you have an EU/EEA/Swiss passport. You need even less time if you are a Privium member.
I'm not aware of any separate MCT based on the passport of the flyer, though. I've always thought it would be nice as a global entry flyer to have shorter I-D connections available in the US—I usually am through immigration within 5-10 minutes of doors opening in the US. I strongly suspect, though, that it would be hard to program that into GDS logic.
#34
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Germany
Posts: 71
If you connect from what schengen country to USA destination what passport control / security question screening do you need to do. So far I've only done that coming from landside and it wasn't in a place easily reached on a connection.
This time I'll be doing HAJ -AMS-ATL -JAX and in a relatively short connecting time of 1:35hrs. Is that low enough to look for short connection lanes?
It's the first time I connect in AMS instead of starting my trip with a more or less direct flight to ATL.
I'm good with ATL connection times and immigration directions and wait times but I'm a bit worried the klm hop might also be delayed and cut even more into my connection time
This time I'll be doing HAJ -AMS-ATL -JAX and in a relatively short connecting time of 1:35hrs. Is that low enough to look for short connection lanes?
It's the first time I connect in AMS instead of starting my trip with a more or less direct flight to ATL.
I'm good with ATL connection times and immigration directions and wait times but I'm a bit worried the klm hop might also be delayed and cut even more into my connection time
#35
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Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
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Posts: 27,042
If you connect from what schengen country to USA destination what passport control / security question screening do you need to do. So far I've only done that coming from landside and it wasn't in a place easily reached on a connection.
This time I'll be doing HAJ -AMS-ATL -JAX and in a relatively short connecting time of 1:35hrs. Is that low enough to look for short connection lanes?
It's the first time I connect in AMS instead of starting my trip with a more or less direct flight to ATL.
I'm good with ATL connection times and immigration directions and wait times but I'm a bit worried the klm hop might also be delayed and cut even more into my connection time
This time I'll be doing HAJ -AMS-ATL -JAX and in a relatively short connecting time of 1:35hrs. Is that low enough to look for short connection lanes?
It's the first time I connect in AMS instead of starting my trip with a more or less direct flight to ATL.
I'm good with ATL connection times and immigration directions and wait times but I'm a bit worried the klm hop might also be delayed and cut even more into my connection time
You'll clear exit immigration at AMS. No need to reclear security. If US passport holder, can use automated machines to exit. I believe 60 minutes is cutoff for short connection line. Though as you're exiting and not entering you shouldn't need to worry. Now if you fly DL you'll need to stop at the document/security question check station. The gate that shows on your BP is where this is located. Once done there they'll tell you your actual gate. KL doesn't have to do this BS. 1.35 should be plenty of time.
#36
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I almost always travel with hand baggage only. I wonder how they handle that if you use OLCI and don't stop at the check-in counter at the airport. Do you go to your connecting gate after landing in AMS and find out that they changed your reservation?
Perhaps some day they'll establish custom MCTs rather than one size fits all. For example, you need less time to connect to a non-Schengen flight at AMS than a Schengen flight. You need less time to connect to a Schengen flight at AMS if you have an EU/EEA/Swiss passport. You need even less time if you are a Privium member.
Perhaps some day they'll establish custom MCTs rather than one size fits all. For example, you need less time to connect to a non-Schengen flight at AMS than a Schengen flight. You need less time to connect to a Schengen flight at AMS if you have an EU/EEA/Swiss passport. You need even less time if you are a Privium member.
#37
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Germany
Posts: 71
I booked klm due to paying with a voucher but the flight is a codeshare operated by DL.
I'm a EU citizen. So that means the gate on the BP will be the security question check.
I was worried how to find that from airside as the last time it didn't look that accessible from there
I'm a EU citizen. So that means the gate on the BP will be the security question check.
I was worried how to find that from airside as the last time it didn't look that accessible from there
#38
#39
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This is third time in last two months.
#40
Join Date: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,746
They already do regarding your first point—there are separate MCTs depending on the combo of International and Domestic flights. Domestic in the context of AMS means Schengen—and if you're connecting Schengen-Schengen, you only need 25 minutes.
I'm not aware of any separate MCT based on the passport of the flyer, though. I've always thought it would be nice as a global entry flyer to have shorter I-D connections available in the US—I usually am through immigration within 5-10 minutes of doors opening in the US. I strongly suspect, though, that it would be hard to program that into GDS logic.
I'm not aware of any separate MCT based on the passport of the flyer, though. I've always thought it would be nice as a global entry flyer to have shorter I-D connections available in the US—I usually am through immigration within 5-10 minutes of doors opening in the US. I strongly suspect, though, that it would be hard to program that into GDS logic.
#41
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: AMS
Programs: DL Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 276
I recently flew KL and they simply asked if I had packed my bags myself. No stupid questions.
I never really understood the point of these interviews to begin with. Once everyone has been through security, everyone can co-mingle, exchange luggage, or do whatever they please.
#42
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This simply isn't true. DL is the only airline at Schiphol with the ridiculous security theater. A massive waste of time for all involved.
I recently flew KL and they simply asked if I had packed my bags myself. No stupid questions.
I never really understood the point of these interviews to begin with. Once everyone has been through security, everyone can co-mingle, exchange luggage, or do whatever they please.
I recently flew KL and they simply asked if I had packed my bags myself. No stupid questions.
I never really understood the point of these interviews to begin with. Once everyone has been through security, everyone can co-mingle, exchange luggage, or do whatever they please.
#43
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Brooklyn
Programs: DL PM, Bonvoy Platinum
Posts: 827
This simply isn't true. DL is the only airline at Schiphol with the ridiculous security theater. A massive waste of time for all involved.
I recently flew KL and they simply asked if I had packed my bags myself. No stupid questions.
I never really understood the point of these interviews to begin with. Once everyone has been through security, everyone can co-mingle, exchange luggage, or do whatever they please.
I recently flew KL and they simply asked if I had packed my bags myself. No stupid questions.
I never really understood the point of these interviews to begin with. Once everyone has been through security, everyone can co-mingle, exchange luggage, or do whatever they please.
#44
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I have actually never flown KL to the US. I have flown many one-ways from the US to AMS on KL, but have always returned from a different airport or on a different carrier at AMS.
#45
Join Date: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,746
That is a form of security interview for US-bound flights. I know other airlines do the same for US-bound flights at Schiphol.
I have actually never flown KL to the US. I have flown many one-ways from the US to AMS on KL, but have always returned from a different airport or on a different carrier at AMS.
I have actually never flown KL to the US. I have flown many one-ways from the US to AMS on KL, but have always returned from a different airport or on a different carrier at AMS.
The other US carriers at Schiphol do some form of interview, but don't require you to go to a separate location for an interview as does Delta.