Go Back  FlyerTalk Forums > Miles&Points > Airlines and Mileage Programs > Delta Air Lines | SkyMiles
Reload this Page >

Minimum Connection Transfer Time at Amsterdam (AMS): The Definitive Thread

Community
Wiki Posts
Search
Old Nov 28, 2018, 12:40 pm
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Last edit by: LoganFlyer
Minimum connection time at AMS
Note: when determining the airline for MCT purposes, what counts is who markets the flight, not who operates it.

Schengen Zone to Schengen Zone, KL-KL: 50 minutes

Schengen Zone to Schengen Zone, KL-DL, DL-KL, or DL-DL: 25 minutes

Schengen Zone to Non-Schengen Zone, KL-KL or KL-DL: 90 minutes

Schengen Zone to Non-Schengen Zone, DL-KL or DL-DL: 50 minutes

Non-Schengen Zone to Schengen Zone, KL-KL or DL-KL: 60 minutes

Non-Schengen Zone to Schengen Zone, KL-DL or DL-DL: 50 minutes

Non-Schengen Zone to Non-Schengen Zone, DL-DL, DL-KL, or KL-DL: 50 minutes

Non-Schengen Zone to Non-Schengen Zone, KL-KL: anywhere from 40 minutes to 2 hours--it depends on the flight numbers and the dates. I've posted the raw output below to help you figure out which MCT will apply.
KL-KL II 1.00 FLT 2040 - FLT 4141
KL-KL II .55 FLT 602 - FLT 597 31MAR19-26OCT19
KL-KL II SUP FLT 1230 - FLT 743 OPN -30MAR19
KL-KL II .50 FLT 900 - FLT 900 - 1999 OPN -30MAR19
KL-KL II .50 FLT 904 - FLT 900 - 1999 OPN -30MAR19
KL-KL II .50 FLT 1382 - FLT 900 - 1999 OPN -30MAR19
KL-KL II .50 FLT 1386 - FLT 900 - 1999 OPN -30MAR19
KL-KL II .50 FLT 1396 - FLT 900 - 1999 OPN -30MAR19
KL-KL II .50 FLT 1614 - FLT 900 - 1999 OPN -30MAR19
KL-KL II .50 FLT 3086 - FLT 900 - 1999 OPN -30MAR19
KL-KL II .50 FLT 902 - FLT 900 - 1999 30MAR19-26OCT19
KL-KL II .50 FLT 1392 - FLT 900 - 1999 30MAR19-26OCT19
KL-KL II .50 FLT 1394 - FLT 900 - 1999 30MAR19-26OCT19
KL-KL II .50 FLT 900 - FLT 900 - 1999 31MAR19-26OCT19
KL-KL II .50 FLT 904 - FLT 900 - 1999 31MAR19-26OCT19
KL-KL II .50 FLT 1386 - FLT 900 - 1999 31MAR19-26OCT19
KL-KL II .50 FLT 1396 - FLT 900 - 1999 31MAR19-26OCT19
KL-KL II .50 FLT 1614 - FLT 900 - 1999 31MAR19-26OCT19
KL-KL II .50 FLT 3086 - FLT 900 - 1999 31MAR19-26OCT19
KL-KL II 1.00 ALL - FLT 3096 GROUP3 - ALL
KL-KL II 1.00 FLT 3097 - ALL ALL - GROUP3
KL-KL II 1.00 FLT 758 - ALL OPN -02DEC18
KL-KL II 1.00 FLT 894 - ALL OPN -02DEC18
KL-KL II .55 FLT 741 - ALL OPN -28FEB19
KL-KL II .55 FLT 749 - ALL OPN -28FEB19
KL-KL II 1.05 FLT 884 - ALL OPN -29MAR19
KL-KL II 1.00 FLT 602 - ALL OPN -30MAR19
KL-KL II .55 FLT 622 - ALL OPN -30MAR19
KL-KL II .55 FLT 692 - ALL OPN -30MAR19
KL-KL II .55 FLT 724 - ALL OPN -30MAR19
KL-KL II 1.00 FLT 734 - ALL OPN -30MAR19
KL-KL II .55 FLT 792 - ALL OPN -30MAR19
KL-KL II 1.00 ALL - FLT 3096
KL-KL II 1.10 ALL - FLT 3823
KL-KL II 1.10 ALL - FLT 3948
KL-KL II 1.30 FLT 210 - ALL
KL-KL II 1.00 FLT 3097 - ALL
KL-KL II 1.10 FLT 3822 - ALL
KL-KL II 1.10 FLT 3949 - ALL
KL-KL II 1.10 FLT 4102 - ALL
KL-KL II 1.30 FLT 4991 - ALL
KL-KL II .55 FLT 758 - ALL 03DEC18-28FEB19
KL-KL II .55 FLT 876 - ALL 01JAN19-03FEB19
KL-KL II .55 FLT 878 - ALL 01JAN19-03FEB19
KL-KL II .55 FLT 434 - ALL 30MAR19-26OCT19
KL-KL II 1.00 FLT 604 - ALL 30MAR19-26OCT19
KL-KL II 1.00 FLT 606 - ALL 30MAR19-26OCT19
KL-KL II 1.00 FLT 608 - ALL 30MAR19-26OCT19
KL-KL II .55 FLT 741 - ALL 30MAR19-26OCT19
KL-KL II .55 FLT 749 - ALL 30MAR19-26OCT19
KL-KL II 1.10 FLT 882 - ALL 30MAR19-26OCT19
KL-KL II 1.10 FLT 884 - ALL 30MAR19-26OCT19
KL-KL II 1.55 FLT 888 - ALL 30MAR19-26OCT19
KL-KL II 2.00 FLT 894 - ALL 30MAR19-26OCT19
KL-KL II 2.00 FLT 896 - ALL 30MAR19-26OCT19
KL-KL II 1.00 FLT 566 - ALL 31MAR19-26OCT19
KL-KL II 1.00 FLT 602 - ALL 31MAR19-26OCT19
KL-KL II .50 FLT 900 - 1999 - FLT 3400 - 3420 ALL - LIN
KL-KL II .50 FLT 900 - 1999 - FLT 3400 - 3420 ALL - FCO
KL-KL II .50 FLT 3400 - 3420 - FLT 900 - 1999 LIN - ALL
KL-KL II .50 FLT 3400 - 3420 - FLT 900 - 1999 FCO - ALL
KL-KL II .50 FLT 400 - 1999 - FLT 6000 - 9999
KL-KL II .40 FLT 900 - 1999 - FLT 900 - 1999
KL-KL II .40 FLT 900 - 1999 - FLT 3108 - 3109
KL-KL II .50 FLT 2000 - 2369 - FLT 6000 - 9999
KL-KL II 1.30 FLT 2370 - 2529 - FLT 6000 - 9999
KL-KL II 1.05 FLT 2520 - 2699 - FLT 6000 - 9999
KL-KL II 1.30 FLT 2700 - 4999 - FLT 6000 - 6199
KL-KL II 1.00 FLT 2823 - 2826 - FLT 900 - 1999
KL-KL II 1.45 FLT 2960 - 2999 - FLT 300 - 899
KL-KL II 1.30 FLT 3000 - 4999 - FLT 6000 - 6199
KL-KL II .40 FLT 3108 - 3109 - FLT 900 - 1999
KL-KL II 1.00 FLT 3150 - 3175 - FLT 900 - 1999
KL-KL II 1.30 FLT 6000 - 6199 - FLT 2700 - 4999
KL-KL II .50 FLT 6000 - 9999 - FLT 400 - 1999
KL-KL II .50 FLT 6000 - 9999 - FLT 2000 - 2369
KL-KL II 1.30 FLT 6000 - 9999 - FLT 2370 - 2529
KL-KL II 1.05 FLT 6000 - 9999 - FLT 2520 - 2699
KL-KL II 1.05 ALL - FLT 3178 - 3183 GRU - ALL
KL-KL II 1.05 ALL - FLT 3178 - 3183 YVR - ALL
KL-KL II 1.00 FLT 400 - 1999 - ALL EQP ALL - TRN
ALL - GROUP3
KL-KL II 1.30 ALL - FLT 2520 - 2699 EQP TRN - ALL
KL-KL II 1.30 ALL - FLT 3096 - 3099 EQP TRN - ALL
KL-KL II 1.30 ALL - FLT 3100 - 3107 EQP TRN - ALL
KL-KL II 1.00 ALL - FLT 2520 - 2699 GROUP3 - ALL
KL-KL II 1.10 ALL - FLT 2758 - 2759 GROUP3 - ALL
KL-KL II 1.40 ALL - FLT 2890 - 2899 GROUP3 - ALL
KL-KL II 1.30 FLT 320 - 329 - ALL ALL - GROUP3
KL-KL II 1.00 FLT 2520 - 2699 - ALL ALL - GROUP3
KL-KL II 1.10 FLT 2758 - 2759 - ALL ALL - GROUP3
KL-KL II 1.00 FLT 2830 - 2837 - ALL ALL - GROUP3
KL-KL II 1.40 FLT 2890 - 2899 - ALL ALL - GROUP3
KL-KL II 1.00 FLT 3076 - 3079 - ALL ALL - GROUP3
KL-KL II 1.00 FLT 3120 - 3122 - ALL ALL - GROUP3
KL-KL II 1.00 ALL - FLT 320 - 329
KL-KL II 1.05 ALL - FLT 2520 - 2699
KL-KL II 1.10 ALL - FLT 2758 - 2759
KL-KL II 2.00 ALL - FLT 2890 - 2899
KL-KL II 1.10 ALL - FLT 3100 - 3107
KL-KL II 1.00 ALL - FLT 3152 - 3173
KL-KL II 1.10 ALL - FLT 3178 - 3183
KL-KL II 1.10 ALL - FLT 3646 - 3649
KL-KL II 1.30 FLT 320 - 329 - ALL
KL-KL II 1.05 FLT 2520 - 2699 - ALL
KL-KL II 1.10 FLT 2758 - 2759 - ALL
KL-KL II 1.10 FLT 2823 - 2826 - ALL
KL-KL II 1.10 FLT 2830 - 2837 - ALL
KL-KL II 2.00 FLT 2890 - 2899 - ALL
KL-KL II 1.30 FLT 2960 - 2999 - ALL
KL-KL II 1.10 FLT 3076 - 3079 - ALL
KL-KL II 1.15 FLT 3100 - 3107 - ALL
KL-KL II 1.10 FLT 3120 - 3122 - ALL
KL-KL II 1.00 FLT 3150 - 3175 - ALL
KL-KL II 1.10 FLT 3178 - 3183 - ALL
KL-KL II 1.15 FLT 3646 - 3649 - ALL
KL-KL II 1.00 EQP ALL - TRN GROUP3 - GROUP3
KL-KL II 1.30 EQP TRN - ALL
Print Wikipost

Minimum Connection Transfer Time at Amsterdam (AMS): The Definitive Thread

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 13, 2005, 8:17 am
  #31  
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: RST
Programs: Delta Diamond; Hilton Diamond; Accor Gold
Posts: 4,839
Originally Posted by Threy
And even if there 75 people in the line ahead of you, we are not taking about US style immigration, in Europe they will swipe your passport or only look at it and maybe ask to what destination you are going today, so that will not take more than 10 minutes as well,even behind 75 other guys, so plenty of time to shop at Fabulicious Schiphol
Last time I went through (late January), immigration took more time than usual. You also had to have your bags scanned afterwards. Maybe things are changing... I did, however, make my 1 hour connection (E to B terminal).
fromYXU is offline  
Old Feb 13, 2005, 10:47 am
  #32  
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: fort worth, tx AA Gold,Best Western-Diamond, HH- Gold, Marriott-Silver
Posts: 2,737
Originally Posted by fromYXU
Last time I went through (late January), immigration took more time than usual. You also had to have your bags scanned afterwards. Maybe things are changing... I did, however, make my 1 hour connection (E to B terminal).
I think you are talking about coming back to the states. To board a US flight you will get your bags scanned and go through the interview process at the gate. I think the OP is Leaving the US in route to FCO so he should only have the Passport swipe and no bag scan.

One hour should be fine. I did FCO twice last year with a short connection and a long walk. At the hour my flight got in from DTW I don't think there was much shopping available anyway. The airport was kind of dead. I got to the gate well before boarding started. Just make your pit stop at the on board lavatory before descent starts if possible and then you won't have to make that stop in the terminal.

I think some of the Passport Control officers in Europe are "retaliating" against US citizens and trying to slow down our processing to mirror the way that European and other countries visitors are treated when arriving in the US. They just do not do a very good job of slowing it down in Europe. That is just my guess.
wldtrvlr is offline  
Old Feb 13, 2005, 11:05 am
  #33  
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: RST
Programs: Delta Diamond; Hilton Diamond; Accor Gold
Posts: 4,839
Originally Posted by wldtrvlr
I think you are talking about coming back to the states. To board a US flight you will get your bags scanned and go through the interview process at the gate. I think the OP is Leaving the US in route to FCO so he should only have the Passport swipe and no bag scan.
No, this was msp-ams-vie. I was surprised at the long time I spent in line waiting for the agent. He was quite persistent in asking questions regarding visas and destinations. Maybe I just happened to be in the wrong line. The scanning was also new. This was in going from E to B terminal in AMS.

On the return leg, also an hour long conection, the line for passport checks were probably longer going from B to E but it took no time: a quick look and off I went. The secondary screening at the gate was the usual.
fromYXU is offline  
Old Feb 13, 2005, 3:19 pm
  #34  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: Fallen Plats, ex-WN CP, DYKWIW; still a Hilton Diamond & Club Cholula™ R.I.P. Super Plats
Posts: 25,415
Dutch passport control is usually quick, but they are very alert. I've seen them spend extra time on individuals and divert them for extra attention.

The Madrid bombings happened on our first morning in Europe last spring. Schiphol had a whole different air about it on the way home a week later.
MikeMpls is offline  
Old Feb 13, 2005, 11:42 pm
  #35  
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: OMA / MUC
Programs: Former NW PE, now DL DM
Posts: 1,006
Many Changes at AMS

Yes, for those who have not been there in a while, there have been quite a few changes at Schiphol.

I happened to read a brief statement in the January KLM Holland Herald that said something like: "Due to new EU requirements regarding Security, all passengers must pass through an enhanced Security Check before departing from an EU airport."
Hence, the new scanners/metal detectors just after Passport Control on your way to the B/C/upper level D gates. Also, the Passport Control desk on lower level D has been closed, forcing everyone to use the same passageway into the B/C/upper D area. (This WAS a great shortcut if there was a long line, and you had a short connection time!)

In the same issue, there was also a brief apology that due to ongoing construction, the Crown Lounge for the B/C/ and upper D gates has a much reduced size at this time. I found it quite crowded (after I finally found the new route to get to it!) because for now the only space they have is the original reception area and the former Royal Wing Lounge right behind it, plus the storage lockers and restrooms. The long L-shaped room is currently not available. It was so busy that I didn't even have a chance to ask when a "new, improved" Crown Lounge would be available.
mrcimino1 is offline  
Old Mar 5, 2006, 2:00 am
  #36  
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: DTW
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 514
Minimum Connection Time at AMS?

on the way back from PRG-EWR, i have 50 mins in between flights at AMS. i spend a lot of time at AMS and can't possibly imagine it taking less than 50 mins to get from a european gate to a US-bound plane. i guess this must be enough time in theory, otherwise nwa.com wouldn't let me buy it. but isn't there some rule that for US-bound planes that the passengers have to be on board by a certain time? i'd be curious to hear what other FTers have to say about this.
Wiley is offline  
Old Mar 5, 2006, 2:43 am
  #37  
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: GRB
Programs: DL Diamond Charter Member, 3 Million Miler, Hertz Pres Club, Hilton Gold
Posts: 525
Originally Posted by Wiley
on the way back from PRG-EWR, i have 50 mins in between flights at AMS. i spend a lot of time at AMS and can't possibly imagine it taking less than 50 mins to get from a european gate to a US-bound plane. i guess this must be enough time in theory, otherwise nwa.com wouldn't let me buy it. but isn't there some rule that for US-bound planes that the passengers have to be on board by a certain time? i'd be curious to hear what other FTers have to say about this.
Could you talk NW into getting you on an earlier flight from PRG? 50 minutes is legal at AMS for connecting to an international flight. BUT in theory you are supposed to be on board 30 minutes prior to departure and then there is a long walk to the E/F/G concourse and there can be rather long delays to get through security right before you enter that part of the airport. Then lines tend to be long and slow going through security again at the actual gate. So check your luggage - there may not be much room left for carry-on luggage by the time you get on board unless you are in WBC. AND you have no time to visit the Duty Free shop.
Allanf is offline  
Old Mar 5, 2006, 4:40 am
  #38  
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Programs: DL 2MM PM;VSGld;EKGld; HilDia; HrtzPC; AvisPC; PP; AmbPlt; JumeiGld; MeliaPlt; TajPlt; ShangriDia
Posts: 953
While I'm not a specialist with connection times, all I can say is that Amsterdam is so much SMALLER and so much EASIER to transit compared to Frankfurt or Paris (or even DTW and MSP for that matter). Based on my personal experience, 50 minutes should be more than enough time to change planes unless your Prague-Amsterdam flight is delayed.

On the connections I take via Amsterdam, I am often stuck with 4 to 5 hour layovers. I personally would welcome a schedule with a 50 minute layover in Amsterdam and would take it in a heartbeat if it were offered on the routes I use. I would simply consider three factors: (1) whether you could potentially afford to experience a forced overnight if you miss your connection; similarly whether there are later flights to the U.S. the same day so NW/KL could rebook you if you miss the connection; (2) if you are concerned about making the connection because of the walk between flights, you might consider calling reservations and requesting a handicapped cart for the connection if that is offered; (3) With a 50 minute layover, I would assume you would be transferring directly between flights, no time for airline clubs, duty-free shopping or other sightseeing in the airport.

Personally the walks I have experienced between flights in AMS are far less distance than changing planes in DTW or MSP
LAXRuss is offline  
Old Mar 5, 2006, 8:05 am
  #39  
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: DL tin elite flying between TYS -VIE / ILZ / BTS
Programs: DL, ZSR, MHD ;)
Posts: 938
Originally Posted by Wiley
on the way back from PRG-EWR, i have 50 mins in between flights at AMS. i spend a lot of time at AMS and can't possibly imagine it taking less than 50 mins to get from a european gate to a US-bound plane. i guess this must be enough time in theory, otherwise nwa.com wouldn't let me buy it. but isn't there some rule that for US-bound planes that the passengers have to be on board by a certain time? i'd be curious to hear what other FTers have to say about this.
PRG arrival is in non Schengen zone - the D gates
The departure to the USA is in non Schengen zone - one of them E games.

The end result is that you do not have to go through passport control. This pic might help you http://content.schiphol.nl/info/plat..._lounge_nl.pdf

I was flying BTS-PRG-AMS-DTW-TYS in May 2005 and I remember I did connect in AMS very fast, maybe some 15 minutes only.
Jano is offline  
Old Mar 5, 2006, 9:36 am
  #40  
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: MSP - Lake of the Isles
Programs: NW Plat
Posts: 124
AND you have no time to visit the Duty Free shop.
Dute Free Shops are the rippoff of the year at AMS.
I usually buy a buttload of Winegums for office or home, so I use it as benchmark.

In FRA I always get them for less than 5 Euro. In AMS they are always 10. Gotta love the scam!
AlexM is offline  
Old Mar 5, 2006, 9:44 am
  #41  
cpx
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: 99654
Programs: Many
Posts: 6,450
Originally Posted by Jano
PRG arrival is in non Schengen zone - the D gates
The departure to the USA is in non Schengen zone - one of them E games.

The end result is that you do not have to go through passport control. This pic might help you http://content.schiphol.nl/info/plat..._lounge_nl.pdf

I was flying BTS-PRG-AMS-DTW-TYS in May 2005 and I remember I did connect in AMS very fast, maybe some 15 minutes only.
I've easily made it from terminal C through the immigration onto
the terminal F (which is relatively far) in under 20 minutes.

Usually Immigration is a non-issue. it takes less than 5 minutes. But
there are peak times when it may take a little longer.

I think 50 minutes is just fine for any kind of transfer at AMS
cpx is offline  
Old Mar 5, 2006, 10:19 am
  #42  
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: DTW
Programs: Dirt Status w/ All
Posts: 5,040
Originally Posted by Jano
PRG arrival is in non Schengen zone - the D gates
The departure to the USA is in non Schengen zone - one of them E games.

The end result is that you do not have to go through passport control. This pic might help you http://content.schiphol.nl/info/plat..._lounge_nl.pdf

I was flying BTS-PRG-AMS-DTW-TYS in May 2005 and I remember I did connect in AMS very fast, maybe some 15 minutes only.
Are you sure? I did the opposite this morning. Arrived in AMS from DTW in the E gates and had a connection at D71. I had to go through passport control - only took about 15 seconds as the airport was very slow at 6am. Had two hours, but could have done it in 20 minutes (note I was first off the plane, so this could skew things if you are in 41J).

My connection is now 26 hours thanks to snow in MUC.
tev9999 is offline  
Old Mar 5, 2006, 10:35 am
  #43  
cpx
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: 99654
Programs: Many
Posts: 6,450
Originally Posted by tev9999
Are you sure? I did the opposite this morning. Arrived in AMS from DTW in the E gates and had a connection at D71. I had to go through passport control - only took about 15 seconds as the airport was very slow at 6am. Had two hours, but could have done it in 20 minutes (note I was first off the plane, so this could skew things if you are in 41J).

My connection is now 26 hours thanks to snow in MUC.
I think you are correct. You need to go through passport control
for the B, C and D terminals. (may be partial D)


here is a link with some information regarding passport control:

http://www.schiphol.nl/_controles_ve...=1141579861440

here is a nice map of AMS

http://www.nwa.com/travel/trave/airports/AMS.shtml
cpx is offline  
Old Mar 5, 2006, 10:46 am
  #44  
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: DL tin elite flying between TYS -VIE / ILZ / BTS
Programs: DL, ZSR, MHD ;)
Posts: 938
Originally Posted by tev9999
Are you sure? I did the opposite this morning. Arrived in AMS from DTW in the E gates and had a connection at D71. I had to go through passport control - only took about 15 seconds as the airport was very slow at 6am. Had two hours, but could have done it in 20 minutes (note I was first off the plane, so this could skew things if you are in 41J).

My connection is now 26 hours thanks to snow in MUC.
Some of them D gates are in the non Schengen zone, some of them are in the Schengen zone. I flew TYS-DTW-AMS-VIE on 2/22. I went to D78 gate and needed to go to Schengen zone. If I was flying to PRG I'd stay in non Schengen zone and ent to some of them D gates too.

If I remember correctly D52 and up gates are in the Schengen zone and they are located on the 2nd floor of D. Then D51 and below gates are in the non Schengen zone and are located on the 1st floor.

Regarding passport control line. You are right. Most of the time is very fast, like 3 maybe 5 people making the line. However, I had one misconnect (out of 13 times going via AMS on my TYS-VIE trips) last year due to a long line at the passport control . It took me close 35 minutes to go via passport control. Add to the that DTW fligh was about 15 minutes late on arrival to AMS and I missed my VIE flight and had to wait for 6 hours for the next one.
Jano is offline  
Old Mar 5, 2006, 10:49 am
  #45  
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: DL tin elite flying between TYS -VIE / ILZ / BTS
Programs: DL, ZSR, MHD ;)
Posts: 938
Originally Posted by cpx
I think 50 minutes is just fine for any kind of transfer at AMS
Until April 25 2005 I was saying the same thing. Then it only took my 15 min delayed DTW flight and almost 35 min wait at the passport control and I have to say that there are very rare exceptions to this. However, AMS is still the easiest hub to connect in EU.
Jano is offline  


Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.