Nov 28, 2018, 12:40 pm

FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides

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.

Quote:

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

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

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Mar 21, 2019, 8:20 am

#526

3Cforme

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Let's have the Minimum Connect Time (MCT) experts familiar with the AMS layout tackle this one.

Mar 21, 2019, 8:36 am

#527

LoganFlyer

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Quote:

Originally Posted by pokerloser949

I am flying MSP-AMS-DEL and the time between the AMS and DEL flights is less than an hour. I am a PM in D1 will I make that flight? Worried about the close timing.

How much less than an hour? MCT for this connection is 50 minutes, which is enough time to get between non-Schengen gates at AMS. You'll need to hustle, but you'll make it. If you have less than 50 minutes, I'd push whatever channel you booked this through to route you differently.

Mar 21, 2019, 8:39 am

#528

pokerloser949

Join Date: May 2014

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It says 54 min

Mar 21, 2019, 8:58 am

#529

LoganFlyer

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That's enough time--just don't dawdle when you get to AMS. And be ready with a backup plan in case your first flight is late.

Apr 10, 2019, 4:29 am

#530

CO-PLAT

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DUS (Shengen) - AMS - PDX (non-shengen). One PNR, 50 minute connection. DUS-AMS on KLM Cityhopper, AMS-PDX on Delta. The rules I read say 90 minute min connection time.

I was at AMS earlier this week BOM-AMS-DUS and had to go through the passport check. The automated Kiosks on the left were being used for EU passports only. Can I use my USA e-Passport to go through these kiosks? If not, I'll squeeze my way over to the right Privium line that was being used for short connections.

I will check my bag because I have too many liquids & gels. If my bag doesn't make it, they'll deliver it to my house at 2AM the following day.

Apr 10, 2019, 4:38 am

#531

flyerCO

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Quote:

Originally Posted by CO-PLAT

Kiosks can be used for exiting by US passport holders. Can't be used for entering currently. Make sure to ask for your stamp from the guard watching over the egates as you walk away.

You can call DL and they'll likely rebook. Was there a schedule change or was it booked like this?

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Apr 10, 2019, 5:13 am

#532

roelb

Join Date: Jun 2015

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This connection is legal (MCT is 50min) and really not an issue at all. This is one I have done quite a few times, without a hitch. The flight from DUS will be offloaded by bus and drop you off at a bus gate in the B concourse. Just walk towards C/D/E/F etc, pass through the Schengen border (yes, you can use the e-gates, but make sure to get a stamp as a non-EU citizen), and walk to your new gate. Shouldn't take more than 10 to 15 minutes. There is no security check, so don't worry about your carry-on.

This is a completely different process as the one entering the EU from BOM. In that case, you arrived from a non-EU/US/CA airport and had to go through security to enter the secure zone. That is not the case with your flight from DUS. You will deplane directly into the secure zone, but just on the intra-Schengen side of the airport (concourses A-B-C and part of D). While walking over to the non-Schengen side (concourses D-E-F-G-H) you pass through immigrations in between the entrances to the C and D concourses.

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Last edited by roelb; Apr 10, 2019 at 5:21 am

Apr 10, 2019, 7:04 am

#533

LoganFlyer

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Quote:

Originally Posted by CO-PLAT

DUS (Shengen) - AMS - PDX (non-shengen). One PNR, 50 minute connection. DUS-AMS on KLM Cityhopper, AMS-PDX on Delta. The rules I read say 90 minute min connection time.

Are both flights DL-coded? If so, then 50 minutes is the MCT for a Schengen to non-Schengen connection, not 90. I've updated the Wiki with that fact.

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Apr 10, 2019, 7:45 am

#534

CO-PLAT

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Quote:

Originally Posted by LoganFlyer

Are both flights DL-coded?

Thanks, all.

Yes. DL + DL 179.

I think I still have to check my bag, because they won't let me into DUS airport with the liquids. Anyway, my 1st flight is an E175, so overhead space would be limited and I have a large briefcase for may laptop also.

Last edited by CO-PLAT; Apr 22, 2019 at 1:41 pm

Apr 10, 2019, 8:05 am

#535

roelb

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The bag is not an issue, I have never had a bag not connect at AMS. You can track the bag's progress on the Delta app and/or get a notification as soon as it's loaded on the next plane.

Anyway, don't worry, you can usually even sneek in some lounge time on a connection like this. There is a slim, very slim chance that there is a serious queue at the Schengen to non-schengen immigrations border (between C and D concources). If that is the case, and if you are at least Skyteam elite, there is a way around this queue. But that will take you landside and you need to go through (priority) security to re-enter the airside zone. I would only advise to do something like that if there is a serious issue at this immigrations location and you reckon it will take more than 15 to 20 minutes to clear.

If, and only if you decide it will take you 15-20 minutes+ there, the route to go around this would be to turn around, follow the signs to baggage claim and exit, and as soon as you exit the sliding doors, turn right, go up the escalator, elevator or stairs to departures. Walk over to departures two and enter the KLM/Skyteam Skypriority/Elite area (you need to show your boarding pass to enter and any elite is welcome (Silver/Skyteam elite as well)). Walk past the desks, go up the escalator to your right and scan your boarding pass upstairs. You're at security now. Immigrations is directly behind. After immigrations, you exit directly into the non-Schengen airside zone. Take the escalator down and walk to your gate. Make sure you're there 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure and your fine.

Finally, don't expect a lot of people on that DUS-AMS flight. I've been on that route with less than 20 fellow pax in the plane.

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Last edited by roelb; Apr 10, 2019 at 8:14 am

Apr 10, 2019, 8:13 am

#536

CO-PLAT

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Quote:

Originally Posted by roelb

The bag is not an issue, I have never had a bag not connect at AMS. You can track the bag's progress on the Delta app and/or get a notification as soon as it's loaded on the next plane.

Anyway, don't worry, you can usually even sneek in some lounge time on a connection like this. There is a slim, very slim chance that there is a serious queue at the Schengen to non-schengen immigrations border (between C and D concources). If that is the case, and if you are at least Skyteam elite, there is a way around this queue. But that will take you landside and you need to go through (priority) security to re-enter the airside zone. I would only advise to do something like that if there is a serious issue at this immigrations location and you reckon it will take more than 15 to 20 minutes to clear.

If, and only if you decide it will take you 15-20 minutes+ there, the route to go around this would be to turn around, follow the signs to baggage claim and exit, and as soon as you exit the sliding doors, turn right, go up the escalator, elevator or stairs to departures. Walk over to departures two and enter the KLM/Skyteam Skypriority/Elite area (you need to show your boarding pass to enter and any elite is welcome (Silver/Skyteam elite as well)). Walk past the desks, go up the escalator to your right and scan your boarding pass upstairs. You're at security now. Immigrations is directly behind. After immigrations, you exit directly into the non-Schengen airside zone. Take the escalator down and walk to your gate.

Finally, don't expect a lot of people on that DUS-AMS flight. I've been on that route with less than 20 fellow pax in the plane.

Thanks again. I'm Diamond and flying J so I'll do this if necessary.

.

Last edited by CO-PLAT; Apr 22, 2019 at 1:40 pm

May 14, 2019, 10:20 pm

#537

aquamarinesteph

Join Date: Jun 2017

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Quick question prompted by the email which Delta just sent to me.

I am traveling (all one booking) from DTW to AMS (Delta). From AMS I have a connecting flight to FCO (KLM). I have the dreaded MCT of 90 minutes for making the connection to my flight to FCO. The email was very specific about locating your connecting gates (which may change) and finding passport control. The connection terminal with be either B or C, per the email.

I know that I have to go through passport control since I'm arriving from the US. I know this will be a potentially tight connection, especially if the first flight is late. Any advice on what to look for/how to best navigate this connection and hopefully reach my flight to Rome before the doors close? I've never done this particular direction (US to Europe) going through AMS, and it's been a few years since I was there. Thank you!!!

May 14, 2019, 10:46 pm

#538

gooselee

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Quote:

Originally Posted by aquamarinesteph

If the wiki is still correct, MCT for your flights is only 60 min, and IME 90 should be plenty of time. You'll exit the plane, pass through passport control, and go straight to the gate for your FCO flight. You will not need to collect checked baggage - it will transfer to your FCO flight and you'll collect it and clear Italian customs there.

You can expect quite a bit of walking through the terminal, but it is well signed and there are transfer desks along the way of needed.

If all else fails, you're at KL's hub on a single SkyTeam ticket, so even if the flight from DTW is delayed and you misconnect, you should be rebooked easily on to the next flight to FCO with any seats available.

May 14, 2019, 11:44 pm

#539

flyerCO

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Also no need to re clear security at Amsterdam since coming from us.

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May 15, 2019, 12:01 am

#540

aquamarinesteph

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Quote:

Originally Posted by flyerCO

Also no need to re clear security at Amsterdam since coming from us.

Thanks for the replies! But - no need to clear security again? Really? I'm not upset or anything. Just surprised!