Connecting flight in AMS--how much time is needed?

[NancyAnn6]

Four of us are traveling in October from Dal/FTW for a TA from Venice. We are currently booked on Delta DFW-AMS with the second leg from AMS to VCE. I gather from info on this board that the luggage will go straight through from DFW to VCE--is this correct? Also, we have arrival in AMS at 7:45 AM with departure to VCE at 11:15 AM--is this enough time to go through Immigration and make the connecting flight? We booked the air through the cruise line, but we are traveling to VCE a day ahead of time--we've already booked our hotel room there and would hate to miss the night in VCE. Does anyone know if the the airline/cruiseline is responsible for putting you on the next flight if you miss your original connecting flight? Hope my questions make sense.

[MSMcDuffy]

Yes - your luggage will go straight thru to VCE

 

3-1/2 hrs is sufficient time. Our connection was similiar last year and our arriving and departing gates were at the opposite ends of the airport (can be a very long walk) and we had enough time to get snacks and sit for a while.

 

I'm not sure about your last question because we booked our own flights but I'm sure someone else will answer that for you.

[NancyAnn6]

Yes - your luggage will go straight thru to VCE

 

3-1/2 hrs is sufficient time. Our connection was similiar last year and our arriving and departing gates were at the opposite ends of the airport (can be a very long walk) and we had enough time to get snacks and sit for a while.

 

I'm not sure about your last question because we booked our own flights but I'm sure someone else will answer that for you.

 

We actually arrive in AMS at 7:45 AM and depart for VCE at 9:25...sorry for the confusion!:

[MSMcDuffy]

We actually arrive in AMS at 7:45 AM and depart for VCE at 9:25...sorry for the confusion!:

 

I've been thru AMS twice and both times have been thankful for a longer layover because it can take a long time to walk from one end to the other, if it turns out that the gates are far apart like mine have been.

 

If I were you I'd print out a map of the airport and if you know exactly where you need to go that will help. On this last trip we couldn't find the monitors that list the gate numbers and we could not find a person to ask for a while. It turns out that the monitors were not far from our arrival gate but they were tucked away in a corner. (The airport had been remodeled since my last trip thru there and nothing looked familiar; I think it was a new area).

 

You might already know this but since your flights are with Delta, be sure to check the flight times before you leave because they have been known to adjust their schedules a lot due to the merger w/NWA and I heard they had this tendency before then.

[NancyAnn6]

Okay-thanks for the map suggestion--great idea! Since the cruise line put up the route and flight times, I'm hoping that it's feasible, but the feasability factor may be in getting to the ship on time, rather than the extra preboarding day.

[6rugrats]

Does anyone know if the the airline/cruiseline is responsible for putting you on the next flight if you miss your original connecting flight?

 

If you have time, you may want to read the sticky at the top of the forum that explains exactly how cruise booked air works. If there are any problems, you will have to deal directly with the airline.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=530322

[ab0si]

1) Luggage. Yes, you will not have to worry about it until you arrive at Venice. This assumes you have a single ticket for the entire trip. If the segments are on different tickets, it depends on which airlines and some other factors also. (Is there really a non-stop DtW->AMS?)

 

2) Connect time: if your plane arrives on time, you will have no problem making your flight.

 

Assuming you are flying on KLM to and out of AMS (or one of it's partners), be aware, that you might or might not receive your boarding pass for the Venice flight in Dallas. If not, you will need to go a transfer desk at AMS. The first one you come to is always the most crowded, so if there is a line there, walk to the next one (or the one after that). If it is going to be a very tight connection, you can head straight to the boarding gate and get your boarding pass there (just plead dumb American ignorance ... I don't know nothin' 'bout no transfer desks)

 

3) Who is responsible if you miss the connection due to late arrival? It depends. If you have a consolidator ticket, it can get ugly (read the stickies at the top of this forum). If it is separate tickets, it is your problem. If you have a "normal" through ticket, the airline will put you in the next available seat. It is NEVER the cruise company's problem (again, read the stickies at the top of the forum.)

[FlyerTalker]

A number of points to make:

 

1) Although you may have a DL ticket, if you are flying non-stop from DFW to AMS, you are on a KLM-operated flight. So don't be paranoid about flight schedule changes. Also, seat selection opens up 90 days before flight for KL.

 

2) AMS has two airside "sections" - one for intra-Schengen flights and one for extra-Schengen. As such, you will go from the latter to the former heading to your VCE flight. You will go through both an immigration check and a security screening.

 

3) Luggage should be checked through to VCE, where you will claim it. You will not see it in AMS. Be sure the tags say VCE in bold letters.

 

4) Go to the Schiphol website and download the maps of the terminal. You will see a dotted red line to the right of the D concourse. That's the divider between the two sections.

 

5) Concourses D through H are the extra-Schengen concourses, and your flight from DFW will arrive there. Your flight to VCE will go out of the B, C or D concourse. (Yes, D is both intra and extra, depending on the level.) If you don't find a gate monitor right away, don't worry....head towards the B/C concourses and you will hit the immigration barrier. Your onward flight will be on the other side of it, and you can find the specific gate info somewhere along the way.

 

6) If you arrive at F, G or H -- you will pass by the Museum on your way to the Schengen side. Take 5-10 minutes to go and see the art....my own "hidden" gem at AMS. If arriving at E, it's a two minute detour to the right.

 

Hope that answers some questions and provides basic info for AMS (which some say is a giant shopping mall that happens to have runways surrounding it.)

[FlyerTalker]

RE: Transfer desks.

 

AMS has installed a large number of self-service kiosks that can issue an onward BP if needed. Just have your locator handy. Look for the KLM-blue machines near the transfer desks and elsewhere.

[greatam]

In addition to understanding EXACTLY how cruise air works, you need to be WELL PREPARED to get through immigration and on to your next flight. The map idea is great but you need MORE preparation.

 

You are not actually on a Delta flight. You are on a KLM flight (Delta codeshare, I believe-the only thing I could find close to your layover time)

 

KLM has three nonstops per day from AMS to VCE-approx times-9AM, 3PM, 8PM.

 

With any luck you will not have problems. HOWEVER, if you do (like a late arriving DFW to AMS flight which you know will make you misconnect) you need to be ON THE PHONE IMMEDIATELY when you get on the ground. This means an international cell phone that can call the local KLM/Delta numbers. I recommend the Mobal phone if you don't have an international cell phone. http://www.mobal.com

 

You need to rebook your flight IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT stand in line waiting, waiting, waiting for help. While you are waiting for help with a ground agent, others in line in front of you or on the phone have booked the seats you need.

 

You need to act immediately or you won't get your night in Venice. And especially with 4 people. You MAY have to split up-2 on one flight, 2 on a later flight just because there may not be enough seats on one flight for all of you.

 

Also, look at the possibility of taking trains to VCE from Amsterdam. BE PREPARED. Know the flight numbers you may need, know what trains to take, know absolutely EVERYTHING you can possibly find out because you need that info to make this a successful trip.

 

I can't stress enough how much research and preparation will come into play if you have a glitch in your plans. Good luck!!!

[twoputt.plusone]

We had much less time to connect in AMS. We made it but it was sheer luck and considerate people in the long passport control lines who let us through ahead of them. :) I can't stress how big this airport is. Personally, I'd head straight for my departure gate and not doddle around.

[PennyAgain]

This airport is huge and they have added on more layers of security. I would keep moving and have as little carry on baggage as possible. Just the absolute essentials, medicines etc.

[NancyAnn6]

After all the info on the AMS 9:45 flight (and it's very informative and specific from all you seasoned travelers!), I'm wondering if we should rebook and take the later flight leaving at 3:25, putting us into Venice at 4:45 PM. I'd rather be in Venice at 11:15, but wondering whether that short connection is worth the risk. What's the consensus here?

[ab0si]

After all the info on the AMS 9:45 flight (and it's very informative and specific from all you seasoned travelers!), I'm wondering if we should rebook and take the later flight leaving at 3:25, putting us into Venice at 4:45 PM. I'd rather be in Venice at 11:15, but wondering whether that short connection is worth the risk. What's the consensus here?

 

The most recent on-time report (1/april -> 31/may) for this flight shows an on-time performance of 88%. For the flights delayed, the average delay was only 17 minutes. While anything could happen on your flight, of course, even I would be comfortable with the connection you have -- and I avoid tight connections like the plague.

 

I haven't made a connection at AMS in awhile (pre-retirement and moving south, I did it 10 times a year or so), but with he addition of the kiosks mentioned (in lieu of the lines at the transfer desks), it sounds as though it has only gotten better.

 

the comments on how big the terminal is ignore the upside of this; no worries about getting from one terminal to another.

[PennyAgain]

Only you can judge your comfort level.

[fbgd]

As others have said only you can judge your comfort level with a connection, at airports I'm less familiar with I might give myself extra time. At bigger places like AMS longer connections aren't so much of a drag, particularly if you have lounge access.

 

I'm surprised only one other person so far has mentioned you need to clear immigration (and of course security) so bear that in mind before you buy anything on your transatlantic flight. You won't have access to your bags until you get to VCE where you clear customs so it's not like the US system where you can stash stuff away in your checked bags before customs and reclearing security.

[FlyerTalker]

Additional info:

 

Luggage carts are everywhere for use in the airside area, so find one and use it....probably easier to push than toting your carryon. You can get a new one once you pass through security.

 

Secured EU-approved tamperproof bags are OK for security screening. I know that KL has them onboard for the delft houses in business (with BOLS gin inside), so likely for cosmetics/liquor as well. But check before purchase, and read the AMS website for more details on security regs.

 

Sometimes, there is a "short connection" line at security/immigration. If you are pressed, look for it or ask. If you don't have a tight connection where you REALLY need to get through, don't abuse it and ask - you'll get the famous "it's not possible" and be sent to the back of the line.

 

I would be prefectly comfortable with your connection if I was in your position.

[twoputt.plusone]

I agree that I'd be fairly comfortable with that connection time. I tend to fret, especially when I'm not familiar with my surroundings. That's why I'd head straight to my departure area. I know Schipol has a lot of things to entertain you between flights but I'd be far too stressed to enjoy them unless they were right near my gate area.

 

There was a short connection line for passport control on our inbound flight, however we were told that you had to be within 45 minutes of departure to make use of it or you'd be sent back to the regular lines. On our return flight, there was no short connection line at all, so I don't think it's something you can count on.

[NancyAnn6]

Thanks to all who offered suggestions and valuable info. An overseas flight with a connection is new to me, as is a TA, but I think we're going to try our luck with the earlier flight, using all your tips... Thanks again, everyone!

[UKBayern]

I rather think that some of the posters here are making you nervous for no reason at all. Everybody makes it sound like AMS is a horrible airport, but in reality it is one of the most straight forward ones in Europe. I have worked at AMS for 11 years, at KLM and partner airlines. BTW, I am not a KLM cheerleader, I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly too much in all those years. In fact I am a Swiss cheerleader....

 

KLM is the largest handling company at AMS, so you will see lots of KLM staff in royal blue uniforms who all speak english everywhere. Ask any of them if you don't know. AMS has the largest bright yellow signs in english I have seen anywhere in the world. Transfer passengers are AMS' and KLM's core business: remember that 90% of all the passengers are only connecting at AMS, and they want to shift people as efficiently from A to B as possible. At arriving flights, there is always a KLM agent with a list of transfer connection with gate information. There are KLM transfer desks and general airport information desks at the beginning of every pier or concourse. Official minimum connection time at AMS is 50 minutes, although I think 60 minutes is more realistic. You will only need the 3,5 hours if you are crawling to your next flight, or intend to get yourself lost in the bars or taxfree shops (they are nice but expensive at AMS).

 

You are arriving on a EU-carrier in an EU-airport. This means you have extensive passenger rights under EU-airlaw in case of delays, missed connections or cancelled flights. If both flights are in one ticket, KLM is responsible for rebooking you on the next available flight. Don't worry. Like I said, it is AMS' main business to get transfers through, they do not want people to get stuck or be unhappy with their transfer. If there is a line at one transfer desk on the pier where you got off the plane, you do not have to stand around and wait there, you can go to any transfer desk in the terminal.

Most shops are double: the same shops are in the E, F, G, H non-Schengen-area and in the B-C-D Schengen-area. There are also 2 lounges in both sections.The casino and the museum are only in the non-schengen area. I would suggest is to head for the Schengen control and take your time to get through there, and then quitely enjoy all the wonderful shops and restaurants on the Schengen side before going to the gate.

[FlyerTalker]

I rather think that some of the posters here are making you nervous for no reason at all. Everybody makes it sound like AMS is a horrible airport, but in reality it is one of the most straight forward ones in Europe.

Agreed.

 

I think I have it figured out.....many people here have these equations in their brain:

 

Large Airport = Bad Airport

Small Airport = Good Airport

 

Which totally misses the point....it isn't size that makes airports good or bad, but how well they operate. The main terminal at DTW is a mile long, yet it's a very easy airport to negotiate. FLL has less than half the gates, yet I'd rather be at DTW than FLL, especially when it's a busy travel day.

 

And yes....those big yellow signs at AMS are SO easy to navigate by. You could have 20/200 vision and still read them.