Tight Connection & EU Rebooking Rules?

Delta would be obligated to find you a later flight.

As your flight on Delta neither originates from the EU nor is on a carrier based in the EU then Regulation 261/2004 does not apply, and any compensation would be down to Delta's policies and any US law applicable.

If you want protection under Regulation 261/2004 fly an EU carrier next time.

If your Delta is operated by KLM: http://www.klm.com/travel/us_en/prepare_for_travel/at_the_airport/connections/index.htm#p2

Ironically going carry-on only can slow you down in that there is an additional security check after passport control if my memory is correct. A maxed out carry-on with wires and batteries etc often results in extra screening.

Questions #1 Delta will rebook you as stated above.
Question #2 You need to be on an EU airline, over three hours late, and proof that the delay is due to the airline's negligence, not mother nature, an unusual circumstance, your own tight booking.... but the most important is that you will be put on an available flight free of charge.

If it were simple, some people would be dawdling in the corridors to miss their flights, file, and collect. But it doesn't work like that.

Bets has it exactly right. And negligence has to be exactly that, not maintenance. Having to change a generator doesn't count unless you can show that the component should have been changed earlier due to high-time or a history of intermittent caution lights or something.

Schiphol screens at all gates so it's quick. If a carryon passed once without opening it probably will again. Shoes stay on, laptops and tablets have to be out.

MCT at AMS for this kind of transfer is 50 minutes.

@george -

I asked the question wanting to know. Everyone should know what they would be obligated to the airlines for (change fees, baggage fees, etc), and why shouldn't someone be informed for the reverse?

Its not that I am trying to get something for nothing. If the airline has published a connection that is the only one that would work for my circumstances, why shouldn't I know??? If they themselves have created the situation, why shouldn't I be an informed traveler????

I go into every travel situation to know all aspects of what should be expected. Maybe you should think of doing the same, instead of going into something blindly, or even assuming.

@ everyone else -

Thank you very much for the replies, including the possible issue in AMS with carry ons. Its good to know what to expect, rather than be surprised!

A about two years ago we missed a Delta/KLM connection in Amsterdam that was about an hour, 15, for two reasons. The plane was about 20 min late getting to the gate (landed on schedule) and second, we were seated in the far back, right hand side so it took us nearly 20 min to get off the plane. With carryon only but still had to go through a security screening after immigrations. There was short lines for short connections that we took advantage of but still had a long hike to our next gate. Missed by less than 5 minutes. We were rebooked but it was an additional plane change instead of a direct flight and we got to our final stop about five hours behind schedule. No compensation. It is the breaks of the game.

Thanks, all.