At the end of September I will be taking a KLM flight from Warsaw to AMS where I will connect with a Delta flight to SEA.
I have not been through AMS for several years, and according to what I've read, the KLM flight
will most likely arrive at a C gate, and the Delta flight will leave at an F gate. I have read conflicting
reports about what to expect. Will I need to go through any security lines? About how long might it
take to walk from those gates? Any information will be greatly appreciated.
Posted by
Lexington, KY (formerly Southeast US)
4891 posts
I have flown through AMS many times. Pre-EES, a 60- to 90-minute connection was fairly easy to make if the incoming plane was running on time. I think the EES exit process perhaps has slowed things down a bit. At immigration, those with passports from the US and certain other countries can use specific electronic gates at immigration so look up at the signs to get in the right line and to avoid the really slow line. Airport staff walk the lines calling out departure times of soon departing planes so passengers on those planes can move to the front of the immigration line. So, tight connections can still usually be made.
There are not security lines post-immigration that all passengers must go through, BUT there is a security line off to the right of the post-immigration exit that is used for random security checks. Airport staff randomly pick a very small percentage of people exiting immigration to go through the security check. My first time negotiating this set up after it was instituted, I was a good Southerner, made eye contact with the navy-jacketed airport employee as I exited immigration, and greeted her. She sent me to the random security check. After that, I avoided eye contact with the airport employees at the immigration exit and just kept walking straight ahead. Maybe it's coincidence, but I haven't been pulled to go to the right since that first time (though the "random" security line is still there off to the right).
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
4346 posts
Welcome to the forum smijan4. You can use the Schiphol airport website to plan your transfer time. https://www.schiphol.nl/en/transfers/ The dates go out until the 27th of September at the moment but most gate information will not be available until much closer to your travel dates.
You will need to go through passport control as you're leaving the Schengen zone. You will also have an extra check at your gate to board for Seattle so if you have a short layover do be sure to scoot directly to your gate.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you Dave and CL for taking the time to share your information. Now I know what to expect, and I will walk quickly and keep my eyes down. Thanks again.