We will be traveling from Luxembourg to Austin, Texas in October on KLM, and the ticket I'm looking at includes a 1h 5m layover in Amsterdam. If I'm understanding the transfer correctly, we will get off the flight from Luxembourg and then need to go through passport control in Amsterdam before boarding our international flight to Texas. For those that have transferred in Amsterdam on your way back to the states, does 1h 5m seem doable or should we look for a longer connection time in Amsterdam?
Posted by
ATL, USA
512 posts
Well in theory the airlines wouldn't schedule it if it weren't possible but......
Is there another flight to your destination later that day, or will you have to wait 'til the next day if you miss your connection?
Will you be flying in a premium cabin and able to be among the first off the plane?
Are you checking bags?
I'd be far more likely to take a chance on that short connection if I were returning home, but would not if it were the start of my trip.
Posted by
Cleveland
329 posts
We just flew back from Bilbao through Amsterdam to the States with an 1 hour and 50 minutes transfer time. I thought it would be plenty but then passport control had 30+ minute delay. Long but fast moving line. We still had plenty of time but after that experience I'd be hesitant to book a 1hr 5m connection. (Normally I wouldn't worry about anything the airline sold me.)
Good luck!
Posted by
The Netherlands
1536 posts
You will have to go thru passport control at Schiphol when you transfer from a flight from Luxembourg to a flight to the USA, because you will leave the Schengen zone at Schiphol.
The minimum connection time at Schiphol for Schengen to non-Schengen flights is 50 minutes. Your connection time is 65 minutes, so you should be okay. But I do suggest to not stop anywhere to shop etc, but to continue straight on to your gate.
Posted by
Atlanta
5149 posts
It's doable, but.........
If possible, try for another connection to build in an additional hour just in case. If the next flight out isn't until the next day, then don't stop for anything between planes.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
19587 posts
I have gone through AMS on the way to the states a dozen times. It took me anywhere from just under 1 hour to 1.5 hours gate to gate, and there is no way to predict in advance. Even if you made it in 45 min, you would be among the last on the next flight. Any carry-on? Then odds of checked bags making it? Coincidentally my flights are to Austin.
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
2610 posts
many recent conversations on this topic, here's another recent inquiry that includes my answer to your question: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/general-europe/flight-connection-schiphol
Posted by
San Diego, California
5438 posts
Can you change the incoming flight to Amsterdam, to give yourself more time? Or just take a train to Amsterdam?
Good luck!
YOU CAN MAKE AN APPT FOR THE AMSTERDAM SECURITY LINE. ( Oops caps) The appt are available three days in advance. Check online-that may help.
Posted by
PA
2842 posts
The appointments are for security screening lines. Not passport control.
Posted by
San Diego, California
5438 posts
Oops, thanks.