I think we've finally found our flight to Spain for our first trip to Europe (honeymoon). But, I've been told we might need to find something with a longer layover in Amsterdam because we'll need to clear European customs and passport control in Amsterdam. We'll be coming from Minneapolis, have an hour and a half layover in Amsterdam and then continuing on to Barcelona. How much time would you recommend we need for the layover in Amsterdam. Is 1.5 hours cutting it to close? We'd like to buy our tickets tonight so any advice is appreciated. Thanks!
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
If your plane lands on time, you should have just enough time to make the connection. Check to see if your airline has later flights to Barcelona. If so, and you miss your connection there's a good chance they can fit you on a later flight. If it were me and there are later flights I always take the "risk" and choose the early flight with a tight connection.
Posted by
Clawson, MI, USA
199 posts
Kate, I would give myself at least a buffer of 3 to 4 hours. Just in case of a delay. They do happen. It's a long flight to Amsterdam and you will most likely not get any sleep. You will probably be tired and somewhat cranky after the flight. IMO why ask for trouble? Your first day in Europe you're not going to have a lot of energy because of the time difference. You would probably appreciate having an hour or two to clean-up, get something to eat, have some coffee, get some Euros, and just calm your mind? You're on vacation, what's the rush? You can rush when you get back.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
I agree with Michael. ALSO, try to get seats near the entry to the plane. Last Christmas we missed a tight connection in Amsterdam because the plane was 20 minutes late getting to the gate (landed on time) AND we were buried in the far back corner of the plane which meant it was another 20 mins just getting off the plane. Immigration is pretty much a walk thought but you also have to go through security again. If on a short connection they will allow you to jump the line - just say something to one of the attendants in the area.
Posted by
Luxembourg
69 posts
Hi Kate, 1.5 hours in AMS is a fair transit time. You "only" need to clear immigration (passport control), not customs, and in case you miss the connecting flight, there are several flights pr. day between AMS and BCN. It's a big airport yes, but all under one roof in one big terminal, and all signs (to gate areas etc.) are clear and easy to follow. Personally, I just want to get as quickly as possible to my final destination and start the holidays:-) so I will opt for the 1.5 hours transit. Happy honeymoon travel!
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
"...Schiphol has got to have the longest taxiway in the world: ~20 minutes from touchdown to park..." In fact it does have the longest taxiway:) They built an additional runway a few years ago. It's three miles away from the terminal building!!!!! That's a long way for a big jumbo jet to lumber over to.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
19 posts
It is a long taxi in AMS, seems like forever. But it is already accounted for in your arrival time, i.e. Departure time from MSP is the time you pushback from the gate; arrival time in AMS is the time you pull up to the gate at Schipol. If all goes as scheduled, that is :)
Posted by
OP
Minneapolis, MN, United States
5 posts
Thank you for all of the advice. We decided to pick the flight with a 1hr55min layover in Amsterdam. We thought since it's our first trip to Europe we'd give ourselves a little bit more time. Based on all the advice it sounds like we'll be fine. There is at least one more flight after us that day so if something does get delayed hopefully we'll be able to get on that flight.
We bought our tickets last night, so now it's on to the rest of the planning. Thanks again!