Flying from Porto (KLM) to Amsterdam (1 hour 50 min layover) to Seattle (Delta). All booked through Delta. Carry on only. Now, I am flipping out a bit as I see so many issues with the Amsterdam, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. I have read that there is a way to speed through items if 1) you are booked in a higher class (maybe only 1st or business) and 2) if you have global entry. I cannot find any evidence of either. I thought Global Entry was only for the US, so? I may reach out to Delta or KLM to see if I can upgrade on my Porto to Amsterdam flight if that will get me to the next flight on time. Does anyone have thoughts?
Will be taking 1 carry on, 1 personal bag (under seat), currently on Delta Prem Econ flights (except KLM which is Europe Economy and cannot get an upgrade through Delta website)
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10188 posts
Unless you have deadlines to be in Seattle, you might want to see if you can make the second flight and if not, Delta will rebook you for free. If you ask to change your first flight, they might charge you. Let us know if they will change your flight for free. Your experience will help others.
Posted by
WA USA
1077 posts
I'd just see what happens. You either make it or not. If not, you will be re-booked. I'm not sure how upgrading comes into play, but then I fly economy so perhaps it does. Earlier this year, they did have a separate line for individuals who had tight connections. Individuals who went to the separate line were based on departing flight times, not the type of ticket.
I think you will most likely be fine.
Posted by
SE US
2344 posts
You might be OK. A lot of the issues seem to be people whose flight originate at Schiphol (going through security) and checking bags. Have a look at this thread with recent experiences. It baffles me how some people breeze right through like nothing while others are caught up in the nightmare. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/netherlands/schiphol-is-still-a-mess
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
13934 posts
Well, there are 2 non-stop services a day from AMS to SEA - 1030A and 235P plus a number of routings via various Delta hubs so unless it's the 2:35 flight I'd probably risk it.
And you are right, Global Entry makes no difference at Schiphol. Most of the problems seem to be actually trying to get IN to the airport and thru security so you'd not have that to contend with.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11176 posts
Global entry is a US thing. Helps only once you are in the US
Any benefit of being in biz/1st would apply ONLY if you have it for the AMS-SEA segment.
Having only carry on solves the lost bag issue. From what I have read the big problem at AMS has been with folks initiating their flight there, less so with folks transferring.
Plug your flight info in and see what happens..... https://www.schiphol.nl/en/transfers/
Posted by
New York, NY
3996 posts
Global Entry has nothing to do with Amsterdam. Let’s assume you miss that flight because your arriving flight from Porto is late. How many flights on Delta are there to Seattle after yours that day?
I think that layover time is too short because of the real risk that your inbound flight from Porto could be late. I suggest you change your itinerary and give yourself at least 3 hours of layover — 4 hours if your trip is in the next couple of months. Schiphol is a disaster. Make sure you do NOT check in any bags whatsoever. Stay within the weight and size limits of all carry-ons.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA ☔️
6788 posts
Only benefit of First or Business class is that you're seated closer to the doors, so you can be among the first off the plane. Might make a few minutes difference, but probably won't move the needle much.