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Getting worried about AMS connection

Hi all, my husband and I (both from the US) are flying KLM from Chicago (ORD) to Porto in late May via connection in Amsterdam. Our layover there is a bit over two hours, and I understand we must clear immigration before continuing on. We will be traveling with carryon baggage only, but with recent reports of staffing issues at Schiphol, I am worried that two hours might not be enough time to make our connecting flight to Porto. What have other recent travelers’ experiences been? TIA!

Posted by
6227 posts

You should be fine - it might be a bit tight but I wouldn't think you will have any problems. You will have to go through passport control (immigration) and also customs, but customs should not take long if you have nothing to declare.

There are several threads that discuss this that you might want to read as well:

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/transportation/short-layover-in-ams
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/netherlands/schiphol-connection-time

Posted by
8252 posts

The reality is that other travelers’ experiences on other days won’t be a reliable indicator of your experience, either good or bad. You will probably make your connection. Most people do. If for some reason you do not, simply have a back up plan in mind and go with it. Know when the next flight after yours will go.

Posted by
591 posts

I’ve connected through AMS many times and will be doing so in May with a 90 minutes layover. It is an awesome and easy connect when continuing on to another Schengen country. The challenges I’ve noticed were for travelers bound for the US where additional document screening occurred but that was several years ago. As long as your inbound flight is on schedule your two hour layover is excellent.

As always anything could happen to upset the cart!

Posted by
4525 posts

I know other travelers don't appreciate those that jump the line, but if time is ticking and you are still in line, I have found a quiet word with the staff monitoring the 'holding pen' can get you out of line and closer to the front if you explain your connection is soon. But a little hustle to get of the plane and nearer the front of the line doesn't hurt. Or decide to buy your seats now and choose something near the front of the category you have.
Don't spend the next 10 weeks stressing it.

Posted by
1214 posts

At transfer passport control in Amsterdam there is no need to jump lines or to hush hush with staff if you fear you’ll miss your connection. Passengers of flights that leave shortly, can use the special and dedicated fast lane at transfer passport control. The flight numbers of the flights that leave shortly and whose passengers are therefore eligible to use this fast lane, are displayed above the fast lane. If your flight# is displayed, you can use the fast lane.

But I very much doubt you will need to use this fast lane. 2 hours is plenty of time to transfer at Amsterdam, plenty. No need to worry about paying extra for seats in front or about having to hustle your way out of the plane.

Posted by
18 posts

I agree with Dutch Traveler - also, every time I've transited Schiphol an immigration officer has called for passengers whose flights were nearing the start of boarding and moved them to a separate line
I went through that airport this past Monday with no problems as well as three weeks ago. I also noticed many electronic kiosks being readied for installation - I don't know the timetable for completing that project

Posted by
11027 posts

All the previous comments apply if the 'given' they assume is true, i.e., you are traveling on a single ticket.

Is that true?

Posted by
95 posts

Yes, single ticket. But, I’m not worried anymore, thanks to all the wonderful assurances. Plus, there was a small change in my booking that allowed me to make a change in my flights so that I now have a little over three hours in AMS. Can’t wait!