Hi,
We're thinking to book a flight back home from Strasbourg to Seattle having a 1.5 hr layover in Amsterdam. It's not much time, but does anyone know if we'd have to go through passports control/customs, or any other additional stopping points at AMS since our next flight will depart to the US? Is it a big airport? Will we have enough time to make it to the next plane?
Thanks!
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
It's huge, but easy and efficient. An hour and a half is plenty.
You'll have extra security screening at the gate, but it moves quickly - - fifteen minutes, maybe. It's actually more a part of the boarding process, just moving from one part of a particular gate to the other, so I can't imagine that they'd slam the door in your face.
Posted by
OP
Seattle, WA
5 posts
Great! Thanks Ed!!!!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
Should be OK. We missed with a one hour layover coming from the US. For us, at both immigrations and security there was a short line for close connections. Didn't see the short line for immigrations until it was too late. If you can stay behind security, you will have time for a latte.
Posted by
Seal Beach, CA
33 posts
More than enough time but keep walking past the many flower displays and the Bols genever gin museum.
Posted by
2081 posts
LR,
AMS has been layed out differently than most if not ALL US airports.
99% of the airport is open just like a shopping mall. They have the TSA/security at the gates. So, the only people going thru them are the passengers.
I like it alot more so you can wonder all over the airport and leave it w/o having to go thru security.
the only drawback is that it big. alot of walking if you go from one terminal to another.
happy trails.
Posted by
San Jose, CA
1994 posts
It seems my experience differs from what's described above. If it's essential that you make your connecting flight, I would suggest that you schedule as much time as possible in Amsterdam. You'll be ok with 1.5 h if your incoming flight is on time, you move quickly, and lines are manageable. And hopefully your gates are near each other. It's a huge airport, with horrendous lines in my last two experiences. That may just be luck of the draw. Both times were midmorning, on Mondays, in the fall, with no weather issues. And both times I missed my connecting flight. I was flying Delta, coming in from Italy. Gates were at opposite ends of the airport, with long long lines at immigration control, security, and finally at the additional security screening at the gate. The rebooking people were actually quite helpful, although there was also a long line there.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
"...Gates were at opposite ends of the airport, with long long lines at immigration control, security, and finally at the additional security screening at the gate...."
If you have a tight connection you can bypass long lines at Immigration by using the express lane. There will be a monitor overhead listing which flights qualify. When making a connection from from an internal Schengen flight to a transatlantic non-schengen flight (to the US) the only security check is at the gate. So as long as you make it to the gate before they close the doors at the aircraft you're good.
Posted by
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
4088 posts
Step lively. Trans-Atlantic airlines, especially the American-based lines, want you past their own security gate and inside the departure lounge well before the published departure time. The transfer may be a little more expedited if your internal French flight is on the same airline or a partner of the trans-Atlantic carrier. In case of delay, don't hesitate to ask staff for help.