Transfer time and passport control

I flew from LAX to Milan with a connecting flight in Amsterdam. We only had to go thru passport control and it only took 5 minutes. We only had 1 hour and 20 minutes to transfer planes and ended up waiting for the next flight with an hour to spare. I don't think you will have any problems unless your plane is over an hour late. They didn't ask any questions or look at our carry on bags. They only wanted the passport and our boarding pass.

On the random date of May 18, 2016, there are four flights a day with KLM (Delta's partner) from Amsterdam to Toulouse. In the worst case scenario, if you miss your connection due to late arrival, they will put you on the next available flight for no extra charge. With three other flights that day, you should be able to get on one of them (in other words, they won't all be completely sold out).

I've done that Delta flight from SEA to AMS several times. I would not go with a 1h35m transfer time. My flights have always landed early or on time but often there is a 15-20 minute taxi to the gate and then altho the terminal is laid out well and pretty easy to navigate for a 1st timer it is pretty big. I've done a 1h30m transfer time going the other direction where you had to go thru departing passport control (plus security at the gate) and barely made it. There are staff members at the Immigration lines that will move you to the front if they thing you will miss your flight but I would still not chance it. In my experience we also had to go thru security directly after Immigration which also took time. The last time I was there (Oct 2014) there was still a lot of renovation going on in the terminal so I don't know if it is still set up this way. As it appears there are a number of flights to Toulouse per Harold's post, I would pick a later one.

I realize that anecdotal stories of on-time landings are useless, but I would still not stress myself out with that transfer time. My new rule...for myself...is at least 2-3 hours if you have to go thru Immigration. It can be quick...or not.

If there is no delay your transfer time is sufficient. You will go only through immigration and security (that was the case last time I was there - July 2015). There is a personal around letting people with short connections ahead.

I went on this flight from SEA to AMS, connecting to Marseille, in May. Even though our flight was late, we made our connection (originally 1 1/2 hours between flights, but less than an hour that day). You will go through passport control to get into the airport, and then you will have to go through security to get to your connecting flight. Sorry, there is no way you can stay "airside." Schiphol is a well-organized airport. Look carefully at the airport terminal maps in advance. Also look for the gate where your connecting flight usually leaves--it is quite possible that it will leave from that same gate or nearby on your travel day. If all goes well, you can make this connection.

Keep in mind that a late departure doesn't necessarily translate into a late arrival. Airlines often build in delay time into their schedules.

AMS is pretty efficient and a 1.5 hour transfer is normally good. If memory serves me, AMS has an expedited passport control line for close connections.

The above said, check for later alternative flights to your final destination in the event of a miss.

Mary,

As the others have mentioned, AMS is a very efficient and well organized airport and 1H:35M should be adequate for transfer time, provided your first flight isn't late. AMS is a single terminal airport so you won't have to take any shuttles or whatever between terminals, but it's LARGE so some walking is required.

I've always had to go through security when transiting through AMS, so whether that will be necessary in your case will depend on whether they consider SEA a "safe" airport. Last time I was through AMS they had the security checkpoint right at the boarding gate, and it was somewhat of an "expedited" procedure and didn't take long.

I have taken Delta to Amsterdam connecting to other flights many times. I think you can get anywhere in that airport in 20 minutes. And like others have said, you can cut the line at passport control if you're late and ask nicely.

If you're flight is super late when you arrive in Schiphol, you scan your boarding pass at the transfer kiosks when you get in the terminal. It will print out your new boarding pass for you new flights and you'll be on your way.