Transit Time

Mostly this depends on if your stuff is checked through on the same airline or if you can ask the airline you begin with to check the stuff through. You should be fine in Detroit and the same applies in Amsterdam since you shouldn't go through customs but go directly to the next gate. If you are flying NW contact them, not KLM as NW is much more understanding than the Europe based KLM about timing.

Greetings

These times - especially the return time - seem very tight. Generally if you book connecting flights, the airlines will have minimum recommended times between flights, and it's often best to leave 30+ minutes more than recommended to allow for delays etc.

If your luggage is checked through, and you are leaving the minimum recommended time, it should be OK. However, 50 minutes could be a problem for you in Amsterdam if you have any delays because Schipol is a large airport with LONG terminals so it can easily take more than 15 minutes just to get to your gate - and depending on the current layout of the airport and which gates you arrive and leave at, you may have to go through Schengen immigrations. Not sure, but worth having a few extra moments.

Luggage glitches do happen, especially on tight connections, so I would not leave anything valuable (keys, wallets etc.) in your checked luggage, and bring overnight clothes in a carry on bag.

Kate

Thanks, Linda and Kate!

I have frequently travelled to Europe with checked luggage, (baby and household stuff). And that layover time is typical of my experience. I have never had the problem of not having my stuff arrive at the same time. Rmember that is why they stick all of those tags on your luggage it codes them so they are arranged and loaded on in the right order and priority. Also remember that is why the flight is sometimes a few minutes late, because they are transfering the luggage. The only problme I have had is the return to the U.S. and then it was nice because I didn't have to haul it, they delivered all my heavy luggage to my house.

Always pack an overnight bag just in case.

You should be fine. Recently, I even traveled back from Mexico via SEA and even with a customs delay that left my ongoing flight leaving 20 minutes after bag re-check from the other end of the terminal my bag arrived. In all my years of traveling, I have only had lost bags once during normal operations and that was due to United Express not loading ANY connecting bags for some reason (so they showed up 12 hours later). I have constantly made 20 minute connections and have never had my bags miss their flight.

Thanks, David. I've decided not to worry since the entire reservation was made through Northwest...I'll just make sure we have all valuables (as usual) and any special souvenirs with us if appropriate.