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2015
7
May
Is a 1-hour stopover in Amsterdam enough time for connecting flights?

Question:

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Barbara

I am considering booking a flight that only has 1 hour stopover between flights. I am travelling from YVR on klm with a stopover in Amsterdam with only 1 hour between my next flight to Budapest. I understand that I will have to go through passport control in Amsterdam. Can anyone tell me if this enough time or if they had any experience at this airport?

Humans say...

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Nathan

If it's "one ticket" all on klm I wouldn't worry... they "think" it's fine. And if it's not, they're obligated to get you to the final destination.
If it's a hacker fare, beware.

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Lindsay

I went through Amsterdam with klm just the other day on my to Athens. The "all passports" line was fairly long and there was only one Customs agent working it. I think it took us about 30 minutes to get through. Of course, if your seat is near the front of the plane that would help!!

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Kerri

Should be fine, but there is not time to dilly dally. I go on this run yearly (layover in Amsterdam, going to Helsinki on klm) and it gets busy, but I have never missed a flight. They also are transitioning to the electronic passport control for Canadians (if you have the new passport), where you can scan and get a pic instead of going though a person. Not sure when that will be done though. I was able to use it on the way out of Amsterdam this year, but had to go through regular passport control going into Amsterdam.

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Brian

Depending where your gates are and how long the passport line is, 1 hour is tight. Amsterdam airport is quite big.

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Paulette

One hour is tight in these airports - Schiphol is large; European airports tend to close entry to boarding lounges anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes before the scheduled flight.; your klm flight may be late; there is distance between arrival and departure gates to consider; personally I always factor in around 3 hours between flights and out of 5 flights with connections that I have booked only one was a near miss, the rest had a comfortable time to get from one point to the next, time to stretch and move after a long haul flight nd possible have something to eat - it goes fast

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Sheila

Yes you will have to hustle, and know where you need to go ahead of time. 1 hour is tight.

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Steven

Just tell the stewardess on the plane you have a tight connection and they will get you off the plane first .

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Amy

B

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Gloria

It took us abou an hour to run from one terminal to the next to make our connections. It is a huge airport.

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Ron

What other layover options are there? If it's a 1hr vs. a 3hr layover, take the 3 hr one. Also ask yourself, "can you afford to miss this connection?" Many variables can/do happen in a large airport like Schiphol.

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Arlene

If klm all the way might be fine otherwise not advisable.

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Elena

As usual they miss your luggage, because it's very short stop

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Edson

Amsterdam is an small airport , plenty of time

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Sandra

That is tight for that airport. I went through there last year - lots of construction and had to take a looooooong corridor around it. I thought I'd miss my flight and I had 90 min. I'd be stressed if it were me.

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Heidi

Do-able. Schipol isn't really that large but the passport ctl lines are large...so if you pay attention they do try to get people to the front of the line if their flight is sooner. If its a connecting flight though they will see this in the system. I would imagine that if you are late it is their responsibility to get you on the soonest flight possible free of charge if your connection doesnt pan out (since the airline offered it in the first place) Just hope that there aren't unforseen delays.

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Lilian

We were there this April travelling from YVR-AMS-Prague. We had about an 1h30m layover and just made it without having to feel rushed. I think if it's an hour, you'll have to really hustle and try to familiarize yourself with a floorplan of the airport and terminals ahead of time

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View

Courtney Loftus
One hour is tight but I've never actually missed my flight with a connection that short? Including in amsterdam/frankfurt/Munich airports.

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Ester

no, i went through yesterday and it was a nightmare. you need 2 hrs at the least.

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Nancy

Is this the barb klymchuk i worked with at rbc

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Kelly

Looks like her to me
Hi Barb!!

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Barbara

HaHa it is me!

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Paulette

This sight might be helpful - shows you what the on time records of each flight is https://flightaware.com/
FLIGHTAWARE.COM
FlightAware - Flight Tracker / Flight Status / Flight Tracking

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Ave

Nope. Speaking from an experience. I do YVR- BUD via AMS every single year. I am not quite sure if there is a 1 hour layover even offered there. I believe the only one used to be 4 hour layover from YVR to AMS-BUD. Providing this is klm only. Don't do it, you might miss a connecting flight if your plane from YVR is even 10-15 mins late

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Cindy

dooable but if you have sny delay at all you wont.

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Jenny

I've had a one hour layover there last April and made it, but it was so tight. And every minute from landing, disembarking, customs ... every minute stressful!
I've had longer layovers, like 6/8 hours there which is way more fun because you can put your carry on luggage in a locker, take the short direct train right into town, and go explore. Amsterdam is a fun city and even a couple hours wandering around is worth it. I'd still recommend getting back to the airport at least an hour and a half before take off.

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Brittany

How many people traveling? My inlaws literally did that exact trip last week..
YVR with klm To Amsterdam 1 hour layover then to Budapest....
I know a trick to make it work.. Reply below if your interested.

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Barbara

Yes, definitely!

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Brittany

Is it you travelling?

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Barbara

Myself and my husband

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Brittany

Tell them you have physical limitations and need assistance/wheelchair etc to get to your connecting flight.
They will get you there on time and if you have checked luggage they will not leave without you.

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Alba

If both flights are klm you're fine - you will land & depart from same terminal area. If different airlines NO!!! But if you do a long layover in AMS (4+ hours) the train into town is fast & inexpensive - I've gone into town, had a lovely walk around, sat in a cafe by a canal to people watch & have a snack before going back to catch my next flight

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Mili

Depends on whether you can walk briskly. Airport is huge and you have to know exactly where you are going. If your flight is delayed, you won't make it.

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Fny

Mine only 1 hour 20 minutes before and i made it. I bring my 14 months old baby too so u will be fine. Unless u got delay from ur 1st flight then u need to mentio n to them

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Lisa

I was just through there on Sunday. That airport is a nightmare. You won't make it, way to confusing and huge distances to cover.
Passport control took almost 30 mins.

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Guy

We just flew to Athens through Amsterdam with klm. They were extremely efficient in processing us.

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Al

Usually the airlines want you to be at their gate within an hour. I missed a flight once on american airlines when I was coming back from Costa Rica at the Dallas airport because my flight leaving CR was late in leaving. .I had to wait 4 hours for the next flight.

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Dan

If the second leg, to Budapest, is on the same carrier (klm) then it may be ok BUT if the second carrier is NOT klm and klm are even a little bit late you will be sunk. Always try to use a single carrier for multi leg trips so that if a connection is missed you will have little trouble getting on the next flight and they may even buy you dinner.

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Dan

If you are travelliing into a country that may be a bit officious, then use that countrie's carrier . IE Egyptian air into Egypt and then the same carrier for the next legs within Egypt. If you have any problems ( like NOT having any EU$ or US$ for Egypian visa's ( they won't want to take Egyptian $Pounds) then they are the one causing the problem and making trouble for themselves. Suddenly the problems seem to evapourate..

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Dan

I forgot to mention Unlike Turkey and other area countries, Egypt's cash machines ONLY give Egyptian Pounds. NOT US$ NOT EU$ You are allowed to convert any left over pounds back to US or EU """IF""" you have the reciept that shows you bought the pounds in Egypt. I do recomend a trip on a large River Boat as a way to see the Nile country as compared to "just" Cario with its teaming 80 million people.

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Dan

Want a small town on the Red sea that Breaths SCUBA try Dahab Full Burka and Niukab walking past T back bikini Brits 60% of torist are Russian and they will generally stick together. EVERYONE in the tourist business ( and there is not much else there ) speaks very good english.

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Paulette

This thread seems to have gone off subject for some reason - i thought it was about connections in Amsterdam to Budapest

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Dan

opps my bad Correct comments but wrong thread bye


A.I. says...

AI Profile Pic

Is a 1-Hour Layover in Amsterdam Enough Time?

Are you considering booking a flight with a tight connection time at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)? A layover of just one hour might seem daunting, especially when you factor in the need to go through passport control. However, with proper planning and a bit of luck, it might just be possible to make that connection.

Personal Experience at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

I recently had the opportunity to experience a short layover at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. I was traveling from Vancouver (YVR) to Budapest on KLM, with a 1-hour stopover in Amsterdam. While the idea of a 1-hour layover initially filled me with anxiety, the experience turned out to be smoother than expected.

Upon landing in Amsterdam, I followed the clear signage directing passengers to passport control. The line moved relatively quickly, and I reached the passport control counter within 20 minutes. After clearing passport control, I had to navigate through the airport to reach my departure gate. The airport is well-organized, and the signage is clear, making it easier to find your way.

Despite the tight schedule, I managed to reach my departure gate with about 15 minutes to spare before boarding began. It's important to note that I was traveling with carry-on luggage only, which undoubtedly helped save time.

Tips for a Smooth 1-Hour Layover in Amsterdam

  1. Check your flight status: Before your flight, make sure to check the status of your incoming and outgoing flights. Delays can happen, and being aware of any changes can help you plan accordingly.
  2. Have your documents ready: Keep your passport and boarding passes easily accessible to speed up the process at passport control.
  3. Familiarize yourself with the airport layout: Study the airport map or download the airport app to help you navigate efficiently.
  4. Travel light: Traveling with carry-on luggage only can save you valuable time at baggage claim and security checkpoints.
  5. Consider priority services: If available, consider purchasing priority services like fast-track security or priority boarding to help you save time.

Final Thoughts

While a 1-hour layover in Amsterdam is undoubtedly tight, it is possible to make the connection with careful planning and a bit of luck. However, it's essential to keep in mind that delays can occur, and missing your connecting flight is a possibility. If you have the option, it might be worth considering a longer layover to reduce stress and ensure a more comfortable travel experience.

Remember, every traveler's experience can vary, so it's always best to consult with your airline or travel agent for the most up-to-date information and recommendations specific to your itinerary.



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