Question - Missing A Connecting Flight
 

My Rome-Dallas flight lays over for 1:15 at Amsterdam AMS, using KLM/NW for both segments. I'm naturally concerned about the short connection time. If I don't make my connecting flight through no fault of my own, possibly because of flight delays, or long security lines, etc., do I have a say in how KLM re-routes me, space permitting? One of their options to get me home involves a 33 hour scenic tour, part of which is on a DC9. I'd like to avoid this, especially since the original flight lasts only 10 hours. Thanks for any help.

You can state your opinion, but whether or not they'll listen is another story.

Hi L,

From my own experience and posts from others, I think that you are OK.

If you do miss your plane, they have to put you on the next available flight. Whether you get a choice is up to them.

((I))

Have you tried asking the airlines this question? Since it's all on the same ticket and carrier, they'll have to put you on another flight without charge... but how much say you'll have in exacctly which one, I'm not so sure!

Flights are so full nowadays, you will be lucky to get on the next flight. Sometimes they will tell you they will book you on the same flight, leaving the following day. At that point, ask them to wait list you for the flight you want.

After missing so many connections due to weather, I always plan a 3 hr leeway in between flights. For example, our flight from Frankfurt to Detroit in August has only center seats available 5 months prior. It is going to be full! It isn't always possible to get the next flight!

1hr 15min at AMS is not a remarkably short connection, but the very normal, usual, everyday connecting time.

I would not expect to miss the connection, but to make it.
AMS is a nice airport, very convenient and stressless to connect, especially when you compare it with LHR, CDG, FRA.

Whatever KLM will do if you should miss your connection is hard to foresee and will depend on available options. It can be assumed that the airline will anticipate or understand your desire to get home on the next best flight. You'll have to wait and see, I'm afraid.

Thanks for all of the great info. If I miss my AMS connection, I would prefer to stay in Amsterdam for 24 hours, and fly home on the same flight one day later (space permitting). I just wasn't sure how much control a traveler has in these situations.

I missed a connection in Amsterdam last summer and the agent at the transfer desk was very helpful rerouting us. He came up with a good option and asked our opinion. Can't guarantee that is always the case, but that was our experience.

I really encourage you to call the airline and ask an airline employee this question. We can all guess or give our own past scenarios, but what you need to know is what the airline says they will do for you.

As above, 1 hr 15 mins does not seem all that tight for a Schiphol connection on the same airlines.