We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

AMS > Heathrow > US Timing & Customs?

New York City, New...
Level Contributor
25 posts
13 reviews
20 helpful votes
AMS > Heathrow > US Timing & Customs?
Save

I'm flying into Heathrow next month, staying in London for a few days before heading to Amsterdam.

My return flight to the US is out of Heathrow.

I'm trying to figure out what time to book my AMS > LHR flight so that I have enough time to clear customs, switch terminals, and not miss my flight home! Will I need to do a full passport control / customs process going from Amsterdam to LHR?

Any suggestions or thoughts on how much time I should allow for is greatly appreciated.

Perth, United...
Level Contributor
2,839 posts
1. Re: AMS > Heathrow > US Timing & Customs?
Save

What time is your return flight?

The answer anyway is, the day before (if on separate tickets)

Cardiff, United...
Level Contributor
10,156 posts
74 reviews
33 helpful votes
2. Re: AMS > Heathrow > US Timing & Customs?
Save

The better question would be what time to book your flight from Amsterdam to the US (which may or may not include a protected connection at Heathrow).

Dresden, Germany
Level Contributor
2,622 posts
28 reviews
20 helpful votes
3. Re: AMS > Heathrow > US Timing & Customs?
Save

If on separate tickets, don't consider trying to connect the same day. If things go belly up on the first sector, it's a very expensive exercise waiting to happen.

New York City, New...
Level Contributor
25 posts
13 reviews
20 helpful votes
4. Re: AMS > Heathrow > US Timing & Customs?
Save

Return flight is 4PM.

It will be separate tickets.

North Yorkshire...
Destination Expert
for Wiltshire, London
Level Contributor
33,221 posts
756 reviews
289 helpful votes
5. Re: AMS > Heathrow > US Timing & Customs?
Save

If this is two tickets at LHR you will have to clear immigration, collect luggage if any, possibly change Terminals, check in, clear security and fly. If you can afford to buy a new ticket to the US at walk up rates then you can do that quite quickly on paper. The reality is a lot can go wrong and booking a long haul from country B to country C on a day you start in country A with no proper connection is not good.

As Printroom says, fly the previous day.

Cardiff, United...
Level Contributor
10,156 posts
74 reviews
33 helpful votes
6. Re: AMS > Heathrow > US Timing & Customs?
Save

I would get to London (either by plane or train, you don't specifically need to go to Heathrow if your flight isn't until afternoon) the day before. You have time to stay somewhere central and have some time in London in the morning (or at least a leisurely stroll and breakfast).

New Mexico
Level Contributor
18,573 posts
100 reviews
164 helpful votes
7. Re: AMS > Heathrow > US Timing & Customs?
Save

My personal preference when returning by air to the US from London is to wake up in London.

Agree with day before.

**

To Your question: If you will have checked luggage to retrieve and recheck that will take longer.

I guess I would take the first flight in the morning out of AMS.

So.

1. Times of arrival and departure and date?

Edited: 6 years ago
Watford, United...
Destination Expert
for London
Level Contributor
49,450 posts
62 reviews
99 helpful votes
8. Re: AMS > Heathrow > US Timing & Customs?
Save

It's also in January which could mean ice, snow or fog. An early departure from AMS could well get delayed or cancelled leaving you in the soup.

As others have recommended please do travel the day before and I would take the train as that would put you in central London for your overnight rather than out at the airport.

Salisbury, United...
Level Contributor
17,829 posts
141 reviews
95 helpful votes
9. Re: AMS > Heathrow > US Timing & Customs?
Save

January, full winter so too many things can go wrong due to weather. Today there were delays due to fog, last week cancellations due to snow, AMS was badly hit.

Take the advice and arrive in London the day before. Possibly by train as that might not be so affected by weather. There’s too much at stake if you miss your flight back to US, miss the flight, you’ll be a noshow and your ticket will be cancelled. You’ll need to buy a new ticket at the walk up price. Alternatively change you already bought ticket to include the AMS flight, then your connection will be protected.

London
Level Contributor
15,724 posts
107 reviews
26 helpful votes
10. Re: AMS > Heathrow > US Timing & Customs?
Save

Airports around London (but Heathrow in particular) operate close to to full capacity, and winter weather will cause short haul cancellations. To prove my point, we had a little winter fog this morning - result was two British airways flights from Amsterdam to London were cancelled.

If you're on separate tickets, you'll get no help rescheduling your transatlantic flight if you get stuck in Amsterdam. Not a risk I'd be comfortable with.

© 2024 Tripadvisor LLC All rights reserved.

This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Malaysia. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu.