AMSTERDAM-High temperatures, holiday pictures permanently in your Instagram feed, and that need for an out-of-office message on your business email. Well, if you are experiencing these “symptoms” is definitely time to take a (well deserved) break or a long holiday. However, if you are thinking to fly out from Amsterdam Schiphol airport, you better read these tips on how to minimize the queues at the busiest location in The Netherlands.
With an average of 3 hours to pass security and more than an hour to enter the airport during the weekend, these tips can literally save your holiday.
- Take the train and/or pass via the Schiphol Plaza
It is not only an environmental choice but a different way to enter the airport. With the arrival via Schiphol Plaza, you can easily access the departure terminal via the arrival hall. Once inside you still have to queue to get through security but you have saved probably the first hour during the weekends. - Get a Privium Pass with your American Express Platinum card
The loyalty program of Schiphol airport can really make a difference when it comes to security checks. In fact, with the Priority lane, you can save up to 2 hours in the peak period. Privium registrations are closed however, you might still get it via the American Express Platinum registration. With the cost of 60 euros per month, you can enjoy a huge amount of benefits around the world, including lounges and priority access for two people. Despite the 60 euros can look like a big investment, if you travel often you know that Schiphol or whatever other airport isn’t cheap when it comes to food and drinks so having lounge access can be a huge advantage. - Fly or upgrade yourself to Premium Economy or Business Class
It might sound rhetorical but in all airports, those who have a ticket above the Economy Class have special perks including the priority lane when it comes to security. Especially if you are flying intercontinental it is important to check the cost of Premium Economy, since sometimes it is cheaper than Economy. The reason is simple: sometimes airlines want to promote their new planes and services on the route with a medium rate load factor. However, if you are budget constraint is good to keep an eye on the same-day upgrade. In fact, when Business or Premium Economy seats are not sold, they offer massive discounts on these seats, and – if you are a frequent flyer – the deal for an upgrade with miles/points is not bad at all. - Fly early in the morning
It is known that in the early morning (flights up to 9 AM) there are fewer queues at the airport. In fact, there are fewer intercontinental flights leaving, and for this reason way fewer passengers. So, if you need to pick a time, you can look for the 7-9 AM departure slot as an ideal time to leave from Schiphol. Next to that this timeframe is good since specifically if you are flying not with KLM your flight should be always guaranteed if the airport stayed overnight. - Do not arrive more than 4 hours before
Schiphol doesn’t write it anywhere, but it has dispatched agents to block passengers that are too early for their flights. So, to avoid that you have to wait at the Schiphol Plaza or outside the terminal, try not to arrive too early, especially if you have only your carry-on luggage.
We hope that these pieces of advice could really help you in navigating what will be a very hot summer for the capital airport.
Other ideas or tips? Email us at hello{at}wowery.net
About Author
