As promised, here’s a mini review of the VIP experience before our flight on SQ323 on July 6th. We were staying nearby at the Sheraton and so I requested walking directions when booking but was told it was a little far with luggage. They recommended a car service instead, at the princely sum of 45 euros which on reflection was insane given we were in the car all of two minutes haha, so be aware you can walk from Schiphol Plaza, but it’s nice to arrive by car nonetheless, and the driver was delightful. We were met at the entrance by a charming lady who whisked our checked bags away and escorted us up one floor and into our private lounge. The whole arrival experience was so calming, there is a genuinely relaxed and sophisticated ambiance, and even though many other lounges were occupied, the layout is designed to ensure privacy. We were given the Dutch Contemporary Lounge which I believe is the smallest, but more than adequate for two people. The aesthetic was lovely and there was a helpful intro to Marcel Wanders’ design ethos, as you will find in each of the individual lounges. Still and sparkling water we’re waiting, as were some lotions and potions and a futuristic Bang and Olufsen sound space speaker.












Within two minutes our host came to offer us drinks and a tour of the lounge. We decided to go wandering ourselves while he went to get coffees (in lovely Delftware) and enjoyed a peek into some of the some unoccupied larger rooms, though most were full. I must note for you smokers/vapers out there that a recent law change means the smoking room can’t be used as such now, but there is an outdoor covered space by the entrance. We checked out the bathrooms which have been described recently and were very tasteful. The Rituals products have been replaced by a local brand and smell of green tea and happiness.
After coffees it was time for champagne, which once ordered was poured liberally during our two hour stay. It’s only a Feuillette but perfectly chilled, and goes down just fine in the privacy of one’s lounge haha. We also ordered the VIP breakfast, with allergens and preferences requested, a nice touch.



As we feasted, a different Gentleman came and confirmed the weight of our luggage and our final destination, and personally went over to the main airport to check us in. As he did so, a lovely lady from the Marechausee came to stamp us out of Amsterdam and we had a good chat with her about the category red storm the day before, which spawned a tornado and nearly scuppered the whole shebang. Thankfully the travel gods shone and we arrived only an hour late, which given the 400 earlier cancellations was very fortunate indeed.
With check-in formalities taken care of, the Gentleman returned and we told him our preference to board first so I could get some cabin shots (first time on SQ, sorry QR). He replied ‘anything is possible here’ which sums up the whole experience perfectly. He came to get us 20 minutes before general boarding, taking our hand luggage unprompted, and we went down two floors to security. This is probably the biggest benefit - no shoes or belts off, no removing liquids, just a quick body scan and you’re good to go, and go you must to your shiny Audi that waits a few metres away:


Sadly SQ parked so close we were only in the car for two minutes, but who doesn’t love a tarmac transfer and walking under the nose of an A359? A Gentleman on the airfield checked our boarding passes and then escorted us up the stairs to the airbridge, where we met the driver who had our hand luggage, who then handed us over to welcoming SQ staff. As expected, we were first to board and supping Charles Heidseck within 60 seconds.
Overall, I cannot fault the experience - it’s expensive for sure, but excellent value to avoid the madness that is Schiphol, and to start your journey in the smoothest and most relaxing fashion possible. I highly recommend, and thank you for reading.