AMS Lounge under COVID-19

Old Jun 8, 20, 8:58 am
  #31  
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Originally Posted by johan rebel
This limited selection is no doubt based on the fact that scrupulous and very thorough scientific research has proved beyond all doubt that all other beverages are far more likely to spread corona around in all directions.

Right?

Johan
If alcohol on wipes and hands in high concentrations kills over 99% of the virus, surely alcohol in lower concentrations kills at least some of it. It's not like the virus measures the concentration and suddenly drops dead when a magic threshold is reached. Maybe the effect isn't large enough to make a big difference, but alcoholic beverages are better than nonalcoholic beverages in this sense.
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Old Jun 9, 20, 12:51 am
  #32  
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On the website, it says Lounge 25 is closed, but guests are welcome to used Lounge 52 (in the non-schengen zone). Did they just remove the passport control in the middle? lol How does it work even...

I really liked the little noise-free semi-napping area in the deep end of Lounge 52, i hope it's still open! Also, I guess I just shove my own towel in the carry on to avoid using the towel provided in the shower lol (would be mad unfortunate to catch virus from towels)
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Old Jun 9, 20, 5:09 am
  #33  
 
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Originally Posted by Tofuciao
On the website, it says Lounge 25 is closed, but guests are welcome to used Lounge 52 (in the non-schengen zone). Did they just remove the passport control in the middle? lol How does it work even...

I really liked the little noise-free semi-napping area in the deep end of Lounge 52, i hope it's still open! Also, I guess I just shove my own towel in the carry on to avoid using the towel provided in the shower lol (would be mad unfortunate to catch virus from towels)
Unless you would have issues re-entering Schengen (at which point, I'm not sure flying even within it is a good idea ATM), you can simply go through the passport control out and then through passport control back in. This has never been a problem.

Also, I don't know if you would catch the virus from towels somehow... They are laundered before use and shouldn't come in contact with anyone but you and maybe the attendant before you use them.
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Old Jun 9, 20, 5:34 am
  #34  
 
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Originally Posted by Fabo.sk
Unless you would have issues re-entering Schengen (at which point, I'm not sure flying even within it is a good idea ATM), you can simply go through the passport control out and then through passport control back in. This has never been a problem.

Also, I don't know if you would catch the virus from towels somehow... They are laundered before use and shouldn't come in contact with anyone but you and maybe the attendant before you use them.
I have a Schengen flight departing AMS this Friday and given the Schengen area lounge will be closed (and holding an EU passport), there are no issues going back and forth through passport control to the non-Schengen lounge and then enter-Schengen again ? They won't ask for a boarding pass to a non-Schengen destination ? That could be convenient if the e-gates are open and since there is no security check anymore to get between the two sides. Given the number of European departures those days, they should really start considering reopening the lounge 25...
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Old Jun 9, 20, 6:26 am
  #35  
 
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Originally Posted by palmanfr
I have a Schengen flight departing AMS this Friday and given the Schengen area lounge will be closed (and holding an EU passport), there are no issues going back and forth through passport control to the non-Schengen lounge and then enter-Schengen again ? They won't ask for a boarding pass to a non-Schengen destination ? That could be convenient if the e-gates are open and since there is no security check anymore to get between the two sides. Given the number of European departures those days, they should really start considering reopening the lounge 25...
I've done that before with Privium card, automated readers, but also with the Marechaussee. At the time, if I was even asked for reason of going to the NS part, I'd either said I want to meed a transiting friend or that I want to go to a shop that is not available in Schengen part. At this point, I expect that if you say you wish to go to the lounge that should not pose a problem.
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Old Jun 9, 20, 2:35 pm
  #36  
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Originally Posted by Fabo.sk
if you say you wish to go to the lounge that should not pose a problem.
I can confirm from personal experience that it is not.

As for opening lounge 25 . . . that will cost money! KLM is doing everything possible to keep the money it owes the buyers of canceled tickets, and then not to spend any of that money to provide those actually traveling with the amenties they have paid for.

DL will fly AMS-JFK daily from the 18th of this month, so those who appreciate halfway decent service now have a choice.

Johan
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Old Jun 10, 20, 3:26 am
  #37  
 
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BACK TO SUBJECT @ Palmanfr Schengen departures can make use of the lounge 52, where since few days there is an offer /plate service offering options depending on the day according to sources within KLM. CUSTOMS will allow passengers to go back and fourth as the amount of trafic is still very limited.
The downstairs bar in lounge 52 is open again and offers softdrinks and a limited offer on alcoholic drinks
assortment in food is limited ; mostly sealed trays which are prepared and there is an assortment of snacks.
Opening times are now daily 07-21 h

Schengen lounge is being refurbished at this moment and will reopen somewhere in July . No precise indication.

On a different note ; the airline expect to have a WBC worthy tray service back within about 2 weeks mid/end JUNE this in response of many negative remarks of flight attendants on internal social media about the catering and the service they can offer to premium passengers. the airline indicates that passengers feedback is mixed; half passengers don't want any service and others a descent service. Additional problem seem to be that several catering companies have no stocks or went bankrupt. A new service however is in the make, has to be put in it systems and needs stock everywhere , which is logistical challenge Additional changes will come in due time according internal media. eg for LonghaUL service and EBC

Finally , since may 11th masks are compulsory on all flights and KLM doesn't have any dedicated hazard destinations any more meaning all seats - incl aisles - have been on sale for passengers . Safe travels and looking forward to see some update reports in stead of speculation . Have my own first flight by early july will report by then

Last edited by splflyer; Jun 10, 20 at 3:34 am
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Old Jun 10, 20, 8:39 am
  #38  
 
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Originally Posted by splflyer
BACK TO SUBJECT @ Palmanfr Schengen departures can make use of the lounge 52, where since few days there is an offer /plate service offering options depending on the day according to sources within KLM. CUSTOMS will allow passengers to go back and fourth as the amount of trafic is still very limited.
The downstairs bar in lounge 52 is open again and offers softdrinks and a limited offer on alcoholic drinks
assortment in food is limited ; mostly sealed trays which are prepared and there is an assortment of snacks.
Opening times are now daily 07-21 h

Schengen lounge is being refurbished at this moment and will reopen somewhere in July . No precise indication.

On a different note ; the airline expect to have a WBC worthy tray service back within about 2 weeks mid/end JUNE this in response of many negative remarks of flight attendants on internal social media about the catering and the service they can offer to premium passengers. the airline indicates that passengers feedback is mixed; half passengers don't want any service and others a descent service. Additional problem seem to be that several catering companies have no stocks or went bankrupt. A new service however is in the make, has to be put in it systems and needs stock everywhere , which is logistical challenge Additional changes will come in due time according internal media. eg for LonghaUL service and EBC

Finally , since may 11th masks are compulsory on all flights and KLM doesn't have any dedicated hazard destinations any more meaning all seats - incl aisles - have been on sale for passengers . Safe travels and looking forward to see some update reports in stead of speculation . Have my own first flight by early july will report by then
Thanks for the info. I will be flying out AMS Friday morning and back Monday noon, I will report my experience on this page !
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Old Jun 10, 20, 11:34 am
  #39  
 
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Originally Posted by splflyer
BACK TO SUBJECT @ Palmanfr Schengen departures can make use of the lounge 52, where since few days there is an offer /plate service offering options depending on the day according to sources within KLM. CUSTOMS will allow passengers to go back and fourth as the amount of trafic is still very limited.
The downstairs bar in lounge 52 is open again and offers softdrinks and a limited offer on alcoholic drinks
assortment in food is limited ; mostly sealed trays which are prepared and there is an assortment of snacks.
Opening times are now daily 07-21 h

Schengen lounge is being refurbished at this moment and will reopen somewhere in July . No precise indication.

On a different note ; the airline expect to have a WBC worthy tray service back within about 2 weeks mid/end JUNE this in response of many negative remarks of flight attendants on internal social media about the catering and the service they can offer to premium passengers. the airline indicates that passengers feedback is mixed; half passengers don't want any service and others a descent service. Additional problem seem to be that several catering companies have no stocks or went bankrupt. A new service however is in the make, has to be put in it systems and needs stock everywhere , which is logistical challenge Additional changes will come in due time according internal media. eg for LonghaUL service and EBC

Finally , since may 11th masks are compulsory on all flights and KLM doesn't have any dedicated hazard destinations any more meaning all seats - incl aisles - have been on sale for passengers . Safe travels and looking forward to see some update reports in stead of speculation . Have my own first flight by early july will report by then
This is a great update, thanks for sharing. Are masks required in the lounges? Or inside Schiphol generally?
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Old Jun 10, 20, 1:22 pm
  #40  
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Originally Posted by splflyer
half passengers don't want any service and others a descent service.
Well, then it is obvious that a decent service is what should be offered. The alleged half who would rather go hungry and thirsty are free to decline all offers.

Johan
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Old Jun 10, 20, 1:26 pm
  #41  
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Originally Posted by splflyer
Additional problem seem to be that several catering companies have no stocks or went bankrupt.
I thought KLM ran its own show at AMS, KLM Catering Services Schiphol B.V. Have they gone bust?

If not, I'm not sure where the challenges lie. They are surely experts on inflight catering, they've been at it forever and it's their sole raison d'tre. Moreover, they now only have to cater to a fraction of the usual number of pax. That should not pose an insurmountable challenge, and besides, they have had months to plan for a return to normality.

Johan
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Old Jun 10, 20, 2:01 pm
  #42  
 
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Originally Posted by Billy Mumphrey
This is a great update, thanks for sharing. Are masks required in the lounges? Or inside Schiphol generally?
Masks are only on board required. Not at the airport or lounge.
In public transport eg to/from airport they are required and can be obtained from a
vending machine near the platforms eg before you board a train .
Most airlines will have a stock at hand at the gate
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Old Jun 10, 20, 4:37 pm
  #43  
 
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Originally Posted by splflyer
BACK TO SUBJECT @ Palmanfr Schengen departures can make use of the lounge 52, where since few days there is an offer /plate service offering options depending on the day according to sources within KLM. CUSTOMS will allow passengers to go back and fourth as the amount of trafic is still very limited.
The downstairs bar in lounge 52 is open again and offers softdrinks and a limited offer on alcoholic drinks
assortment in food is limited ; mostly sealed trays which are prepared and there is an assortment of snacks.
Opening times are now daily 07-21 h
Many thanks.

Whats the best route / security control checkpoint currently open from the trains to lounge 52?

I have a Schengen flight, will they let me through at security 3, into the non Schengen, or is the massive hike to security 1 necessary to go across passport control airside?
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Old Jun 11, 20, 2:35 am
  #44  
 
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Originally Posted by johan rebel
I thought KLM ran its own show at AMS, KLM Catering Services Schiphol B.V. Have they gone bust?
They do, it's their own show. And as far as I know it is still up and running.
But, OP is probably referring to the many caterers at outstations which could ofcourse make resupplying difficult.

On the other hand - like you said: with the reduced number of passengers and service KLM could decide to load enough meals and beverages to cover the trip back.
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Old Jun 11, 20, 3:07 am
  #45  
 
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Originally Posted by f4free
Many thanks.

Whats the best route / security control checkpoint currently open from the trains to lounge 52?

I have a Schengen flight, will they let me through at security 3, into the non Schengen, or is the massive hike to security 1 necessary to go across passport control airside?

A friend of me flying AMS-ARN last week, was not let through via the x-ray/departures/immigration in Departure lounge 2 (above KLM check-in).
A second try behind security (via departure 1, Schengen) and then making the airside-transfer to Non-Schengen was also rejected and KMAR answered "KLM can say everything but we won't let you pass".

Just saying. I have no own experience yet. My first flights are early July and avoiding KLM for a while...
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