Trans AMS from US to ATH + Lounge Choice
Jun 7, 2021, 11:28 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 56
Trans AMS from US to ATH + Lounge Choice
Meeting up with my elderly parents and sister who have never traveled internationally before and need to make sure I provide them with the proper info to assemble once we all land within 30 minutes of each other in AMS. I'm not sure where the most suitable area to meet up in, so our current plan is to meet in Crown Lounge 52, but I'm not sure if we have to go to the Schengen Lounge 25 since we're connecting to Athens.
Is funneling through passport control different depending on what lounge we would choose? Do you clear it 1st on the way to Lounge 25 and then be done with it, or can you go straight to either lounge and then clear passport control before boarding the ATH flight?
We all have a 4-hour layover, and I want them to experience the nicer lounge as this is the 1st time they've ever flown in Business and have lounge access. Most likely will arrange for assistance to get them from the plane to whichever lounge we need to meet up in, so that's another aspect that I need to make them aware of.
I extend my extreme gratitude to anyone with some time to offer a detailed outline of these scenarios that I can forward to them for a successful, stress-free transfer.
Is funneling through passport control different depending on what lounge we would choose? Do you clear it 1st on the way to Lounge 25 and then be done with it, or can you go straight to either lounge and then clear passport control before boarding the ATH flight?
We all have a 4-hour layover, and I want them to experience the nicer lounge as this is the 1st time they've ever flown in Business and have lounge access. Most likely will arrange for assistance to get them from the plane to whichever lounge we need to meet up in, so that's another aspect that I need to make them aware of.
I extend my extreme gratitude to anyone with some time to offer a detailed outline of these scenarios that I can forward to them for a successful, stress-free transfer.
Jun 7, 2021, 12:30 pm
#2
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: mostly not far from AMS, otherwise NUE
Programs: FB Silver, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,380
To go to lounge 52 you don't need to clear passport control. If you want to go the Schengen lounge you'll clear passport control first. You have the choice of first going to 52 for a while and then making your way through passport control, after which you may have time left still for a stay at the Schengen lounge. I personally like 52 more than the Schengen lounge, but then again I haven't been to the latter for over a year, so I don't know what may have changed.
Jun 7, 2021, 1:30 pm
#3
Join Date: Jun 2020
Programs: FlyingBlue
Posts: 2,421
Lounge 25 was renovated about 1 year ago and the experience is almost the same. Both provide food & beverage, showers, and are not that crowded these days.
I'd say pick either depending on whether you'd feel safer going through passport control earlier (then go to lounge 25), or would rather enjoy a wider variety of seating and some windows that allow plane-spotting (then lounge 52 is for you).
Jun 7, 2021, 1:52 pm
#4
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: NYC, DUS
Programs: Mattiott Lifetime Titanium Elite, LH SEN, IB Emerald, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 564
Can you -as an American- transit via AMS and access the Schengen area for your flight to ATH?
I know that Greece is opening for tourism - but I am not sure whether this will provide you access to the Schengen area in AMS.
I know that Greece is opening for tourism - but I am not sure whether this will provide you access to the Schengen area in AMS.
Jun 7, 2021, 3:00 pm
#5
Join Date: Mar 2018
Programs: FB Plat, *A Gold
Posts: 367
To go to lounge 52 you don't need to clear passport control. If you want to go the Schengen lounge you'll clear passport control first. You have the choice of first going to 52 for a while and then making your way through passport control, after which you may have time left still for a stay at the Schengen lounge. I personally like 52 more than the Schengen lounge, but then again I haven't been to the latter for over a year, so I don't know what may have changed.
Jun 8, 2021, 8:30 am
#6
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Atlanta Metro
Programs: DL , AC, BA, Hhonors Diamond, IH Platinum, Bonvoy Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,352
Wouldn't it be easier for you to help your family through passport control, since it's their first international trip?
Then it would make sense to meet in 52 first.
Then it would make sense to meet in 52 first.
Jun 8, 2021, 8:34 am
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 56
Thanks, everyone for your valuable advice - I really appreciate it!