Schiphol Meet&Greet service from US - How much time can it save at passport control?
May 2, 2022, 9:34 am
#16
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: BRE
Programs: Flying Blue Ultimate, LATAM Black, Vistara Gold, Accor/IHG Platinum, Marriott/Hilton Gold
Posts: 480
FYI - Update on my experience using Schiphol Meet & Assist on arrival day several weeks ago flying Austin to Amsterdam.
In a word: Great.
The Schiphol person escorted me directly
From: my flight Arrival gate
Through: what seemed like a non-obvious shortcut
To: a shortened 15 person passport control line in the far right lane. (Default would have been just a ~ 100 person line at my time of arrival. That seemed tiny compared to what I saw for yesterday's arrivals.)
After about 10 seconds in the 15 person line, someone in an official uniform from the inside wall office with the glass window walks out, says something in Dutch to the Schiphol Meet & Assist agent, and motions me to the glass window office with several officers inside where no one else is queued. He checks my passport, stamps it, and on to baggage!
The Schiphol agent seemed quite surprised. She said never seen someone from that office come out like that in 12 yrs of working at Schiphol. I am not a public figure / VIP or anything so don't know why either.
Next: Baggage...where there was a 45 min - 1 hour wait for any bags from my flight to appear on the conveyor belt.
No magic could be performed there.
So I used the time to get a sparkling water (tasted so great after long flight!), make a bunch of calls, and discuss itinerary with agent.
In a word: Great.
The Schiphol person escorted me directly
From: my flight Arrival gate
Through: what seemed like a non-obvious shortcut
To: a shortened 15 person passport control line in the far right lane. (Default would have been just a ~ 100 person line at my time of arrival. That seemed tiny compared to what I saw for yesterday's arrivals.)
After about 10 seconds in the 15 person line, someone in an official uniform from the inside wall office with the glass window walks out, says something in Dutch to the Schiphol Meet & Assist agent, and motions me to the glass window office with several officers inside where no one else is queued. He checks my passport, stamps it, and on to baggage!
The Schiphol agent seemed quite surprised. She said never seen someone from that office come out like that in 12 yrs of working at Schiphol. I am not a public figure / VIP or anything so don't know why either.
Next: Baggage...where there was a 45 min - 1 hour wait for any bags from my flight to appear on the conveyor belt.
No magic could be performed there.
So I used the time to get a sparkling water (tasted so great after long flight!), make a bunch of calls, and discuss itinerary with agent.
I realize that this isn't the place for discussing GIG airport, but their top-notch meet and greet service might have me spoilt a bit.
May 2, 2022, 11:33 am
#17
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: AMS+IAH
Programs: Lufthansa: Senator || IHG: Diamond Royal Ambassador Inner Circle || Plutonium Status
Posts: 3,505
Interesting datapoint!
Thanks everyone for the insights.
Sorry to hijack this thread:
Unexpectedly:
I'm departing this Sunday morning from AMS "shudder".
Travelling on United via T3 to Houston on a business class ticket at 11.15 with checkin luggage
I am contemplating:
3 - the meet & greet service for departure
https://www.schiphol.nl/en/at-schiph...eet-and-assist
(Might chose executive service)
Can this service skip the queue at security and/or passport control?
* I've looked into the VIP-centre/private terminal but they've answered no availbility due to fully booked
(Gee, i wonder why
Thanks everyone for the insights.
Sorry to hijack this thread:
Unexpectedly:
I'm departing this Sunday morning from AMS "shudder".
Travelling on United via T3 to Houston on a business class ticket at 11.15 with checkin luggage
I am contemplating:
3 - the meet & greet service for departure
https://www.schiphol.nl/en/at-schiph...eet-and-assist
(Might chose executive service)
Can this service skip the queue at security and/or passport control?
* I've looked into the VIP-centre/private terminal but they've answered no availbility due to fully booked
(Gee, i wonder why
Last edited by HadesNL; May 2, 2022 at 12:00 pm
May 2, 2022, 11:52 am
#18
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: BRE
Programs: Flying Blue Ultimate, LATAM Black, Vistara Gold, Accor/IHG Platinum, Marriott/Hilton Gold
Posts: 480
Interesting datapoint!
Thanks everyone for the insights.
Sorry to hijack this thread:
Unexpectedly:
I'm departing this Sunday morning from AMS "shudder".
Travelling on United via T3 to Houston on a business class ticket at 11.15 with checkin luggage
I am contemplating:
3 - the meet & greet service for departure
https://www.schiphol.nl/en/at-schiph...eet-and-assist
(Might chose executive service)
(Can this service skip the queue?)
* I've looked into the VIP-centre/private terminal but they've answered no availbility due to fully booked
(Gee, i wonder why
Thanks everyone for the insights.
Sorry to hijack this thread:
Unexpectedly:
I'm departing this Sunday morning from AMS "shudder".
Travelling on United via T3 to Houston on a business class ticket at 11.15 with checkin luggage
I am contemplating:
3 - the meet & greet service for departure
https://www.schiphol.nl/en/at-schiph...eet-and-assist
(Might chose executive service)
(Can this service skip the queue?)
* I've looked into the VIP-centre/private terminal but they've answered no availbility due to fully booked
(Gee, i wonder why
I suspect you might have done this already, but thought I'd add it here just in case.
May 2, 2022, 11:59 am
#19
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: AMS+IAH
Programs: Lufthansa: Senator || IHG: Diamond Royal Ambassador Inner Circle || Plutonium Status
Posts: 3,505
@sehgalanuj :
Thanks,
Yes unfortunately i tried to book online via their website but received an email reply back saying they are fully booked for upcoming sunday.
Thanks,
Yes unfortunately i tried to book online via their website but received an email reply back saying they are fully booked for upcoming sunday.
May 2, 2022, 1:17 pm
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,352
Whether Meet & Assist is worth it depends entirely on personal circumstances.
For those who use Schiphol more than just a few times a year, a Privium membership is cheaper than availing oneself of M&A even only twice in a year, and Privium will get you through immigrations faster than any manual desk, even if there is no queue, at least when the airport hasn't dropped the ball and screwed things up for everyone. You need to have an eligible passport, of course. Regulars will also know their way around the airport, and can dispense with the services of an escort. Finally, if the goal is to save time then it makes no sense to pay for M&A only to have to hang around for ages waiting for your checked bags.
Again, YMMV.
Johan
For those who use Schiphol more than just a few times a year, a Privium membership is cheaper than availing oneself of M&A even only twice in a year, and Privium will get you through immigrations faster than any manual desk, even if there is no queue, at least when the airport hasn't dropped the ball and screwed things up for everyone. You need to have an eligible passport, of course. Regulars will also know their way around the airport, and can dispense with the services of an escort. Finally, if the goal is to save time then it makes no sense to pay for M&A only to have to hang around for ages waiting for your checked bags.
Again, YMMV.
Johan
May 2, 2022, 9:06 pm
#22
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 573
I Google'd it after reading your post and now realize it's part of the Global Entry program! So I can complete the Privium application and add it to my Global Entry card. Gah!
May 3, 2022, 3:03 am
#23
Join Date: Jun 2015
Programs: Delta GM; FB Plat; HHonors Diamond; Hertz PC; National EE
Posts: 190
No, you can not. Only holders of an EU passport, or a passport from one of the four EU associate countries (Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Norway or Iceland) can become a Privium member. UK passport holders are an exception - they can no longer apply for a new membership, but current memberships are honored and can be renewed, with a slight change in service - they will never pass directly through at immigrations, but the system will always direct them through the "failure" lane to a manned booth.
US passport holders can not currently apply for Privium, and there is no timeline for that either. They are working on RTP-NL, which would give non-EU passport holders access to the automated passport control lanes, after registration. However, the RTP-NL launch has been pushed back for years now. The latest communicated launch date was april 2022, but that has again passed.
US passport holders can not currently apply for Privium, and there is no timeline for that either. They are working on RTP-NL, which would give non-EU passport holders access to the automated passport control lanes, after registration. However, the RTP-NL launch has been pushed back for years now. The latest communicated launch date was april 2022, but that has again passed.
May 4, 2022, 2:36 pm
#24
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: HAG
Programs: Der 5* FTL
Posts: 8,051
US passport holders can not currently apply for Privium, and there is no timeline for that either. They are working on RTP-NL, which would give non-EU passport holders access to the automated passport control lanes, after registration. However, the RTP-NL launch has been pushed back for years now. The latest communicated launch date was april 2022, but that has again passed.
So I went to check.
First google result says:
May 8, 2022, 12:59 am
#25
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: AMS+IAH
Programs: Lufthansa: Senator || IHG: Diamond Royal Ambassador Inner Circle || Plutonium Status
Posts: 3,505
I can now answer my own question:
I'm departing this Sunday morning from AMS
Travelling on United via T3 to Houston on a business class ticket at 11.15 with checkin luggage
I have chosen (executive service)
3 - the meet & greet service for departure
https://www.schiphol.nl/en/at-schiph...eet-and-assist
To avoid the crowds,
Can this service skip the queue at security and/or passport control?
Yes,
The lovely Linda,
1) met me at the car at excellence parking, radioed by my chauffeur
2) With her at my side,
3) We skipped the Q at T3 United Polaris checkin counters 26
4) We skipped the priority Q at T3 mezzanine priority security
" all with excuse me coming through"
5) We were able to use the crew/diplomatic lane at T3 passport control
(just in time though, because behind us were several wheelchairbound passengers)
6) Driven by cart to T3 Aspire lounge
* now waiting to be picked up by her to board the flight first.
It took all less then 20 minutes from arrival by car to butt in seat at T3 Aspire lounge.
Still seats available but will become a zoo soon. Especially with the BA-lounge still closed!
By the way the Aspire lounge is still quite (un-inspiring),
as Sheila reported in 2017:
Hope this will help others for a datapoint.
All hassle has been avoided!
I'm departing this Sunday morning from AMS
Travelling on United via T3 to Houston on a business class ticket at 11.15 with checkin luggage
I have chosen (executive service)
3 - the meet & greet service for departure
https://www.schiphol.nl/en/at-schiph...eet-and-assist
To avoid the crowds,
Can this service skip the queue at security and/or passport control?
The lovely Linda,
1) met me at the car at excellence parking, radioed by my chauffeur
2) With her at my side,
3) We skipped the Q at T3 United Polaris checkin counters 26
4) We skipped the priority Q at T3 mezzanine priority security
" all with excuse me coming through"
5) We were able to use the crew/diplomatic lane at T3 passport control
(just in time though, because behind us were several wheelchairbound passengers)
6) Driven by cart to T3 Aspire lounge
* now waiting to be picked up by her to board the flight first.
It took all less then 20 minutes from arrival by car to butt in seat at T3 Aspire lounge.
Still seats available but will become a zoo soon. Especially with the BA-lounge still closed!
By the way the Aspire lounge is still quite (un-inspiring),
as Sheila reported in 2017:
Hope this will help others for a datapoint.
All hassle has been avoided!
Last edited by HadesNL; Jun 18, 2022 at 4:04 am
Jun 18, 2022, 1:45 am
#26
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SYD
Programs: QF WP (OWE), VA PLAT, EY GLD, SPG PLAT, Hyatt DIA, Hilton DIA, Hertz PC
Posts: 8,527
Thank you all for your input.
Has anyone heard of this business? I’m always weary of the many companies offering Meet & Assist but they appear to be legitimate offering standard and VIP Terminal options https://luxuryairportservices.com/nl/
Their IG shows they handle a lot of celebs and diplomatic corps
Has anyone heard of this business? I’m always weary of the many companies offering Meet & Assist but they appear to be legitimate offering standard and VIP Terminal options https://luxuryairportservices.com/nl/
Their IG shows they handle a lot of celebs and diplomatic corps
Jun 18, 2022, 2:42 am
#27
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: AMS+IAH
Programs: Lufthansa: Senator || IHG: Diamond Royal Ambassador Inner Circle || Plutonium Status
Posts: 3,505
The only services endorsed by the airport themselves are according to my knowledge only are these two:
1) meet & assist
https://www.schiphol.nl/en/at-schiph...eet-and-assist
-> Main terminals: arrival/departure/transit formalities
Q-skipping with an assistant
2) vip services
https://www.schiphol.nl/en/page/schiphol-vip-service/
-> Private VIP terminal,
skipping everything in the main terminals, all formalities done in the private VIP terminal
FT: Schiphol offers more services for business travellers and VIPs
all others providers could be third party who will arrange for you as an intermediate to use above services.....
1) meet & assist
https://www.schiphol.nl/en/at-schiph...eet-and-assist
-> Main terminals: arrival/departure/transit formalities
Q-skipping with an assistant
2) vip services
https://www.schiphol.nl/en/page/schiphol-vip-service/
-> Private VIP terminal,
skipping everything in the main terminals, all formalities done in the private VIP terminal
FT: Schiphol offers more services for business travellers and VIPs
all others providers could be third party who will arrange for you as an intermediate to use above services.....
Last edited by HadesNL; Jun 18, 2022 at 3:21 am
Jun 18, 2022, 2:56 am
#28
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SYD
Programs: QF WP (OWE), VA PLAT, EY GLD, SPG PLAT, Hyatt DIA, Hilton DIA, Hertz PC
Posts: 8,527
The only services endorsed by the airport themselves are according to my knowledge only these two:
1) meet & assist
https://www.schiphol.nl/en/at-schiph...eet-and-assist
-> Main terminals: arrival/departure/transit formalities
Q-skipping with an assistant
2) vip services
https://www.schiphol.nl/en/page/schiphol-vip-service/
-> Private VIP terminal,
skipping everything in the main terminals, all formalities done in the private VIP terminal
FT: Schiphol offers more services for business travellers and VIPs
all others providers could be third party who will arrange for you as an intermediate to use above services.....
1) meet & assist
https://www.schiphol.nl/en/at-schiph...eet-and-assist
-> Main terminals: arrival/departure/transit formalities
Q-skipping with an assistant
2) vip services
https://www.schiphol.nl/en/page/schiphol-vip-service/
-> Private VIP terminal,
skipping everything in the main terminals, all formalities done in the private VIP terminal
FT: Schiphol offers more services for business travellers and VIPs
all others providers could be third party who will arrange for you as an intermediate to use above services.....
You can see their staff (in branded uniforms), clients and then providing the services in the story highlights at https://instagram.com/luxuryairportservices
Jun 18, 2022, 3:30 am
#29
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: AMS+IAH
Programs: Lufthansa: Senator || IHG: Diamond Royal Ambassador Inner Circle || Plutonium Status
Posts: 3,505
I thought the sam, but they appear to be a legitimate private business not just a reseller.
You can see their staff (in branded uniforms), clients and then providing the services in the story highlights at https://instagram.com/luxuryairportservices
You can see their staff (in branded uniforms), clients and then providing the services in the story highlights at https://instagram.com/luxuryairportservices
Judging by the pictures on their IG, they have images of :
- Schiphol's own private VIP terminal: cardrop off ground floor + waiting room (rows 1+2)
- aspire lounge: located in Schiphol schengen part T1 (row 4)
I can't see more because IG wants me to log in,
But i am willing to presume the Schiphol meet&greet service staff wears the LAS (luxury airport services) badge because of some sold service agreement.
The description of their LAS VIP service: smells and quacks exactly as Schiphol's own VIP service:
Plus, no proofreading in Dutch :
- the second bullet point sentence sounds incomplete
- they forgot to add to the second bullet point sentence the word "centre" at the end
* so i wouldn't have high hopes .....or maybe my Dutch is off
Last edited by HadesNL; Jun 18, 2022 at 4:01 am