Last edit by: Fabo.sk
The latest suggestions and state of the Mess in Amsterdam of Summer '22 - short staffing and security issues.
Starting late April/early May 2022, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is showing signs of chronic, and at times extreme, overcrowding. This thread is dedicated largely to the discussion of the same.
We have created this wiki to have a single point of reference, updated periodically with tips, tricks and reports of current state.
Bottlenecks
As of June 2nd, there are 2 bottlenecks at the airport.
1. Entrance to the terminal building from outside (arrival by car)
2. Security checks.
As of June 20th, unsatisfactory situation has been reported also on all arrival passport checks.
Tips to deal with Entrance to the terminal building lines
As of July 3rd, you could enter the terminal from train station without hindrance. On travel heavy days, consider getting dropped off at Hoofdorp, Zuid or Lelylaan and taking a train one station instead.
Privium holders are reportedly able to bypass lines by showing the Privium card.
Note: Schiphol is sometimes limiting access to passengers 4 hours before the flight, both from outside and through Schiphol plaza.
The checks do happen, but you are very likely to be able to bypass them from Schiphol Plaza (arrival by train or bus) by using the lift or stairs instead of inclined travelators.
Tips to deal with Security lines
There are currently three departure checkpoints into the main terminal area (plus one for the lowcost wing). Departures 1 and 2 are used for Schengen flights, Departures 2 and 3 for non-Schengen. (You can, however, turn left after leaving checkpoint for Departures 1 and reach exit control).
You don't have to use the checkpoint in your airlines departure area, so check if one of the other ones has a shorter line. However keep in mind that transfer passport control might bring additional delay.
If you have priority, ignore the main entrances to the checkpoints, particularly 1 and 2. Especially ignore the line for the stairs to checkpoint 2. Enter via SkyPriority zone, either via front if you have STE+/SP, or via back from Oversized Baggage point. There is a Privium card reader if you are a holder,alternatively sneak by opening one-way gate by hand.
The stairs at the back of SP zone are now official and only access point for priority for Schengen. The position is manned and access rules are strictly enforced.
Once upstairs, you can enter the lines for Departures 2 directly, or take a left, then another left, and you'll find yourself in Departures 1 checkpoint area.
Once upstairs, staff direct you either to enter rightmost lane in checkpoint 2, or to turn left to proceed to leftmost lane of checkpoint 1.
Privium holders can alternatively use Privium gates at otherwise closed Departures 1 checkpoint entry (behind check-in row 3), join the rightmost lane of checkpoint 1. There is going to be some mixing with non-prio pax at the filter, but on the upside, there is guaranteed no non-Privium priority pax coming up the stairs so you are virtually guaranteed to have no more than ~5 people in the queue immediately in front of the filter.
Tips to deal with Immigration / Passport Control lines
There are four options for arriving (from secure location) passengers. One is to use transfer passport control, one is to use passport control by F gates and another is to use passport control by E gates. There are also stairs by end of D pier next to the transfer control. All these feed into different lines.
There is no trick, just see if one of the other ones is shorter, depending on where the majority of recently arrived flights are docked.
Passengers arriving from unsecure locations cannot reach these without going through transit security. The only option is to follow the signs for entry control.
If you really want to make sure you're safe and are willing to pay extra
Schiphol VIP services are available at 390 for the first, 175 for each additional passenger (excl. VAT; with VAT rates are 471.90+211.75)
VIP service is at capacity and is not accepting new reservations.
General timeline suggestions
For Privium passengers, 1 hour should be comfortable in almost all cases.
For SkyPriority passengers, 1.5 hours should be comfortable in almost all cases.
For other priority passengers, it really depends on whether the priority lines are open but I would personally aim for 1.5 - 2 hours. Worst case you can sneak into the SkyPriority area from the back and use the gates there (your BP will be accepted). The priority line behind SP area is now open to all prio pax.
For non-priority passengers, realistically, 4 hours should be enough except at the worst times. Anyone informed enough to post here will probably also understand that the entire airport (except the easyJet gates I guess) is connected airside and you can shop around the different security areas depending on how bad the lines look.
Common Questions
I'm transferring from a non-schengen to a non-schengen flight in XX, will I make it?
Yes, you will.
If you arrive from a secure area (EU, Schengen countries, UK, US, Canada, Singapore): You then navigate yourself within the departures area to your non-schengen flight out of AMS and this takes less than 20 minutes, even if you have to walk from D gates to G gates.
If you arrive from non-secure area (other than mentioned; SIN flights via DPS): You will have to follow transit signs for transit security. There are no reports of transit security taking unusually long.
If you want to print your BP for the next segment, there are many transfer check-in machines across the non-schengen gates for you to print your BP, do check-in/document check, change seat, and etc for your next flight. No security or immigration is involved and odds are, you will wait at the gate for boarding, If you are FB Gold and up, STE+, or flying in business class, you will have access to the Crown Lounge and can grab a bite, get some work done, take a shower, or rent one of the sleeping pods depending on how long your transit is.
Starting late April/early May 2022, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is showing signs of chronic, and at times extreme, overcrowding. This thread is dedicated largely to the discussion of the same.
We have created this wiki to have a single point of reference, updated periodically with tips, tricks and reports of current state.
Bottlenecks
As of June 2nd, there are 2 bottlenecks at the airport.
1. Entrance to the terminal building from outside (arrival by car)
2. Security checks.
As of June 20th, unsatisfactory situation has been reported also on all arrival passport checks.
Tips to deal with Entrance to the terminal building lines
As of July 3rd, you could enter the terminal from train station without hindrance. On travel heavy days, consider getting dropped off at Hoofdorp, Zuid or Lelylaan and taking a train one station instead.
Privium holders are reportedly able to bypass lines by showing the Privium card.
Note: Schiphol is sometimes limiting access to passengers 4 hours before the flight, both from outside and through Schiphol plaza.
The checks do happen, but you are very likely to be able to bypass them from Schiphol Plaza (arrival by train or bus) by using the lift or stairs instead of inclined travelators.
Tips to deal with Security lines
There are currently three departure checkpoints into the main terminal area (plus one for the lowcost wing). Departures 1 and 2 are used for Schengen flights, Departures 2 and 3 for non-Schengen. (You can, however, turn left after leaving checkpoint for Departures 1 and reach exit control).
You don't have to use the checkpoint in your airlines departure area, so check if one of the other ones has a shorter line. However keep in mind that transfer passport control might bring additional delay.
If you have priority, ignore the main entrances to the checkpoints, particularly 1 and 2. Especially ignore the line for the stairs to checkpoint 2. Enter via SkyPriority zone, either via front if you have STE+/SP, or via back from Oversized Baggage point. There is a Privium card reader if you are a holder,
The stairs at the back of SP zone are now official and only access point for priority for Schengen. The position is manned and access rules are strictly enforced.
Once upstairs, staff direct you either to enter rightmost lane in checkpoint 2, or to turn left to proceed to leftmost lane of checkpoint 1.
Privium holders can alternatively use Privium gates at otherwise closed Departures 1 checkpoint entry (behind check-in row 3), join the rightmost lane of checkpoint 1. There is going to be some mixing with non-prio pax at the filter, but on the upside, there is guaranteed no non-Privium priority pax coming up the stairs so you are virtually guaranteed to have no more than ~5 people in the queue immediately in front of the filter.
Tips to deal with Immigration / Passport Control lines
There are four options for arriving (from secure location) passengers. One is to use transfer passport control, one is to use passport control by F gates and another is to use passport control by E gates. There are also stairs by end of D pier next to the transfer control. All these feed into different lines.
There is no trick, just see if one of the other ones is shorter, depending on where the majority of recently arrived flights are docked.
Passengers arriving from unsecure locations cannot reach these without going through transit security. The only option is to follow the signs for entry control.
If you really want to make sure you're safe and are willing to pay extra
VIP service is at capacity and is not accepting new reservations.
General timeline suggestions
For Privium passengers, 1 hour should be comfortable in almost all cases.
For SkyPriority passengers, 1.5 hours should be comfortable in almost all cases.
For other priority passengers,
For non-priority passengers, realistically, 4 hours should be enough except at the worst times. Anyone informed enough to post here will probably also understand that the entire airport (except the easyJet gates I guess) is connected airside and you can shop around the different security areas depending on how bad the lines look.
Common Questions
I'm transferring from a non-schengen to a non-schengen flight in XX, will I make it?
Yes, you will.
If you arrive from a secure area (EU, Schengen countries, UK, US, Canada, Singapore): You then navigate yourself within the departures area to your non-schengen flight out of AMS and this takes less than 20 minutes, even if you have to walk from D gates to G gates.
If you arrive from non-secure area (other than mentioned; SIN flights via DPS): You will have to follow transit signs for transit security. There are no reports of transit security taking unusually long.
If you want to print your BP for the next segment, there are many transfer check-in machines across the non-schengen gates for you to print your BP, do check-in/document check, change seat, and etc for your next flight. No security or immigration is involved and odds are, you will wait at the gate for boarding, If you are FB Gold and up, STE+, or flying in business class, you will have access to the Crown Lounge and can grab a bite, get some work done, take a shower, or rent one of the sleeping pods depending on how long your transit is.
Mess in AMS today - April 2022 onwards
#961
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: AMS/RTM
Posts: 2,769
Schiphol should declare how many passengers they can handle on any given day, KLM (I don't think other airlines would be willing to entertain Schipol's management shortcomings) should calculate how much any ticket should cost to break even with a reduced schedule, cancel and refund all cheaper bookings (which I suspect would be a lot), and put some of those seats back for sale at the new price point.
Better now than less than 14 days from the flight, where they'd have to fork eu261 compensation.
But the first number is probably too small to even make sense to keep the airline flying at all.
Better now than less than 14 days from the flight, where they'd have to fork eu261 compensation.
But the first number is probably too small to even make sense to keep the airline flying at all.
#962
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: AMS / ATH
Programs: AFKL Plat, A3 Gold
Posts: 6,586
I'd imagine that's the issue indeed. Flights leave AMS with delay, and subsequently return with (some) delay too. That extra 20 minutes may be enough for the majority of pax to still make their connection.
What I don't like too much though, is that this MCT will be applied to changed tickets. Its means that if you have a valid connection - and would like to risk it - you won't be able to due to the new MCT.
What I don't like too much though, is that this MCT will be applied to changed tickets. Its means that if you have a valid connection - and would like to risk it - you won't be able to due to the new MCT.
#963
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: HAG
Programs: ST E+, *G, some hotel gold...
Posts: 4,845
I'd imagine that's the issue indeed. Flights leave AMS with delay, and subsequently return with (some) delay too. That extra 20 minutes may be enough for the majority of pax to still make their connection.
What I don't like too much though, is that this MCT will be applied to changed tickets. Its means that if you have a valid connection - and would like to risk it - you won't be able to due to the new MCT.
What I don't like too much though, is that this MCT will be applied to changed tickets. Its means that if you have a valid connection - and would like to risk it - you won't be able to due to the new MCT.
#964
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: mostly not far from AMS, otherwise NUE
Programs: FB Gold, Hilton Gold, ALL Silver
Posts: 2,292
Schiphol should declare how many passengers they can handle on any given day, KLM (I don't think other airlines would be willing to entertain Schipol's management shortcomings) should calculate how much any ticket should cost to break even with a reduced schedule, cancel and refund all cheaper bookings (which I suspect would be a lot), and put some of those seats back for sale at the new price point.
Better now than less than 14 days from the flight, where they'd have to fork eu261 compensation.
Better now than less than 14 days from the flight, where they'd have to fork eu261 compensation.
#967
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: AMS/RTM
Posts: 2,769
#968
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: mostly not far from AMS, otherwise NUE
Programs: FB Gold, Hilton Gold, ALL Silver
Posts: 2,292
Dutch broadcaster NOS are reporting that Schiphol is to scrap not tens but hundreds of flights per day: https://nos.nl/l/2432946
#969


Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: AMSTERDAM = one of those attic homes with steepstaircases of death
Programs: Lufthansa: Senator || IHG: Diamond Royal Ambassador Inner Circle || Plutonium Status
Posts: 2,018
Live at 19.00
Live stream Schiphol airport press conference:
https://nos.nl/livestream/2432949-vo...chten-schiphol
Starts at 19.00 Amsterdam time
https://nos.nl/livestream/2432949-vo...chten-schiphol
Starts at 19.00 Amsterdam time
#970


Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: AMSTERDAM = one of those attic homes with steepstaircases of death
Programs: Lufthansa: Senator || IHG: Diamond Royal Ambassador Inner Circle || Plutonium Status
Posts: 2,018
A lot of bla bla from Benschop
but anyway.....
a short transcript
Schiphol has calculated that:
- for the period from 7th July untill the end of July,
- theycan process a max of 13500 local passengers departing per day,
EDIT: 13500 less of local passengers departing
- at current security capacity.
Schiphol has given this data to the Dutch slot coordinator, who will inform the airlines
Schiphol lists as solutions:
- offering transfer of flights to other Dutch regional airports
- airlines may cancel flights without fear of losing slots
- a booking stop for tickets a certain period
* getting extra staff and by offering beter wages with the approval of a deal with unions
But don't forget:
The union of associated travel/tour operaters has already announced to sue Schiphol airport for loss of business and the fear of bankrupcy
https://nos.nl/artikel/2432894-reisb...chten-schiphol
The shops at Schiphol have already announced to sue Schiphol for loss of business due to the crowds and demand compensation
https://www.luchtvaartnieuws.nl/nieu...ast-van-drukte
Dutch government has annouced restricting flight movements due to environmental concerns:
https://nos.nl/artikel/2432934-ook-o...ge-milieueisen
And then there are very loud opponents flooding the internet with "Krimp the Luchtvaart" / schrink airtravel!
https://schipholwatch.nl/2022/06/16/...de-luchtvaart/
#InterestingSummer2022
but anyway.....
a short transcript
Schiphol has calculated that:
- for the period from 7th July untill the end of July,
- they
EDIT: 13500 less of local passengers departing
- at current security capacity.
Schiphol has given this data to the Dutch slot coordinator, who will inform the airlines
Schiphol lists as solutions:
- offering transfer of flights to other Dutch regional airports
- airlines may cancel flights without fear of losing slots
- a booking stop for tickets a certain period
* getting extra staff and by offering beter wages with the approval of a deal with unions
But don't forget:
The union of associated travel/tour operaters has already announced to sue Schiphol airport for loss of business and the fear of bankrupcy
https://nos.nl/artikel/2432894-reisb...chten-schiphol
The shops at Schiphol have already announced to sue Schiphol for loss of business due to the crowds and demand compensation
https://www.luchtvaartnieuws.nl/nieu...ast-van-drukte
Dutch government has annouced restricting flight movements due to environmental concerns:
https://nos.nl/artikel/2432934-ook-o...ge-milieueisen
And then there are very loud opponents flooding the internet with "Krimp the Luchtvaart" / schrink airtravel!
https://schipholwatch.nl/2022/06/16/...de-luchtvaart/
#InterestingSummer2022
Last edited by HadesNL; Jun 16, 22 at 1:50 pm Reason: EDIT: 13500 passengers less per day from 7th July
#971
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 72
A lot of bla bla from Benschop
but anyway.....
a short transcript
Schiphol has calculated that:
- for the period from 7th July untill the end of July,
- they can process a max of 13500 local passengers departing per day,
- at current security capacity.
Schiphol has given this data to the Dutch slot coordinator, who will inform the airlines
Schiphol lists as solutions:
- offering transfer of flights to other Dutch regional airports
- airlines may cancel flights without fear of losing slots
- a booking stop for tickets a certain period
* getting extra staff and by offering beter wages with the approval of a deal with unions
But don't forget:
The union of associated travel/tour operaters has already announced to sue Schiphol airport for loss of business and the fear of bankrupcy
https://nos.nl/artikel/2432894-reisb...chten-schiphol
The shops at Schiphol have already announced to sue Schiphol for loss of business due to the crowds and demand compensation
https://www.luchtvaartnieuws.nl/nieu...ast-van-drukte
Dutch government has annouced restricting flight movements due to environmental concerns:
https://nos.nl/artikel/2432934-ook-o...ge-milieueisen
#InterestingSummer2022
but anyway.....
a short transcript
Schiphol has calculated that:
- for the period from 7th July untill the end of July,
- they can process a max of 13500 local passengers departing per day,
- at current security capacity.
Schiphol has given this data to the Dutch slot coordinator, who will inform the airlines
Schiphol lists as solutions:
- offering transfer of flights to other Dutch regional airports
- airlines may cancel flights without fear of losing slots
- a booking stop for tickets a certain period
* getting extra staff and by offering beter wages with the approval of a deal with unions
But don't forget:
The union of associated travel/tour operaters has already announced to sue Schiphol airport for loss of business and the fear of bankrupcy
https://nos.nl/artikel/2432894-reisb...chten-schiphol
The shops at Schiphol have already announced to sue Schiphol for loss of business due to the crowds and demand compensation
https://www.luchtvaartnieuws.nl/nieu...ast-van-drukte
Dutch government has annouced restricting flight movements due to environmental concerns:
https://nos.nl/artikel/2432934-ook-o...ge-milieueisen
#InterestingSummer2022
A new wave of Covid spreading in might be Schiphol's saviour here.
#972
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,805
13500 sounds like very few. Are you sure it does not mean that 13500 per day needs to be reduced?
#974
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Pagus Bracbatensis, Kingdom of the Netherlands
Programs: DL SPlat, KLM Bump, Privium Plus, GOES
Posts: 2,057
NOS: In juli mogen er dagelijks maximaal 67.500 reizigers vertrekken, in augustus gaat het om 72.500 reizigers. De maatregel is noodzakelijk vanwege het personeelstekort bij de beveiliging op Schiphol.
Met name tussen 7 en 31 juli worden veel reizigers de dupe van de maatregel. De luchthaven kan in die periode maximaal 13.500 passagiers per dag niet verwelkomen.
Google translate:
In July, a maximum of 67,500 travelers are allowed to depart daily, in August this is 72,500 travelers. The measure is necessary due to the staff shortage at Schiphol security.
Especially between 7 and 31 July, many travelers will be the victims of the measure. The airport cannot welcome a maximum of 13,500 passengers per day during that period.
#975
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 72