Greetings!

This is my first post on these forums - I have been reading a lot of the threads and I have to say this is a great community.

Now on to my question:

In about a week I will be flying from Vancouver to Amsterdam and from there flying to Tel Aviv.

I am going to take my laptop as a carry-on, should I expect a delay in security because of this? or are there any precautions I should take?

Also, I will be at Schiphol for 12 hours and would like to pass the time. By any chance are there outlets to which I can plug in my laptop? (I do not have access to lounges, well at least I don't think I do ) and is wireless internet available for free, or will I have to pay a fee, if so how much?

Thank you in advance,
looking forward to posting here more!

SA900

Welcome!

I've dragged my fathful laptop to a lot of cities in Europe and to India- but not AMS or TLV. In general, just do what everyine else does with their laptops. Some airports outside the US don't make you take them out of the case; in the US almost every arport does.

You'll have to wait for answers from people who have been in Schiphol about electricity or wireless there. Remember to bring a converter and adapters.

Almost all laptop power supplies are universal 120-240v, 50-60Hz which will cover you almost anywhere. All you need is a plug adapter for the country you're going to.

Thank you for your replies! Any more will be greatly appreciated!

You may want to check out the Travel Technology forum.

William

I have never experienced any delays in air travel when bringing my laptops. The only extensive screening that they have done is having it taken out of the bag for clarification. Other than that, I don't think you should encounter much delays.

Welcome to FT.

Schipol is an airport with a lot to do that is located only 15 minutes by train from an interesting (to say the least) city with even more to do.

The station is underneath the airport and it seems that a train arrives about every 10 minutes.

Perhaps you might want to reconsider how you would like to pass the time. @:-)

Thank you all for your replies!

magic111, I would love to visit Amsterdam for a few hours (walk around/take a few pictures/get something to eat, etc) I don't fly often and I am a little nervous about making back to the airport in time, are the trains easily accessible back to the airport? Do many individuals there speak English so that I can get around?

Thanks in advance!

AMS Layover Is a thread from the Northwest forum which explains how it is quite easy to get lockers at the airport, take the train or even get a mini tour from the airport if you are not up to exploring on your own.

There's an internet place upstairs at the E-F gate end of the treminal that sells WiFi by the hour.

With 12 hours to kill, I'd just head into town. The NW board thread that's already been mentioned will tell you everything you need to know about it.

Thank you all for your help! It is very much appreciated!

If it is no trouble I have a few other questions to ask:

1. Flying internationally from Canada on KLM, I am aware I am allowed two pieces of checked luggage, how much can each suitcase weigh?

2. Is it okay to lock my suitcases? (Note: I will not be entering the US)

3. Is it acceptable to take pictures inside of the airport and of airplanes from inside the window (I know it may seem like a foolish question but I just want to make sure, I love photography (Note: these will not be US airports)

Thank you in advance, as you can probably tell I am not an avid flyer - the last time I was on an airplane was 5 years ago so please excuse the 'amateur' questions.