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Original poster

Schiphol Airport

19 replies

June2008 · 09/02/2024 15:53

I don't know if anyone can help but I'm wondering how easy Schiphol airport is to negotiate. Looking at flights to Sweden and one of the better options timing wise is to go via Schiphol. Two hours between flights but I would need to self transfer. (Its evening time on a Monday so I don't want to get stuck there!)

Is that doable?

OP posts:
alpinia · 09/02/2024 15:54

Very easy!

EBearhug · 09/02/2024 15:56

Yes, but it can be a long walk between gates.

themusingsofaninsomniac · 09/02/2024 16:07

Easy but you do security at the gate which drives me mad! Unless it's changed since I was last there...

Ilovemyshed · 09/02/2024 16:10

Easy but its huge so be careful on airlines and timings as the budget ones get gates that are miles to walk!

museumum · 09/02/2024 16:12

Easy to navigate but you get scanned at the gate so you can’t carry liquids through from your first airport / flight.

loudbatperson · 09/02/2024 16:13

Easy, very easy. However like others have said it can be quite a trek between gates, and beware at gate security scanning.

Overall it's a pretty good airport though.

Orangello · 09/02/2024 17:54

which airlines? If they are in alliance, they can send the luggage through, so check that. If it's for example KLM transfer to Easyjet then those 2 are in totally different areas and you need to go out and back in to airside. Security is great though, I just came through there yesterday - new fancy scanners so no removing liquids or laptops, all stays in bag.

loudbatperson · 09/02/2024 18:03

Orangello · 09/02/2024 17:54

which airlines? If they are in alliance, they can send the luggage through, so check that. If it's for example KLM transfer to Easyjet then those 2 are in totally different areas and you need to go out and back in to airside. Security is great though, I just came through there yesterday - new fancy scanners so no removing liquids or laptops, all stays in bag.

Oooo good to know they have the new scanners now!

Original poster
June2008 · 09/02/2024 18:09

@Orangello it's KLM operated by German Airways onto a KLM CityHopper. Suggests it self transfer, so I can't check my bags through.

Basically, is two hrs likely to be enough? Are there crazy queues like at LHR or LGW? And assume I don't need to get my passport stamped each time?
I just don't want to get stuck there overnight!
Thanks for your help!
(I could just go next morning, but I'd really like to see my daughter play football in Gothenburg on the Tuesday morning if possible however I need to be at work on the Monday)

OP posts:
Orangello · 09/02/2024 18:24

If KLM onto KLM then you should definitely ask if they can check the bags through (tweet or facebook message to see if possible). I've done it for separately bought tickets, like transferred from Turkish Airlines to Malaysian Airlines, but they are in alliance so bags went to the end destination.

Generally 2 hours will be plenty. I have encountered massive lines a couple of times, but could happen anywhere. Yesterday I was through the security in 3 minutes, no crowds.

LiquoriceAllsorts2 · 09/02/2024 19:29

museumum · 09/02/2024 16:12

Easy to navigate but you get scanned at the gate so you can’t carry liquids through from your first airport / flight.

Think this was just during Covid

jeaux90 · 11/02/2024 13:01

I'm in and out of Schipol a lot.
They don't scan at the gates anymore.

It is big and a lot of walking but easy to navigate, if you can check bags all the way through I would but then you raise the lost luggage risk.

UtterlyButterly2048 · 11/02/2024 13:09

Very easy to navigate, but the last time I was there was to meet a very late flight coming in. It was delayed so ended up landing at around 3am. Most of the shops/food outlets were closed but the amount of rats we saw, inside the terminal, was alarming! Don’t know if that’s normal for airports (don’t usually hang around them in the middle of the night!) but it’s put me off eating there, ever.

EwwSprouts · 11/02/2024 16:02

Dead easy. Just make sure you go to passport control straight away. There can be a long queue but they monitor and pull you out of the queue to expedite if there is a risk of you missing your flight. Saying that, we came back that way in May and the queue was in single figures!

stonebrambleboy · 02/03/2024 15:43

I'm booked tomorrow with KLM from UK to Schiphol with a 55 minute transfer time to my connection to Budapest. I'm worried this isn't possible!
I have a carry on bag only. Do I have to do passport control and security again as we aren't in the EU anymore when I get to Schiphol?
I haven't flown since Covid and am stressing out 😕

LiquoriceAllsorts2 · 02/03/2024 18:56

You will need to go through passport, not sure about security.

as long as no delays you will be fine (but don’t waste any time shopping etc ), if delays then they will tell you what you need to do.

HermioneWeasley · 02/03/2024 20:38

It’s a nice airport with good facilities and shops, but as others have said the queues for passport control can be long. Though 2 hours will be fine

stonebrambleboy · 02/03/2024 20:59

Thanks for replying Liquorice.

Hermione I've got 55 minutes not 2 hours!!

stonebrambleboy · 12/03/2024 08:59

Update: I managed to get the connection in 55 minutes but wouldn't recommend it. You have to go through passport control to board your connection, queues can be long but it is possible to jump the queue if you are running out of time, speak to the bloke who is supervising the queue and he'll check you boarding pass and let you through. You don't need to do security again as you did that in your departing airport.
Ideally I'd say 2 hours is best to catch the connection in case your first flight is delayed, even a slight delay can stuff things up with a 55 minute transfer time.

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