Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Passenger Reviews and Customer opinions

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This is probably the best airport I have used so far in Europe. Flew in from Barcelona into Schiphol and Schiphol to Dublin. It is probably the most convenient airport with their self check-in kiosks and self drop baggage counters. The airport does look a little old now but still very well-maintained. The only thing that I think can be improved is the immigration counters and queuing areas. Unlike other European airports, all airport workers here were very professional. Overall, very satisfied with this airport and will definitely choose Schiphol as the gateway into Europe in future.

A very easy to use airport. The only minus point would be the often long and chaotic lines at the immigration, both sides. The lines for people with EU passports should be respected and reserved for the EU passport only. Lounges are very clean and the food is fresh and tasty. Staff is general extremely professional and helpful. Shopping is excellent. Gates are easy to find.

This is one huge terminal instead of the usual scattered smaller ones. You can walk a long way if you choose the wrong direction, but it is very well sign-posted, clean, and very efficient. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. I enjoyed the food and the Panorama Terrace.

First time using Schiphol and was a bit disappointed. Found it a bit like an airport from the 70s, it is sufficient, and massive and has everything, but needs a face lift renovating operation. I couldn't understand why arrivals and departures are in the same place, it was a bit confusing. I spent some time at the duty free upon arrival so didn't have any queues at passport control. Very well connected with train station, buses and all public transport. On departure I checked in online for my Emirates flight, however I spent sometime at passport control, which was long and slow with only 4 counters. Duty free staff were very friendly and helpful, toilets were in very bad condition. The screening and security was too long, due to the fact it is a massive A380 aircraft with 500 passengers, luckily I was seated in the second row at the front of the aircraft so I took my time and boarded last. All in all a pleasant sufficient airport, and will use it again.

I used to like flying through Schiphol, but I've completely gone off the place. Best part of an hour to get through immigration on arrival, flying back from there, you can't go through security screening and then relax with a drink or meal, because you're on tenterhooks all the time waiting to be called forward for screening from the lounge area. When you finally do struggle through screening there are very few facilities; what you do have is a long walk and shuffling forward in a queue on a flight of stairs to board your plane. Even Heathrow is a more comfortable experience these days.

If Airports were judged solely by the cleanliness of the toilets, them Amsterdam Schiphol would come out best. They are spotless. Often there are very long queues for passport control when entering NL from outside a Schengen area. Schiphol is getting very big and one has to look carefully for the way out signs and signs to baggage reclaim due to adverts everywhere.

AMS is generally a pretty good airport, but the dreadful system of herding passengers into small gate lounges on F pier is annoying. Why can't security screening be done just before/after immigration and then there will be no need for the gate lounges (shouldn't the whole airside be "sterile" anyway?). Passengers would then actually be able to use toilets, have a coffee, go shopping etc for longer rather than being locked up.

A pleasant and efficient airport for both short and long haul as well as flying with budget airlines. Immigration queues are short or non-existent. Security check usually have a bit longer queues but even then the line keeps moving quickly. Plenty of shops and restaurants on both air side and land side. A great airport.

A clean, well planned and user-friendly airport with efficient and courteous staff, minimal queues at security and short waits at baggage reclaim. Only let down on a recent trip was the poor business class lounge used by KLM for their inter Schengen flights.

This airport is a decent place to make a connection. I have only used it 2 or 3 times as a terminal or originating airport but I have used it 2 or 3 dozen times for connections. The negative is that it can take a very long time to get from one gate to another, which can be very difficult if you have a short connection. However, if your time is sufficient, it is a good airport with good facilities. The KLM Lounge is fabulous after its most recent upgrade. But the general facilities are also good as there are several shopping and food options available to occupy your time. The coffee shops are especially good. This airport is configured such that security checks are performed at each gate on a flight-by-flight basis. The process is reasonably efficient. The immigration checks can get backed up but things usually move at a reasonable pace and the staff are polite and fairly efficient. Signage in the airport is relatively good and flight boards are not too difficult to find. The personnel at the transfer desks are relatively helpful if information is required. There are areas to lounge comfortably on the second level if you have a longer period of time. In all, this is a very convenient airport for transit.

My first time through this airport as a transit passenger. Well sign-posted but does not have a friendly feel about it. Food and drink expensive. I would use the airport again to avoid Dubai when flying to Australia/Far East.

I like travelling through AMS. I find the spacious airport well stocked with restaurants, bars, shops etc. Most of the staff are friendly and cheery. Most of the immigration officers are grumpy. I have never encountered a long line at immigration or security.

Transited from non-Schengen to Schengen area flight with little difficulty, about a 10 minute wait to have my passport checked and maybe 3 minutes at security. The facilities are excellent, plenty of seating with views over the airport and many different food outlets and shops (though they are not cheap). I had a quite complicated question about my return journey (which was not through Schiphol) and the staff were very helpful and efficient in finding the answer. A good experience.

Had a transfer here on my way to and from Africa from NYC this month. Overall, the airport is new, clean and has a variety of shops and dining options. Dining options are a bit expensive. I can't say anything about the passport control as I was only passing through and didn't have to deal with that, but the individual security lines at each gate seem inefficient. I had to wait 45 minutes to board the plane because there are only 2 x- ray machines, even for the huge 747 I was on. The other issue with having it at the gate is that you aren't allowed to bring any liquids, including duty free alcohol or a bottle of water to drink on the plane. An 8 hour flight is pretty dehydrating. I think this may be a US rule only so check before you try to buy anything to bring anything onto the plane.

I travelled to/from Schiphol twice in the last few months and it's an excellent airport. Baggage delivery was fast and indications were clear. Transportation to/from the city is straight and bus line 197 takes only half an hour to get to the centre at a reasonable cost (€4 one way). When departing, I used KLM's self check-in and baggage drop off facilities, which are very user friendly. Short queues for the security checks. The facilities airside are the best I've seen in Europe and there is a good selection of shops and restaurant. Pity that the prices are a bit too high. All in all, an excellent airport that I may decide to use in the future for intercontinental flights too.

This has got to be the worst airport for disabled persons and customer service skills. A disabled passenger should have a wheelchair waiting outside the plane which has been a common sight at other international airports, but Amsterdam airport was the worst making the passenger walk to the entryway of the airport and then onto a trolley. No wheelchair access whatsoever! On top of this the customer service skills of the representative were nil. She was outright rude pushing my hand aside as I pointed forward to ask if the gate was up ahead. Who do you complain to when the airport lacks common sense anyway? If you are looking for assistance for a disabled person, then I would suggest avoiding this airport altogether.

Poor communication and a lack of departure information monitors. For an ultra modern airport, I was very surprised to see such steep and dangerous steps leading down to boarding gates, which are extremely unsuitable for young children and elderly passengers. Grand Cafe Plaza, possibly the worst cooked breakfast. For two breakfasts, a tea, a coffee and a bottle of still water, we were charged an extortionate €34.95, for a meal which was extremely sub-standard. Next stop, the Internet cafe. €3 gets you 15 minutes of nothing, as I tried two different keyboards, with faulty keys. Absolutely no departure information regarding our EasyJet flight back to London Gatwick. I had to go to an information desk instead. We were told to go to lounge H, a 20 minutes walk from the main lounge. Having passed through passport control and a full body X-ray we were greeted by three airport workers conducting a questionnaire. We were not given the option of volunteering, we were hijacked into it and I have to say that the questions were absolutely ridiculous. They could see that I was in a hurry and they were not interested in the lack of departure information, or the steep and dangerous steps. I cannot say that I would want to visit this airport again. It's huge, with plenty of faults.

AMS is one of Europe's main hubs but unlike confusing FRA or crowded LHR quite well-arranged and clean. Although big, the terminal is one coherent building and good signposted, so no annoying terminal change. For me, it's been the best transfer airport I've ever been by now. No long queues at security. Very friendly staff. Cafes/restaurants can be a bit crowded at peak times. Good accessibility by train with own station (local, cross-country and international services).

Schiphol is among the best airport in Europe and it surely deserves it. It's huge, modern, busy, and there are plenty of shops. However, the plus side of this airport could also be the minus at times, especially if you are in hurry catching a flight. It's huge, and if you arrive less than 30 mins before your flight and you are new to this airport, prepare some extra energy to sprint! I arrived in AMS at 6am on a cold November Saturday morning on my way to Oslo using a connecting flight. The bad thing was, my flight from KUL was supposed to arrive at 5.25 am and the plane to Oslo was to leave at 6.50 am. Fortunately, the immigration line (though crowded) was quite efficient. But for the rest, I had to sprint all my way through Holland Boulevard, a seemingly endless strip stretching in the middle of the airport to reach the gate where my plane waited. For passengers, make sure you arrive at least 2 hours before your flight to enjoy all Schiphol has to offer.

Long rows, very inefficient. I arrived at 5.35 at the check-in for Lufthansa and the queue was terrible long. My flight left at 07.05. Turned out they had just 2 kiosks open for around 4 different Lufthansa Flights. Finally they decided to open more check-in kiosks and the queue disappeared rapidly. It was already 06.20 when I could check-in. The lady was nice and when I told her I had a flight at 7.00 she advised me to tell it to the ground security as there were ridiculous long queues for the luggage check. I was directed to the premium users queue and although it took a while, arrived at the gate at exactly 6.35. What is disappointing for me is that a great airport as Schiphol has this kind of problems. There must be something wrong there. It is a very nice airport but they really should invest in order to make check-in much smoother.

Large airport where everything but baggage delivery seems to be working very fine. Check in was flawless albeit I do have a platinum sky team card so no long lines. Passport control very friendly and professional, duty free anything you can imagine but very expensive. KLM lounge is nice but not enough cleaning staff to keep the place clean of empty glasses and used dishes. Long walks to gates as there are many but everything is clearly marked so you do not get lost. All be it very well organized airport.

Flew in to Schiphol from Montreal by KLM on 20th Oct 2012. Read a lot of negative reviews but I must say, it is a wonderful airport for transit. Yes it may not be as big as Changhi or Dubai but nevertheless not a bad place for a short transit. Love the free WiFi.

LUX-AMS-SIN - SIN-AMS-LUX - The airport is very functional and the area of Tax free shops and restaurants are numerous. It was clean and it was easy to find its way. What a pity I had a short time for the connection. On the whole, I've really appreciated the infrastructures, shops and signals. My bad experience concern the security check. The staff was quite unclear regarding the electronic appliances to show and I had to re-pass the check of my cabin luggage and without any pressure from ourselves, we could still wait. I've nearly missed my connection due to security check. Anyway, I hope to come back to Amsterdam for a connecting flight. Really good airport.

Insufficient time to catch connecting flights due to ridiculously long queues in passport control. Lack of special channel for European Union Residents, existing in other airports. Flippant and inefficient attitude of passport controllers, who appeared to be young and shallow. Numerous, anxious passengers waiting in the queues who were ignored by the ground staff overlooking the queues. Security baggage checkers slow, rude and careless with passenger's baggage, literally throwing bags onto the floor to be rechecked. Many of them with a deficient level of English to facilitate the process. Surprising in Holland where most people have a good command of English! Enormous distance to reach connecting flight gate. I was heading to gate D87 at full speed when gate D56 was announced for my flight. I took no notice and a couple of minutes later they corrected themselves and said D87. Without doubt, my last visit to this nightmare airport!

Combined with internet check in and the KLM app for Android, it works great. Luggage drop off is fast and easy, waiting time at customs can take a while but in general it takes 5 minutes to pass. Enough to do to pass time, like a museum, many shops and even a casino. Facilities are clean, staff is friendly and finding your way around is easy. Food and drinks are like any airport, priced upscale.

There are so many good things about this airport that make it my favourite to travel through on and off for the last thirty years almost. It may be big, but it is never a real chore to walk from one point to another and, in many trips through the airport I have, perhaps fortunately, not found myself seriously having to race from one flight to another. The shops, the bars and restaurants are generally of a very high standard, as are the lounges and staff are generally very pleasant. I have but one criticism and that is security for flights to the UK. On my outward journey last week security check for the leg to Helsinki was fair and thorough, but just a common ordinary security check; on the return journey from Amsterdam to Aberdeen the security was oppressive and obtrusive. Some staff were thoroughly unpleasant, process was slow and, perhaps amusingly and reassuringly, the captain was forced to go through the scanner three times before he was allowed to board the flight. Nevertheless, I find it strange that flights to the UK should be so much more thoroughly checked than others. Are we a greater risk, or at greater risk or is this just a reaction to our not being members of the common border agreement in the EU? For all that, I would still say Schipol is my favourite airport of the majors in Europe. I have noticed this disparity of treatment several times in the last few years.

A very efficient, if incredibly large airport. Lots of toilets, shops, cafes and plenty of opportunities to watch planes take-off and land. The cafes are a little over-priced which is a great shame. Yes, you have to walk a lot here but if you allow extra time it's a pleasure to use.

On the whole I like Schiphol, the signage to the BA check-in is non existent - I nearly always struggle to find them and I travel through several times a year. BA Lounge is small but tranquil, the staff are always welcoming. It is a long walk from check-in, and the walk to the gates is usually quite long as well. In some ways I prefer the gates that are the furthest as they have a mini 'central security' which means that premium passengers can have priority boarding. Most of the gates have individual security which means queuing up at the gate for security and again to board the plane. It seems an inefficient use of manpower. As I usually only stay in the Netherlands for a short time I avoid checking in baggage - the wait for bags to arrive is lengthy. The only other complaint is the taxi to the gate, when arriving, it can be in excess of 15 minutes. In summary, not the worst, used to be one of the best - but definitely needs more than a band-aid to put it in my favourites again.

Over the years used Schipol a lot, but had a long break the past 10+ years. Facilities that a new since my last trip much appreciated - and used - Ryjksmuseum and library. Toilets were clean and fully stocked. Long distances as most people mention but with 5.5 hours hold over not a problem. Very poor boarding arrangements with long queue and slow process. Appreciate need for proper vigilance and doing a thorough job, but something needs to be done to speed up the process - more checking devices/staff? Flight delayed all down to slow procedure. I was near to last in the queue, and so far as I can tell no passengers were late. Could see staff beginning to panic as time went on. One issue I have is with Airport personnel zooming around on electric vehicles. They drive at breakneck speeds relative to the fact that the airport is always fairly congested with passengers.

I made more then twenty flights this year mostly from Schiphol. This September I departed from Schiphol four times. 3 times Schengen lounge and 1 time intercontinental. I have to say that Schiphol is becoming more and more outdated and is rapidly losing ground with major Asian competitors like HKG, SIN and Seoul Incheon and Munich and Madrid in Europe. It's overcrowded, congested, not passenger friendly and the terminal buildings are getting old and claustrophobic. During peak times going through security on the Schengen side is like standing in line in Disney world with endless waiting cues. One time it took me over 40 minutes to pass security. For the first time I noticed how dirty it became especially the dining area above the Schengen departure hall. All tables were full of dirty plates left behind for several hours without cleaning. Food choice was also very poor. The staff tends to be arrogant and non service minded. I am also surprised how uninviting the immigration area is. A small dark corner when entering the Netherlands. Baggage claim is terrible small, long wait and sometimes I feel as If I'm on a marketplace with no space at all to move. Usual wait lasts more then 30 minutes for baggage to unload and counting. I wish I could be more positive but I do think Schiphol needs a major upgrading to maintain it position as a big player in Europe.

I come through Schiphol probably four times a year for the last twenty years or so and still say it is my favourite airport. It is a sizeable airport and consequently we have to walk distances but I have never found a problem with signs or with time available. There can be long queues at passport control and at security at times but I have always found the staff friendly and welcoming. Yesterday, incidentally, transferring from a flight from the UK to a flight to Finland I was through passport check and security in less than five minutes; not always so, I know, but the staff have always made the transfer relatively easy as far as I am concerned. I also love the opportunity to use the excellent Dutch bars and the attractive shops; probably the only airport I use where I really take an interest in the retail opportunities.

Clean and good facilities but badly managed security. Cant take drinks (even duty free) in hand luggage. Long queues waiting in the tunnel to get off the plane. Officious security people, and intrusive body scanners.

I arrived from Kuala Lumpur on transit for my flight to Helsinki on the 7th of September. For some reasons, I had to collect my luggage and recheck-in at AMS. There were huge queue on both at the check-in and passport control area. A long walk at this airport is very common. Eventually, it was almost an hour from the beginning of my check-in time to the departure gate. My suggestion to those are going to use AMS for their start or transit point, have yourself present at least 2 hours at the airport before your departure time. On my departure back to Kuala Lumpur on the 14th of September, I was surprised when there was almost no queue at the check-in counter. Especially the designated counter for web check-in service. The agent was friendly. As usual, there was a long queue at the passport control and a long walk to the departure gate. In general, the airport is clean. The food chains and toilets are plentiful. 2 or 3 hours of free wifi is a regular practise in most of the airports worldwide. I hope AMS would apply that in the future and I bet passengers will happy and appreciate it!

Three hour transfer at Schipol. Lot's of seats, food outlets and toilets, all very clean. Long walk between gates, but was OK as I had plenty of time. Lots of shops for those who like that kind of thing. Museum was a fun way of killing time. Security at gates was quick and efficient, but many passengers ignorant of security at the gates and wandered up for their flights very late, causing delays (read the boarding pass for goodness sake). All the airport staff I encountered very friendly and all spoke English.

DEL-AMS-IAD. We had a 6 hour layover on the return flight, airport was good with easy to access facilities but a long walk to the gate, lots of stores and shopping and many things to do to pass time such as taking a tour of the city which you can schedule at the airport.

Usual efficient experience in Schipol, large distances to walk but as travelling to Canada no need for Schengen. Only disappointment - can only access roof terrace from departure hall otherwise trouble free.

Very good airport, friendly staff - who even have a sense of humour! Easy to get around, excellent connections to UK and elsewhere, good facilities and very nice Business lounge.

2 long layovers at Schipol recently, can stretch ones legs walking the long distance from one end to the other. Facilities excellent, only downside is one can only access the roof from the arrivals hall. However it remains one of my favourite airports.

I always enjoy Schiphol airport. It is clean, has good facilities and great shopping. There is even a library. The distances between gates are sometimes quite long, but everything is easily reached. Luggage handling is excellent, there is a fully automatic luggage drop off and a passport scanner, so you do not have to stand in line anymore. Even at the busy holiday season, these processes are quick and efficient.

Great and efficient airport. Facilities at the airport are excellent, I especially enjoyed the annex of the Rijksmuseum which had very interesting paintings on display. Numerous shops to browse and plenty of eateries. One thing I missed was a proper sit-down service like. Signage and layout is easy to navigate however distances can be long but on a positive note it at least allows for healthy exercise between flights. One thing I really appreciated was that the security check is done at the gate, which makes it less stressful and prevents endless queues as seen at airports with a central security check, however reviewers seem to have a different opinion about it.

We flew in and out of Amsterdam. I don't mind walking a bit but this is a large airport and it was a bit much, especially if you are short of time. Full body pat down, I moaned to the woman doing it and she was sympathetic and said how much she hated Amsterdam, it was too busy and dirty for her! As for transferring, nothing would induce me to go via this airport to anywhere even if it is the cheap option! The loos we used weren't very clean and needed maintenance. Food options looked good but we didn't have time to get more than a sandwich. We have friends arriving there today (and coming on to the UK) en route from Detroit, I just hope they don't have much hassle, their flight was already put back 5 hours, so will have missed their connecting flight and we will have more hours to wait, and a full body pat down might be the last straw! I suppose being able to look at some exhibits from the Riksmuseum whilst they are waiting might compensate a little.

I frequently use Schiphol Airport. The terminal is clearly labelled. The facilities are clean, the stores are interesting. Food service is varied and also good. Parking and transportation is very well organized. It's an excellent airport except for one big thing: passport control. It is completely unacceptable to routinely wait between 30 minutes and an hour just to show your passport (mind you, this does not include going through scanners and such, it's merely showing your passport). The lines are typically enormous, hundreds of people, squashed into one area. Usually there are several booths unoccupied, even though the lines are enormous. Despite all it's many great qualities Schiphol needs to serve people better at passport control. Below it asks me if I would recommend the airport. Of course, what other choice does one have in The Netherlands.

Flew through AMS on my flight from Prague to Cairo and return. The Airport is easy to navigate through, loads of venues to eat and relax in, the walking distances can get a tad too long if you connect from the EU to non EU terminals. Self transfer counters are great still with some nice staff assisting. SKY Priority works well in all parts of the airport. Unfortunately the self-passport control gates were not working so the lines were long even in the EU zone passport holders. Each passport and ID were closely controlled by the officers under magnifying glasses. The remainder is a breeze, a very nice airport to fly through, no complains at all except the "charged" internet.

I fly often through this airport and for me I consider this as one of the most convenient airports. Plenty of facilities are available and the intelligent lay-out provides the advantage that no bus transport between terminals is needed what is unique for an airport of this size. Also every plane has its own gate what allows you direct walking access to the terminals. Handling of luggage is usually quickly finished and the transition below the airport makes that you can be very quick in Amsterdam. In summer times queuing might take a while but on average I have seen it much worse. Prices for food are relatively high. About transfers I cannot judge.

I find this airport well organized for transferring flights. Less hassle than CDG for sure. Calculate some walking time, but overall it works pretty good using AMS to change flights. I have been doing this quite a few times and it always was no problem.

I traveled through Schiphol Airport twice in June 2012. Since I was there in 2009 they have made Schiphol the most invasive airport from a security imaginable. Not only is a full body scan required, but now all passengers (except children) are then subjected to a manual pat down. Are these multi-million Euro full scan machines less effective than the previous scanners requiring an additional fondling of passengers? I noticed that that the children are not placed in full body scanners, but rather are walked though the old type scanner, and after that are not subject to pat down. No doubt the scanner manufacturers have made billions of Euros selling machines that apparently have made the process more invasive and less effective. I will avoid this airport in future as this "new" technology makes the already ridiculous airport security process completely unacceptable.

The airport is too large if you are transferring flights and are on a short time line. The restrooms are unkempt, dirty, and smell horrible. The security is inept and ridiculous, they made me damage my own clothing in order to move through the security check point. The staff in the airport seem highly offended if you are just transferring planes in their country instead of staying. My family and I will be avoiding this airport from here on out. Highly unprofessional, rude, and unacceptable.

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