Operational issues at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
We’re currently facing operational issues for flights departing from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, leading to long waiting times at the airport. Here’s our up-to-date overview with more information and tips on what you can do. If you travel from another airport, please note that during this summer, many are facing similar challenges. Please find information about local constraints and waiting times on the airport's website of your departure.
How to prepare
Where can I find updated information about the waiting times at Schiphol and the impact on my flight?
For updated information about waiting times at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, please check the Schiphol website.
For updated information about your flight, please check our flight tracker.
How long before my flight departure should I be at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol?
We advise you to be at the airport 4 hours before departure for both European and intercontinental flights. Waiting times can vary depending on the day and time. Note, though: you are only allowed to enter the departure hall 4 hours before departure, so please do not arrive too early. Please also check the Schiphol website or app for the most current information.
How many hours before my flight's departure can I check in and drop off my baggage?
You can check-in and drop off your baggage 4 hours before your flight departs. You can do this at the KLM desks or the self-service baggage drop-off machines at Schiphol.
We understand that you want to arrive at the airport well ahead of your flight and drop off your baggage earlier. Note, though: Schiphol has temporarily changed its policy regarding the departure hall entrance. You are only allowed to enter the hall 4 hours before the scheduled departure of your flight.
Where should I go when I arrive at Schiphol and I see queues outside?
Upon arrival at Schiphol, we advise you to proceed to the departure hall. For most KLM flights, you need to go to departure hall 1 and 2. On the airport screens, you will find the correct number of the check-in and baggage drop-off area for your flight. Follow the yellow signs to the area. There, KLM staff will be available to advise you on the correct lane.
How can I prepare for the security checks at Schiphol?
Go to the Schiphol website for a video with advice on how to prepare.
What should I do if I am already checked in and travel with hand baggage only?
If you are travelling with hand baggage only and have already received your boarding pass, you can proceed directly to the waiting line for security. Check the airport screens for your gate number and follow the yellow signs to the entrance of the security area. Schiphol employees are available to answer your questions at the airport.
If you travel with checked baggage or need a boarding pass, please proceed to the check-in desk or baggage drop-off machines as indicated on the airport screens.
Can I check my baggage in and drop it off outside the terminal building?
Are you travelling between 7 July and 28 August and parking your car at Schiphol P3? You can check-in and drop off your checked baggage via a dedicated service desk in the parking lot. This means that upon arrival in the terminal building, you can go directly to the security lane.
Once you’re in the terminal building, check the airport screens for your gate number and follow the yellow signs to the entrance of the security area. Schiphol employees are available to answer your questions at the airport.
Can I get assistance and priority at the airport because I have reduced mobility or travel with an elderly person or a baby?
Check which types of assistance are available and how you can arrange this service. Note, though: assistance services do not guarantee priority access to the security lanes.
Unfortunately, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol currently cannot accommodate last-minute wheelchair assistance requests made at the desk in the departure hall, at the transfer desk, or after disembarking the aircraft. Schiphol will provide additional wheelchairs to passengers who cannot walk long distances but can independently walk stairs and board the aircraft. Note, though: your travel companions must push your wheelchair.
Should I expect the same operational issues when I have a transfer at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol?
The queues for transfer passengers to pass the security checks and border control are longer than normal. However, they are impacted less than the queues in the departure hall at Schiphol.
You can also check out the KLM website, KLM app or the self–service kiosk for rebooking options and other services.
SkyPriority at Schiphol
Can I buy SkyPriority?
The SkyPriority benefits cannot be purchased as a separate service. SkyPriority is a selection of benefits linked to your ticket or your Flying Blue status.
If available, you can buy an upgrade to Business Class, which allows you to use the SkyPriority area for baggage check-in, drop-off, and security checks. Please note that the priority security queue might also be longer than usual.
I have SkyPriority, can I use a different desk to check in and drop off my baggage?
Yes, you can. At Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, check-in and baggage drop-off services are available in the SkyPriority area (desks 9, 10, and 11 in departure hall 2). After checking in and dropping off your baggage, you will be guided to a priority area for the security checks. You can go directly to the priority area for the security checks (behind check-in row 9 in departure hall 2) when you already have a boarding pass and travel with hand baggage only.
At what time should I arrive at the airport when travelling with SkyPriority?
We advise all passengers, even if you have SkyPriority, to be at the airport 4 hours before departure for both European and intercontinental flights. Waiting times can vary depending on the day and time. Note, though: you are only allowed to enter the departure hall 4 hours before departure, so please do not arrive too early.
Rebook and refund
Did you miss your flight at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol due to long waiting times at security checks, and did you make costs as a result?
Please note that reimbursement of these costs is not the responsibility of the airline company. You can submit a claim for your expenses at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
I would like to rebook or cancel my flight voluntarily
If you prefer not to travel or change your travel plans due to the operational inconveniences at the airport, you can reschedule your travel plans following our guidelines.
My flight is cancelled by KLM more than 48h before departure. What happens next?
If your flight was cancelled more than 48h before departure, these are your options:
Automatic rebooking to the next available flight
- We’ll automatically rebook you onto the first available flight. Note that your new flight might depart the following day. You’ll find your updated flight details in My Trip. We’ll also send an e-mail or text message with your new flight details, alternative options and passenger rights. Make sure to update your contact details via My Trip so that we can reach you.
- If you want to change your new flight, you can contact KLM Customer Service. Please note that waiting times for our call centres are longer than you may expect. If you have booked via a travel agency, we advise contacting your travel agent to rebook your flight.
Full refund
- If you decide not to travel after the cancellation, you can request a full ticket refund and extra options.
My flight is cancelled by KLM less than 48 hours before departure. What happens next?
If your flight is cancelled less than 48 hours before departure, we will automatically rebook you, or you can ask for a full refund.
Automatic rebooking to the next available flight
Rebooking
We’ll automatically rebook you onto the first available flight. Note that your new flight might depart the following day. We’ll send your new flight details via e-mail, text message, WhatsApp or Messenger. You’ll find your updated flight details in My Trip. If available, you can also select an alternative flight via My Trip or a self-service kiosk at the airport.
Reimbursement of extra costs
If your new flight does not depart today and you cannot go home for the night, we ask you to book a hotel yourself. Your checked baggage will stay at the airport. If needed, you can purchase small items, such as clothing and toiletries. You can request reimbursement of all reasonable expenses via klm.nl/en/claim. These are the guidelines for reimbursement:
- Meal: up to EUR 25 per person per meal (including breakfast, if this is not included in the room rate).
- Transfer to and from the airport: up to EUR 50 per transfer.
Hotel: reasonable day price. We suggest finding a hotel accommodation via Booking.com , Expedia.nl , NH-hotels.com , the KLM App , or the self-service kiosk at the airport.
Full refund
- If you decide not to travel after the cancellation, you can request a full refund of the ticket and extra options.
I missed my flight due to the long waiting times at the airport. What happens next?
In the unfortunate event of missing your flight, you can choose to travel on another flight or cancel your trip and receive a travel voucher.
Rebook yourself
When you are rebooked, your baggage will be automatically rebooked as well.
Request travel voucher
- You can request a travel voucher that will be valid for one year from the date of issue.
- You can use this voucher for all KLM, Air France, Delta, and Virgin Atlantic flights offered on the Air France KLM website.
- You can also use the travel voucher to buy extra options like upgrades, specific seats, and baggage on KLM and Air France flights.
I missed my connecting flight due to the late arrival of my incoming KLM flight. What happens next?
We will automatically rebook you on the next available flight if you miss your connecting flight.
Rebooking to the next available flight
Rebooking
- Make sure to update your contact details via My Trip, so we can reach you.
- You can also use the self-service kiosk at the airport to check your new flight and get a boarding pass for your next flight.
Reimbursement of extra costs
- Meal: up to EUR 25 per person per meal (including breakfast, if this is not included in the room rate).
- Transfer to and from the airport: up to EUR 50 per transfer.
Hotel: reasonable day price. We suggest finding a hotel accommodation via Booking.com , Expedia.nl , NH-hotels.com , the KLM App , or the self-service kiosk at the airport. Please note: you will only be able to rebook yourself after the actual departure time of your missed flights. When you are rebooked, your baggage will be automatically rebooked as well.
Request travel voucher
- You can request a travel voucher that will be valid for one year from the date of issue.
- You can use this voucher for all KLM, Air France, Delta, and Virgin Atlantic flights offered on the Air France KLM website.
- You can also use the travel voucher to buy extra options like upgrades, specific seats, and baggage on KLM and Air France flights.
What are my rights as a passenger in case of disruption?
You can read more about your rights to assistance and compensation on our website in case of cancellations and delays.
What self-service options do I have for rebooking and refunds?
Do you want to change your travel plans? We recommend using the self-service options.
Delayed baggage
My baggage has not arrived. What should I do?
We will make sure to deliver it to you as quickly as possible. To help us do so, please report it as delayed at your arrival. For most destinations (except the UK), you can do this online within 48 hours of arrival.
Please have your booking code at hand. When filling in the form, you will read how to proceed next. If this report does not work online and you are still at the airport, you can also go to the counter in the baggage hall upon arrival at the airport or call the KLM Customer Contact Centre.
How can I report my missing baggage?
In almost all cases (except the UK), you can report your missing baggage online within 48 hours of arrival.
Please have your booking code at hand. When filling in the form, you will read how to proceed next. If this report does not work online, you can also go to the counter in the baggage hall upon arrival at the airport or call the KLM Customer Contact Centre.
Where can I find information about the status of my baggage?
You can find the status of your baggage via our online tracking information.
Please have the reference number and the last name you used during the registration of your missing baggage at hand. Note that due to the current situation, it may take a few days to update the status of your baggage. Worldwide, several airports face exceptional operational conditions. This may affect the delivery of your delayed baggage. The KLM Customer Contact Centre is currently unable to provide you with any further information. Unfortunately, that is why it is not useful to contact us about the status of your baggage.
I am almost returning home again. Can you send my baggage to my home address instead of the holiday address I gave earlier?
Yes, you can change the delivery address online via the link below. Please notify us as quickly as possible, so we can make sure the correct information is used to deliver your baggage.
Please have the reference number and the last name you used during the registration of your missing baggage at hand.
When will my baggage be delivered?
Usually, you will receive the baggage within 2-3 days. Please note: Several airports worldwide are facing exceptional operational conditions. This may affect the delivery date of your delayed baggage. The KLM Customer Contact Centre is currently unable to provide you with any further information. Unfortunately, that is why it is not useful to contact us about the status of your baggage.
Can I pick up my baggage?
When you reported your missing baggage, you could choose multiple options for returning. If you have selected ‘airport pick-up’ and received a message that the baggage has arrived, you can come to the airport to pick it up. Unfortunately, getting to the airport before receiving this message is not useful.
Do I get compensation for buying clothes at my destination?
In case delivery of your baggage is delayed, reasonable expenses for necessary ‘first needs’ will be reimbursed. Please keep the receipts of your purchases.
How can I contact KLM?
To report missing baggage and/or check the status of your baggage, we advise you to visit the link below.
If you cannot find the information you need online, you can also go to the counter in the baggage hall upon arrival at the airport or call the KLM Customer Contact Centre.
I tried to report my missing baggage online, but I did not succeed. What should I do now?
If this report does not work online, you can also go to the counter in the baggage hall upon arrival at the airport or call the KLM Customer Contact Centre.