Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Check-In: The Ultimate Guide
Are you ready to fly from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol? Navigating Europe’s busiest hubs can be stressful at times, especially with checking in. Whether you prefer checking in from the comfort of your home or at the chaotic terminal, you can do so with a plan.
If you’re traveling for the first time, this guide to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Check-In offers a quick look at everything from check-in options to baggage drop-off, ensuring your journey starts smoothly.
Amsterdam Airport Check-In: Quick Overview
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has a single terminal divided into 3 interconnected departure halls, where check-in is highly automated. You can check in online at home, at self-service kiosks, or at traditional check-in counters. Here are all the details you need for a quick check-in.
| Check-in Info | Details |
| Check-in Area | 1st floor, main terminal building departure halls |
| Self-Service Kiosks | In the main departure halls |
| Online Check-in | Available through airlines |
| Domestic Flights | Follow departure signs |
| International Flights | Follow international departure signs |
| Boarding Pass Collection | Counters, kiosks, online |
| Checked Baggage Drop | Airline check-in counters, self-service baggage drop-off for online and self-check-ins |
Note: Here is a detailed AMS Airport map to help you find the check-in desks.
Ways to Check-In at Amsterdam Airport
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol offers multiple ways to check in. You can choose whichever suits you best. The fastest way is to check in online at home, saving you time. You can also check in through the self-service kiosk by following the instructions on the screen or at the airline’s desk.
Online Check-in
By downloading the airline’s app or visiting the official website, you can get your boarding pass on your mobile device 24 hours before departure. You can walk straight to the Security and Passport Control, saving you time in busy periods.
For hassle-free check-in, you can drop off your luggage at self-service baggage kiosks and head directly to security.
Self-Service Kiosks
When you check in at the airport using self-service kiosks, you can skip the long lines at the airline’s check-in counter. Kiosks with blue tops are for KLM and SkyTeam Airlines, while those with yellow tops are designated for several other airlines. Simply follow the instructions on the screen, and print your boarding pass and bag tags.
Counter Check-ins
Traditional check-in desks are available if you need assistance, have special luggage, or require document checks. The airline representative will print your boarding pass and bag tags and check your baggage.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Check-in Locations
Who enjoys a hurried trip, especially when you arrive late at the airport and can’t find the check-in desks? If you’re a first-time flyer from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, it’s important to know the exact locations of the check-in counters inside the AMS terminal.
| Check-in Counter | Location |
| Check-in Desk 1A | Located in Departures 1A (for small/regional flights) |
| Check-in Desk 1-8 | Located in Departure Hall 1 |
| Check-in Desk 9-16 | Located in Departure Hall 2 |
| Check-in Desk 17-32 | Located in Departure Hall 3 |
Self-Service Baggage Drop-Off at AMS
At AMS, checking in your luggage has become one of the easiest tasks by using the Self-Service Baggage Drop-offs provided by most airlines. You can easily check your bags by scanning your boarding pass at the kiosk, printing your luggage tags, attaching them to your bags, and placing them on the belt.
You can find the airline-specific bag drop-offs at a glance in the table below.
| Airline | Baggage Drop-off Departure Hall |
| Aegean | Departure Hall 1 |
| Austrian | |
| Air Dolomiti | |
| Finnair | |
| IceLandAir | |
| KLM | |
| LOT | |
| Lufthansa | |
| SAS | |
| Swiss | |
| TAP | |
| Transavia | |
| KLM | Departure Hall 2 |
| American Airlines | Departure Hall 3 |
| Cathay Pacific | |
| Corendon | |
| Easyjet | |
| Norwegian | |
| TUI |
AMS Check-in Time
For a smooth check-in, you should arrive 2 hours before European (Schengen) flights, and 3 hours before international (Non-Schengen) flights.
Baggage drop opens 2 hours before and closes 40-45 minutes before departure for domestic flights. For international flights, it opens 3 hours before departure and closes 1 hour before departure.
Special Check-in at Amsterdam Airport: Pets, Infants & Passengers with Reduced Mobility
Passengers with special needs must prepare a bit extra, such as pre-booking any required services with their airline to ensure a smooth check-in. By reviewing these specific guidelines for pets, families, and special passengers, you can plan in advance.
Travel with Your Children
When you’re flying with an infant or a child under 12 years of age, you cannot use the self-service kiosks and head straight to the airline’s check-in desk.
Most airlines allow one stroller/pram for free, but large strollers must be dropped off at the odd-sized baggage desk or at the check-in desk.
Check in Your Pet
Always register your pet with your airline at the time of booking, and allow an extra 30 minutes for check-in. Most of the time, you need to travel with your pets’ documents, such as:
- A pet passport
- Valid health certificate
- Valid rabies vaccination certificate
Get Help with Specially-Abled Passengers
Book your mobility assistance or wheelchair request with your airline at least 48 hours before departure. Upon arrival, you can use the service points or go directly to the Assistance Counters located in all Departure Halls.
If you or your child/companion has autism, hypersensitivity, or another invisible disability, you can pick up a Hidden Disability Sunflower Lanyard at any assistance counter. Airport staff are trained to recognize these and will help you provide a quieter route through security.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Customer Support: Contact Details
Searching the internet for the official details of the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol customer support team? When so much information is available, you’re unsure which is accurate. To address the same query, please see the official contact details below.
| Airport Address | Evart van de Beekstraat 202, 1118 CP Schiphol, Netherlands |
| Official Website | Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) |
| Contact Number | +31 20 601 2416 +31 20 794 0800 |
| Email Address | info@schiphol.nl |
| Contact Us Page | https://www.schiphol.nl/en/contact-schiphol/ |
Travel With Ease: Efficient Tips
Preparing before your journey makes it easier for you to travel stress-free. Here are some tips for travelers while checking in at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
- Always arrive 3 hours before your flight if you’re flying internationally, and 2 hours before departure for domestic flights.
- Keep your important documents ready, such as your passport, boarding pass, visa documents, and travel itinerary.
- Avoid packing restricted or over-the-limit food items.
- Follow the carry-on rules.
- Use self-service kiosks and baggage drop-offs to save time.
- Pre-book any special assistance that might be needed.
- Keep monitoring flight updates or changes.
- Prepare your pets’ passports and health certificates.
- Make sure you have all the necessary documents required for unaccompanied minor travel.
Conclusion
Whether you check in online, use a kiosk, or drop your bags at a self-service desk, navigating Check-in at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is now an absolute breeze. So pack your bags, keep your passport ready, and enjoy your journey.
Safe Travels!
FAQ
You can arrive 3 hours before departure when traveling internationally, to allow plenty of time for check-in, baggage drop, and security screening.
Check-in desks are located as follows:
Desks 1-8 in Departure Hall 1
Desks 9-16 in Departure Hall 2
Desks 17-32 in Departure Hall 3
For small regional flights, head to the check-in desk 1A located in Departure Hall 1A
If you haven’t checked in online, you can use the self-service kiosks in the departure halls. Scan your passport or enter the booking code. You can print your boarding pass and proceed to the automated self-service bag drop.
Yes. To avoid long waits, AMS allows passengers to book a free time slot for security check via the Book a Security Time Slot page.
You can check the screens in the departure halls, or look up your flight in the Schiphol app to get the exact row and hall for your airline.