How do you avoid that damn crowd at Schiphol?
If I were to send you my live location now, you would see that I'm at Schiphol. Having a double espresso, some fresh fruit, and yogurt with granola. I just stood in line for exactly 45 minutes. A bit longer than usual, but no reason to make a fuss.
Of course, I had to swallow hard when I heard stories about people fighting in line, tents I saw outside the departure hall, and my father almost missing his flight. So I made preparations.
1. In the dead of night
I don't mind waiting somewhere for a long time, as long as I can do it with good coffee, a chair under my behind, wifi, and a charged laptop to do some work. That's why I left at half past six this morning towards Schiphol, even though my flight is only at twelve. If you go on time, it's just a bit quieter at the security check and you hardly have any stress. Except for those types who arrive late at the airport and are hyperventilating behind you.
2. Go in style (and smart)
With appropriate jealousy, I looked at the people who had priority check-in this morning. While I stood in line like a docile sheep, the priority people zoomed past me. Priority in line, a separate security check, and in a blink of an eye, they were in the departure hall. You pay a little extra, but it saves you an hour. Of course, you do need to indicate to the staff that you have priority.
3. Rent a bed after the check
What do you think about taking a nap after the security check? Yotelair Schiphol Airport is located in Lounge 2 at Schiphol and has beds that look like a first-class flight. A quick shower, a few hours of Netflix in bed, working at your own desk: how wonderful does that sound? Of course, you do need a boarding pass for this. You can use it for four hours for just 75 euros. Yotelair and you can choose from a single, double, or family cabin.
4. Choose another airport
The simplest way to avoid the crowds at Schiphol remains: not flying from Schiphol. It can be that simple. And if you still need to book, it’s safest to try Rotterdam and Eindhoven or even look across the border. Something about multiple roads and Rome.
5. Happy in line
Make sure to have a filled water bottle, something to eat, an empty bladder, and a good book. Waiting in a long line becomes much more bearable. It really helps if you prepare yourself to wait. I assumed two hours and was therefore inside within 45 minutes. Pure gain. I can now not only work a bit, but also shop.
6. Unholy times
Do you usually try to avoid a flight at that ridiculous hour? Just take it now. Those hellish lines are mainly during the day, so at night it’s your moment to fly away.
7. Be kind
And whatever you do, please be kind to each other. The people here are probably already working double shifts and are not waiting for the whining of people heading to the sun.
