Step 1: Arrange transport to Schiphol
Make sure your transport to Schiphol is arranged in good time. For beginners, a taxi is the most stress-free option:
- You are picked up at home — no looking for a railway station or a parking space
- The driver knows exactly what time you need to leave
- No lugging baggage around on the train
Book your taxi at least a day in advance. You will immediately receive a confirmation with your exact pick-up time. For a flight at 10:00 from Haarlem, you leave at around 07:15.
Good to know
For your first flight it is especially advisable to be at Schiphol 2.5 to 3 hours in advance. Also read our guide how many hours in advance to be at Schiphol for an exact calculation per type of flight.
Step 2: Get your documents and hand luggage ready
Pack the evening before:
To bring:
- Valid passport or ID card (outside the EU usually a passport)
- Boarding pass (print it or download it to your phone via your airline's app)
- Debit card and cash for small purchases
- Insurance card or travel insurance policy
Hand luggage checklist:
- Liquids in containers of max. 100 ml — in a transparent bag (1 litre max.)
- Your laptop, tablet and liquids bag can stay in your bag — Schiphol uses CT scanners
- No scissors, knives or other sharp objects
- Medicines may also be taken in quantities over 100 ml (a medical statement is optional)
Step 3: Checking in at Schiphol
You can check in online (recommended) or at Schiphol itself.
Online check-in (usually opens approx. 24 to 30 hours before departure):
- Open your airline's app or website
- Choose your seat
- Download your boarding pass
- Advantage: you skip the check-in queue and go straight to the bag drop
Checking in at Schiphol:
- Find the check-in hall based on your airline
- Go to the self-service kiosk or desk
- Check in your baggage and keep your boarding pass safe
Check-in and bag drop usually close 40 to 60 minutes before departure (at KLM 40 minutes for Europe, 60 minutes for intercontinental flights) — make sure you are on time.
Step 4: Through security
After checking in, you go through the security check. This is the moment beginners often find nerve-racking — but it is simple:
1. Put in the tray: coat, belt, coins and keys — thanks to the CT scanners, your laptop, tablet and liquids bag can stay in your bag
2. Shoes: do not always have to come off in the Netherlands — but if the alarm goes off, they sometimes must
3. Walk through the scanner: follow the instructions of the staff
4. Do not forget to collect: take everything out of the tray on the other side
The waiting time varies from 5 to 45 minutes. Longer during the summer holidays and on busy mornings — so arrive in good time.
Good to know
Schiphol recommends leaving shoes with metal buckles, thick belts and large amounts of coins at home or putting them in your suitcase. This speeds up the security process considerably.
Step 5: Finding your gate and boarding
After security you are airside — the departure area. Look up your gate number on the boards (or your boarding pass). A gate is the boarding door for your aircraft.
- Check the screens: look up your flight number and see which gate is active
- Leave in good time: walking from the central hall to pier G or H takes 15–20 minutes
- Boarding starts: usually 30–45 minutes before departure
- Gate closes: 15–20 minutes before departure — too late = no access
Feel free to visit the shops, restaurants or the lounge — but keep a close eye on your departure time.
First-time tips: what almost everyone forgets
- Put your phone in flight mode as soon as the crew announces it
- Eat something before boarding — not all flights serve meals
- Bring earplugs — it is noisy on the aircraft
- Chewing gum during take-off and landing — helps with the pressure difference in your ears
- Keep at least 2 hours free of plans after arriving home — a stressful arrival = a chaotic start
Most important of all: enjoy it! Flying is special. After your first flight you will be hooked. Plan your next ride now.
