Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) has marked its millionth reserved security time slot with a special giveaway to a surprised passenger.
Having launched free reserved security slots in March 2023 for Schengen countries and extended the service in July 2023 to all destinations, the airport welcomed the flyers who made its millionth security slot reservation in mid-December. Willy and Leny Janssen-Jansen, who arrived at Schiphol to board their flight to the Caribbean island of Bonaire, were gifted access to the Dutch airport’s “Privium Lounge” facilities.
The occasion allowed the airport to trumpet its Privium facilities and encourage people to use its free reserved security slots ahead of what it anticipates will be a busy holiday servicing 3 million Yuletide passengers.
The gift
The airport has three Privium Lounges, usually only accessible to Privium members (three tiers starting at 130 euros per year) or those who pay for an access voucher (50 euros at the time of writing). Inside, guests are offered complimentary “culinary treats” and beverages, work facilities such as business lounges and fast Wi-Fi, as well as quiet and luxurious places to take it easy ahead of their journey.
The Janssen-Jansens were pictured looking suitably relaxed ahead of their flight in what appeared to be an almost empty airport, while a man dressed as Santa presented them with a giant cheque marked “millionth security slot”.
Why reserve a time slot?
Promising a queue and stress-free experience, security time slots can be booked for free up to three days ahead of departure, by visiting the Schiphol website or using the app. It’s important to note that the slot only applies to going through security. This means flyers should ensure they leave enough time for check-in and dropping off bags. The airport also takes timing into account with the latest time slot for non-Schengen flights 90 minutes ahead of boarding. The latest bookable time slot for a Schengen flight is 60 minutes ahead.
According to Aviation 24, the majority of bookers choose a slot between 90 and 105 minutes before their flight. Flyers to Barcelona, Malaga, Lisbon, Curaçao, London Heathrow, and Dubai are the most likely to book a security time slot ahead of travel.
Booking a time slot allows you to avoid crowds and predict your passage through the airport more certainly while allowing the airport to plan for and disperse passenger numbers smoothly and safely.
Berlin Brandenberg Airport (BER) became the first European airport to offer bookings for security slots, and has been joined by others including Amsterdam Schiphol and London Heathrow (LHR).
