Your trip off to a good start: Check in at Schiphol
At Schiphol, you can check in for your flight in several ways. The fastest is to check in online at home. It is smart to do this at home now because it saves time. Plus that you already have your boarding pass with you. You can also check in at the airport by using the self-service kiosk and baggage drop area, or at your airline’s check-in desk.
Online check in from home
Many airlines allow you to check in online or using the app up to 24 hours before departure. You can print your boarding pass from your own printer, or scan your boarding pass at the gate using your smartphone or tablet. If you plan to travel with hand baggage only, it’s best to check in online from home – that way, you can walk straight to Security and Passport Control with your boarding pass. This may save you time, especially during busy periods.
Check in at a self-service kiosk or desk
You can check yourself in for your flight at a self-service check-in kiosk in the departure halls. The kiosk will print out a boarding pass. The blue self-service kiosks are for KLM / SkyTeam airlines, and the yellow ones for several other airlines.
You can also go directly to your airline’s check-in desk. The airline representative will print your boarding pass and check in your baggage. Simply check the website, app or screens in the departure halls to see the location of your check-in desk.
Drop off your bags at a self-service kiosk or counter
More airlines than ever have automated their baggage check-in processes. This is particularly useful if you checked in online. At the self-service baggage drop-off, simply follow the instructions on screen. Print your baggage tag and attach it to the handle on the longest side of your baggage. Your bags will automatically find their way to your plane. You can see how the self-service baggage drop-off works in the videos below.
Can I use this service?
The following airlines offer self-service baggage drop-off at Schiphol: Aero Mexico, American Airlines, Austrian, Cathay Pacific, Corendon, Finnair, IcelandAir, KLM, LOT, Lufthansa, Norwegian, SAS, Swiss, TAP, Transavia & TUI. You can find the self-service baggage drop-off kiosks in the following departure halls:
- Departure 1: Aegean, Austrian, Finnair, IcelandAir, KLM, LOT, Lufthansa, SAS, Swiss, TAP & Transavia
- Departure 2: KLM
- Departure 3: Aero Mexico, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Corendon, Norwegian & TUI
Are you flying with another airline? Or is online check-in not an option for you? Then you can of course go to the check-in desk of your airline to check in and drop off your baggage. At the check-in desk a representative will tag and process your bag for you.
Departure Hall 1: how to use the baggage drop-off
Departure Hall 3: how to use the baggage drop-off
When to arrive at Schiphol
Please check your airline’s website to find out when you need to arrive at Schiphol. This usually depends on your airline, your destination and the opening times of the check-in desk.
Please add more time accordingly if you have odd-sized baggage, are travelling with a pet, or need extra help or assistance.
Travel with children
There are additional rules and regulations that govern travel with underage children. Please prepare before you travel by asking your airline about any particular rules they may have.
Check in your pet
Check in will be different if you plan to travel with your dog, cat or another small pet. You will need to check with your airline for any particular rules before you arrive at the airport.
-
Extra assistance
Arrange a special assistant with your airline, and we’ll take care of the rest.
-
How busy is Schiphol?
Find out what time you should arrive at Schiphol and more
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to check in at Schiphol?
Online check-in is the easiest and fastest option for most travellers, especially if you are only travelling with hand luggage and if the airport is busier than usual. You can also check in at the self-service check-in kiosks and drop-off areas with a couple of airlines. Or simply visit your airline’s check in desk for your boarding pass and to drop off your baggage.
When should I plan to arrive at the airport?
How long you should plan to arrive at the airport before your flight, depends on where you are going. Please check your airline's website for up-to-date advice and your check-in desk’s opening time. You should also find out whether there are traffic jams, road or rail works and adjust your journey to Schiphol accordingly.
How do I request extra assistance at Schiphol?
You can request additional assistance at the time of booking your ticket or trip. Your airline or travel agency will then inform us of your request. Please ensure that you make your request to your airline or travel agency up to 48 hours before departure. We are unable to guarantee this service with less than 48 hours’ notice.
Can I have my baggage sealed at Schiphol?
Yes, you can. Drop by Seal & Go in Departures 2 and 3, in front of the check-in desks. It can be safer and more secure to seal your bags, and doing so also protects them from scratches.
Prepare for your flight
-
Hand baggage
What items you can and can’t travel with on the plane
-
Hold and odd-sized baggage
Hold baggage rules and what constitutes an ‘odd-sized’ item
-
Current page: Travel to Schiphol
Schiphol is easy to reach by train, bus, taxi and car
-
Current page: Check-in
You can check in online or at Schiphol. What works for you?
-
Passports and travel documents
Check your passport’s validity and any visa requirements
-
Security check
Be well-prepared and clear security with ease