Flying can be a big adventure for youngsters. But if you are an adult travelling through Schiphol with under-18s, please keep the specific rules applied by the Dutch authorities and airlines in mind. Before setting out, always check what you need to do to make your journey as smooth as possible.
If you are travelling alone with a minor (a child aged under 18), the Dutch authorities require permission to do so from their non-accompanying parent(s), guardian(s) or custodian(s). This rule applies regardless of your relationship to the child and is enforced to prevent child abduction. You can use an official authorisation form to show that you have permission. Without this, you may be delayed at passport control or even prevented from leaving the country.
Unaccompanied minors are not permitted to travel by air without an adult chaperone. The minimum age for escorted children varies from airline to airline, as do the rules regarding chaperones. Some airlines offer their own chaperone services for a fee. The child is met by airline staff at check-in and accompanied personally throughout their stay at Schiphol and the rest of their journey. Please contact your airline for details of this service and the conditions.
Dedicated Baby Care areas are available throughout the airport. They have changing and cleaning facilities and are located adjacent to most public toilets. These also provide a calm environment for feeding. For even greater comfort, visit the free Baby Care Lounge on Holland Boulevard (airside, between Lounge 2 and Lounge 3), where you can bathe and feed your baby in a private space. Your baby can also sleep in one of the special bed cabins while you relax in a comfortable chair or sofa.
If a child you are travelling with has an infectious disease such as mumps, whooping cough, measles or chicken pox, you must provide a medical declaration stating that they are fit to fly.
Does your child have a hidden disability and therefore needs more time to go through Security and Passport Control comfortably? If so, ask for a green lanyard at the assistance counter in the departure hall. This way, we can recognise your child in order to give them more time and space if you so desire.
With this lanyard, your child can simply stay with their travel companions in order to go through Security and Passport Control together at their own pace. We wish you a pleasant journey!
What items you can and can’t travel with on the plane
Hold baggage rules and what constitutes an ‘odd-sized’ item
Schiphol is easy to reach by train, bus, taxi and car.
You can check in online or at Schiphol. What works for you?
Check your passport’s validity and any visa requirements
Be well-prepared and clear security with ease
