A fast and smooth security check: Prepare for security

Yes, that’s right. As of 1 January 2020, we have CT scans in all departure halls. These innovative scans can check liquids and electronic devices in your hand baggage. That’s why you can leave them in your bag or trolley. This saves you from having to unpack and then pack again. We do advise that you put your liquids in a container of no more than 100ml and to put them in a transparent, resealable bag. This is always allowed and there won’t be any issues when making transfers or when flying back.

Larger containers are only allowed if they have been cleared by the security equipment and a member of security staff. Do you want to be sure that you won’t have to hand over larger containers filled with liquids or gels? Then put them in your hold baggage. We also advise you to do this when making a transfer at another airport and when you return, as not all airports have CT scans.

No, the scanner does not see you naked. The millimetre waves do indeed travel through your clothing, but do not make personally identifiable images of you; the scan is analysed by a computer and not by a security officer. The only thing that comes up on the small computer screen next to it is a grey image of a human form with coloured spots in the locations where objects were found.

Tell the security staff at the security check. One of them will then completely search you without using the security scanner.

Not everyone can go through the security scanner because the sensors are at a fixed height. That means a different procedure applies to wheelchair users, small children and others. There is a wider passage for wheelchair users, which can also be used for prams. Your wheelchair and you will then be manually checked by a security officer.

Not everyone can go through the security scanner because the sensors are not at a fixed height. That means a different procedure applies to wheelchair users, small children and others. Your child will be manually checked by a security officer in your presence.

The technology used is not dangerous to your health. If, for instance, you pregnant or do you have a pacemaker, you can go through the security scanner without taking any health risks. If in doubt, you can always ask the security officer for an ‘old-fashioned’ search instead of using the scanner.

Your privacy is fully guaranteed. The scan is only analysed by a computer and not by a security officer. The scanner cannot see through your body either. Therefore, there are no images that could even be saved. The raw data is also not saved.

The security scanner works with technology that uses millimetre waves. These waves go through your clothing and reflect on your skin. They ‘bounce back’ an indication of any other materials on your skin, such as plastic, metal, wood, iron, ceramics, etc. That allows the scanner to detect objects.

Tell the security officer if you have physical conditions to take into account, such as fractures, prostheses, a stoma, or sensitive spots. If you need a restriction that is not immediately visible and require a little more time to pass through security, simply ask for the special green lanyard at the Assistance Desk.

No, the scan is analysed by a computer. It only presents as coloured spots on a grey outline of a human figure on the computer screen next to the scanner. There are no images that can be saved and no raw data is saved either.

Security checks takes place respectfully and are conducted with great care. It may not be the best part of your holiday, but it is necessary to keep our airport safe for everyone. If you had an unpleasant experience, you can always ask the security officer if you can speak to their team lead on the spot.

The security scanner cannot look into the body. The body scanner, which uses x-rays, can do that. Schiphol only uses body scanners for what we call 100% risk flights. Passengers who arrive on flights that have a higher likelihood of drug trafficking are investigated to ensure that they don’t possess any drugs in or on their bodies.