Easyjet advises customers who fly from Schiphol to a destination within Europe this May holiday to be present two and a half to three hours in advance. In addition, the low-cost airline warns of pressure at security, while Schiphol has succeeded in recruiting enough staff in that department. Easyjet’s advice stands out because Schiphol itself advises travelers to be at the airport two hours before a European flight and three hours before an intercontinental flight.
A Schiphol spokesperson says that it is up to the airlines themselves to advise at what time they can receive their customers. The airport wants to prevent travelers from being at Schiphol too early, standing in front of a closed check-in desk and causing unnecessary crowds in the departure hall.
Easyjet informs NH that the advice to arrive early is based on the expected crowds during the May holiday. According to a spokesman, there is enough staff at the check-in desks, on the ramp and on Easyjet’s planes, but travelers should expect queues at the security check.
Final rehearsal
Schiphol says it has confidence in the smooth running of the upcoming holiday. “Employees have never been so well prepared to handle this May holiday,” said director Ruud Sondag shortly after the Easter weekend. Easter was seen as a ‘dress rehearsal’, and it went well.
Both Schiphol and Easyjet advise travelers flying to a Schengen country to reserve a time slot at the security check in order to avoid queues. From Schiphol you can fly to almost all 27 Schengen countries, with the exception of Liechtenstein.
Long rows
Schiphol succeeded in recruiting the desired number of 850 new security guards who can start work from the May holiday. There is still a major shortage of check-in staff, platform staff and luggage porters. As a result, long queues can still arise and planes depart too late.