Podie

Has anyone done this recently? I'm told there will be special waiting lounges for people connecting to other flights, to avoid covid tests and requirements, but I'm wondering if these lounges have food and drink? I'll be in one for 3 hours. The airport website talks about food and drink, and stores, in their lounges, but I can't tell if they're talking about these waiting lounges?

balthy

I have transited thru AMS several times this year, most recently today. Have not seen anything like you describe. Where did the info about special waiting lounges comes from? Passport control was heaving with people, the airport looked as busy as pre Covid.

J62

No idea about the actual situation at AMS, but it might depend on your origin and final destination. - whether or not your are flying strictly within Schengen zone, entering Schengen, or transiting through AMS without entering....

Podie

I'm flying on KLM, and somewhere on their website I was linked to a description of arrival and departure lounges for transiting passengers. Yes, you go through passport control, but supposedly these lounges keep you from going anywhere else in the airport. It'll be great if that's incorrect and I can at least get something to eat and drink during my waiting time.

balthy

Interesting. Looks like I didn’t read the emails from KLM. I travelled on KLM yesterday thru AMS & went thru passport control which took ages (non schengen to schengen) and the airport was almost normal ie crowded busy with shops open. Ran out of time to go to the lounge and went straight to the gate where people were waiting to board. I’ve done this trip 3/4 times this year & its never been different.

janisj

Are you just talking about the regular KLM / Sky Team Lounges -- not specifically for segregating transit passengers. They are the normal Lounges - not everyone has access. Not sure about KLM, but for instance AA's Admirals Clubs are open to paid members, some high level One World frequent flyers, and those flying international First or Business class.

Edit: I just looked up KLM/AMS and found this. You’re welcome in our lounges if you’re a First Class or Business Class passenger, a Flying Blue Platinum or Gold member, or a SkyTeam Elite Plus passenger. Like to invite a guest? Check out our lounge access policy for all details.

Seamus

What are your origin and destination airports?

Podie

JFK New York to Zagreb, Croatia

mrwunrfl

Seems like they are using the word "lounge" two different ways. Airline lounge and departure lounge

."There are two KLM Crown lounges at Schiphol.Lounge 25 is located in the Schengen area, on the second floor of Lounge 1 opposite the D-pier. Opening hours are 06:00 to 14:00."

It says Lounge 25 is on the second floor of Lounge 1. And then this map:

amsterdam-airport-map.pdf (amsterdam-advisor.com)

The departures & lounges part of that map show Lounges 1 through 4 and there is food all over. A different area, Holland Boulevard, is between Lounge 2 and Lounge 3.

Podie

Thanks, everyone! I'm hoping there will be no restrictions during my layover other than don't leave the lounges.

balthy

There aren’t any restrictions at all, like I said, I went thru AMS from non Schengen to Schengen a few days ago & a few times earlier this year.

janisj

I think you may be misunderstanding what the lounges are. In your OP you mention being told of special 'quarantine' lounges, and other things like there being retail stores in the lounges -- who told you that (or provide a link if you read it on line)?

halfapair

Please post your experience passing through AMS. We will be connecting in AMS in December when we fly to Barcelona from the US. I’d like to know how it goes for you.

balthy

I passed thru AMS a week ago. Nothing to tell, it was “normal”, no herding into special waiting lounges, airport was very busy, lines were long at immigration. Airport lounge for KLM FF was open as has been on my last trips.

I passed thru AMS 4 times earlier this year. Nothing to report.

I will pass thru AMS in 2 weeks time. I don’t expect anything unusual.

I will pass thru AMS at Xmas & NY.

Just need to keep an eye on COVID tests/vaccination requirements in case those change for transit passengers.

annw

<< passed thru AMS a week ago. Nothing to tell, it was “normal”, no herding into special waiting lounges, airport was very busy, lines were long at immigration..>>

Oh lord, I've got a tight connection at AMS (SFO-AMS-MXP) a week from tomorrow and was already sweating.

vigneshwarthrive7639

Transit passengers: Allowed
COVID-19 test: Not required

Follow the latest and weekly updates and trends. so we can know better how to plan while visiting.

annw

it went fine—plenty time f time to walk the mile to connecting flight and passport control not bad.

balthy

Mine was ok as well on the return flight. Hardly anyone at passport control.