Amsterdam Airport
- Schiphol -
2009 Best Airport
REGION: EUROPE
Lasting Impressions....
"Security started to harass us. Not the usual "you can't sleep here" type. It was a "I want to sleep WITH you" type of harassment." (?)
"I found that some intelligent person had pushed the armed benches together so that the unarmed portion formed a kind of bed" (A)
"never settle for what you first see and never expect others to take care of you. Instead, seek and you shall find." (?)
"its your own choice if you decide not too pay for a hotel, so you can't complain about chairs or Security for waking you up. And if you are smart, you can ask all employees for the best seats nearby your spot." (Employee)
Quick Reference Airport Guide
Here is some information that we've picked out of from your reviews. Be sure to read the review pages for the most up-to-date info:
- recent cases of phone bill and credit card scams, stolen wallets and missing laptops that were not turned in
- comfort level and amenities are much better air side
- seats with armrests
- reclining leather seats with foot rests
- Look for the "Comfort Chairs"
- luggage lockers
- horny security guards
- recommended sleep spots First Aid office/EHBO, baby changing station
- you may be kicked out at night
- bright lights at night
- announcements
- an alarming number or scams have been reported: huge operator assisted phone bills, wallets disappearing in scanners and possible credit card cloning at one of the "sweet stalls"
A few airport reviews from the archives
by MartinO2
I slept at Amsterdam-schipol airport in november 2008. Didn't expect to be very comfortable which turned out to be true, but because I was running out of money, it was the only choice for me.
Arrived about 10pm, and quickly looked around for some comfy spot. I found some seating in "streets" of shopping center and some seats (metal with armrests) next to the baggage claim area...
The truth is, that sleeping on both places I mentioned before is possible and it can be pretty comfortable ,BUT according to announcement, the airport is for security reasons closed from 12pm to 5am!
Good to know is, that the main hall also serves as a railway station with some trains arriving/departing during the night, so the area from entry doors to Burger King is open 24/7.
In my opinion, the best place to sleep is on the benches in the front of Espresso bar "Pronto", which is right next to the Burger King. Each wooden bench has only one "armrest" in the middle and is very low, so you can stretch with no problem.
I slept well from 12pm to 5am until airport security woke us all up. The only problem is, that the airport is pretty cold during the night (had 2 pullovers on blanket and i was still cold. Then I slept another 3 hours upstairs in the check-in area. The security didn't bother anyone except wake up call at 5am.
by Andrea
"I'd like to know just where these supposed comfy couches at Schiphol are located! I slept there on what was technically the morning of 17 January 2003, after getting back late from a concert in Groningen. Was in Terminal 2. Got about an hour of sleep slouched way out in a chair near the "World of Wings" shop there. Then moved up to the T2 departures area. About a half hour of sleep in the chair gave me a neck ache, so I moved on to the floor. Figured hey, other people around me were doing it, and at least that way I'm laid out flat. Well, an hour later, and the snooty security guards say Good morning, can't you sit in a chair? All while ignoring the other people around me who were sacked out on the floor. Same bad chairs at my gate. Full skull and crossbones for Schiphol!"
