I'm connecting at Amsterdam Schiphol..?

Question

My Aer Lingus flight leaves Belfast at 6:50am and arrives in AMS at 9:25am ( AMS time) my connecting flight with KLM is meant to leave at 13:40, so I have enough time to connect, have you ever connected @ Schiphol? Do you go have to go to baggage reclaim (although baggage will be forwarded on to next flight...I hope) and then look for connections sign or what?? HELP!!!!!!!

Answer 1

No you don't have to reclaim your bag. You will probably have to go from zone D to zone B (or similar) in which case your passport will be checked, but that's about it.

Take a good book. There are loads of shops and an art gallery at Schiphol but not much else.

I suppose you could consider going into Amsterdam. You've got time, but it might be hassle if you don't know the transport system or where you're going.

BTW you will probably get two boarding cards at Belfast, so you'll know which gate to go to at Schiphol. It's all well signposted. There are also restaurants, so you could have lunch.

Also, all Dutch people speak fluent English so just ask anyone if you need help.

Answer 2

The first answer is mostly correct. Your bag(s) will be automatically transferred to your continuing flight and all you have to do is walk to the gate.

However, I don't believe you realistically have time to visit Amsterdam during your stop at AMS.  It will take an hour to get downtown and an hour to get back to the airport (counting walking to/from the train station), plus you have to be back at AMS 2 full hours before your connecting flight. There are only 4 hours between flights for you, and that assumes your flight from Belfast arrives on schedule.

There is a small museum at AMS in addition to all the shops, restaurants, and cafes. Also check with your airline to see if you can purchase a 1-day pass to their airport lounge. Lounges offer a comfortable place to wait and drinks/snacks are inculded in the membership.  Joining Priority Pass gives you access to lounges all over the world, including Belfast, Amsterdam, and probably wherever you are going:  http://www.prioritypass.com/

Hope you have a good trip!