Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

First time I flew from HKG to AMS with CX - arrival in AMS ok after night flight long taxi to the gate. AMS has a few construction projects it seems. Very long immigration queue due to only 3 checkpoints for non-EU passports and one EU passports counter open in a dark unwelcoming area. The few open counters are not enough at all when the flights from SQ Delta and CX are arriving at the same time (and many others)! I was through quickly as have EU passport but my friend had to wait nearly 30 minutes. Baggage delivered quickly. I love the great connectivity of AMS to trains bus taxi etc. On our return flight check-in very quick and no problem but again very very long queue for passport control there were two queues only for non EU passengers and one for EU passengers - my friend was waiting 45 minutes myself 30 minutes! There were 7 counters not open and it was busy lunchtime! This is a nightmare. Airport facilities ok but nothing special compared to HKG and SIN - I even prefer FRA!

When travelling to Schengen countries Schiphol is a pretty good airport. There are plenty of facilities although shops are a little pricey. If you're flying to a country where you're required to go through passport control (gates E and above) then things get a little silly. The security check is at the gate which results in very slow boarding times and long queues. It also gives you no opportunity to buy drinking water before you board which is ridiculous before a long-haul flight. There was a vending machine but this was for Coke only.

Found this airport very good with the train station below and the various shops. When I arrived the walk from the gate to arrivals was long with Schipol being a large airport. On return I experienced the same problem with a previous reviewer where the departure gate number appeared less than 40 minutes before departure and then when it did we were panicking we would miss the flight as the gate closes 30 minutes before departure. All in all though I found the airport convenient with transport links and it's selection of shops.

You can enjoy shopping eating and having a nice cup of coffee on the Terraza overlooking the various airlines arrival and departing the gates from outside. Easy access taking a train to the city from the airport and the Sheraton hotel is fantastic to stay in overnight before you board connecting flight the next day.

I like Amsterdam as a transit hub - however on my most recent visit it was not as good as previously. True there are long distances between gates so for very tight transfers its not ideal - if you have time to spare though there's a lot of things to do compared to your average airport (loads of bars/restaurants the free art museum lots of recliner seats the casino). However the pricing in the restaurants/bars is now on the high side (4.6 euros for a pint of heineken 8 euros for an irish breakfast) and had the misfortune of encountering a very irate and rude cleaner on my return journey - they need to ensure all their staff are customer trained.

Used AMS to transfer from flights from MAN and to PTY return. I found the airport easy to negotiate and containing every facility a transferring passenger could need. I agree with previous comments regarding the loungers on the first floor - If you can get one they are a comfortable resting place. The airport is huge and as I found on my return although I made my connecting flight in plenty of time my bags did not!

AMS is not a Star Alliance Hub and you feel a bit discriminated there. There are no Quick Check-ins and only one person at the counter for one Swiss flight. Security check is more than 40 min in the morning and the fast lane is only for SEN not for FTL. So be there 2hr before departure even if you're FTL.