KLM halts Amsterdam bookings for this weekend amid airport security delays
Security wait times at one of Europe's busiest airports have gotten so long that a major airline temporarily halted new reservations and offered options to travelers who may want to just stay home. Delays at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport (AMS) have KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines) putting the brakes on bookings through the weekend amid backups -- a reminder that the U.S. is not the only country dealing with the impact of staffing shortages.
KLM officials told TPG that the carrier is capping the sale of new tickets for flights departing from Amsterdam through Sunday, May 29 (excluding premium bookings). The move is part of an effort by the airline "to create space" for customers who need to rebook after missing flights because they got caught waiting in long security lines. The airline described wait times as "much longer" than usual.
It's a major problem at an airport that is the third busiest in the world for international passenger traffic, according to Airports Council International (ACI).
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Social media shows just how long the lines are with images of wall-to-wall crowds inside the airport and snaking lines outdoors.
Schiphol Airport's travel checklist encourages travelers to bring a jacket with them in case they have to wait in line outside.
It's not the first time Amsterdam has encountered large crowds and long wait times this year. In late April, TPG reported the airport told passengers to hold off on coming to the terminal. There was a wave of staffing issues at KLM that delayed flights and led to the airport getting so flooded with passengers that officials felt the terminal could not handle any more people.
Airline and airport officials say the most recent issues stem from a lack of staffing at security checkpoints.
While the problem seems to have come to a head in Amsterdam, this is just the latest reminder of the staffing challenges the travel sector faces on a global level. The problems include a pilot shortage, causing operational challenges at U.S. airlines, customs backups leading to "extreme" waits in Canada, and recent issues in the U.K..
Related: Avoiding long lines at the airport and during your travels
Like much of the world, the staffing challenges in Amsterdam are compounded by surging passenger traffic. The airport saw 2.6 million passengers pass through Schiphol during the peak spring travel period. It was shy of 2019 levels, but airport officials noted peak traffic points were comparable to pre-pandemic levels -- a trend expected to continue this summer.
Amsterdam airport officials announced a four-part plan this week to cut down on wait times. The plan calls for stepped-up recruitment efforts, along with steps to optimize passenger traffic flow, among other solutions. The airport is bringing in "security coaches" to help keep the lines moving and even calling on office staff and recent retirees to help.
The airport has also put new, temporary slot rules for departing and arriving flights to reduce crowds during the summer months.
Meanwhile, as the airport's biggest carrier warns passengers to arrive more than three hours before all flights, KLM also gives passengers options if they'd prefer not to weather the crowds.
KLM passengers who would prefer not to travel have the option of rebooking flights before June 6 without any change fees. Passengers can also rebook to flights after June 6 without change fees, though they could be responsible for paying a fare difference on those flights. Changes must be made by June 6.
Passengers can also cancel their flight and request a travel voucher that will be valid for a year and usable on KLM, Air France, Delta Air Lines or Virgin Atlantic Flights offered on KLM's website.
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Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip.Pros
- The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. TPG values it at $1,600.
- This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. (Enrollment required for select benefits.)
- The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway.
Cons
- The high annual fee is only worth it if you’re taking full advantage of the card’s benefits. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost.
- Outside of the current welcome bonus, you’re only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories.
- The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards.
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups are excluded.
- American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. There are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline.
- $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
- Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. Enrollment required. Learn more.
- Breeze through security with CLEAR® lanes available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your membership when you use your Card. Learn more.
- $695 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees