Security is the narrowest point of any airport journey: everyone must pass it, nobody can talk their way around it, and the queue is as fast as its least prepared traveller. The good news is that preparation is entirely in your hands. This guide covers what the checkpoint expects from you at Schiphol.
At Schiphol you pass security after check-in, on the way from the departure hall toward the gates. Flying on from another airport within Schengen, you were screened at your first airport; transferring from outside Schengen, you may be screened again at Schiphol. Once through, you are airside, where the shops and restaurants are.
The standard European rule applies: liquids, gels and pastes in hand baggage must be in containers of at most 100 millilitres, together in one transparent resealable bag of one litre. That includes toothpaste, creams, spreads and drinks. Larger quantities belong in checked baggage. Medicines and baby food needed during the flight are exempt; carry them separately and expect them to be inspected. Scanning technology at airports is evolving and rules can differ per checkpoint and per period, so treat the 100 millilitre rule as your planning baseline and check current guidance shortly before you fly. Bought drinks from airside shops are fine: they were sold past the checkpoint.
Laptops and tablets generally come out of the bag into a tray unless staff tell you otherwise. Empty your pockets completely, coins, keys and phone included, into your coat or bag rather than loose trays if you want to lose nothing. Belts with large buckles, boots and metal jewellery are the usual alarm causes; wearing slip-on shoes and keeping metal minimal on travel day is the veteran’s trick. Follow the instructions given at your lane, even when they differ from your last airport: procedures vary and the staff at the belt outrank habit.
Sharp objects, tools and anything that can serve as a weapon are banned from hand baggage; most are allowed in checked baggage. Fireworks and most flammable substances fly in neither. Powders in large quantities can require extra screening on flights to some destinations. If you are unsure about an item, put it in checked baggage or leave it at home; the bin at the checkpoint is a one-way door, and our baggage guide covers the checked-baggage side of these rules.
How long security takes varies with the season, the day and the hour; school holiday mornings are the classic peak. Your airline’s arrival advice for your flight already accounts for normal queues, which is one more reason to take it seriously, as set out in our travel day guide. Families with small children and passengers with booked assistance are routed through lanes suited to their pace.
Yes, have it ready on paper or on your screen at the entrance of the checkpoint.
Solid food generally yes, spreadable and liquid food falls under the liquids rule. Note that some destination countries restrict what food may enter on arrival.
Medicines needed for the journey are exempt from the liquids limit. Keep them accessible, ideally with a prescription or doctor’s note, and mention them to staff before screening.
No. Phones go into the tray or your bag during screening. Put it in your coat pocket and send the coat through; you lose nothing and hold up nobody.
This website is an independent information site about Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and is not affiliated with the airport or any airline. Security rules change; check current guidance before you fly.