Facilities for Special Assistance Passengers at Schiphol Airport

Schiphol is equipped with a wide range of services to ensure an accessible journey. However, in 2026, the operational reality shows an often-overwhelmed human assistance service. The key to a stress-free experience lies in advance planning and using the innovative technological tools the airport provides.

Airport assistant pushing an elderly woman in a wheelchair at Amsterdam Schiphol.

Image generated with AI (Nano Banana)

Quick Questions for Special Assistance Passengers

  • How do I request assistance? → It is crucial to do so through your airline at least 48 hours before your trip. Do not rely on being able to request it upon arrival.
  • Are wheelchairs available? → Yes, both manual ones (yellow) and innovative autonomous wheelchairs that take you to your destination within the terminal on their own.
  • Are the restrooms adapted? → Yes, virtually all restroom blocks at the airport have spacious and adapted cubicles.
  • What is the Sunflower Lanyard? → It's a lanyard you can request for free to discreetly indicate to staff that you have a non-visible disability and may need more time or patience.

Critical Points: The Reality of Assistance at Schiphol

1. The Human Assistance Service: A Lottery

User Experience: This is the most serious and sensitive complaint. Multiple travelers report that the assistance service is overwhelmed and understaffed. There have been cases of passengers being left in their wheelchairs for hours or during shift changes, and of staff shouting at or treating roughly those who ask for help.

Strategy: Booking 48 hours in advance is your only guarantee. Upon arrival, confirm your request at the nearest assistance desk and be patient. If you are traveling with a companion, ask them not to stray far. Do not rely 100% on this service.

2. The Tech Solution: Autonomous Wheelchairs

User Experience: In contrast to the human service, the self-driving wheelchairs are praised as one of the airport's best innovations. They are easy to use and give you complete independence.

Strategy: Look for them after security in Lounges 2 and 3. Simply enter your gate number on the screen, and the chair will take you there on its own. They are the best alternative if you don't want to depend on personal assistance.

Elderly People and Reduced Mobility

Personalized assistance is a right, but its reliability varies. The best strategy is to combine the formal request with the use of available technology.

Strategy: Always request assistance through your airline 48 hours in advance. However, to move around the terminal, prioritize using the autonomous wheelchairs. They will allow you to move at your own pace, with full independence and without the physical effort of long walks or the uncertainty of waiting for an assistant.

Pregnant Travelers and Families with Babies

If you are traveling while pregnant or with babies, Schiphol offers key facilities, but it is essential to know your airline's and security's rules.

  • Pregnant Women: Strategy: ALWAYS check your airline's policy. Most restrict travel after the 36th week. From the 28th week onwards, carry a recent medical certificate in English authorizing the trip. You have the right to use the assistance lanes at security.
  • Nursing and Care: The Baby Care Lounge on Holland Boulevard is your best ally. It is a free space with private cabins, beds, and changing tables. It is an oasis of tranquility highly praised by users.
  • Liquids for Babies: User Experience: Breast milk, formula, and baby food are exempt from the 100ml rule. Strategy: Carry them in a separate bag and declare them to security staff to speed up the inspection.

Unaccompanied Minors

The "Unaccompanied Minor" (UM) service is managed by your airline, not the airport. It is a mandatory paid service for children (usually aged 5 to 14) traveling without an adult.

Strategy: Book this service as far in advance as possible, as spots are limited. An airline agent will take care of the minor from check-in until they are handed over to the authorized person at the final destination, ensuring their safety at all times.

People on the Autism Spectrum and with Sensory Sensitivities

Schiphol has improved its services for travelers with non-visible disabilities.

  • Sunflower Lanyard: Do not hesitate to request it for free at an Assistance Desk. The staff will know that you might need more time or a quiet space.
  • Quiet Spaces: If you need to escape the noise and crowds, head to the "Meditation Centre" on Holland Boulevard. It is a silent refuge open to all passengers.
  • Virtual Preparation: Strategy: Before your trip, explore the Schiphol website with the person who will be traveling. Seeing photos and videos of the journey from the entrance to the plane can significantly reduce anxiety and stress on the day of the flight.

Assistance for People with Visual Impairments

You can request a trained assistant to meet you upon arrival to guide you through the airport. Booking is essential and must be done at least 48 hours in advance through your airline or by contacting [email protected].

Final Tips

  • Book in advance: Assistance cannot be improvised; request it when you buy your ticket.
  • Add extra time: Add at least one extra hour to the recommended arrival times to have a buffer for any unforeseen events.
  • Use technology: The autonomous wheelchairs are your best ally for an independent and stress-free experience.

Information on Flyschiphol.com is based on external sources/experiences for traveler assistance; it may change and should be verified. This is NOT the official website of Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and is not sponsored, endorsed, associated or affiliated with the Official Authority in charge of managing and operating the airport.