Schiphol is expensive and to attract more passengers it must attract a better choice of airlines, to offer something better and cheaper than miserable KLM. Hardly any Asian airlines call, because the charges are excessive, instead they use Paris, Frankfurt and Brussels.
KLM is the only airline that I have heard inflight 'service' attendants make several announcements for passengers to stand up and close the overhead luggage bins. And then, they are more interested in carrying on their loud conversations amongst themselves. KLM is to be avoided if possible.

By AC | November 9, 2009 4:20 PM

How to kill an airport you were proud of.

By pieter | November 9, 2009 4:30 PM

"has already scrapped an extra tax"

That is closing the barn door after the horse is gone.

Too many people who did transfers at Schiphol have gone elsewhere. Hello Belgium, Paris and Frankfurt

By bobsocks | November 9, 2009 7:38 PM

Ive been on 96 KLM ecomomy flights this year (over 200 in the last 3 years) and never heard any such announcement asking to close any overhead luggage compartments. Most airlines and airports have experienced a drop in passengers due to the ressesion. Making planning and investment changes is crucial to staying afloat and not going under like other National carriers.

By Iain Rankin | November 10, 2009 8:17 AM

Schiphol could have been a wonderful choice as an airport for millions of passengers more if some wise judgements and sincere efforts had been in action to bring in more cheaper flights. Why should I plan to fly via Schiphol at considerably higher fares with costlier airlines when I have the options to fly other cheaper ones through other nearby airports? If there is no improvement in this aspect, Schiphol airport could end up with a further huge loss of commuters in future.

By Pranesh Chatterjee | November 10, 2009 9:03 AM

I have no idea what AC is on about. I fly shorthaul with KLM all the time and love it as an airline. The staff are friendly and the food is generally quite good. I certainly take KLM over lufthansa when flying to germany where many routes are shared.

By Richard | November 10, 2009 9:23 AM

Flights from Schiphol are uncompetitive. I'm going to the Far East via Heathrow. Couldn't get nearly as good a deal here in the Netherlands.

By Michael Dawkes | November 10, 2009 9:31 AM

To Richard,

If you fly KLM "all the time" you certainly know no better, just try some other (especially Asian) airlines. And shorthaul isn't really worth talking about.
With Schiphol's pricing unfortunately you don't have much of a choice, but that doesn't make KLM's service any better. Ignorance is bliss!?
Many other posts agree that Schiphol is losing out due to their high charges, therefore high fares.

By AC | November 10, 2009 12:38 PM

At least they can spend some money on the security and passport service at the Schegen boarder. I assume all of you agree that this part of Schipol dont work any good.

By Security | March 14, 2010 6:43 AM