Boarding
The boarding time is shown on both your boarding card and on the various information screens throughout the airport. The gate number is also shown. Since the gate number can change, we recommend paying close attention to any announcements made and the information screens at the airport.
The amount of time prior to departure that boarding begins depends on the destination, the type of aircraft and whether or not security screening takes place:
| Destination | Boarding from | Security screening at gate | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Europe: ‘Schengen countries*’ | 40-30 minutes before departure | No | ||
| Europe: ‘non-Schengen countries*’ | 65-55 minutes before departure | Yes | ||
| Intercontinental | 80-65 minutes before departure | Yes | ||
* According to the Schengen Convention, residents of member countries may travel freely between and through these countries. Many European countries fall under the Schengen Agreement.
SkyPriority
If you travel in KLM Business Class, or if you are a Flying Blue (or SkyTeam) Elite Plus member, you will be one of the first to board the aircraft. Just look for the red SkyPriority signs!
Special rules apply to all hand baggage and the taking of liquids and tax-free items onto the aircraft.
When does the gate close?
At Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, you can board up to 15 minutes before departure for all KLM Cityhopper flights and all intercontinental KLM flights, you can board up to 15 minutes prior to departure. For all European KLM flights, the gate closes 10 minutes prior to departure.
At other airports, these times can differ. Please check the information screens at the airport carefully for the latest information.
If you arrive after the gate closing time, you will not be allowed onto the aircraft.
Please note: The gate closes at least 10 minutes earlier if the aircraft is not parked directly at the gate. We will ask you to go to the aircraft on foot or by bus if you depart from:
- Germany: Berlin*, Bremen, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt* or Nuremberg
- France: Marseille* or Toulouse*
- Italy: Bologna or Venice*
- Norway: Kristiansand, Linköping, Sandefjord or Trondheim
- the United Kingdom: Aberdeen, Bristol, Cardiff, Humberside or Liverpool
- Egypt: Cairo
* Depending on the departure time
Receive flight information by SMS or e-mail
Want to stay up-to-date on the latest information concerning your flight? Sign up for this service and we will send you the following information by SMS or e-mail:
- check-in time
- any gate changes
- boarding time
- any delay or cancellation of your flight
There is no charge to sign up for this service or to receive messages.
Read more about receiving flight information by SMS or e-mail
