Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport tests express lane for light travellers

Bloomberg

Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport is looking to give travelers with little or no baggage speedier passage through security, responding to checkpoints clogged with an increasing number of passengers loaded with carry-on bags.
Beginning in July, the airport will start a trial to streamline processing for passengers with no more than a laptop case, small backpack or handbag, according to a statement on Wednesday. Signs at security checkpoints will direct people to a separate entrance for “Small bags only,” with airport employees determining if the luggage is indeed suitable.
Airports have been stepping up efforts to ease the mounting inconveniences of travel. In addition to more stringent security controls, checks have become more cumbersome as more and more people opt for hand baggage instead of checking luggage at airlines to avoid extra costs and waiting times at carousels. That strains resources for all passengers, even those who travel light.
Schiphol has been embroiled in a public spat with its largest user KLM, the Dutch part of Air France-KLM Group, after the May holiday caused long waiting lines at checkpoints. Delays cost “several million euros,” KLM said last month, adding that it has “in vain” been calling on Schiphol’s management to take adequate measures for some time.
“This trial will speed up the boarding process for passengers with little baggage, which in turn contributes to a smooth process at the airport,” Schiphol said in the statement. “These days, due to costs and convenience, an increasing number of people are choosing to travel with hand baggage only — which leads to more work at security checkpoints.”
The test is scheduled to start July 1 at departure halls 1, 2 and 3, and will continue during the summer. Following the trial, the airport will review the results.