Travellers can find a quiet spot at Schiphol using app

Travellers will soon be able to find a quiet spot in the airport using their mobile phone. This is possible thanks to a new feature that Schiphol has added to the map in the Schiphol App, which shows where the quieter and busier places are located after security. This means that travellers can see where it will be easy or more difficult to maintain a 1.5-metre distance using their phones. 

The option to view the map can be found on the application's landing page. Colours indicate the crowd levels after security, with blue locations being calmer and pink ones busier. Areas that aren't coloured-in are very quiet. 

New information needs 

"This map is an extra service and tool that instantly allows travellers to find a place to relax before their flight. The information needs of travellers have changed significantly because of coronavirus, and this way we are able to further meet these requirements" says Sjoerd Blüm, Chief Information Officer at Royal Schiphol Group. 

He adds: "Research we conducted has shown that most travellers use the Schiphol App after they have gone through security. Furthermore, this is the area of the airport where travellers spend the most time. Using the crowd detection feature, they can decide on the best place to do that." 

Complementary to COVID regulations and measures 

The crowd detector is an extra service for travellers, complementary to the existing COVID regulations and measures, such as maintaining a 1.5-metre distance, hand washing and wearing a face mask. Travellers also have a health declaration with them. All travellers arriving at Schiphol must have tested negative for COVID-19, and the same applies to many other travel destinations. Current guidelines, which apply until 15th May, state that people should only travel abroad if necessary.