KLM – Henry Tenby – Aviation Fan – Worldwide Operations https://www.henrytenby.com The latest aviation and internet business news from Henry Tenby Thu, 19 Dec 2024 22:24:14 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.10 KLM RETIRES PASSENGER 747 FLEET TODAY https://www.henrytenby.com/747-history-klm-retires-passenger-747-fleet-today/ https://www.henrytenby.com/747-history-klm-retires-passenger-747-fleet-today/#respond Sun, 29 Mar 2020 17:35:57 +0000 https://www.henrytenby.com/?p=6566

March 29, 2020 – Vancouver, Canada
By Henry Tenby

It is with great sadness that KLM Royal Dutch Airlines retired their passenger 747-400 fleet today with the final flight being an inbound combi flight from Mexico City.

Henry Tenby with KLM Boeing 747-300 PH-BUK at Aviodrome, Netherlands.

Henry Tenby with KLM Boeing 747-300 PH-BUK at Aviodrome, Netherlands.

I received a message this morning from my good friend Niels Dam who was specially in Amsterdam in the vacinity of Schiphol airport to witness the historic event of KLM’s final Boeing 747 passenger flight operating today. Amid the global economic downturn of the COVID crisis, airlines all around the world are parking their fleets in a fight for survival in the wake of evaporating passenger traffic as the world’s populations go into self-isolation mode.

Niels reported the inbound 747 from Mexico City did a wing wave while on finals, and the pilot made a special speech over the frequency thanking the world’s aviation fans for their interest in the aircraft and expressing his sadness that it was not possible for aviation fans to be present in droves for the event, due to the COVID situation, in the same way the Fokker 70 was retired from the KLM fleet back in November of 2018.

Niels Dam photographed the arrival of the last ever KLM Boeing 747-400 passenger flight at AMS Schiphol inbound from Mexico City, on Sunday, March 29, 2020.

Niels Dam photographed the arrival of the last ever KLM Boeing 747-400 passenger flight at AMS Schiphol inbound from Mexico City, on Sunday, March 29, 2020.

The authorities closed the normal spotting facilities at AMS out of respect for social distancing and public safety so those aviation fans like Niels who were on hand to bear witness to the historic event had to view the 747 landing from a distance. Niels was able to park his car in a parking lot near the airport where he was able to take a few photos as the inbound KLM 747 passed overhead on its way to the arrival runway.

KLM really had no interest in promoting or discussing the significance of their passenger 747 retirement by doing any media reachouts, discussions or assistence on the matter. A message of inquirey sent a few weeks ago to KLM’s PR office generated a two word response that nothing was planned. Which was really out of character for KLM, specially considering the massive contribution the Boeing 747 played in the development of the airlines history over the past 50 years that the type has been in service with the company.

So what of the future for KLM’s 747s? For certain the passenger fleet is officially retired and parked at Schiphol airport as we are still in early days of the COVID crisis. If the aircraft are parted out and scrapped on site or ferried elsewhere, that is surely their end of the line. That said, the fleet is well maintained and could very easily be re activated if a future return to normal warrants their use on re animated routes.

The aircraft are probably long since paid for, so it would seem in haste to initiate immediate scrapping. If we look to past history, during downturns airlines park certain fleets only to reactivate them when times are better. Let us hope this applies to the KLM 747 passenger fleet.

KLM still retains three cargo 747 freighters, two of which are in KLM livery and one of which is in Martinair livery. No phase out date has been set for these aircraft so their flying duties will continue for the foreseeable future.

As a celebration of the Boeing 747 in the KLM fleet, Niels Dam and I spent some time exploring the retired KLM 747-300 PH-BUK that now forms a cornerstone display at the Aviodrom aviation museum as presented in the photos below.

Henry Tenby doing a main gear inspection of KLM Boeing 747-300 PH-BUK at Aviodrome, Netherlands. Hydraulics look good, we need to change some balding tires for return to airworthy status!

Henry Tenby doing a main gear inspection of KLM Boeing 747-300 PH-BUK at Aviodrome, Netherlands. Hydraulics look god, we need to change some balding tires for return to airworthy status!

Under belly gear study of KLM Boeing 747-300 PH-BUK at Aviodrome, Netherlands.

Under belly gear study of KLM Boeing 747-300 PH-BUK at Aviodrome, Netherlands.

KLM Boeing 747-300 PH-BUK at Aviodrome, Netherlands.

KLM Boeing 747-300 PH-BUK at Aviodrome, Netherlands.

KLM Boeing 747-300 PH-BUK at Aviodrome, Netherlands looking at bit worse for wear, no this is not the boarding steps at Kinshasa, Congo!

KLM Boeing 747-300 PH-BUK at Aviodrome, Netherlands looking at bit worse for wear, no this is not the boarding steps at Kinshasa, Congo!

Niels Dam with KLM Boeing 747-300 PH-BUK at Aviodrome, Netherlands.

Niels Dam with KLM Boeing 747-300 PH-BUK at Aviodrome, Netherlands.

Henry Tenby with KLM Boeing 747-300 PH-BUK at Aviodrome, Netherlands.

Henry Tenby with KLM Boeing 747-300 PH-BUK at Aviodrome, Netherlands.

Niels Dam prepares to connect hydrant fuelling connection to KLM Boeing 747-300 PH-BUK at Aviodrome, Netherlands.

Niels Dam prepares to connect hydrant fuelling connection to KLM Boeing 747-300 PH-BUK at Aviodrome, Netherlands, for ferry flight to Lagos!

KLM Boeing 747-300 PH-BUK at Aviodrome, Netherlands.

KLM Boeing 747-300 PH-BUK at Aviodrome, Netherlands.

Niels Dam at main cabin door of Boeing 747-300 PH-BUK at Aviodrome, Netherlands.

Niels Dam at main cabin door of Boeing 747-300 PH-BUK at Aviodrome, Netherlands.

Niels Dam relaxing in turbine inlet of KLM Boeing 747-300 PH-BUK at Aviodrome, Netherlands.

Niels Dam relaxing in turbine inlet of KLM Boeing 747-300 PH-BUK at Aviodrome, Netherlands.

Once familiar wing view of KLM Boeing 747-300 PH-BUK at Aviodrome, Netherlands.

Once familiar wing view of KLM Boeing 747-300 PH-BUK at Aviodrome, Netherlands.

Upper deck cabin view of Boeing 747-300 PH-BUK at Aviodrome, Netherlands.

Upper deck cabin view of Boeing 747-300 PH-BUK at Aviodrome, Netherlands.

Henry Tenby at passenger door of KLM 747-300 PH-BUK at Aviodrome, Netherlands.

Henry Tenby at passenger door of KLM 747-300 PH-BUK at Aviodrome, Netherlands.

Flightdeck view of KLM 747-300 PH-BUK at Aviodrome, Netherlands.

Flightdeck view of KLM 747-300 PH-BUK at Aviodrome, Netherlands.

Interior main deck cabin view of KLM 747-300 PH-BUK at Aviodrome, Netherlands.

Interior main deck cabin view of KLM 747-300 PH-BUK at Aviodrome, Netherlands.

KLM 747-300 PH-BUK at Aviodrome, Netherlands.

KLM 747-300 PH-BUK at Aviodrome, Netherlands.

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Top 10 Reasons Why Amsterdam Schiphol is My Favourite Airport! https://www.henrytenby.com/top-10-reasons-why-amsterdam-schiphol-is-my-favourite-airport/ https://www.henrytenby.com/top-10-reasons-why-amsterdam-schiphol-is-my-favourite-airport/#respond Sat, 09 Mar 2019 16:36:35 +0000 https://www.henrytenby.com/?p=5857 Schiphol Airport Gets Top Marks As Rated By World Travel Enthusiast Henry Tenby

Henry Tenby thoroughly enjoying his time soaking up the action on the open air observation deck at Amsterdam Schiphol airport.

Henry Tenby thoroughly enjoying his time soaking up the action on the open air observation deck at Amsterdam Schiphol airport.

As an avid world traveller for most of the half century I have been on this planet, and a full-fledged airline freak, I have spent a lot of time over the passing decades visiting airports for fun, travel, leisure and business. I am one of those people who actually loves spending time at an airport, soaking up the atmosphere, watching aircraft, hanging out at the gate, or putting my feet up in my favourite lounges.

That said, not all airports are equal when it comes to checking all the check boxes for the items that make a fun and memorable airport visit, in my books. But Amsterdam Airport is one of those airports that is a full-fledged destination in its own right, that as an aviation fan I can spend an entire 2-3 days visit encamped at and thoroughly enjoy my time.

It has a hell of a lot to offer, the time passes quickly, and it is an airport that I always enjoy visiting and look forward to visiting again. For all of the reasons I present below, Amsterdam Schiphol airport is actually my favourite airport in the entire world!

1. World Class Observation Deck
Certainly in North America, open air observation decks are a thing of the distant past. God forbid airports in North America can offer such a lovely facility to their community. They will say it cannot be done due to security concerns. What a load of bollocks. I am not going to get into that debate but I will say the more family orientated you make your airport, the better a place it will be and you end up with a wold class airport, not a highly crowded, unpleasant box of a building that processes passengers in a boring, sterile environment. Airport planners the world over need to take a page from the book at Amsterdam Schiphol!

An aviation enthusiast's dream come true! A lovely open air observation deck with expansive views of the whole airport is what awaits visitors to Amsterdam's famous Schiphol airport.

An aviation enthusiast’s dream come true! A lovely open air observation deck with expansive views of the whole airport is what awaits visitors to Amsterdam’s famous Schiphol airport.

The large open expanse of the open air observation deck at Amsterdam Schiphol is a tourist attraction in its own right. The locals love visiting this location to spend time with children and families while at the airport. It is such a lovely feature that most airports have completely ignored as we approach the 2020s.

The large open expanse of the open air observation deck at Amsterdam Schiphol is a tourist attraction in its own right. The locals love visiting this location to spend time with children and families while at the airport. It is such a lovely feature that most airports have completely ignored as we approach the 2020s.

Another fine view of the busy activity at Amsterdam Schiphol airport as viewed from the lovely open air observation terrace.

Another fine view of the busy activity at Amsterdam Schiphol airport as viewed from the lovely open air observation terrace.

2. Airliner On Top Of The Observation Deck
The real crowning touch for an airline buff, in addition to having an open air observation deck that is not behind thick glass or chain link fence, is to have an actual airliner on the said open air observation deck that you can actually go inside and soak up the atmosphere. Either rest your feet by taking a seat in the passenger cabin, or pay a visit to the flight deck. The choice is yours at Amsterdam Schiphol! They get top marks on this attribute. How many airports in the world other than Amsterdam Schiphol offer an actual, fully complete airliner that you can visit, that sits on top of their observation deck? The answer is zero!

Another nice view of KLM Fokker 100 atop the observation deck at Amsterdam Schiphol airport. A popular destination for kids!

Another nice view of KLM Fokker 100 atop the observation deck at Amsterdam Schiphol airport. A popular destination for kids!

Nice under belly view of the KLM Fokker 100 that sits atop the observation deck at Amsterdam Schiphol airport. You can even go inside the Fokker 100 to take a seat or view the flightdeck.

Nice under belly view of the KLM Fokker 100 that sits atop the observation deck at Amsterdam Schiphol airport. You can even go inside the Fokker 100 to take a seat or view the flightdeck.

KLM Fokker 100 on display on top of the observation deck at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

KLM Fokker 100 on display on top of the observation deck at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

Why not take a visit to the KLM Fokker 100 that sits atop the observation deck at Amsterdam Schiphol airport. You can take a seat to rest your feet, or view the flight deck.

Why not take a visit to the KLM Fokker 100 that sits atop the observation deck at Amsterdam Schiphol airport. You can take a seat to rest your feet, or view the flight deck.

A trademark Amsterdam Schiphol view. The KLM Fokker 100 that sits atop the observation deck is framed with the Schiphol control tower. You can take a photo just like this yourself, all you have to do is visit the Schiphol observation terrace next time you are lucky enough to be in Amsterdam.

A trademark Amsterdam Schiphol view. The KLM Fokker 100 that sits atop the observation deck is framed with the Schiphol control tower. You can take a photo just like this yourself, all you have to do is visit the Schiphol observation terrace next time you are lucky enough to be in Amsterdam.

3. The Airport is Home to the World’s Oldest Airline
This year 2019 is the year that KLM will be celebrating its 100th birthday. Very few other world airlines will hit this milestone soon. Perhaps Avianca, and Lufthansa might be getting close. But Lufthansa is not the continuation of the same company as it was re organized after World War 2 as new company. Whereas KLM has been a continuation of the very same company since its initial founding just a few years after the end of World War One! I love KLM, it is a great airline, the staff are super friendly and nice, and their global brand and image with the trademark blue and the Royal crown are recognizable the world over. You’d have to be living at the bottom of the ocean or under a rock to not be instantly familiar with the KLM Royal Dutch airline brand. It is a great airline that is headquartered at a great airport, and for me, that counts a lot!

Of course KLM and Schiphol airport are joined at the hip, and have been for about 100 years now! This nice view is from the shopping concourse windows which are plentiful, once you pass through the security checks to board your flight.

Of course KLM and Schiphol airport are joined at the hip, and have been for about 100 years now! This nice view is from the shopping concourse windows which are plentiful, once you pass through the security checks to board your flight.

4. The Airport Still Has Plenty of Passenger 747-400s On Scheduled Flights
A great airport has to be served by great aircraft, this is a must! If an airport only has boring airplanes then the airport gets very low marks in my books. This is my strong view as a hard-core airline freak.

Ideally I want to be able to fly out of an airport on classic jetliners. Of course the vintage first generation jetliners like the 707 and DC-8 are long gone (with exception to a small number of air forces that still operate some airframes as military and VIP transports and refuel birds). But that does not mean you have to accept second best like Airbus 340s or 767-200s. Today, I believe the 747-400 pax bird is the best classic jetliner you can possibly fly on.

All the US carriers have sadly dumped the 747-400s from their fleets. How stupid, given the aircraft are so iconic, safe, reliable and offer the passengers such a high level of comfort and passenger appeal. To phase them out in favour of plastic new gen Airbus and Boeing aircraft was premature thinking. Just look across the north Atlantic for common sense and inspiration. We have Lufthansa in Germany still operating their 747-400 classics. And of course we have KLM Royal Dutch Airlines still operating their beautiful fleet of Boeing 747-400 classics, all based from Amsterdam Schiphol airport. Where you can still fly on them on select North American routes and Caribbean routes to the ABC Islands.

KLM still operates a magnificent fleet of Boeing 747-400 classics. But sadly their days are numbered as the 747-400 fleet will be gradually retired over the next few years. What not a better place to see them at than Amsterdam's famous Schiphol airport.

KLM still operates a magnificent fleet of Boeing 747-400 classics. But sadly their days are numbered as the 747-400 fleet will be gradually retired over the next few years. What not a better place to see them at than Amsterdam’s famous Schiphol airport.

Nice big nose view! KLM 747-400 classic PH-BFW at the gate at Amsterdam's famous Schiphol airport.

Nice big nose view! KLM 747-400 classic PH-BFW at the gate at Amsterdam’s famous Schiphol airport.

Amother very nice view of a KLM 747-400 classic PH-BFW at gate at Amsterdam's famous Schiphol airport.

Amother very nice view of a KLM 747-400 classic PH-BFW at the gate at Amsterdam’s famous Schiphol airport.

5. The Lounge Has A 20 Out Of 10 Apron View
Not only do I like spending time at airports, I also very much enjoy my rest and relaxation time at the airport lounges. To be hurdled about an airport with the teaming hoards of Calcutta is not my idea of a good time. Thank you very much. I prefer to be in a quiet, luxurious lounge where I can put my feet up, check my emails, read, have a nice meal, enjoy a drink or two, or perhaps have a quiet snooze while I pass the time waiting for my flight. I would not think of travelling without having access to the lounge at any airport I happen to pass through on my travels.

That said, there are a lot of superb lounges that I have visited at airports pretty much everywhere. But, so far, I have only found two airport lounges that offer unparalleled views of the apron activity that is worthy of pulling out a camera to shoot photos or video. One being the old Air Canada Aeroplan lounge at LAX that was atop the concourse which offered fabulous airfield views, but I think this has since closed or been moved to a less impressive vantage point. The other, which exists today, is the international departures lounge at Amsterdam Schiphol airport.

This is a 20 out of 10 lounge in my books. The main reason being that it offers excellent amenities, good food and drink, and most importantly, the view from the windows is a full-on expanse of the apron activity below. The chairs are super comfy, it is a large and airy open space, and you can sit here watching the world go by and the time waiting for your flight’s boarding time will pass all too quickly. Actually far too quickly than you would want. Because if you are like me, you will want to spend an extended period of time in the lounge because it is so good.

The airline lounge (airside post security) offers a smashing view of the airfield and aircraft and is a great place to spend quality time relaxing before your flight. The lounge offers a wide selection of drinks and snacks but can get busy so be sure to budget your time accordingly. The walking distance from the lounge to the furthest gates can take 15-20 minutes during peak period. Whatever time you get to spend in the lounge, it will be well worth it!

The airline lounge (airside post security) offers a smashing view of the airfield and aircraft and is a great place to spend quality time relaxing before your flight. The lounge offers a wide selection of drinks and snacks but can get busy so be sure to budget your time accordingly. The walking distance from the lounge to the furthest gates can take 15-20 minutes during peak period. Whatever duration of time you get to spend in the lounge, it will be well worth it!

6. Any Airport With a Boeing 747 I Can Sleep In Is Top of My List!
This is not a pipe dream! Very soon (late 2019) you will be able to sleep on board a de-commissioned KLM Boeing 747-400 at the Corendon Hotel at Schiphol airport. This will be the first time a retired airliner has been deployed as a boutique hotel at a world class airport location. The KLM Boeing 747-400 was retired last year and in early February of 2019, the big jet was re-positioned from the active area of the airport to its new hotel location (adjacent to the ibis) during the dead of night moving at a snail’s pace using a specially designed roller transport system. It will take several months for the 747 to be retrofitted with a new hotel accommodation interior. This amazing landmark is just another layer of icing on the cake as to why Amsterdam Schiphol airport has ten reasons why it my favourite airport in the world, and all the other airports in the world are not!

If sleep in a de-commissioned KLM 747-400 is on your bucket list, the Corendon Hotel at Amsterdam Schiphol airport is your ticket! Later this year they will open their 747 hotel for guest visits, and I cannot wait to take them up on it! The best room will have to be those in the upper deck just behind the flight deck. Or the rooms over wing with nice engine views. I wonder if the beds will have an option rumble mode to simulate engine cruise at FL 390. (photo by Anthony Hickey, Schiphol Feb 24, 2019)

If sleep in a de-commissioned KLM 747-400 is on your bucket list, the Corendon Hotel at Amsterdam Schiphol airport is your ticket! Later this year they will open their 747 hotel for guest visits, and I cannot wait to take them up on it! The best room will have to be those in the upper deck just behind the flight deck. Or the rooms over wing with nice engine views. I wonder if the beds will have an option rumble mode to simulate engine cruise at FL 390. (photo by Anthony Hickey, Schiphol Feb 24, 2019)

7. The Airport Has An Interesting Mix Of Traffic
Not all airports are created equally in this department. Some hub airports are dead boring. If an airport is 95% Delta or Ryanair it can get pretty boring for the visiting aviation fan rather quickly. This is not the case here at Amsterdam Schiphol. To the contrary, Schiphol has an excellent mix of international traffic and the observation deck is never a boring place. Some of the Amsterdam aviation locals have become part of the furniture, just like at Heathrow where grizzled spotters with telescopes have been encamped at their posts since before Wham! split up. If not longer (since the Beatles broke up!) Airlines from former Dutch colonies feature quite heavily at Schiphol including Surinam Airways and Garuda Indonesia. Delta maintains an impressive presence with some 10 plus flights daily to various US gateway cities. An interesting mix of cargo jets from Asia add to the flavour to make this European hub airport one of the best on the Continent, easily on a par with Frankfurt.

Make a wish! Singapore Airlines Airbus A350 framed with a rainbow at Amsterdam Schiphol airport as seen from the boarding gate windows.

Make a wish! Singapore Airlines Airbus A350 framed with a rainbow at Amsterdam Schiphol airport as seen from the boarding gate windows.

Privilege Triple Seven 300ER "Auria" at Amsterdam Schiphol airport viewed from the boarding gate.

Privilege Triple Seven 300ER “Auria” at Amsterdam Schiphol airport viewed from the boarding gate.

Typical view from the observation deck at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

Typical view from the observation deck at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

A Delta A330 pushes back off the gate at Amsterdam Schiphol airport as viewed from the magnificent open air observation deck.

A Delta A330 pushes back off the gate at Amsterdam Schiphol airport as viewed from the magnificent open air observation deck.

Garuda Indonesia 777-300ER having been pushed back from departure at Amsterdam Schiphol airport.

Garuda Indonesia 777-300ER having been pushed back from departure at Amsterdam Schiphol airport.

8. Any Airport With a Local Aviation Hobby Shop Gets Tops Marks
It was the British to created the airport based hobby shop concept back in the 1970s, with Brian Austria-Tomkins and his Executive Display Models based at the Sheraton Skyline Hotel at Heathrow airport. His lovely models were extremely expensive back in the 1990s, which was when I used to visit the shop to admire the fabulous models offered for sale. The Executive Display Models were primarily the domain of the resident oil sheiks who had models produced of their personal aircraft. I would take the bus from Heathrow over to the hotel just to dream about the models, and I have many memories of being outside the front of the Sheraton Skyline and watching the Concorde on full power take-off thundering down the runway reaching skyward for New York or Miami.

Just an easy ten minute bus ride from the Schiphol central bus station will take you to the world famous Aviation MegaStore which is the world’s largest aviation hobby shop. It is a destination in its own right for aviation fans, modellers, diecast and display model collectors, and pilots. The shop has a huge selection of hard-to-find aviation books and models curated from the four corners of the globe.

Half the floor space is dedicated to diecast airliner models, and there is whole room filled with filing cabinets loaded to the rafters with decals sheets, also curated from decal producers all over the world. It is not a problem to spend several hours at this shop checking out all they have to offer. The difficult task is narrowing down what you are going to purchase, unless you have an unlimited hobby budget. (Which I think many of you do have!)

The Aviation Mega Store on the perimeter of Amsterdam Schiphol airport has to be the world's largest aviation hobby shop under one roof. They offer a massive selection of aviation books, models, hobby supplies, and even a Boeing 737 flight simulator. Situated at 249 Molenweg in Aalsmeerderbrug, the shop is only 10 minutes by bus from the Schiphol central bus station.

The Aviation Mega Store on the perimeter of Amsterdam Schiphol airport has to be the world’s largest aviation hobby shop under one roof. They offer a massive selection of aviation books, models, hobby supplies, and even a Boeing 737 flight simulator.
Situated at 249 Molenweg in Aalsmeerderbrug, the shop is only 10 minutes by bus from the Schiphol central bus station.

9. The Attached Shopping Centre Is Excellent With Fair Prices
For a hard-core airline buff, you would not think that the presence of a shopping centre is of much importance when rating favourite airports. But it actually is, for several reasons. I use the airport as a frequent transit point between the hotel, city centre visits, and other side trips in the region. I find myself passing through the airport quite frequently when I visit cities for airline shows and aviation conventions. Often the food at hotels is costly and under par as they have a captive client base.

The Amsterdam Schiphol airport shopping centre is fantastic, and I love spending time there. The Albert Heijn supermarket offers a fabulous selection of high quality, and healthy, foods, salads, pre-made sandwiches, and yummy snacks that you simply will not find at North American airports. North American airports are all about pushing unhealthy, waist expanding comfort foods, like hamburger, pasta and pizza. The nice news at Schiphol is that you can eat healthy for very reasonable cost. Sure, they have the bad food choices too like Burger King, but there are more than enough healthy food options including the fantastic “la Place” French buffet restaurant, which is my favourite dining location at Schiphol airport. This buffet per unit costing so you pay for what you take, but the home-style cooking and fantastic atmosphere is well worth the price of admission.

At Amsterdam Schiphol airport shopping centre they have a very diverse selection of shops, with prices quite similar to what you would pay off airport. Which is a refreshing change from the elevated prices that shops charge at most other airports. I stopped in at the Rituals shop and bought some of their nice skin products, and recommend you pay them a visit if you’d like your skin to look and smell great. They are a Dutch company and I really like their products.

The fun at Amsterdam Schiphol airport is not only confined to the observation deck. The airport offers a fantastic shopping mall as well, with an excellent selection of shops and restaurants as well as several Albert Heijn grocery stores for value priced food. There is an an aviation hobby shop where you can book tickets for an airport tour.

The fun at Amsterdam Schiphol airport is not only confined to the observation deck. The airport offers a fantastic shopping mall as well, with an excellent selection of shops and restaurants as well as several Albert Heijn grocery stores for value priced food. There is an an aviation hobby shop where you can book tickets for an airport tour.

10. The Airport Is An Easy Commute To A World Top 10 Best City
No offence, but Toronto, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Dubai may all have excellent airports, but I personally would not classify those cities as world’s best destinations. Not even close. If I am passing through YYZ, DFW, or DXB I certainly do not feel compelled to break my journey to visit the city centre to soak up the action for a touristic visit, because the airport host city is overflowing with things to see and do for the tourist.

This is absolutely not the case with Schiphol Airport and the lovely city of Amsterdam. If you have not already been to see Amsterdam, then you have to make it part of your plan next time you pass through Amsterdam Schiphol airport to make the quick and easy journey from the airport to the city centre. Amsterdam and its famous canals is beautiful.

It is a great walking city with so much to see and do. You can easily spend a full day sight-seeing, all by foot, and you will be sure to fall in love with this destination. During my last visit, just a few weeks ago, I took the city bus directly from the airport to Leidseplein Square, the bus ticket was about 10 Euros return. I did a big circle route which took me to Antiek Centrum, Prinsengracht, Singel, and then to the Rijks Museum, and finally back to Leidseplein.

I stopped for a bite to eat at Albert Heijn whenever I felt hungry, but there were other neat food options everywhere you looked. Everything from stroopwaffel to haringhandel to Surinamese food to Falafel, Donair and pizza is readily available to suit every palate. The city of Amsterdam operates with a very high load factor and of course there are a loads of tourists, and foot traffic can be busy on the main streets. That said, without a doubt, no visit to Amsterdam Schiphol airport would be complete with a visit to the old city centre of Amsterdam.

Even if you are a hard core airline freak, when visiting Amsterdam you have to take a break from the airport and head into Amsterdam for a day of exploring this amazing water city. It is a 20 out of 10 city, take it from Henry Tenby that you won't be disappointed!

Even if you are a hard core airline freak, when visiting Amsterdam you have to take a break from the airport and head into Amsterdam for a day of exploring this amazing water city. It is a 20 out of 10 city, take it from Henry Tenby that you won’t be disappointed!

BONUS REASON 11. Amsterdam Schiphol has the Polderbaan Spotting location!

My video is pretty much self-explanitory.

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