Sunday, May 1, it’s time to go. United Airlines recommended getting to the airport 3 hours early, but after hearing first hand reports about what a mess the Amsterdam airport is we decided to arrive earlier. We took the bus and got there over 4 hours early, which is a good thing. First we had to stand in line for at least an hour to check in and check our bags. Then we had to go to the line to get through security, which took a couple of hours. In both lines people were jammed together, and although masks were required in the airport not many people were wearing them. At least they were handing out bottles of water when we were in the security line and we were able to take them through the screening area. Apparently they are redoing part of the airport, forcing everyone through the one security area. Also there have been strikes and staffing shortages, which made things worse all the way around. When we finally got to our gate, about 3.5 hours after we arrived we discovered our flight was delayed while they tried to find ground crew. We took off 50 minutes late. I was very worried because they had changed the departure time for our San Francisco-Sacramento leg and we were now in danger of missing the flight. The flight was fine and I was pleased to see that most of the people around us were wearing masks. We arrived in SF and got through passport control quickly because we have global entry. If not for that, we wouldn’t have made it home. We then had to retrieve our checked bags, get to the domestic terminal and recheck the bags, then get to the gate. We were moving fast. We got to the gate as the flight was boarding. Phew, I didn’t think we would make it.
We had a fantastic trip, but it’s always good to get home.
Andrea Rhoe 