What is an intercontinental flight and how early should you arrive at the airport?

In this article, we explain what an intercontinental flight is. We also provide tips on when to arrive at Schiphol for an intercontinental flight with KLM and at Paris Charles de Gaulle with Air France.

What is an Intercontinental Flight?

An intercontinental flight, also known as a long-haul flight, is a journey that connects at least two different continents. This means you could fly from the Netherlands to the United States, China, or South Africa. These flights are often operated by major airlines like KLM and Air France.

Features of an Intercontinental Flight

You can identify an intercontinental flight by the following features:

• Travel Time: Flights often last more than 6 hours and can sometimes exceed 15 hours.
• Aircraft: Larger planes like the Boeing 777 or Airbus A380 are typically used for these flights.
• Comfort: Airlines offer more onboard comfort for long flights, such as Premium Comfort.
• Time Zones: You often cross multiple time zones on intercontinental flights.

When to Arrive at Schiphol for an Intercontinental Flight?

For intercontinental flights, it's recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance. This helps reduce stress and ensures you have enough time for all necessary procedures.

How Early to Arrive at Schiphol?

For KLM and other airlines, it's generally advised to arrive at least 3 hours before departure for an intercontinental flight. This gives you enough time to check in, go through security, and walk to your gate.

How Early to Arrive at Schiphol with Only Hand Luggage?

If you're traveling with only hand luggage from Schiphol Airport, you can skip the often long line at the baggage drop-off. According to KLM's website, you can drop off checked baggage up to 1 hour before departure. For an intercontinental flight with only hand luggage, it's recommended to arrive 2 hours before boarding. So, how early should you arrive at Schiphol with only hand luggage? Make sure to be there 2 hours before boarding to avoid missing your flight.

How Early to Arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle?

For an intercontinental flight with Air France from Paris Charles de Gaulle, it's also recommended to arrive at least three hours before departure.

Popular Intercontinental Routes

From Amsterdam

• Amsterdam to New York
• Amsterdam to Tokyo
• Amsterdam to Johannesburg
• Amsterdam to Rio de Janeiro

From Paris

• Paris to Los Angeles
• Paris to Beijing
• Paris to San Francisco
• Paris to Dubai

Conclusion

An intercontinental flight takes you to another continent. With good preparation and by arriving early at Schiphol or Paris Charles de Gaulle, you can make your journey smooth and stress-free. Both KLM and Air France offer excellent services for intercontinental flights, allowing you to travel in comfort and style.