Striving towards a shorter security queue
A stated choice experiment on the timeslot reservation system at Schiphol Amsterdam Airport
T.J. Hillenaar (TU Delft - Technology, Policy and Management)
EJE Molin – Mentor (TU Delft - Transport and Logistics)
Alexander Verbraeck – Mentor (TU Delft - Policy Analysis)
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Abstract
This thesis researches passenger preferences regarding the security time slot reservation system at Schiphol Airport. This study is motivated by the fact that time slots are currently used less than expected by Schiphol, while time slots aught to be one of the solutions for the rising number of passengers, which cause more pressure on several systems at the airport, including the security checkpoint.
The main goal of this thesis is: "to investigate passengers’ preferences of a security time slot reservation system at Schiphol Airport. Additionally, the study aims to identify the optimal balance between travellers with and without a time slot for the security check point to ensure system effectiveness." Through a survey that includes both a Stated Preference Analysis and a Factor Analysis, passenger preferences are researched. In addition, a discrete event simulation is done in order to explore possible scenarios for time slot usage.
The research shows that passengers who book a time slot tend to have a more favourable view of the system than those who do not have a reservation. While having time slots brings more certainty to catch your flight, it can also limit flexibility, which some travellers see as a downside. Stress levels vary between these two groups, with those using time slots reporting less stress because they know what to expect due to time slots. However, people who are not familiar with the time slot system often remain sceptical, underlining the need for better awareness to change these perceptions.
When it comes to passenger preferences, the time between security checks and departure plays a crucial role in deciding whether to reserve a time slot. The study indicates that passengers find the most value when this time is less than 100 minutes, with the benefits decreasing as this time increases. Cost sensitivity is another important factor, as passengers react strongly when a previously free service becomes a paid one. On the other hand, their sensitivity is less strong for potential price increases. A similar trend is seen with saved waiting time, where the first few minutes saved are more valuable than larger time savings. Business travellers and passengers travelling with children tend to be less cost-sensitive, likely due to company support or a focus on convenience. Moreover, Schengen passengers are more likely to book time slots when the time between security and departure is short, while non-Schengen passengers have a less strong preferences towards short time slots.
The scenario analysis indicates that adding more security lanes can help reduce waiting times, but this effect is less strong when queues are already short. The study also finds that having dedicated security lanes for time slot passengers is not very efficient unless a large number of passengers are using them. Instead, a mixed strategy (with other types of lanes, such as priority class) is suggested to enhance efficiency. Additionally, peak shaving, which involves spreading out passengers across different time slots, is shown to be an effective method for managing queue lengths and improving overall flow.