We are traveling from San Francisco to Athens and will need to change plans in Europe to continue on to Athens. We are thinking Munich (United and Lufthansa) but are there better options that you would recommend. Wish there were nonstop but only Norse and not ready to try that. Hoping to pick an airport that won't lose our luggage as we are boarding a cruise the following day! Any advice would be appreciated.
Depending on the airline Frankfurt (FRA), Charles DeGaulle (CDG) , Amsterdam (AMS) and London Heathrow (LHR) come to mind. I've connected through these numerous times without incident. IMO, one is not necessarily better than the other they are just different airports.
Another option is to avoid connecting in Europe altogether. Depending on when you'll be flying look at United flights from San Francisco that connect to non-stops to Athens from either Newark (EWR) or Washington-Dulles (IAD). There are also non-stops on Delta (and at least one other airline) to Athens from JFK and ATL but you may find longer layover times which would increase your overall travel times from around 16 or 17 hours to something liker 22 to 23 hours using those airports.
Another option is to avoid connecting in Europe altogether. Depending on when you'll be flying look at United flights from San Francisco that connect to non-stops to Athens from either Newark (EWR) or Washington-Dulles (IAD). There are also non-stops on Delta (and at least one other airline) to Athens from JFK and ATL but you may find longer layover times which would increase your overall travel times from around 16 or 17 hours to something liker 22 to 23 hours using those airports.
One other suggestion, if "lost luggage" is a big concern for you: Consider using a luggage shipping service like "Luggage Free", "Send My Bag", "Luggage Forward", "LugLess", etc. They will pick-up and ship your luggage directly to your ship (and, if you wish, back home after your cruise. You can then fly with only a small carry-on for your important personal items like meds, laptop, etc.
The UA non-stop flights from Newark (EWR) or Washington Dulles (IAD) are both good options (or DTW or ATL). You arrive in Athens mid morning after a long overnight flight, which I find far better than having to take an intra-Europe flight that drags out your travels into the afternoon.
That said, the non-stop from SFO gets one really long flight out of the way which has it's benefits. I find Munich (MUC) perfectly fine for connecting - I've done 60min connections there and FRA many times without issue.
In Athens, I can highly recommend the Electra Palace hotel as a perfect pre-cruise hotel. Location is great, rooftop breakfast area has stunning views, and rooms are very comfortable. I booked on booking dot com, but you can also book directly with the hotel. You can get a taxi from the airport upon arrival - no need to prebook one.
That said, the non-stop from SFO gets one really long flight out of the way which has it's benefits. I find Munich (MUC) perfectly fine for connecting - I've done 60min connections there and FRA many times without issue.
In Athens, I can highly recommend the Electra Palace hotel as a perfect pre-cruise hotel. Location is great, rooftop breakfast area has stunning views, and rooms are very comfortable. I booked on booking dot com, but you can also book directly with the hotel. You can get a taxi from the airport upon arrival - no need to prebook one.
Thank you for all the advice. I'm on fare watch flying through Munich!
Last time we connected through MUC, the biometric machines at passport control were down and we had to go through the "old fashioned" way of getting a stamp. We stood in the first line we came to which cost us some time. It's the same line used by crew members, so one crew after another was able to cut in line ahead of us. If the same situation exists again, we will choose one of the middle lines. Regardless, it was still faster and easier than Frankfurt.
