I am traveling to Rome (FCO) from Los Angeles (LAX) and have a 1 hour and 20 minute layover in Frankfurt (FRA) and I would appreciate any feedback if this is enough time to go through customs. Both flights are with Lufthansa, so I am hoping that will make it easier. Also, both flights are out of the same Terminal. Thanks!

You would only go through customs in Frankfurt if you are leaving the airport terminal. If I recall correctly there is a passport check, but that didn't take long. As long as you don't have any serious delays, you will have more than enough time for your connection.

You will have to clear immigrations at Frankfurt since this is your port of entry to the EU. The time should be OK. Usually the early morning flights get in a bit early, unless you have a delay from LA.

Just head straight for customs, don't delay. The place where you pass through should be right on the concourse where you land. From there you will have to walk to the area where EU flights depart.

Don't worry.

By the way, if you return thru Frankfurt remember that you will have to go through a second wave of security checks before getting on flights to the USA. The German are really efficient so they keep things moving along.

richardab, are we on the same page? I don't think that immigration = customs. I only remember a passport check and not a trip through customs when connecting at FRA.

Immigration/passport check - Yes, at FRA.

Customs/luggage check - Not at FRA. It's done at FCO.

I think everybody's understanding are the same.

Thank you rkkwan.

Agree with rkkwan's summary and, yes, 1 hr and 20 min is enough. We've made it through with less time with no problems. And richardab is correct about another level of checks on return. In fact, the last two times we've been through FRA (and MUC) we had 3 security/passport checks.

Thank you all for all of the good information.