How much time do we need when switching to international flight?
 

We are booking our own airfare (to save $500+) from California to Athens. In between, we have a layover where we switch to Air France. How much time do we need at customs and check-in when switching from domestic flights to international flights? An airline rep told us that we need at least 2 hours. Anyone have experiences to share?

We only had 2hrs. due to a scheduling change on Delta going through JFK and we JUST had enought time to make the connection. I had originally booked a 3hr. connection.
It also depends on what airport you'll be flying through, change of airlines and whether you have to recheck your luggage.

Our luggage is checked through and we are coming through London on our way to Germany and they have said that we must allow a minimum of 75 minutes and that does not include customs and baggage which sometimes can be very long. Where are you changing - Paris? With BA I went to their website - put in the flights I am taking with dates within 24 hours I did - actually to see if I was going to have to change terminals and their site gave me a map of what I would have to do and how long it would take minimum. They included the fact that I wold take a shuttle bus from one terminal to another and go through 2 security areas and est. walk time - try puting in the flight info with dummy dates like tomorrow and see what you get for information. Americn has allowed me 75 minutes between flights and assures me that I will be fine - if I am not - it is their fault. Since you are booking your own - leave extra time probably 3-4 hours and also check to see that if for some reason you miss your flight that there is a later flight you can catch. If the airlines have a codshare they may also check the luggage through which would be a real plus!. Good luck and happy hunting.

KimikoPi,

Which airport are you transfering in and did you purchase a through ticket?

We're going from Atlanta, GA to Paris, France on Delta. I called Delta and they said I need at least 1.5 hours. It's cool because we have a three hour wait at the Paris airport!

It is great you have 3 hours, if like usual at CDG you may need every bit of it in order not to be rushed. CDG is a terrible airport to transfer through. I recommend you review the terminal map prior to your trip and head to the gate directly upon arrival.