seeksocean

Just to clarify...and correct me if I am wrong, Lynlee would clear immigration (paperwork) in Frankfurt and then clear customs (baggage) in Athens?

Is that because all her bags are checked in all the way to Athens and she doesn't see them until Athens, but when she gets off the plane in Frankfurt she gets her Euro visa, or whatever they give you.?

How much time to allow for customs in Athens?

Thingorjus, Man or woman...you are great!

lynlee

Hi all--thanks for all your input...guess I need to say more. I am arriving in Frankfort on United from the US and then taking Luthansa to Athens. It seems like I would do immigration and customs both in Frankfort, since I am changing airlines there--right? I have about 3 hours there and that will be no problem, barring any travel time problems! Thanks,Rob, for the airport site--that will be a big help. It would be great if the Olympic flight was a bit late--like leaving at 6:55 as originally booked. I need to get my bags and check in with Olympic, as Luthansa cannot transfer baggage to Olympic flights. So, another question is, are the airline check and the gate departure on the same level?

ms_go

Immigration (passport control) in Frankfurt. Customs (walking through the green "nothing to declare" door, unless of course you do have something to declare) after you collect your bag in Athens. We just did this a few weeks ago: US-Germany-Athens. Customs in Athens took about 15 seconds.

ms_go

I'll add that we connected from United to a Lufthansa code share operated by Aegean (rather than mainline LH). Our Aegean flight parked at a remote stand and we had to take a bus into the Athens terminal. I'm not sure if your LH flight will do the same, but you should probably be prepared for that possibility.

seeksocean

djuna! I am on your same SFO flight...I think. How many hours before your flight did you arrive at the airport? Was it weekend or mid-week? I need to allow time to take an airporter. I was thinking getting there two hours ahead, but maybe that's not enough?

Also, thanks for the info on how long you had to hang around Athens Airport before your next flight. We have about the same layover.

ParisAmsterdam! Loved the Athens Airport link! Thank you!

lynlee, Good luck! I'll be crossing my fingers..and toes for you!

djuna

sorry sorry sorry, yes, upstairs to check in at Olympic... but that's easy.
Just go upstairs... and then, though the promenade and the security point (where they just check your ticket) follow the signs back downstairs to the Olympic flights..

djuna

Lynlee, I'll try to be more coherent!

You'll arrive, collect your bags right as you come through the doors, pass through customs very quickly and then when you are through that, you go UPSTAIRS to Olympic, where you'll check your bags. (follow the signs)
Then, you must look at all of the Olympic marquees to be sure you're in the right line for your flight... and not waiting in a long line for the wrong one! Just pay attention!
then - ask the person at the Olympic counter if in doubt - you'll follow signs for the gates, pass through a ticket check and through the shopping area to more sings that will lead you downstairs to your Olympic gate...

On your way, if there's time, stop and have an ouzo... that will settle you right into Greek time!!! No problem.

Seeksocean, we left during the week, and in May are taking the same flight on May 19... we always arrive at SFO at least 2 hours ahead. No frantic rushing for me...

Heimdall

Lynlee, djuna's latest instructions are spot on! Let me just add, there are separate counters for domestic and international flights, and that's what djuna meant by making sure you are in the right one.

Lines for domestic flights are very long first thing in the morning, but not so bad in the afternoon. If it looks like you are running late, ask the counter staff for help, and they may be able to move you to the front of the line.

seeksocean

Thanks for that helpful info. Should I follow that same route when I arrive from Amsterdam on KLM?

djuna

basically, yes, follow that route... All arrivals come in on the same level. Just follow the signs!

seeksocean

Thanks djuna! And everyone else!