girlonthego

If you are flying from Zurich to Frankfurt and then on the US, do you go through any customs if you are a US citizen? Or are you checked through to landing in the US? I believe you are, but wanted to make sure you didn't have to go through Germany's customs while changing planes.
Thank you.

adrienne

You clear customs in the US at your first point of entry.

Perhaps you mean immigration, where you show your passport rather than declaring goods? Every time, except once, I've had to go through security and passport control in Frankfurt when changing planes.

adrienne

Are you asking if you need to reclaim your luggage in Frankfurt? No you do not. Check your bags through to your destination.

Dukey1

Correct me if I am wrong but will this person have to go through Security yet again?

girlonthego

Thanks. I am glad no luggage pick up. So, you think there is an immigration/security for the change of plane to the US? Or are you already through? They would have one hour to connect.

adrienne

<< Correct me if I am wrong but will this person have to go through Security yet again? >>

Except for the one time when I came from Barcelona and the gates were very close together. If I had left the immediate area then I would have had to go through security again.

Every other time I transited through Frankfurt I have had to go through security and it's a PITA since it's always been a long walk and a long line. One time they closed the security line I was on and we had a long walk to another security line.

I almost always have to transit through Frankfurt as it's a major United hub in Europe.

The good news is that the Frankfurt airport is fabulous and the personnel will help you get through security and get to your plane on time.

adrienne

With only an hour to connect in Frankfurt the best bet is to find an airport person and explain they have a short transfer time and to ask for help with the closest security line. If they don't walk well or fast then they should ask for assistance when they check in to get a wheel chair or cart to get them to the gate.

I'm never comfortable with less than 1.5 hours in Frankfurt.

adrienne

Is she flying non-stop to Dulles or connecting in Newark? I'm asking because if she is connecting in the US there is information she may need to know.

adrienne

And I see that it's your daughter so she will not be getting a wheel chair!

girlonthego

She would be non stop to Dulles. She is traveling with two girls who have never gone anywhere. They asked me if they could just fly in and out of Lugano.
I was hoping they could fly home from zurich direct and they can on United, BUT the train they would take from riva san vitale to Zurich leaves at 6:10 am and arrives at the airport at 10:13 am two changes, one in lugano and one in the main train station. My DD did this with us last year, so I think this is an easy route for her, BUT the flight leaves to america at 11:55 am. Is this cutting it too close with the trains, or is it a reasonble amount of time to make the flight to america at 11:55?

girlonthego

Also, the other alternative is spending one night in zurich and then just taking the direct flight home on united at 11:55. No rush,no hassle.

adrienne

Never travel from some other destination to the airport on the same day. Too many things can go wrong. Stay in Zurich the night before so you can get to the airport on time.

It's Zurich to Frankfurt to Dulles? Make sure you have 1.5 hours in Frankfurt. If they have too much time between flights there are cafes and shops to browse. Better too much time than missing the flight.

adrienne

I see the Zurich flight is non-stop (the reference to a direct flight confused me). Find out how long before they flight they need to be at the airport for an international flight. It varies from airport to airport but it's a minimum of 2 hours, sometimes 3 hours.

girlonthego

Thanks Adrienne! The girls are now thinking of adding the last night in Zurich to be stress free from trying to make the train to the plane! I think this would be the wisest decision. Just hope all the other parents, who are paying are on board. I feel the nonstop flight will be better for these newbies. The other alternative is Delta through Milan to JFK to Dulles. A nightmare in my opinion. JFK is just so big and the inbound europe flight would change at CDG which is another crazy airport. Zurich seems so efficient and easy to get around. Much easier on these kids traveling alone for the first time. Thanks again

adrienne

You're welcome. Definitely Zurich. JFK has an international arrivals terminal so they would have to get on a bus to go to a domestic terminal. And CDG is to be avoided - you need to be at the airport 3 hours ahead of flights! The security line is enough to make a sane woman lose her mind!

I would tell them to get to the Zurich airport 3 hours ahead just to be safe.

girlonthego

Okay great thanks!!!

girlonthego

Okay settled, they are spending the extra night in zurich and flying non stop home! easier!
Booked!
Their gateway into europe is Brussels and then on to Prague. I am assuming the two hour layover is fine for changing planes and going through any security and immigration?
Bypassed JFK and CDG!Thank God and thanks for all your advice!

adrienne

Good plan re: Zurich.

2 hours should be fine connecting in Brussels. They will check their bags through to Prague (assuming they are on one ticket, Dulles to Prague). No problem there. Hope they have a great time!

girlonthego

adrienne, if they check bags, they will be checked all the way through. (Recommending smaller carry ons.)They are on United all the way.
So excited for them, a little nervous, but I remember when I was even younger then them, what a great time it is to travel with friends!