I will be taking a train from Cologne, Germany to Frankfurt Airport in order to catch a morning flight back to the US on United Airlines. Is Frankfurt airport crazy? How much time should I allow. I've read 3 hours at Paris and most U.S. airports ... was wondering how much time I should allow myself to get to Frankfurt and get checked in before my flight boards.

Thanks!

In the past, I have allowed myself 2 1/2 hrs. It has always been enough. If you come into the Fernbahnhof (on an ICE or IC train), as you start down the hall towards the terminal, there is a Lufthansa check in on the right (United flights often code share with Lufthansa). If your flight is actually Lufthansa, you can check in there, get your seat assignment and check your luggage. After that you only have to get to the terminal, go through security and get to your gate.

On May 2, 2006, I found this airport to be quite efficient when I departed from FRA.

I had 90 minutes to catch the plane, kept an eye on the line (the first one anyway) for security check point, and I was fine for time.

The train system is wonderful for getting you to the airport!

There is some remodling going on in this international terminal... I don't know if this may slow things down for you. Check on that by calling airport direct.

I assume you are taking a TGV from Cologne that will deliver you to the airport station in 57 minutes.

The last time I flew back to the US through FRA security was the big hold up and they were running two lines, one for First/Business and the other for Economy. I cannot remember if this was an airport thing or something Lufthansa had dreamed up but it was terribly inefficient and slow, so much so that a lot of the Economy folks bolted into the "other" line so they could make the flight.

I am sure this was an isolated incident but I would allow at LEAST two hours AFTER I arrived at the airport at a minimum.

Sorry..that should have read "taking an ICE..." not a TGV

We fly out of Frankfurt at least twice a year and we always allow 3 hours. Only one time did we need that much time, but we are always overly careful, because the day is shot anyway, when you are returning home.

Thank you for all the responses!