Frankfurt Customs
 

We need to plan flight connections in Frankfurt...how long does it take on average to go through customs?

Kelley, we went through Frankfurt in both May and July of this year. The flip answer to your question is that it depends on how many people are in front of you. But, seriously, passport control seemed to be a breeze, about 8 - 10 minutes, and if you go through the green line you won't be stopped for customs. The problem at Frankfurt is that to get from the international terminal to connecting terminals you have to go through an interminable tunnel. They have added a moving sidewalk but it is jammed: stand on the right, walk on the left is the rule -- don't think so. When you get through the tunnel to the terminal the elevators to the gates are inadequate for the number of people trying to use them, so you either wait for an elevator or walk up what seems to be four flights of stairs which is pretty grueling after an all-night flight. For the whole thing 30 - 40 minutes would probably do it. Hope this helps.

Kelley, my previous response presupposes that you are checking your bags through to your final destination. If you are checking them only to Frankfurt and will then claim them before proceeding to your on-going flight, then all bets are off. You're looking at 30 minutes minimum to get the bags, probably another 20 to get them rechecked and then you also have to go through 100% security check which can take another 30 minutes. Check 'em through and allow plenty of transfer time!

We will be flying from San Francisco to Frankfurt and then connect from Frankfurt to Paris. Our bags are to be transferred theoretically. We don't need to be checked at customs. But that long terminal connection is what bothers me. We are only given about an hour at most to catch the connecting flight. Jim, you mention it took about 40 minutes for you. I am really hoping we will make it in time.

Diane, since you won't have to clear bags you should have no problems -- the good news is that because you are coming from Germany you probably won't have either passport or customs to contend with in France.

Thanks Jim.

Thanks Jim...Your replies are very helpful. We are taking this route to take advantage of air miles...and figuring our own connection to Vienna.<BR>Your detailed answers tell me what I really need to know. Thank you so much.