I'll be flying via Lufthansa from US to Frankfurt in 2 weeks. Can anyone tell me how secure they've felt flying Lufthansa and flying out of the Frankfurt airport in the past?

I flew out of Frankfurt on Lufthansa once. They inspected me, and good. Much more thorough than the U.S. I wouldn't sweat it.

As a corollary question, is it likely to be a "slam dunk" for Frankfurt and other Lufthansa cities (and Lufthansa the airline itself) to get ceritified by the United states' FAA to be allowed to send and/or receive trans-atlantic flights to/from the United States? <BR> <BR>And on an unrelated (slightly lighter) note, the website www.lufthansa.com has an announcement page on which they refer to the "schreckliche" (terrible) terror attacks (Terroranschlage) - - one of those wonderful, almost onomatopoietic German words! <BR> <BR>Schreckliche indeed! <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

I was so impressed with Lufthansa when I travelled to Nice last year, that I specifically selected that airline this year. The nonstop is a distinct luxury.We are leaving in two weeks *we hope!)on Lufthansa for Nice and, we presume that the airline schedule will resume normal operation by then. I personally think that the skies will be must safer now than in the past. I do not want to give in to my fears and cancel this special vacation.

Hello Alea, <BR> <BR>I`m sure that Lufthansa is one of the Airlines with the highest security standards worldwide-prior to the N.Y. events.. When I fly out of Frankfurt (domestic flights mostly) I always have to show them that my laptop is really a laptop and that my cellphone is really a cellphone.. I think you`ve picked out one of the best, safest Airlines. <BR> <BR>Miriam

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts. I checked the Lufthansa web site tonight and it indicates that flights to and from the US begin tomorrow. An aside here: One of my friends is a long-time flight attendant who used to fly US to Frankfurt. She told me she requested, a few years ago, that she be scheduled on another route because she was tired of seeing all the submachine gun-toting officers at the Frankfurt airport. Can you imagine how many of them are there now? I feel very fortunate that my cruise line scheduled me on this airline for my life-long- dream trip to Europe. I just buried my mother after 6 weeks of illness, only to return home and lose my job for being gone too long. I have to look for a job after the trip, so postponing isn't an option for me. I don't know when, or if, I'll ever be able to go again. Thanks again for the information.

Alea- Lufthansa had FANTASTIC security. We flew it to Frankfurt a couple of years ago-no problem in the US--yes there are lots of MACHINE GUNS in the Frankfurt airport, but it is for your protection--don't worry- <BR> <BR>When you go to return to the US from Frankfurt,make sure that you turn in all VAT immediately after you get your boarding pass at the check-in gate...With Lufthansa,once you enter their secure cubicle,with the other passengers,you are NOT allowed to leave-for your own protection...So if you want to roam thru the airport , do so before you go thru the final security checkpoint.--It is VERY SAFE

Thanks so much Andy for that additional information. I have read all about the shopping, etc. at the Frankfurt airport and have several hours there so plan to explore. Thanks too for the info. about the VAT. I'm confused about that though. What if I don't buy something worth over $200 in Spain (I'm only there 2 days), but have bought that much in Italy where I'll be for over a week. Where do I turn in the VAT forms for Italy? Or, is the VAT form a Europe-wide form? You can tell I've never been there, can't you? <BR>I spoke to a man in a store here in Denver today who flew back from Frankfurt early this morning, and he said security is very tight and not to worry.

alea- You turn in your VAT forms at your final point of embarkation (ie.leaving the country to go back to the USA).. If this is Germany, then you turn all countries VAT forms in Germany-keep the objects in a small carryon , as a lot of time, the tax people ask to see what you bought. You can get a refund in cash immediately or get it crdited to your credit card

alea- i inadvetantly hit a button that posted before I was finished writing--anyway- <BR> <BR>I would get it credited to my credit card only because you will get the tax back in Deutchemarks which are not usable in the USA and which will turn into EURODOLLARS on Jan.1,2002.... <BR> <BR>Hope this helps--and when you get to Germany,get a neat coocoo clock-they are awesome there and very reasonable! <BR> <BR>Where in Italy are you going? Email me direct if you are going to Florence ,as there are some fabulous places to shop and the dollar vs lira is good right now--at least it was before the WTC mess.

Thanks again, Andy,for the information. I'm glad I don't have to do the VAT form as I leave each country! <BR>I will be in Milan, Florence and Venice...each for only one day (I'm on a tour...my first trip, traveling alone...so not brave enough to go it alone), then Rome for two days, and then board a cruise ship and go to Livorno, Portofino, Cannes, Palma de Mallorca and end up in Barcelona. I'd love your shopping tips. What I don't want to do is buy something in Europe that I will then see at my local discount store, so I really hope to bring back unique items from each place....something not likely to show up at an American store. Have you ever had something shipped to your home by a store in Europe? Did that work out o.k.?