Safe Connetion time?
 

Hi all,

Once again I'm looking to go back to Rome in February - big surprise. I've seen decent airfares SFO to FCO for about $500. - the flight going over stops in Munich MUC with a 1.5 layover, this part feels safe. The return flight is the one that worries me a bit, it stops in Frankfurt FRA and most have an hour between connection time.

I have not flown into or out of either Munich or Frankfurt before, any clues if these are safe connection times?

Thanks, Eileen

Assuming your luggage is checked through both ways I'd feel slightly more concerned about the return through FRA since that is a busier airport than MUC and you'd have to go through security AGAIN if you are boarding a plane to the US.

BUT, at those prices if you happen to be delayed to a later flight, especially inbound to Rome, who cares?

I flew through Frankfurt last year and found no delays in the airport. It is true that returning to the U.S we did have to go through security after our flight from Venice to Frankfurt, but it was a separate security line for connecting passengers, not the main line for passengers coming in to the Frankfurt airport. Once you go through this security, however, be forewarned that there are very few services or shops on the other side. We had lots of trouble even getting a bottle of water, so shop first if you need anything.

I haven't traveled through Frankfurt and Munich airports since 2002. However, what Nikki says about Frankfurt airport is true. We also had a problem trying to locate bottled water and snacks where we were situated. Munich airport, however, was really great: modern, clean, and had shops and a few places to eat.

Based on recent experience flying FROM Rome to US, there is no SAFE connection time. It is like a gamble, at times the odds are better in certain situations.

My mother had appx. 1 1/2 hours between her Rome to JFK and then JFK to SFO flights. She actually made her connection. (She was freaking out about it though.)

I had closer to 3 hours and did not make mine. (Rome to Newark, Newark to US.) The flight out of Rome was VERY delayed.

When I got to Newark I found that International flights from all over the world had problems that day.

Thanks everyone for the input. I think that having a seperate security line as Nikki says for connecting passengers will help.

Just recently I did as PLMN's mom did (but I didn't freak out) the Rome to JFK and on to SFO - the bummer there on return is having to re-check bags and go through security so I like the idea of flying to and from Germany opposed to state side.

I have had connections at CDG paris before and would not even consider an hour connection time there.

I just have no first hand knowledge of the two German airports so I'm still trying to get a better sense of these.

I'll check flights for a few more days and make my decision.

Thanks again, Eileen

I'll let you know. I'm flying from DC to Florence with a connection in Munich (3 hours) but coming HOME I fly from Rome through Frankfurt and I ONLY have 45 minutes between flights!!!! I am flying in and out of the same terminal so hopefully there won't be any issues. (I'm in trouble if I miss the connection as I have to leave the following day first thing to go to NYC for a confenrece!)

He he he happy woman here, I booked my flight! I was checking on and off all day and found a straightforward itinerary on Travelocity.

SFO to FRA - FRA to FCO 3 hour layover
FCO to FRA 2 hour layover $500.00 buckaroos! 2/10-2/22

I feel safer with these times. Thanks all for your help.

Eileen

smiley525 - Yikes 45min! I will cross my fingers for you. Have fun.

Earlier in the month, we connected thru Frankfurt and were very concerned about the US security line. However, Lufthansa was on top of it and was cruising the line calling out flights. So, we got the impression they wouldn't leave us. In fact, our plane was a little late taking off, some folks just came on (presumably we were waiting for them) and we took off. CJ