I’m interested in hearing about people’s experiences with the new EES system now that it’s live across the Schengen countries.

I’ll be traveling from the U.S. to France in June. My Lufthansa flight departs Boston, connects in Frankfurt Airport, and then continues on to Nantes. I have a 3.5-hour layover in Frankfurt. When I booked the trip, that seemed like plenty of time, but now I’m starting to worry.

Are there separate immigration lines for connecting passengers? My flight from Frankfurt to Nantes is the only one that day, so missing it would be a big issue. I did consider flying into Frankfurt a day earlier or rerouting through Paris, but both options would require purchasing a new ticket, which is cost prohibitive.

At this point, the only adjustment I can think of is to travel with carry-on luggage only to avoid delays or the risk of lost checked bags if we miss the connection. I’m hoping everything goes smoothly, but I’d like to have a backup plan.

Does anyone know what typically happens if travelers miss a connection due to immigration delays? If the incoming flight arrives on time, the delay wouldn’t be the airline’s fault, so I assume they aren’t obligated to rebook passengers—but I’m hoping they might still assist in this situation.


Thanks,

About 3 weeks ago we flew AUS/DFW/FCO/PMO. There was not a separate line for people with connections, we were told to register upon arrival in Rome. We got in line to register, we stood there for what seemed like forever, then they told us the machines were down and to go on through immigration. Our flight from DFW to Rome had been delayed so we had already been automatically rebooked on a later flight to Palermo, but our luggage didn't make it. It was my 13th incident of lost luggage so I can't say I was surprised. It was delivered to our hotel the next day.

Although our connection/luggage problem was not caused by immigration delays, I believe the airlines must understand this happens and it's hard to imagine they will hold you responsible under these circumstances. With a 3.5 hour layover, I think you will be OK. But do expect to register in Frankfurt.

I went through this upon arrival in Barcelona last month (but not connecting). Going through immigration took about 3 minutes; there was no line, but my flight arrived before 7am so that might e whit was so quick.

Losing 13 suitcases!! That's a record I am glad I can't compete with!!! Mine were delayed only twice in one year!!!

Yes, I hold the world record at 13!! I should be in the Guinness Book of World Records. After this trip I finally wised up and bought an air tag, so now I'm confident it will never happen again.

LOL -- the air tag will simply let you know where your delayed/misdirected bags are biding their time . . .

As a frequent traveler to London, you surely know--if you bring your umbrella, it won't rain. By the same token, now that I have an air tag, this will stop.

Let's hope.