I've never been to Egypt. We have a trip booked and am really looking forward to it, and am now looking at booking the flights..
I'm booking all flights on one ticket with one airline, United. All flights are Star Alliance.
A couple of questions.
First question - connecting through FRA.
My preferred flights have a connection in FRA, coming from the US and going onward with Egypt Air to Cairo.
There is 1hr 15m transit time.
I know this is really tight. Even though the FRA Airport says to allow minimum of (just) 45m - And this is 30m beyond that.
I would prefer min of 2 H.
I'm a little relaxed about the 1H 15M connection because Egypt Air has two more flights after ours that day that go to Cairo, so if we miss this one, I'm thinking getting another flight won't be too difficult. Plus, it looks like there is Fast Track for tight connections. Plus....doesn't Egypt Air typically run a little late....?
But, I should probably get a little more info from you experts before I book.
TIA!
What can I expect connecting through FRA coming from the US and going to Egypt?
I don't think we need to go through passport control/border check.
I do think that we need to go through security.
Are there additional/special security measures?
Will we need to collect our checked bags? I don't think we will.
We will be cognizant of carry on rules and electronics and being organized/efficient.
We will have phones, chargers, a camera, and a CPAP - if that makes a difference.
Is there any way to find out which terminal we will arrive at and which terminal we will depart from - and what the journey entails?
Does Fast Track work/make a difference?
Second question - leaving Egypt via SSH
I've been reading, on other forums - not here, about departure (only departure) difficulties at SSH.
Recent chatter/complaints regarding harassment, intimidation, passport "issues", electronics issues, and "police" detainment at SSH departure is my concern.
Maybe this is overblown?
If you have recently left Egypt through SSH, how was your experience?
(We will arrive to SSH as part of a tour group and with a local guide, so I'm not concerned about arrival at all. However, when we leave, we will not be with the tour group or guide - we will be on our own.)
Any tips?
And, I'm considering organizing a Fast Track/VIP escort service because of this.
Any experiences with this? If yes, which service did you use?
We leave SSH, on Swiss Air and go direct to Zurich (for two nights), then back to the US - if that makes any difference.
I did try to search forums and trip reports, but couldn't find this info.
Really appreciate your suggestions.