We never booked an air ticket with such a short layover time before. But we didn't have much choice this time. We are flying with SAS from the east coast US to Bergen, Norway with only 50 minutes layover in Copenhagen CPH airport. Very concerned about missing the connecting flight and rental car pickup time. Do we have to go through immigration and passport control at CPH airport? How likely are we going to miss the connecting flight assuming no delay on the first leg (arrival around 7am)? TIA
If your first stop in Schengen is Copenhagen then you will have to go through passport control.
If this is all on one ticket and you miss the connection, SAS will get you on the next available flight. There are numerous flights each day between Copenhagen and Bergen.
If you miss the connection, just call your rental car company and alert them to the change of pick up time.
Thanks for your advice!
Just to clarify, "next available flight" means one with open seats, which might not be the very next flight to Bergen. Research the options ahead of time so you're aware of the choices (I'm always fuzzy after overnight flight, so I like to do this kind of thing ahead). If you're checking luggage it might (or might not) make the flight with you, so make sure to pack essentials and medications in your carry on bag. Definitely have the car rental phone number on hand just in case. The Copenhagen airport is relatively easy to navigate but study the maps ahead and don't make any stops between your flights other than passport control.
Have you called SAS to see if they can adjust your layover time? It might cost something to adjust but it could be worth it if it eases your travel day.
It's not a long layover, but I wouldn't worry too much about it. Copenhagen Airport is a manageable size and in my experience, it's efficiently operated. Assuming no delays, I'd say you have a very high likelihood of making your connection. SAS simply wouldn't have sold you the ticket if they didn't think it was possible for you to make the connection.
Thanks to both of you. We only have carryon luggage. Our arrival time is early in the morning so hopefully the airport wouldn't be too busy. We'll carry rental car company phone number just in case.
I've done non-Schengen to Schengen transfers in much less time than that in Copenhagen. Immigration is probably much easier for me since I have an EU-passport, but it seems like the lines for other passports move pretty quick usually as well. At least they have done when I've been there. In general Copenhagen is a small and efficient airport, so I would not worry about it.
And yes, the next available flight means the next flight with available seats, but SAS has plenty of flights to Bergen so that is nothing to worry about as long as you're not travelling close to a major holiday.
...a short layover time...we didn't have much choice...
That being the case, all you can do is hope for the best. And you will probably be just fine. In the interim, however, you might want to keep checking with the airline(s) as things do change. Perhaps a flight will pop up that has a better connection time. Wont hurt to keep looking.
They often hold the Bergen flight if the transatlantic flight has a delay.
Thank you all for the tips.