Hello, I've searched thru the topics and connection times haven't been discussed lately. This will be our first Best of Europe trip and I'm looking for some general advice on connection times needed as I'll be flying out of Seattle and all flights will require at least 1 or 2 stops. Is there a general guideline for amount of time we should allow for connecting flights? (e.g., Seattle to DFW, DFW to Rome; Paris to Dublin, Dublin to Phil, Phil to Seatac). Thanks much.
Posted by
Freedonia
16411 posts
The first thing I'm going to suggest is buy all of it as one ticket. This way, if you do miss a flight, the airline is obligated to get you on the next flight. If you have checked bags, they will automatically be transferred to your next flight. If you buy separate tickets, this changes everything.
At DFW, all you will have to do is change gates.
At Rome, you will have to go through immigration into Schengen.
In Dublin, you will go through US immigration and customs prior to getting on the plane.
When you arrive at PHL, it will be like a domestic flight and you just have to change gates.
As for how much time, see what the airlines offer as connections. They are--usually--doable. But not always.
Posted by
Tampa, FL
634 posts
I recommend at least 2.5 hours for the international legs of the trip (DFW to Rome & Dublin to Philly) and 1.5-2 hours for the domestic legs. That’s my comfort level; I’d rather hang out in the airport for a while rather than rushing to make a connection. The trip sounds fun! I met some folks who took that trip and they loved it.
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
2761 posts
I prefer going as directly to Europe as possible first, then switching to an inter-Europe flight. Seattle has direct Amsterdam flights that fit that bill. Allow at least 2.5 hours to transfer at Schiphol, a little more would be better to ensure you get where you need to go. If you choose that flight routing through Dublin, give yourself more time as you go through US border control process there (so you don't have to when you get to the US). You might get better feedback if you list out your options with connection times so people can weigh in on preferences.
Note, there are new paperwork requirements if you fly through a UK airport, even if you don't stay there. It's not cumbersome but it requires planning, see post with info here https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/uk-eta-application-experience
Posted by
Pacific Northwest
2687 posts
That’s a lot of flights. You should be able to do that with just 1 stop each way. Not sure what your travel dates are but there are new flights out of SeaTac on SAS - through Copenhagen - and they are pricing out very inexpensively for many dates this summer. I just dummy-priced $750 round trip in August - non-stop SEA to Copenhagen.