FRA airport customs questions

Posted by Renee (Tacoma, WA, USA) on 09/02/22 02:54 PM

We will be traveling December 13th from Denver to Frankfurt and connecting on to Edinburgh. DEN-FRA-EDI.
Will we go through customs in FRA or "transit" as our final destination is a non-Schengen country (Edinburgh)?
If we will not have to go through customs, does that mean we will not have to claim and recheck luggage if we are forced to gate check? We travel with just carry ons but on a recent flight to Milan were were forced to gate check twice as we were in the last boarding group (economy plus was last).
We are traveling on United miles and they have already changed our connection from 1 1/2 hour to 1 hr 10 min which makes me very nervous. Also does anyone have experience with traveling on United miles when they cancel your flight?

Any experience or knowledge would be great. Thank you

Posted by Paul

Eastern Iowa, USA

09/02/22 03:13 PM

7988 posts

Since Scotland is part of the UK, and not party to the Schengen agreement, in Frankfurt, you should just follow signs to your connecting gate, staying in the International section of the terminal, you will not want to go through immigration or exit.

In Edinburgh you will do immigration for the UK.

As for bags, if you are forced to gate check, that would be the time to ask where your bags will be checked through to and if you need to retrieve them. Can't speak to United, but on Delta, they may tag them and check through to your destination, or they may store them in the hold and make them available as you deplane.

Your connection is tight, but should be fine.

Edit: seems to be some confusion, but I read your flight as Denver-Frankfurt-Edinburgh, if it is different...then different answer.

Posted by Mardee

Duluth 🛶

09/02/22 03:14 PM

7838 posts

Renee, you might want to read through this for help - https://www.edinburghairport.com/prepare/arriving-passengers

Basically, it says you must recheck luggage at EDI on a connecting flight UNLESS your airline will be checking your bags through. Are you on United flights for all legs?

Posted by Plumeria54

Bainbridge Island, WA

09/02/22 03:40 PM

287 posts

In reply to your question about traveling on United miles when they cancel your flight -- I have used United miles a number of times on flights to Europe and have experienced a couple of flight cancellations. I have had no major issues with getting my flights rebooked, either via the website/app where they offered an alternative or I've called Customer Service when I needed help getting the flights I wanted or needed, including while I'm already in Europe and my return flight is supposed to be the next day. When the airline was the cancelling party (as opposed to me wanting a change), I've found United to be helpful and responsive to my needs (you do need patience and the need to be flexible and polite to the rep). Keep checking your flight reservations on United so you can respond quickly to any changes in your schedule. And enjoy your upcoming trip!

Posted by Renee OP

Tacoma, WA, USA

09/02/22 05:44 PM

596 posts

Thank you. Yes as I read again I can see why one would be confused. Sorry. I made the edits.
We are flying Denver- FRA (on United)- FRA - EDI on Lufthansa