We have a flight from Detroit Michigan with a layover in Frankfort before heading to Vienna. We're on Delta from Detroit and switch to KLM in Frankfort. Know KLM has travel arrangements with Delta - so we're hoping arrival and departing gates will be close. We only have about an hour to depart, get their immigration and board - we think this has to be doable as that's how the flights were packaged. Anyone have any thoughts on whether this might be a problem making the connection? Thanks
Posted by
Connecticut
337 posts
Do not assume your gates will be close to each other. Even if they are, you will have to stand in line to have your passports checked, and again to go through security, before boarding your next flight.
Frankfurt is a HUGE, very busy airport. You should be OK, but waste NO time once you get off your first flight. Assume you have a tight connection, and if you get to your next gate with time to spare, you can relax then! If your first flight is delayed even a little, you'll be scrambling.
We were stuck in huge long lines at the passport check in Frankfurt, connecting (on one Delta ticket) from JFK to Athens. We made our connecting flight, but it was very chaotic. (That was 2 years ago.)
I don't mean to worry you. I'm sure you'll be fine. Just be ready, just in case. (We'll have a similar situation in Rome this June!)
Posted by
Green Bay
20026 posts
Are there later flights to Vienna on KLM? That way you have a back up if you miss it.
Posted by
S.F. Bay Area, CA, United States
1878 posts
Sounds like a really tight connection but if any airport can make it do-able, among giant airports where things are really far apart, Frankfurt is the one. Be aware that you may have to take a bus to even get to your arrival terminal, and you will probably have to go through security twice (2nd time is at the gate). I am not saying this to worry you unduly, just so that you are prepared.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
I just checked our travel documents and turns out were connecting thru Amsterdam and not Frankfort - still have just an hour to do connecting flight - hoping it may be a bit more doable in this airport? Comments...... Thx
Posted by
Green Bay
20026 posts
Schipol is a bit more compact than FRA. Also, should be flights to Vienna later in the day for back up.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19092 posts
I've rarely seen someone flying to Europe with a layover in Kentucky (Frankfort is the capital of KY).