We have 2 questions, if you'd all humor us. We are flying from Seattle to Frankfurt, and then on to Dublin, then the reverse on the way home. Where will we have to go through customs & immigration? I've heard that FRA is a big and busy airport, but our layovers in Frankfurt are only 1:10 and 1:40. Will that be enough time? We are young and can run quickly, haha! We're a little nervous about this, and appreciate any and all help/advice!
Posted by
pittsburgh
162 posts
Wow, 1:10 is cutting it close, but that should be enough time, barring something unforeseen. Yes, Frankfurt airport is huge and busy, but it's laid out well and easy to navigate with clear signage in English. Has people-movers too. Customs, passport control and security have longish lines like all airports, but they go fairly quick--chalk it up to German efficiency :). 1:40 is plenty of time. Once, passing through from Vienna to Toronto, I only had about 45 minutes and made it no problem. But I didn't have to go through security or passport control on that trip, though. Happy travels!
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5570 posts
I had a layover of 1:25 at Frankfurt last year and had plenty of time (although I think my flight landed earlier than scheduled).
Because you are traveling to Ireland (not part of Schengen), you will go through immigration in Dublin.
The only suggestions that I have are to try to choose a seat towards the front of the plane and to use the toilet on the plane so you don't have to stop en route to the gate.
Posted by
OP
Spokane, WA
46 posts
Thank you for the wisdom/advice Frank and Laura. We appreciate it!
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19115 posts
You won't have to go through customs, particularly if your baggage is checked through to Dublin, but customs if usually a walk through unless you have something to declare. You will have to go through immigration since you are entering the Schengen zone. But a lot depends on your airline. If you are traveling on the same airline, say Lufthansa or United, you'll stay in the same terminal (1), and if you stay in the same concourse (A, B, or C) you might get to just walk down the hall after immigration.
However, if you are using other airlines, you might have to change terminals. In that case it might be tight or impossible.
And, you always have to understand that a trans-Atlantic flight might be late arriving.
In 2002, I came in from Munich on Concourse A and left for Denver on Concourse B and had just over an hour. I made it including going through security 3 times (this was just after 911).