Arriving in Frankfurt and Fly or Train to Paris?

We have flown via Frankfurt on a flight originating in Sacramento to Florence and we simply went from the international arrival area to the domestic terminal. No new security but we did have to show our passport and tickets twice during the transition. No problems.

We used to fly into FRA when Lufthansa serviced Portland, and love the speed at which we could connect to our next flight. We made connecting flights in as little as 35 minutes.( I would NOT recomend cutting your time down that close! we were using a "sister" airline, and they took care of the luggage transfer) Everything was seamless. (Coming home is another matter! Allow 3 hrs for transfers...minimum.) When we get to the EU we usually book inter -EU flights on some of the awesome and lo-cost inter EU airlines. We search for them on Skyscanner, and Whichbudget.com. But you have to very careful of their luggage weight and size restrictions. If the airline that books you "over the pond" makes your connecting flight arrangements, I would not worry about making the next flight in FRA. If you are making your own arangements, that 10:50 will be more than easy to make ...in fact, you will wish that you had made arrangements for any earlier flight. PS Buy some trip insurance, and don't worry....

Because Germany and France are both members of the EU, your luggage can be checked all the way through from the US to Paris, without having to go through customs in Frankfurt. However, if you have a carryon bag, it might have to go through customs. In my experience, customs in Europe is now a formality; you just find the line "nothing to declare" and walk out. However, because you will be entering the Schengen zone, you will be subject to immigration - passport control - in Frankfurt. You will have to have your passport checked and it will be stamped for you stay in Europe.

Doris, The first question that comes to mind is whether it would be possible to re-book your flight to arrive in Paris rather than Frankfurt? That would certainly be the easiest solution and would avoid another flight or rail trip. Alternately, could you book a code share flight that will take you from Frankfurt to Paris, as your luggage would be routed through to your final destination. Given the reasonably short travel time by train, I'd probably choose that over another flight as it will possibly be the faster method. The shortest trip I could find was a departure at 08:54, arriving Paris at 12:50 (time 3H:56M, 1 change). It's not likely you'd be able to make that train, so you'd have to take one of the following runs that are slightly longer. Happy travels!

Good suggestions. We are using airline miles to go from USA to Frankfurt. I tried flying directly into Paris or anywhere else closer, but there are no "free" flights with first/business available. So, we are arriving in Frankfurt airport, and will have to make our own flight arrangements to Paris from Frankfurt ... or take the train. I'm thinking the 0900 train will be tough to make, that is why we are looking at flying.
So, I'm trying to figure out if we arrive on American, then go fly out on Air France (with me making a separate reservation), will we have to pick up our luggage and then recheck with Air France? If so, can we make the 10:50 flight? We'd love to be in Paris by early afternoon! thanks again!

Your luggage should be checked through. One of the best ways to be sure of this though, is to check with your airline. There is no "customs" here, unless you are importing something, or arriving from one of those countries known for terrorism. Other wise, it is just passport control. Once you land, you will be done within 30 min. usually.

Thank you, Jo. Very helpful and what I'd hoped for.