I am traveling on SAS from Stavanger, Norway, changing planes to a Delta flight in Copenhagen. I only have a 2 hour layover and I am physically not able to stand in long lines (maybe only 15 minutes). I have a note from the doctor about this. Because I can usually walk 1/2 mile on flat surfaces without any problem, I did not request special assistance yet for this leg of the journey. I did request it when arriving to Amsterdam from to USA on my trip to Norway. What can I expect when I arrive to Copenhagen for the "exit" procedure and are there long lines? How do they keep people that are leaving for the USA separate? In the past, when I've connected in Europe, I just go from one gate to another. Sometimes it is a long walk but I do not remember going through a passport line or security. Sorry if I sound stupid but I like to be very prepared for my trips way in advance since I am a 60+ year old solo female traveler. Thanks!
Posted by
Chicago
4332 posts
If you are unable to stand for more than 15 minutes, I would request wheelchair assistance from your airline. There is just no way to predict how long the passport control line will be.
I have been hearing reports of no wait to upwards of hours.
I had less than a 5-minute wait at Madrid in March. I will be flying into Copenhagen on Sunday. I am hoping for the best but prepared for the worst. Unfortunately, the timing is out of our control.
Good luck!!
Posted by
USA
947 posts
Carrie, I'll be anxious to hear how it goes for you. I've got a connection through Copenhagen in late August. My fingerprints wouldn't scan when I tried in Rome in March, despite multiple attempts so I'm worried I'll get held up in the process.
Lisa, I agree that asking for a wheelchair for this circumstance is probably a good idea. I hope it goes well!
Posted by
1817 posts
You could prearrange wheelchair assistance in advance, which indeed means you are as prepared as you want to be; or you could walk to EES with a note in your pocket hoping to find someone who may or may not be able to do anything about your inability to stand in a lengthy line. The fact that you can walk 1/2 mile on flat surfaces is irrelevant to the fact that you need assistance regarding your inability to stand in long lines.
Your situation is so common. The people you see at airports getting assistance via wheelchair aren't necessarily people who need a wheelchair at all times. Lengthy terminals, standing in slow moving long lines cause problems for a lot of people, so hopefully you will allow yourself to get the assistance you need.
Safe travels!
Posted by
Bay Area SF & Uppsala Sweden 🇸🇪
1777 posts
CPH is quite an efficient airport & you're likely to get through quicker than larger airports. That being said, a wheelchair is an excellent idea!
As for EES, it wasn't operational when I entered Schengen April 2nd, the immigration officer told me they'd had some problems with it, so they had shut it down, there were just the normal 'EU citizens' & 'Other' Q's. There is always an immigration check at your last departure point from Schengen.
How do they keep people that are leaving for the USA separate?
They have immigration before you can get to the separate departure gates for flights that are exiting the Schengen area, rather than specifically to the US. That being said, keep that wheelchair because it's usually a longer walk to the flights going to the US on SAS, as I recall. There shouldn't be a security check but you've definitely shown your passport exiting where ever you left the last Schengen country.
Posted by
Chicago
4332 posts
Carrie, I'll be anxious to hear how it goes for you.
I'll try to remember to add a note here. Feel free to send me a PM next week if i forget.