Hello there: The other day I booked the following flight: New Orleans -> Philadelphia -> Zurich -> Geneva. However, the issue is that the layover from Zurich to Geneva is only 1hr 15min. Will this be enough time? I have heard that I will not need to re-claim checked luggage, but that I would just have to go through immigration, amounting to a passport check and a check of carry-on luggage. Should I change my flight, and eat the ~$260 fee? Or will this be enough time? Thank you very much for your replies. Josh
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Personally no, I would not pay to change my flight. In the worst possible scenario, if you DO miss your connecting flight you can just jump on the train which is IN the Zurich airport and go to Geneva in about 3 hours. The trains leave every 30 minutes or so and the price is much less than $260. For trains next week it looks like the full fare 2nd class one way is 85 chf which is MUCH less than the stupid change fee. I wouldn't count on NOT having to claim your luggage in Zurich...even if you don't miss your connecting flight.
Posted by
OP
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States
2 posts
Thank you for the reply Tim. The train is a very good idea, especially at only ~85. And according to United Airways, they have a baggage agreement with Swiss Air, so I would not have to reclaim my luggage (I believe).
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
Actually, if you miss your connecting flight, don't take a train to Geneva. Doing so will cancel the rest of your plane reservations back to the US. If you miss your connecting flight wait for a later flight, or get the airlines permission to take the train.
Posted by
Des Moines, IA
2193 posts
I think you'll be fine if there are no big delays. ZRH is a compact airport, and the immigration/security lines can be small and move quickly (you have to go through both). The last time I connected through Zürich just over a year ago, I had a 1 hour 25 minute change on the front end and a 50 minute change on the return with no issues. You'll spend more time waiting on the underground train than the actual ride from your international gate to the main terminal gates...3 minute wait & 2 minute ride. I wouldn't be concerned about 1 hour and 15 minutes not being enough. I certainly wouldn't change my flight.
Posted by
Austin
976 posts
If you booked those flights on one search, you should be fine assuming no delays. If you booked them with some flights from one airline and then jumped to get a flight from another website, then you'd need to check the connecting times. ( I.e., if you put MSY in the departure city and GVA in the arrival city and the website gave you the 3 connection itinerary, you're OK.)