We are planning using United miles for our trip to Italy about a year from now. I'm exploring miles options so when we are in the "window" we can quickly make a decision. So several questions. Most flights on United or Lufthansa from SFO to Rome connect in Frankfurt or Munich. Is an hour enough time to connect from a US United/Lufthansa flight to an inter-europe Lufthansa flight? Or is an hour cutting it too close and we take our chances and hope we can get on the next flight to Rome in the event we miss our connection. Or should we look for flights with 1 1/2-2 hour connection times.
Previous trips to Europe have been direct from SFO to London/Frankfurt, etc. However I'm seeing quite a few "miles" options connecting in Dulles, Chicago, or Philly, then direct to Rome. For those west coast travelers, any preference pros/cons to either the 11+ hour flight direct to Europe and connecting on a shorter flight, or 5-6 flight to the east coast, then direct flight to Rome. Total travel time is about the same. (we have enough miles to fly business class using saver fares, therefore fewer options) Thanks in advance for your input
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
I hate those connecting flights deals. Last month United re-scheduled my non-stop SFO to LHR flight to one with a 44 minute layover at Dulles (IAD). It didn't seem like enough time, but I went along with it. The plane was two hours late leaving SFO so I missed my connection in IAD. There wasn't another flight available until the next morning. Horrible long wait at "Customer Service." I spent a night at a hotel, got a couple of hours sleep, then went back to the airport. The plane that day was three hours late getting off the ground. We arrived in London after midnight. My advice is to take a non-stop to your final destination if you can. Otherwise, allow several hours for your connection. Things happen.
Posted by
OP
Monterey County, CA (formerly Verbania Italy-Lago Maggiore)
1641 posts
Thanks. Unfortunately on United or other partner airlines there are no direct flights to Rome. That being said, I think you are right that I'm better getting to Europe and dealing with a potential missed connection, then being stuck in the US for another 12-24 hours. There are multiple flights from Frankfurt to Rome daily.
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
Karen
I would also agree. I would much rather take the first flight direct to europe and then fly on from there. if there is a glitch at least I will be in europe with more options on how to get to my ultimate destination. Also, my body/mind seem to do better changing planes in europe in the morning after an overnight flight, than on a late night change in Chicago. (although Dallas fort Worth does seem an easy place to change flights)
Posted by
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
2779 posts
The official minimum connecting time in Frankfurt is 45 minutes and in Munich 40 to the best of my knowledge. The potential maximum walk from gate to gate in Munich is shorter than in Frankfurt.