I'm looking for flights to London from Boise (Sept 1) and returning from Athens (Oct 28). Most inexpensive flights I'm finding have layovers in Paris or Frankfurt for only 1 1/2 hours . Is this really enough time to get off one plane, find another terminal, possibly go through another set of security AND board the next flight? I know CDG is huge and I've been through there before but under special circumstances. Yikes! What is a realistic amount of time needed for international flight connections???
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
I would allow at least 2 hours for CDG. The problem is that you have to move through multiple security checks before reaching your terminal, and the central hub model of the airport is very inefficient.
Posted by
Grapevine, TX, USA
875 posts
Just from personal experience, we had to spend much more time in CDG than in Frankfurt.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Melissa, are these two seperate flights? Or is this one flight with a stop? If for instance you are flying Air France to Athens with a stop in Paris or Frankfurt then AF should get you to the destination . You would not normally have to pick up luggage or leave the secure area,, but I just don't know what details.
If you are flying one airline Boise to Paris, , then having to get your luggage and catch another airline to Athens, then forget it.
Posted by
OP
Boise, ID, United States
158 posts
These are just examples of flights I have found. I'm talking about the returning flight that would be going from Athens to Paris (or Frankfurt) then back home to Boise (with some other connection in the States). I'm not checking any bags but I will have a carryon backpack.
Would a shorter layover in Frankfurt be more doable than CDG? Or should I just try to find flights that allow more time between connections (but this means paying more money)?