I tired searching but without success. I'm posting this here because it specifically concerns AA flights: Is there any problem doing a quick turn MR to FRA on AA 70/71? I've never been to the airport (or city) of Frankfurt. It seems that there are 3 hours between the arrival of AA 70 and the departure of AA 71. Is there a transfer desk to get the return BP, or would I have to go through immigration control?
Thanks for any thoughts.
I've never done a turnaround at FRA either, but I am 100% certain that three hours is plenty of time.
I once did a turnaround at AUA, a city where AA recommends pax check in 3 hours before flight time. My plane was on the ground for less than an hour. I made it.
This is one of the most popular fall and winter MR destinations. Lots of hits using "FRA mileage run" (who woulda thunk it ) in the Beta search. I did 2 last February and will most likely do the same in 08.
Yes you will find this very easy to do. By the time you get land side, and you will need to go landside, the checkin line will likely be open to get your BP. You could also just go to the AC and checkin up there and take a shower while you wait. The three hour turn gives you time to wonder around the shops or just hang out.
This is one of the most popular fall and winter MR destinations. Lots of hits using "FRA mileage run" (who woulda thunk it ) in the Beta search. I did 2 last February and will most likely do the same in 08.
What's the beta search? I tried using the "regular" search, and as you know, any search with any 3-letter word is rejected (viz: "run").
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ethang801
i couldnt find fares much below $500 on a turnaround fare. what kind of itineraries/dates are you guys using that makes it a good MR?
You won't find anything lower than that IMO to FRA. It's a good run because it's not taxed as LON is but is still an easy turnaround destination. I've done it several times and the 3 hours is more than enough. Customs has never been a problem and security lines can be long but move very quickly. If you're an AC member or a Plat or higher, you can have a shower at the AC and shop landside for over an hour... grab a bite, or whatever you want. There's even enough time to get over to the other terminal if you wanted to.
Go to Advanced Search, look at the bottom for the Beta search (may reveal what you want with three characters.) And in your titles, make them more searchable by not using three letter (or fewer) abbreviations.
Quote:
Originally Posted by card1953
What's the beta search? I tried using the "regular" search, and as you know, any search with any 3-letter word is rejected (viz: "run").
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Does one really need to leave airside to do a quick turn? The last 3 times I've landed in FRA, we just spilled into the regular concourse (not into a secure, direct to passport control area like landing in the US). Basically, I could have walked right off the plane and up to the GA boarding the return flight. I guess they might wonder why you were inside security w/o a boarding pass or having checked in...
Go to Advanced Search, look at the bottom for the Beta search (may reveal what you want with three characters.) And in your titles, make them more searchable by not using three letter (or fewer) abbreviations.
Location: Ezekiel 25:1-17. It's his house. I'm just renting.
Posts: 7,338
Quote:
Originally Posted by SAN-man
Does one really need to leave airside to do a quick turn? The last 3 times I've landed in FRA, we just spilled into the regular concourse (not into a secure, direct to passport control area like landing in the US). Basically, I could have walked right off the plane and up to the GA boarding the return flight. I guess they might wonder why you were inside security w/o a boarding pass or having checked in...
No, you don't at all. You can stay airside, you just can't enter the gate area before a certain time I believe.
However if you intend to do anything beyond sit there and look at nothing for 3 hours, yes, you absolutely have to leave. FRA is *horrible* airside. There's NOTHING to do and barely even any convenience/food outlets.
Seriously, it's so very easy to do. I've done it as recently as this past June and will be there again next week (although not for an MR). Just make sure you know where the gate is.
Also, while you can check in at the AC you need to go get 'goosed' by the security pukes. Once that's out of the way you can use the rest of your time as you please. The 'security' people will absolutely want to talk to you even if you got your BP for the return at checkin or in the AC.
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Do you "need" to leave airside? Yes, in the sense that you'll really want to, especially if you're just doing a turnaround. An FRA AAdmirals Club pitstop is THE way to go. The A/C would be the place to hang out during that time. Grab a shower, get a few beverages & snacks, just relax in a much, much nicer place than "airside". The staff is great. If you're not an A/C member, your EXP status on an international flight will get you in. I'll likely do an FRA turn (or 2, or 3, or more) this winter as well.
Ways to get even MORE points/miles:
If you're needing SPG points, you could grab a beverage/snack/meal at the Sheraton that's just across the catwalk (literally) from the A/C. Some FTers have been known to even get stay credits there, just for a brunch.
If you're needing more AA miles, combine the DFW morning arrival with an ORD afternoon departure and grab a AA/DB codeshare to Mannheim/MHG & back in between (just another 15-20 minutes by train, but you'll get 500 AA miles--250 per seg., r/t). The German rail station is also just across the catwalk from the A/C & thru the Sheraton lobby. The trains are really, really nice, & you could easily get to Mannheim & back b/n a DFW arr. & ORD dep.
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) in the Beta search. I did 2 last February and will most likely do the same in 08.
