Nordic Countries - OSL - domestic to international connection

Anyone have any experience with making domestic to international connections at OSL airport?

We're supposed to fly from TOS to OSL to LHR. Supposed to get into OSL at 3:50 and depart for LHR at 5:10. I know we have to switch from domestic to international and that can be a bit of a walk and we have to go through security again. We won't have any bags.

Anyone know if this is practical?

It shouldn't be any problem at all. Since you are leaving Schengen you will have to go through emigration which is at the end of the international departures section.

Turn right once you get through security on the departure level, and keep walking until they ask for your passport. Your gate will be close at hand after this.

If your luggage has been checked through (or you travel only with hand luggage as you do) you do not have to go through security at OSL. If you are on a through itinerary, you'll probably get your boarding pass at TOS, if not carry a written proof of your itinerary, and you'll get a boarding pass at the gate (the confirmation or boarding pass necessary to get trough the manned door to INT, and through passport control to the non-Schengen gates).

No wait at the entrance to the INT part of the terminal, usually just a short wait at passport control. As there are few facilities past passport control (just a small newsstand and cafe), you're probably better off waiting in one of the bars/ restaurants in the INT terminal or in a lounge if entitled. The lounges are all in the Schengen part of the terminal, i.e. pre-passport control.

80 minutes is about double minimum connection time at OSL, but not over-long as the non-Schengen gates are at the far end of the international terminal. OSL is LONG, about 800 meters, so count on a 10 - 15 minutes walk from arrival gate, to LHR gate. Arriving DOM passengers might have to backtrack from the arrival gate to the stairs to departure level.

In my opinion, connecting often at OSL, your connecting time is comfortable.

But as I started: no security check DOM-INT at OSL or DOM-DOM. Just for INT-DOM and INT-INT

But as I started: no security check DOM-INT at OSL or DOM-DOM. Just for INT-DOM and INT-INT

So what is the minimum connection time for International to International for Oslo? Have an SK flight from Amsterdam arriving at 12:55pm, and an OS flight to Vienna leaving Oslo at 1:50pm. Is this doable at all ? Thanks.

So what is the minimum connection time for International to International for Oslo? Have an SK flight from Amsterdam arriving at 12:55pm, and an OS flight to Vienna leaving Oslo at 1:50pm. Is this doable at all ? Thanks.

I don't know what the minimum would be, but I'd be comfortable with 55 minutes. They'll be no security to go through and since everything is Schengen, no passport control.

I don't know what the minimum would be, but I'd be comfortable with 55 minutes. They'll be no security to go through and since everything is Schengen, no passport control.
There IS a security check when connecting INT/ INT at OSL, but as relatively few passengers connect INT/ INT at OSL waiting time is usually very short. Be aware that the INT/ INT security isn't open at all times, so you might at times have to go through customs and use the main departure security checkpoint (same procedure as passengers connecting INT/DOM). It should be open at that time of day, but if you are on a through ticket, or your incoming flight is on time, you should have sufficient time even if you have to go through main security, as this is the usual connecting time INT/DOM when you have to wait for your luggage and recheck it before going tthrough security

the confirmation or boarding pass necessary to get trough the manned door to INT, and through passport control to the non-Schengen gates

There is no BP check anymore at these gates. Changed during 2010.

As we've already gone off the original topic with the INT-INT question may I ask a question about INT-DOM?

I have a connection from CPH to TRD in a few weeks (could have gone on the direct CPH-TRD flight but times weren't as convenient). I assumed my baggage would be checked through, but have just read a passing comment in another thread suggesting that one has to collect and re-check one's baggage when transferring international to domestic in Norway.

It's a one-hour connection, and I was able to book it as a single itinerary so guess it's all right... but am just a bit concerned now after what I read about possibly having to collect and re-check baggage.

Is anyone able to enlighten me?

As we've already gone off the original topic with the INT-INT question may I ask a question about INT-DOM?

I have a connection from CPH to TRD in a few weeks (could have gone on the direct CPH-TRD flight but times weren't as convenient). I assumed my baggage would be checked through, but have just read a passing comment in another thread suggesting that one has to collect and re-check one's baggage when transferring international to domestic in Norway.

It's a one-hour connection, and I was able to book it as a single itinerary so guess it's all right... but am just a bit concerned now after what I read about possibly having to collect and re-check baggage.

Is anyone able to enlighten me?

Sorry mac, you need to clear customs with any checked bags at OSL. Lot of lobbying to change it, but nothing looks to change in any near future.

Sorry mac, you need to clear customs with any checked bags at OSL. Lot of lobbying to change it, but nothing looks to change in any near future.

Most of the indirect itineraries on the SAS web site have a connecting time of 55-60 minutes, so clearly this must be do-able (or they wouldn't be selling the flights).

Are there special arrangements for connecting passengers, US-style? I can't imagine how one would wait for baggage, go to a check-in desk and go back airside all in 55 minutes.

Most of the indirect itineraries on the SAS web site have a connecting time of 55-60 minutes, so clearly this must be do-able (or they wouldn't be selling the flights).

Are there special arrangements for connecting passengers, US-style? I can't imagine how one would wait for baggage, go to a check-in desk and go back airside all in 55 minutes.

Even more sorry (called customs at OSL to verify), you need to pick up luggage, and go through customs like everyone. Then one level up to baggage drop, and through regular security.

Even more sorry (called customs at OSL to verify), you need to pick up luggage, and go through customs like everyone. Then one level up to baggage drop, and through regular security.

I don't think you really understand my question.

When I travel to the USA I pick up my bag, go through customs and put it back on a special belt for connecting passengers. It is already tagged to its final destination, I don't have to join the normal check-in queue, I don't even have to interact with any human beings once I am through customs. I just drop my already-tagged bag and that's it.

I have now established (from the customer support desk at OSL) that 55 minutes is a legal connection so I shall assume that Norway operates a similar system to the USA because these 55 minute connections wouldn't be possible otherwise.

And, come to think of it - this is roughly how it all worked when I was flying back from Svalbard some years ago (which is also deemed "international" because of its special status). I did have to collect my bag and go through Customs at TOS, but I was able to drop it straight off again for my connecting flight to TRD.

Unfortunately I did understand. There is no baggage drop after customs. You need to take the lift one level up to departure hall, but there you can drop it on bag drop (the only thing Im unsure of is whether you need to present the BP to drop it, and use the same bag drops as all those that have done OLCI).
Then security. Not at all as easy, though technically probably the same, as the US system in that regard.

OSL is a rather small airport, but then TOS is smaller (Svalbard might be the only "intnl" destination?)

I don't think you really understand my question.

When I travel to the USA I pick up my bag, go through customs and put it back on a special belt for connecting passengers. It is already tagged to its final destination, I don't have to join the normal check-in queue, I don't even have to interact with any human beings once I am through customs. I just drop my already-tagged bag and that's it.

I have now established (from the customer support desk at OSL) that 55 minutes is a legal connection so I shall assume that Norway operates a similar system to the USA because these 55 minute connections wouldn't be possible otherwise.

And, come to think of it - this is roughly how it all worked when I was flying back from Svalbard some years ago (which is also deemed "international" because of its special status). I did have to collect my bag and go through Customs at TOS, but I was able to drop it straight off again for my connecting flight to TRD.

I just flew LHR-OSL-BGO on SK. Yes, at OSL, you’ve to clear immigration, collect your bags, clear custom and drop off your bags on the departure level. All in <30 minutes including a toilet stop after collecting my bag and before clearing custom.

The immigration checkpoint was almost right at the gate as you disembark. No landing card or custom declaration form to fill out. Then just follow the sign to the baggage reclaim area. Collect your bag, if you have nothing to declare, go through the “Nothing To Declare” channel. A few custom officers were standing around chit chatting amongst themselves. They just waved me through. Once outside, there was a lift slightly to the left to go upstairs to the departure level. Went to the *G check-in, showed the agent my boarding pass, scanned the pass and the luggage tags, was asked whether I wanted to use my finger print or passport as ID. I used my finger print. Then go through security and the gate with some 15 minutes to spare before boarding commenced. At boarding, you will need to be finger printed (or present your passport depending on the method you chose) to match up with your hold baggage.

I was very impressed with the efficiency at OSL. Immigration officer was very friendly – asked the usual questions – purpose of the trip and how long would I be staying, etc. No hassle at custom. Unlike the U.S., I’d a feeling of being welcome as a tourist to Norway.

I just flew LHR-OSL-BGO on SK. Yes, at OSL, you’ve to clear immigration, collect your bags, clear custom and drop off your bags on the departure level. All in <30 minutes including a toilet stop after collecting my bag and before clearing custom.

The immigration checkpoint was almost right at the gate as you disembark. No landing card or custom declaration form to fill out. Then just follow the sign to the baggage reclaim area. Collect your bag, if you have nothing to declare, go through the “Nothing To Declare” channel. A few custom officers were standing around chit chatting amongst themselves. They just waved me through. Once outside, there was a lift slightly to the left to go upstairs to the departure level. Went to the *G check-in, showed the agent my boarding pass, scanned the pass and the luggage tags, was asked whether I wanted to use my finger print or passport as ID. I used my finger print. Then go through security and the gate with some 15 minutes to spare before boarding commenced. At boarding, you will need to be finger printed (or present your passport depending on the method you chose) to match up with your hold baggage.

I was very impressed with the efficiency at OSL. Immigration officer was very friendly – asked the usual questions – purpose of the trip and how long would I be staying, etc. No hassle at custom. Unlike the U.S., I’d a feeling of being welcome as a tourist to Norway.

Thanks! Very true, efficient and friendly I would say. But remember he used the *G check-in. And also that at rush hours there might be more lines, even though they open more lanes at security.

Remember that most SAS passengers travelling domestically in Norway check in online or self-service at the airport. Worst case, you have to wait at the general bagdrop at OSL SK Check-In-desks for five minutes. Although baggage deadline for passengers originating in Oslo is 30/40 minutes, SK will be able to accept tagged luggage until about 20 minutes before scheduled take-off time. And if your luggage is accepted, you will be able to make it through security on time. As has been stated repeatedly on this board: OSL has rather long walking distances, but is very efficient and well run.

I had a 50 minute connection LH/SK today at OSL. My LH flight from FRA was due at 12.15, but arrived 7 minutes late, at 12.22. My connecting flight to KSU was at 13.05. I picked up my bag at 12.39, and was at business check-in at 12.43 ("plenty of time" according to the agent). So even with small delays, the apparently short connecting times at OSL are doable.

Another solution, which arrival services actually recommend especially if you can make it, but not your bags, and you are on the last flight of the day (often quite early on Saturdays!) is to leave the bags at OSL, and file a lost luggage claim at final destination. The bags will be customs cleared in your absence, and brought to you by SAS usually next day. In this scenario, I once even had the bags on the same flight as me! I've had to do this six or seven times, and I have always gotten my bags next day or earlier. But obviously: this is at your own risk, and probably best done by those who know they are going to be at their destination for at least a couple of days!

Hi guys, I thought I would add my question to this thread as their seemed to be similar questions (with variations) all being answered here. We've never been to Oslo Gardermoen airport before so I am a little nervous about making this connection.

We fly and land at OSL international at 6.50AM - we have checked luggage from the previous flight and then we have a 8.20AM OSL domestic flight to catch to go to Tromso (with luggage we'll need to check back in with a different non-alliance airline).

That means we have 90 minutes to rush off the plane, check into customs, pick up our bags, go through security and then rush to the domestic, check in our bags and rush to the departure gate.

Too risky? Should we book the next flight (7 hours after... ?).

:confused:

Hi guys, I thought I would add my question to this thread as their seemed to be similar questions (with variations) all being answered here. We've never been to Oslo Gardermoen airport before so I am a little nervous about making this connection.

We fly and land at OSL international at 6.50AM - we have checked luggage from the previous flight and then we have a 8.20AM OSL domestic flight to catch to go to Tromso (with luggage we'll need to check back in with a different non-alliance airline).

That means we have 90 minutes to rush off the plane, check into customs, pick up our bags, go through security and then rush to the domestic, check in our bags and rush to the departure gate.

Too risky? Should we book the next flight (7 hours after... ?).

:confused:

No problem if you are on schedule and hurry. Do verify when your connecting airline close check-in. As you are on two itineraries you are not protected.

In that case I would rather take a day trip to Oslo. 20 minutes with express train.

No problem if you are on schedule and hurry. Do verify when your connecting airline close check-in. As you are on two itineraries you are not protected.

In that case I would rather take a day trip to Oslo. 20 minutes with express train.

They close check-ins 30 minutes from departure. So it means I have 55-60 minutes to race and get to the check in counter with our bags!

I'm so so nervous but we can haul if we need to!

Thanks for responding so quickly!

They close check-ins 30 minutes from departure. So it means I have 55-60 minutes to race and get to the check in counter with our bags!

I'm so so nervous but we can haul if we need to!

Thanks for responding so quickly!

Small airport, quick bags/customs etc, check in at kiosk, drop bag etc.

98% sure you will make it.

Small airport, quick bags/customs etc, check in at kiosk, drop bag etc.

98% sure you will make it.

The FTer to whom you were responding seems to have in effect just 60 minutes of scheduled connection time when there is a need to get bags checked in at OSL again.

Given that I've waited as long as 30 minutes within the past 12 months to get my bags at OSL (when they make it to OSL at all, which hasn't been the case always) and that my odds of having a 20+ minute delay on arrival into OSL have exceeded 2% of my trips there, I wouldn't be so fortunate to be as confident as you about my chances to make it if in that FTer's shoes. I'd probably still make it most of the time, but I'm sure that if I did it 20 times, I'd be out of luck at least once or twice.

Helps if OP tells us what flight he is on into OSL and out.

I take it there are no specific problems with OP, like wheelchair, need to declare something at customs etc.

Then you can check stats on how often you arrive on time. If you see your inbound is delayed you might change the connection onwards online befreo flying to OSL. If you are on DY you can do this with any tickets for a fee.

You wont need need more than 5 min from plane to bag belt. This early very few arrivals, and bag should be quick. Passing customs takes 1 minute, unless you are pulled over. No problem if you are clean. Also you wont be pulled over, and max a question or two.

Immigration could delay for a few minutes, but OP hasnt told us. Get a front seat on inbound.

After customs you have 3 minutes to check in kiosks one level up. Bag drop is quick. Estimate 5-15 minutes for security day depending. Then 2-5 minutes to the gate.

I dont see a problem.

If the bags dont arrive, it probably doesnt matter if you have 7 hours. File the paperwork at TOS, in case there is a line in arrival hall for lost luggage.

If you loose the bags, you will be quicker to check in for next flight:D

If the bags dont arrive, it probably doesnt matter if you have 7 hours. File the paperwork at TOS, in case there is a line in arrival hall for lost luggage.

If you loose the bags, you will be quicker to check in for next flight:D

:D ... unfortunately it doesn't work that way if the bags are lost. If the bags are lost, the passenger will generally be slower to check-in for the next flight as the passenger with the lost bag will ordinarily be waiting until after the last of the bags are delivered on the belt at OSL and then even some time after that to see what happened. Having been in this kind of situation repeatedly at OSL, it's not a fun thing to experience when on a rather expensive, inflexible ticket/itinerary whose value may plummet if unable to check-in on time for the OSL-departing flight.

:D ... unfortunately it doesn't work that way if the bags are lost. If the bags are lost, the passenger will generally be slower to check-in for the next flight as the passenger with the lost bag will ordinarily be waiting until after the last of the bags are delivered on the belt at OSL and then even some time after that to see what happened. Having been in this kind of situation repeatedly at OSL, it's not a fun thing to experience when on a rather expensive, inflexible ticket/itinerary whose value may plummet if unable to check-in on time for the OSL-departing flight.

As mentioned they would know before they depart for OSL if they are delayed. Then change connection before boarding for OSL.

If you loose bags closely watch clock, and consider changing TOS flight.
Party is at least 2 pax, so one can go to change and/or check-in while one takes care of bags.

Did I also mention travel insurance + there are plenty of TOS flights throughout the day.

Ooh.. That's definitely an idea. Can definitely split up and while one waits for bags, the other lines up to check in.

But we're both young and able, can run and will make sure we get out on time if it's within our control. Either way, we'll know by the time we're prepping to leave Bangkok whether or not we'll be massively delayed and maybe a quick chat to the hostesses will help us on our way.. That or you'll find me logging in while we're halfway there and I'll be sweating and spewing bullets, ranting and raving!!

But thanks guys, all been über insightful!