Originally Posted by
acinchus
Thanks NewbieRunner. I just browsed through the FRA Connection Guide signature link you have to your thread. So while I could try to read through all the pages there, let me ask here.
Flights are NON-Schengen and likely to arrive in Pier C (C13-16) and depart from Pier B (B20-62).
* Since this is first time for anyone in our family at FRA, whats the best way to get oriented to the airport? Which map/videos would be best to look at?
* If wife+kids go landside to access LUXX lounge, how much time and hassle should they expect doing immigration & customs as US Citizens
* If they decide to go to T2, whats best way to get from T1 Pier C? and then back from T2 to T1 Pier B? Are the signs to Skylink well positioned and trustworthy? How much time should they plan to get back and will they have to go through security control back in T1 Pier B?
* Where is the new Pier A+ located? and can they access it without having a flight through Pier A+?
* Is the Apple IOS version of the FRA app good to trust for directions? I personally have Android but wife will not be carrying any android device.
The best map of FRA I have found is the one available on the FRA Airport app (I have only used the iOS version) but I've found their route navigation is not completely reliable and the locations of passport control/security checkpoints are not clear.
The only advice for someone not familiar with FRA is to follow the signs rather than to try and plan a route in advance. FRA is a large and confusing airport. Although C13-16 gates are right next to D gates, passengers cannot go from C13-16 to T2 directly.
If going to McD in T2 follow the signs for D/E and as there is more than one way to get there it's best to ask for the direction to the Visitors' Terrace which is right next to McD in T2. Don't ask for McD as there are others in T1. The route will take them via passport control and the Skyline train.
On the way back to T1 take the Skyline train and the escalator down from the platform brings them conveniently close to security and passport control for non-Schengen B gates. The escalator to/from the Skyline train platform is marked on this
Frankfurt Airport T1 shopping map between Starbucks and WorldShop just below the large letter B. I would leave T2 at least one hour before departure.
If they decide to go to the LUXX Lounge it's located one level up next to Reisemarkt on the way to the Sheraton on the same map.
Pier A+ is the new extension of Pier A as you will see on
this map (gates A50-69/gates Z50-69). Entry to A/Z appears to be controlled by BPs (unlike Pier B) so it may not be possible to go there without a BP for a flight departing from A/Z.
They will have to go through passport control to visit either McD/Visitors' Terrace in T2 or the LUXX Lounge. On the way back they will have to go through passport control and security.