BCN-ATH-TLV
Jul 19, 2019, 12:35 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Carlsbad,CA USA
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Titanuim/Lifetime Platinum, Hilton Gold, United Silver
Posts: 1,534
BCN-ATH-TLV
I am looking at a flight that involves a stop and change of planes in Athens from Barcelona Greece to Tel Aviv Israel.
Will I need to reclaim my luggage and recheck?
Will I need to go thru passport control?
Will I need to reclaim my luggage and recheck?
Will I need to go thru passport control?
Jul 19, 2019, 12:46 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,749
At least outside of the US, just "Barcelona" is typically enough to indicate the correct location!
If you are buying all travel on Aegean on a single ticket/in a single transaction, then no you won't have to reclaim and recheck your luggage, as it will be checked through to your final destination..
If you are buying all travel on Aegean on a single ticket/in a single transaction, then you can remain airside. Note that for Israel there are likely to be additional security and passport checks prior to boarding.
Jul 19, 2019, 4:01 pm
#4
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: PAS, Paros Greece
Programs: A3 *G
Posts: 1,375
...so, you'll arrive at ATH in the same way a domestic passenger would - no passport formalities. I assume from your profile you are a US citizen and so must have a Shengen visa. This covers you to enter Greece from Spain with no passport check. You will then have to leave the secure area, go upstairs and clear passport control (and security) to leave Schengen for your TLV flight. There are no airside transfers between the two areas at ATH unfortunately.
Jul 19, 2019, 10:48 pm
#6
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: UA lifetime gold; Hilton Gold; Marriott/SPG Plat; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,954
If you are a US passport holder you do not need visa to enter Schengen area
You fly the equivalent of a domestic flight between Barcelona and Athens
In Athens, if you do not need to collect your bags (because you are flying with the same airline through), then you proceed to do immigration to leave the Schengen area and then proceed to your gate to TLV. I am sure there is some kind of security check before boarding the flight to TLV.
You fly the equivalent of a domestic flight between Barcelona and Athens
In Athens, if you do not need to collect your bags (because you are flying with the same airline through), then you proceed to do immigration to leave the Schengen area and then proceed to your gate to TLV. I am sure there is some kind of security check before boarding the flight to TLV.
Jul 19, 2019, 10:50 pm
#7
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: UA lifetime gold; Hilton Gold; Marriott/SPG Plat; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,954
Jul 20, 2019, 3:07 am
#8
Moderator: Aegean Miles+Bonus
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: AMS / ATH
Programs: AFKL Plat, A3 Gold
Posts: 7,342
It doesn't really matter for this trip. The OP will be arriving from a Schengen country, so there will be no Schengen visa check upon arrival in ATH at all. If the OP were to not have the rights to enter Schengen, that would already have blocked him in Barcelona or earlier.
What may be an issue at ATH is the VISA requirements to enter Israel. I have no clue about the requirements for US citizens but it may be worth looking up.
What may be an issue at ATH is the VISA requirements to enter Israel. I have no clue about the requirements for US citizens but it may be worth looking up.
Jul 20, 2019, 8:06 am
#9
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: PAS, Paros Greece
Programs: A3 *G
Posts: 1,375
What may be an issue at ATH is the VISA requirements to enter Israel
Jul 20, 2019, 3:44 pm
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Carlsbad,CA USA
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Titanuim/Lifetime Platinum, Hilton Gold, United Silver
Posts: 1,534
Checked Israel Visa requirements and only need a Visa if staying for more than 90 days. My 2 best flight options are either this flight or a nonstop on Norweigian.
Jul 22, 2019, 2:39 am
#11
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: TK*G (E+), IHG Plat Ambassador
Posts: 7,884
During IROPS, A3 can reroute you onto any legacy airline. If you are 'A Gold you will get all published benefits.