Pick-up Logistics/Timing @ FRA?
 

Spouse and I are flying to FRA tonight via UA989.

My son is picking us up at FRA (driving from Ramstein AFB).

Looking for advice / experience, re:

- time to get thru customs (arrival time is 7:20AM)
- he is parking @ Terminal 1 (per airport info, Terminal 1 is our arrival terminal)
- a good place to meet up

Assuming we will not be able to communicate via cell phone. I have an iPhone 4s (Verizon) and have unlocked it (will install a micro-SIM when we get to Germany).

TIA . . .

Ken

I'll move this question to the Germany (Travel) Forum; it's very active with members who transit FRA on great regularity.

Safe travels,

FlyinHawaiian, Co-Moderator
United MileagePlus Forum

Use the marked "meeting point" in the arrival hall. It is signposted from all directions with the same pictogram that is used in the plan linked below, a red dot with four arrows pointing to it. You don't even need the plan to find it, just follow the signs. There is only one per terminal.

Plan of the terminals: http://www.frankfurt-airport.de/cont...-10_2012a4.pdf

When we pick up folks in FRA, we plan to be there about 20 - 30 minutes after the projected arrival time. Flights from the states can arrive early, so it is a good idea for your son to check before he leaves to the airport. Parking costs 4 EUR per hour.

We usually pick up folks just as they exit the baggage claim area, but the meeting point might be an even better suggestion, at least as a back up.

"The meeting point" is clearly defined to everyone who works at the airport, so if you feel lost you can approach any information desk and ask for directions, and they will send you to this very spot, and your son can do the same if in doubt. I know nothing is 100% foolproof but this comes as close as possible.

There are times when it may be "worth it" to just use your phone for a quick call or text. Even with the US number it'll cost no more than a buck or two to say/text "we've arrived and are through customs see you soon."