Jun 5, 2014, 1:13 pm
Last edit by: oliver2002
Welcome to the FRA connection thread! If you are new to FRA or this thread, please read the first post where you will find a summary of all pertinent information before asking more specific questions.
Current MCT in FRA connecting to/from LH:
Current MCT in FRA connecting to/from LH:
Code:
DMLH/FRA/LH/17MAY22 FRA LH TO LH FRA-FRA FROM - TO D/D D/I I/D I/I CC FLTN-FLTR ORGN EQP TM CS-CC FLTN-FLTR DEST EQP TM CS HHMM HHMM HHMM HHMM LH BUS - ---- ---- ---- 0100 LH - TRN 0100 0100 0100 0100 LH BR - ---- ---- 0100 0100 LH CA - ---- ---- 0100 0100 LH CN - ---- ---- 0100 0100 LH EG - ---- ---- 0100 0100 LH ET - ---- ---- 0100 0100 LH IN - ---- ---- 0100 0100 LH JP - ---- ---- 0100 0100 LH QA - ---- ---- 0100 0100 LH SG - ---- ---- 0100 0100 LH TH - ---- ---- 0100 0100 LH US - ---- ---- 0100 0100 LH ZA - ---- ---- 0100 0100 LH - US ---- 0100 ---- 0100 LH KJR - ---- 0100 ---- ---- LH KWQ - ---- 0100 ---- ---- LH QDU - ---- 0100 ---- ---- LH QKL - ---- 0100 ---- ---- LH QKU - ---- 0100 ---- ---- LH ZWS - ---- 0100 ---- ---- LH KLT BUS - ---- 0100 ---- ---- LH SDA BUS - ---- 0100 ---- ---- LH 0400-0799 - ---- ---- 0100 0100 LH Y- TRN 0100 ---- ---- ---- LH KJR Y- 0100 ---- ---- ---- LH KWQ Y- 0100 ---- ---- ---- LH QDU Y- 0100 ---- ---- ---- LH QKL Y- 0100 ---- ---- ---- LH QKU Y- 0100 ---- ---- ---- LH ZWS Y- 0100 ---- ---- ---- LH KLT BUS Y- 0100 ---- ---- ---- LH SDA BUS Y- 0100 ---- ---- ---- LH CA- ---- ---- 0100 0100 LH AC- TRN ---- ---- ---- 0200 LH PL LO- ---- ---- 0100 ---- LH PL LO- SC ---- ---- ---- 0100 TRN -LH ---- 0100 0100 0100 -LH BR ---- 0100 ---- 0100 -LH CA ---- 0100 ---- 0100 -LH CN ---- 0100 ---- 0100 -LH EG ---- 0100 ---- 0100 -LH ET ---- 0100 ---- 0100 -LH IN ---- 0100 ---- 0100 -LH JP ---- 0100 ---- 0100 -LH QA ---- 0100 ---- 0100 -LH SG ---- 0100 ---- 0100 -LH TH ---- 0100 ---- 0100 -LH US ---- 0100 ---- 0100 -LH ZA ---- 0100 ---- 0100 -LH TLV ---- 0100 ---- 0100 BUS -LH TLV ---- 0200 ---- 0200 TRN -LH TLV ---- 0200 ---- 0200 TRS -LH TLV ---- 0200 ---- 0200 -LH 0400-0799 ---- 0100 ---- 0100 BUS -LH 0400-0799 ---- 0115 ---- 0115 -LH 0780-0780 NKG ---- ---- ---- 0800 -LH 0720-0720 PEK ---- ---- ---- 0800 -LH 0728-0728 PVG ---- ---- ---- 0800 -LH 0732-0732 PVG ---- ---- ---- 0800 -LH 0720-0720 SHE ---- ---- ---- 0800 -LH 0782-0782 SHE ---- ---- ---- 0800 -LH 0786-0786 TAO ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH BUS -LH 0100 0100 0100 0100 LH -LH BUS 0100 0100 0100 0100 LH TRN -LH BUS INV INV INV INV LH TRS -LH BUS INV INV INV INV LH BUS -LH TRN INV INV INV INV LH BUS -LH TRS INV INV INV INV LH SC BUS -LH ---- 0100 ---- 0100 LH SC TRN -LH ---- 0100 ---- 0100 LH SC TRS -LH ---- 0100 ---- 0100 LH -LH SC BUS ---- ---- 0100 0100 LH -LH SC TRN ---- ---- 0100 0100 LH -LH SC TRS ---- ---- 0100 0100 LH SC TRN -LH SC TRN INV INV INV INV LH SC TRS -LH SC TRN INV INV INV INV LH SC TRN -LH SC TRS INV INV INV INV LH SC TRS -LH SC TRS INV INV INV INV LH XER BUS -LH SC ---- ---- ---- 0100 LH -LH TLV ---- ---- ---- 0100 LH 0400-0799 -LH BUS ---- ---- 0100 0100 LH 0400-0799 -LH TRN ---- ---- 0100 0100 LH 0400-0799 -LH TRS ---- ---- 0100 0100 LH BUS -LH 0400-0799 ---- 0100 ---- 0100 LH TRN -LH 0400-0799 ---- 0100 ---- 0100 LH TRS -LH 0400-0799 ---- 0100 ---- 0100 LH SC -LH 0400-0799 SG ---- 0045 ---- 0045 LH SC -LH 0400-0799 US ---- 0045 ---- 0045 LH SC -LH 0400-0799 ZA ---- 0045 ---- 0045 LH SC TRS -LH 0400-0799 US ---- 0100 ---- ---- LH BUS -LH 0780-0780 NKG ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH TRN -LH 0780-0780 NKG ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH TRS -LH 0780-0780 NKG ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH BUS -LH 0720-0720 PEK ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH TRN -LH 0720-0720 PEK ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH TRS -LH 0720-0720 PEK ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH BUS -LH 0728-0728 PVG ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH BUS -LH 0732-0732 PVG ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH TRN -LH 0728-0728 PVG ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH TRN -LH 0732-0732 PVG ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH TRS -LH 0728-0728 PVG ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH TRS -LH 0732-0732 PVG ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH BUS -LH 0720-0720 SHE ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH BUS -LH 0782-0782 SHE ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH TRN -LH 0720-0720 SHE ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH TRN -LH 0782-0782 SHE ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH TRS -LH 0720-0720 SHE ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH TRS -LH 0782-0782 SHE ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH BUS -LH 0786-0786 TAO ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH TRN -LH 0786-0786 TAO ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH TRS -LH 0786-0786 TAO ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH 0400-0799 -LH 0001-3799 BUS ---- ---- 0100 ---- LH 0400-0799 -LH 0001-3799 TRN ---- ---- 0100 ---- LH 0400-0799 -LH 0001-3799 TRS ---- ---- 0100 ---- LH Y-LH BUS ---- 0100 ---- ---- LH AC-LH TRN ---- ---- 0200 ---- LH US UA-LH ---- ---- 0100 0100 LH UA-LH BY ---- ---- ---- INV LH EW-LH 0780-0780 NKG ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH EW-LH 0720-0720 PEK ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH EW-LH 0728-0728 PVG ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH EW-LH 0732-0732 PVG ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH EW-LH 0720-0720 SHE ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH EW-LH 0782-0782 SHE ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH EW-LH 0786-0786 TAO ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH SN-LH 0780-0780 NKG ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH SN-LH 0720-0720 PEK ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH SN-LH 0728-0728 PVG ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH SN-LH 0732-0732 PVG ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH SN-LH 0720-0720 SHE ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH SN-LH 0782-0782 SHE ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH SN-LH 0786-0786 TAO ---- ---- ---- 0800 LH 0400-0799 -LH 0001-3799 BUS Y ---- ---- 0100 ---- LH 0400-0799 -LH 0001-3799 TRN Y ---- ---- 0100 ---- LH 0400-0799 -LH 0001-3799 TRS Y ---- ---- 0100 ---- -LH AC ---- ---- ---- 0100 -LH AI ---- 0115 ---- 0115 -LH XQ ---- 0130 ---- 0130 -LH PL LO ---- 0100 ---- ---- -LH BR OS ---- 0100 ---- ---- SC -LH PL LO ---- ---- ---- 0100 LH -LH UA ---- 0100 ---- 0100 LH -LH XQ ---- 0130 ---- 0130 LH BUS -LH AC ---- ---- ---- 0200 LH TRN -LH AC ---- 0200 ---- 0200 LH TRN -LH UA ---- 0130 ---- ---- LH BY -LH UA ---- ---- ---- INV LH QDU -LH US UA ---- 0130 ---- ---- LH QKL -LH US UA ---- 0130 ---- ---- LH ZWS -LH US UA ---- 0130 ---- ---- LH LG-LH AC ---- ---- ---- 0200 LH AC-LH LG ---- ---- ---- 0200 LH AC-LH AT OS ---- ---- ---- 0100
Connecting in Frankfurt [FRA] 2009-2023 (retired)
Apr 6, 2018, 7:20 am
#4486
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Stoke on Trent, UK (MAN ), BUE, BKK, DBV
Programs: LH HON***,UA,BA.EK Gold,AV.
Posts: 11,641
I agree here, but to that I would add "best" is a relative term.
I have no real qualms with FRA as an O&D point, but from my limited transfer experiences, and observing the general activity in the airport, it is no surprise to me that there is a 4000+ post thread here about connecting in FRA.
I would note also that signage at Frankfurt is somewhat dynamic. The routes by which one is directed from one place in the airport to another can, in fact, change, and the routings are sometimes (often?) counterintuitive. This is done for both flow control, and as a result of frequent construction. The last couple of times I have arrived early in the morning from Z, I was directed to baggage claim after a couple of unusual turns via an arc past the exit of a second passport control (I had entered Schengen elsewhere in the airport), around A security, and then down stairs at the far east end of baggage claim. I don't know why.
However, when in doubt, I play the part of the good sheep, and follow the signs. They have never let me down. The signs always seem to get where I want to go, eventually.
(That said, make sure you read the signs carefully! They are sometimes about as user friendly as 5000 lines of uncommented and unstructured Motorola 68000 machine code: small user errors can result in large delays and occasional stern and condescending looks from airport staff wondering why you can read neither English nor German)
With experience, one can start to ignore the signs and follow known paths, but even that strategy comes with risks of encountering closures due to maintenance, construction or, as nearly as I can tell, pure caprice.
I have no real qualms with FRA as an O&D point, but from my limited transfer experiences, and observing the general activity in the airport, it is no surprise to me that there is a 4000+ post thread here about connecting in FRA.
I would note also that signage at Frankfurt is somewhat dynamic. The routes by which one is directed from one place in the airport to another can, in fact, change, and the routings are sometimes (often?) counterintuitive. This is done for both flow control, and as a result of frequent construction. The last couple of times I have arrived early in the morning from Z, I was directed to baggage claim after a couple of unusual turns via an arc past the exit of a second passport control (I had entered Schengen elsewhere in the airport), around A security, and then down stairs at the far east end of baggage claim. I don't know why.
However, when in doubt, I play the part of the good sheep, and follow the signs. They have never let me down. The signs always seem to get where I want to go, eventually.
(That said, make sure you read the signs carefully! They are sometimes about as user friendly as 5000 lines of uncommented and unstructured Motorola 68000 machine code: small user errors can result in large delays and occasional stern and condescending looks from airport staff wondering why you can read neither English nor German)
With experience, one can start to ignore the signs and follow known paths, but even that strategy comes with risks of encountering closures due to maintenance, construction or, as nearly as I can tell, pure caprice.
Apr 6, 2018, 7:28 am
#4487
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Stoke on Trent, UK (MAN ), BUE, BKK, DBV
Programs: LH HON***,UA,BA.EK Gold,AV.
Posts: 11,641
I'm traveling with my wife & infant, in F, from Stockholm to Bangkok with 3 hours in Frankfurt.
Trying to decide between going to the FCT or possibly the FCL in B.
How would the transfer work?
1) If apron, we're driven to B (?), go through passport control (no security check)?
2) If gate, we end up at A and can walk to B through the tunnel, go through passport (no security check)?
If we have to go through security check I'd much rather go to FCT, but if not I don't know.
Does the FCL B have a kids are similar to the FCT?
Sorry for all the questions.
Trying to decide between going to the FCT or possibly the FCL in B.
How would the transfer work?
1) If apron, we're driven to B (?), go through passport control (no security check)?
2) If gate, we end up at A and can walk to B through the tunnel, go through passport (no security check)?
If we have to go through security check I'd much rather go to FCT, but if not I don't know.
Does the FCL B have a kids are similar to the FCT?
Sorry for all the questions.
2. Yes you could walk to B via the tunnel & should only need passport control.
no kids area in FCL B
Heading to FCT eliminates potential for problems.
Apr 6, 2018, 10:59 am
#4488
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: PVD, BOS
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,664
Is the following possible? If so, how do I accomplish it?
Flying AA on PHL-FRA-HEL in J with a ~11 hour layover in FRA, with same day onward ticket to HEL (on AY). Upon landing, I'd like to (1) go to the CX Lounge for a (free) shower and breakfast; then (2) go into town and spend the day doing touristy things. I have a US passport, so no immigration issues. FWIW, the CX lounge is in T2 level 3 near gate E7 after security.
Can I get to the CX lounge before I pass through immigration? I should hopefully have my onward BP for the AY flight. Once I get to the lounge, can I then leave the secure area and actually enter Germany? Some airports aren't well suited for this (e.g. HKG), but I don't know about FRA in this regard.
I've never flown into FRA before, so I'm not familiar with how things operate there (specifically with regard to international transit).
Thanks!
Flying AA on PHL-FRA-HEL in J with a ~11 hour layover in FRA, with same day onward ticket to HEL (on AY). Upon landing, I'd like to (1) go to the CX Lounge for a (free) shower and breakfast; then (2) go into town and spend the day doing touristy things. I have a US passport, so no immigration issues. FWIW, the CX lounge is in T2 level 3 near gate E7 after security.
Can I get to the CX lounge before I pass through immigration? I should hopefully have my onward BP for the AY flight. Once I get to the lounge, can I then leave the secure area and actually enter Germany? Some airports aren't well suited for this (e.g. HKG), but I don't know about FRA in this regard.
I've never flown into FRA before, so I'm not familiar with how things operate there (specifically with regard to international transit).
Thanks!
Apr 6, 2018, 11:59 am
#4489
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Stoke on Trent, UK (MAN ), BUE, BKK, DBV
Programs: LH HON***,UA,BA.EK Gold,AV.
Posts: 11,641
Is the following possible? If so, how do I accomplish it?
Flying AA on PHL-FRA-HEL in J with a ~11 hour layover in FRA, with same day onward ticket to HEL (on AY). Upon landing, I'd like to (1) go to the CX Lounge for a (free) shower and breakfast; then (2) go into town and spend the day doing touristy things. I have a US passport, so no immigration issues. FWIW, the CX lounge is in T2 level 3 near gate E7 after security.
Can I get to the CX lounge before I pass through immigration? I should hopefully have my onward BP for the AY flight. Once I get to the lounge, can I then leave the secure area and actually enter Germany? Some airports aren't well suited for this (e.g. HKG), but I don't know about FRA in this regard.
I've never flown into FRA before, so I'm not familiar with how things operate there (specifically with regard to international transit).
Thanks!
Flying AA on PHL-FRA-HEL in J with a ~11 hour layover in FRA, with same day onward ticket to HEL (on AY). Upon landing, I'd like to (1) go to the CX Lounge for a (free) shower and breakfast; then (2) go into town and spend the day doing touristy things. I have a US passport, so no immigration issues. FWIW, the CX lounge is in T2 level 3 near gate E7 after security.
Can I get to the CX lounge before I pass through immigration? I should hopefully have my onward BP for the AY flight. Once I get to the lounge, can I then leave the secure area and actually enter Germany? Some airports aren't well suited for this (e.g. HKG), but I don't know about FRA in this regard.
I've never flown into FRA before, so I'm not familiar with how things operate there (specifically with regard to international transit).
Thanks!
Apr 6, 2018, 12:11 pm
#4490
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: SFO
Programs: AA Now dirt, BA Silver soon dirt EX NW IGE. EX BA Gold EX AA EXP x9. SQ Gold
Posts: 577
I'm traveling with my wife & infant, in F, from Stockholm to Bangkok with 3 hours in Frankfurt.
Trying to decide between going to the FCT or possibly the FCL in B.
How would the transfer work?
1) If apron, we're driven to B (?), go through passport control (no security check)?
2) If gate, we end up at A and can walk to B through the tunnel, go through passport (no security check)?
If we have to go through security check I'd much rather go to FCT, but if not I don't know.
Does the FCL B have a kids are similar to the FCT?
Sorry for all the questions.
Trying to decide between going to the FCT or possibly the FCL in B.
How would the transfer work?
1) If apron, we're driven to B (?), go through passport control (no security check)?
2) If gate, we end up at A and can walk to B through the tunnel, go through passport (no security check)?
If we have to go through security check I'd much rather go to FCT, but if not I don't know.
Does the FCL B have a kids are similar to the FCT?
Sorry for all the questions.
Apr 6, 2018, 2:02 pm
#4492
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Geneva
Programs: LX SEN, AFKL Platinum, BA Bronze,
Posts: 5,635
I'm traveling with my wife & infant, in F, from Stockholm to Bangkok with 3 hours in Frankfurt.
Trying to decide between going to the FCT or possibly the FCL in B.
How would the transfer work?
1) If apron, we're driven to B (?), go through passport control (no security check)?
2) If gate, we end up at A and can walk to B through the tunnel, go through passport (no security check)?
If we have to go through security check I'd much rather go to FCT, but if not I don't know.
Does the FCL B have a kids are similar to the FCT?
Sorry for all the questions.
Trying to decide between going to the FCT or possibly the FCL in B.
How would the transfer work?
1) If apron, we're driven to B (?), go through passport control (no security check)?
2) If gate, we end up at A and can walk to B through the tunnel, go through passport (no security check)?
If we have to go through security check I'd much rather go to FCT, but if not I don't know.
Does the FCL B have a kids are similar to the FCT?
Sorry for all the questions.
Normally if you get an apron then you can be driven to B Schengen. From there it is a short walk to the FCL at B. With passport control but no security check. Easier and shorter with an infant than FCT.
If you get an A gate on arrival I would let it depend on the departure gate to choose between FCL A, FCL B or FCT. The walk from the A30s gates is already long with an infant... if your onward flight departs from Z50 or Z22 or so then FCL B and FCT will require a lot more walking to the lounge and a limo back to the plane. If Z69 then the FCL B or FCT are about as long a trek as to the gate from FCL A.
If your BKK flight departs from B then it is a toss up between walking to the FCT and a drive to the plane or walking to FCL B and a short walk to the plane (with no security check).
Apr 6, 2018, 3:09 pm
#4493
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: SFO
Programs: AA Now dirt, BA Silver soon dirt EX NW IGE. EX BA Gold EX AA EXP x9. SQ Gold
Posts: 577
Thanks Nollbit!
I will look at going back to LH for that. I had been viewing the TG flight for F unless I do SQ via SIN, to grab a F seat. I like LH better than TG from FRA because of the FCT. I like TG on the return is nice because it offers the cart service to/from the gate.
I will look at going back to LH for that. I had been viewing the TG flight for F unless I do SQ via SIN, to grab a F seat. I like LH better than TG from FRA because of the FCT. I like TG on the return is nice because it offers the cart service to/from the gate.
Apr 6, 2018, 3:32 pm
#4494
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Stoke on Trent, UK (MAN ), BUE, BKK, DBV
Programs: LH HON***,UA,BA.EK Gold,AV.
Posts: 11,641
Apr 8, 2018, 7:47 pm
#4495
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: SJC
Programs: Southwest, Alaska, United, American Airlines
Posts: 994
One Hour Connection OK between Condor flights on same ticket. Any thoughts?
I'm redeeming AS miles for a Premium Class trip on Condor ex-BWI in August. For award redemption, AS builds itineraries between DE flights that technically meet MCT but Condor itself does not offer for purchase.
I can do BWI-DE-FRA-DE-VAR (Varna, Bulgaria), with exactly 60 minutes in FRA. I would not sweat this connection one bit if, say, I was flying a LH/LH or UA/LH combo. However, I get the impression Condor 1) does not really connect pax between its own flights very much; 2) still heavily uses remote gates at FRA; and 3) often becomes a major PITA when an IRROPS reroute is needed (I'd have to be rebooked FRA-BRU-VAR if we're significantly delayed into FRA). I'd prefer to visit Bulgaria with these flights if the experts think this makes sense; otherwise, I can do BWI DE FRA DE AYT with a four hour layover.
Any thoughts?
I can do BWI-DE-FRA-DE-VAR (Varna, Bulgaria), with exactly 60 minutes in FRA. I would not sweat this connection one bit if, say, I was flying a LH/LH or UA/LH combo. However, I get the impression Condor 1) does not really connect pax between its own flights very much; 2) still heavily uses remote gates at FRA; and 3) often becomes a major PITA when an IRROPS reroute is needed (I'd have to be rebooked FRA-BRU-VAR if we're significantly delayed into FRA). I'd prefer to visit Bulgaria with these flights if the experts think this makes sense; otherwise, I can do BWI DE FRA DE AYT with a four hour layover.
Any thoughts?
Apr 9, 2018, 1:36 am
#4496
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Stoke on Trent, UK (MAN ), BUE, BKK, DBV
Programs: LH HON***,UA,BA.EK Gold,AV.
Posts: 11,641
I'm redeeming AS miles for a Premium Class trip on Condor ex-BWI in August. For award redemption, AS builds itineraries between DE flights that technically meet MCT but Condor itself does not offer for purchase.
I can do BWI-DE-FRA-DE-VAR (Varna, Bulgaria), with exactly 60 minutes in FRA. I would not sweat this connection one bit if, say, I was flying a LH/LH or UA/LH combo. However, I get the impression Condor 1) does not really connect pax between its own flights very much; 2) still heavily uses remote gates at FRA; and 3) often becomes a major PITA when an IRROPS reroute is needed (I'd have to be rebooked FRA-BRU-VAR if we're significantly delayed into FRA). I'd prefer to visit Bulgaria with these flights if the experts think this makes sense; otherwise, I can do BWI DE FRA DE AYT with a four hour layover.
Any thoughts?
I can do BWI-DE-FRA-DE-VAR (Varna, Bulgaria), with exactly 60 minutes in FRA. I would not sweat this connection one bit if, say, I was flying a LH/LH or UA/LH combo. However, I get the impression Condor 1) does not really connect pax between its own flights very much; 2) still heavily uses remote gates at FRA; and 3) often becomes a major PITA when an IRROPS reroute is needed (I'd have to be rebooked FRA-BRU-VAR if we're significantly delayed into FRA). I'd prefer to visit Bulgaria with these flights if the experts think this makes sense; otherwise, I can do BWI DE FRA DE AYT with a four hour layover.
Any thoughts?
Apr 9, 2018, 8:17 am
#4497
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: SJC
Programs: Southwest, Alaska, United, American Airlines
Posts: 994
Apr 10, 2018, 11:14 am
#4498
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: SFO
Programs: AA Now dirt, BA Silver soon dirt EX NW IGE. EX BA Gold EX AA EXP x9. SQ Gold
Posts: 577
I'm redeeming AS miles for a Premium Class trip on Condor ex-BWI in August. For award redemption, AS builds itineraries between DE flights that technically meet MCT but Condor itself does not offer for purchase.
I can do BWI-DE-FRA-DE-VAR (Varna, Bulgaria), with exactly 60 minutes in FRA. I would not sweat this connection one bit if, say, I was flying a LH/LH or UA/LH combo. However, I get the impression Condor 1) does not really connect pax between its own flights very much; 2) still heavily uses remote gates at FRA; and 3) often becomes a major PITA when an IRROPS reroute is needed (I'd have to be rebooked FRA-BRU-VAR if we're significantly delayed into FRA). I'd prefer to visit Bulgaria with these flights if the experts think this makes sense; otherwise, I can do BWI DE FRA DE AYT with a four hour layover.
Any thoughts?
I can do BWI-DE-FRA-DE-VAR (Varna, Bulgaria), with exactly 60 minutes in FRA. I would not sweat this connection one bit if, say, I was flying a LH/LH or UA/LH combo. However, I get the impression Condor 1) does not really connect pax between its own flights very much; 2) still heavily uses remote gates at FRA; and 3) often becomes a major PITA when an IRROPS reroute is needed (I'd have to be rebooked FRA-BRU-VAR if we're significantly delayed into FRA). I'd prefer to visit Bulgaria with these flights if the experts think this makes sense; otherwise, I can do BWI DE FRA DE AYT with a four hour layover.
Any thoughts?
Condor operates more like a charter airline these days. I find dealing with them is "clunky". It appears you understand some of the shortcomings from your post.
I would not attempt a 60 minute connection. (I do not even attempt a 60 minute connection in FRA on LH in F...) I would perhaps be much more comfortable with the 4 hour layover. Do let us know how you do on the connection.
Apr 11, 2018, 2:06 am
#4500
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Stoke on Trent, UK (MAN ), BUE, BKK, DBV
Programs: LH HON***,UA,BA.EK Gold,AV.
Posts: 11,641
Most pax want / need to get where they are going ASAP, 60 minutes ought to be fine in F on LH & for certain if something goes wrong they will fall over themselves to assist.
For Y pax without status 60 mins is not nice & if something goes wrong.....