Consolidated FRA connection time/logistics-Domestic & International
#781
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Pasadena, California
Programs: UA 1K, 1MM
Posts: 10,412
I've got a 60-minute connection booked (FCO-FRA to FRA-SFO) at the end of the month. I didn't think twice about it. I've done that connection in the past. I did once come very close to misconnecting (my inbound flight was late ... which I somehow didn't realize until I was halfway to the connection), but I did make it.
Actually, I did think twice. But when I realized that there were other FRA-SFO options on UA metal later that same day, I didn't hesitate further. I would expect to be accommodated ... somehow.
Actually, I did think twice. But when I realized that there were other FRA-SFO options on UA metal later that same day, I didn't hesitate further. I would expect to be accommodated ... somehow.
#783
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: San Antonio - the nicest city in northern Mexico
Programs: CO OnePass; AAdvantage Dirt; IHG Priority Club Plat; Hyatt Plat; Marriott Gold; Avis PresPref;
Posts: 886
FIgger da odds
Did similar recently. CDG-FRA landed at remote stand requiring bus transport to terminal. Had to clear passport control to make connection to US. The bus transport from plane to terminal was nerve wracking but biggest hurdle was be passport control, They have an express service for those with short connections, and we made it to our connecting flight with at least two or three minutes to spare.
If your CDG-FRA is significantly delayed LH will likely already have you booked on a backup flight. That's what they did with me on a delayed incoming to FRA. I did not care for what they had booked, was able to renegotiate with no problem to a better option.
If your CDG-FRA is significantly delayed LH will likely already have you booked on a backup flight. That's what they did with me on a delayed incoming to FRA. I did not care for what they had booked, was able to renegotiate with no problem to a better option.
#784
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: ORD
Programs: United Plat 2MM, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,727
You don't have dates and flights, but it looks like you may have a 70 minute connection. Sixty is doable if you don't dawdle and your inbound is on time. Seventy is (obviously) even better.
Don't hold out your hopes for compensation if your inbound is a little late: there are three *A alternatives that get you to Chicago within the four-hour window, and a fourth which might.
Don't hold out your hopes for compensation if your inbound is a little late: there are three *A alternatives that get you to Chicago within the four-hour window, and a fourth which might.
#785
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 29
You don't have dates and flights, but it looks like you may have a 70 minute connection. Sixty is doable if you don't dawdle and your inbound is on time. Seventy is (obviously) even better.
Don't hold out your hopes for compensation if your inbound is a little late: there are three *A alternatives that get you to Chicago within the four-hour window, and a fourth which might.
Don't hold out your hopes for compensation if your inbound is a little late: there are three *A alternatives that get you to Chicago within the four-hour window, and a fourth which might.
#786
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Houston
Programs: UA Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 12,693
If both flights end up at remote stands it could be a real challenge. If they're close to each other in term A/Z and the mini-immigration is open, it could be real easy.
#787
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Pacific
Programs: UA GS, Lifetime 4 MM, BA Gold, , Marriott Lifetime Titanium Elite, Marriott Ambassador Elite
Posts: 476
I wouldn't chance it. UA's connection times are often iffy. 2 hours is probably doable, but 1 hour transit time in FRA is really pushing it.
#788
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: NYC
Programs: UA GS, Amex Centurion, UA 1MM
Posts: 557
I have a 65 min connection time on two PNRs on a late August flight UA EWR-ATH to A3 ATH-MLO. I know, in theory, the bags will interline. I purchased FASTTRACK. there is a 3 hour later flight, that I was considering purchasing a refundable Y ticket to hold space on the later A3 flight just in case of a misconnect. Any advise thought or suggestions are VERY appreciated.
#789
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: DEN
Programs: UA 1K; BR Gold
Posts: 85
I just played this game and I'm not looking to repeat it. I had 60 minutes to make my connection and both passport control and security lines caused a near miss. My return flight was delayed and I had 45 minutes to connect back to DEN. Automated passport control leaving the EU is great, but secondary US security was painfully slow and again, after lots of running, it was another near miss as the last person to board. I'm personally going to stick with 2 hour connections at FRA and either not be rushed or enjoy the lounge. Not worth a missed international connection.
#790
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 29
I've found a somewhat less palatable option for around the same price in that it has stops in both directions. But this time, there is a 75 minute connection in Amsterdam. It's about the same length of time, but it sounds like FRA is a particularly challenging airport to connect in? Would this be a better plan? Why do airlines offer options that require perfect luck to fall into place?
#791
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
Having a child and not wanting to be delayed changes this calculus. What is the next best connection? If the timing works better and it does not cost appreciably more, why not book it and take your time and book the seats you want?
Either way, if you do misconnect, it will be LH's duty to rebook you and to take care of its duty of care, e.g. hotel & meals (if necessary).. The duty of care applies no matter the reason for the delay, so there are least no financial issues in a delay. But, as you point out, unles you get very lucky, the seating on your rebooked flight may be lousy.
Either way, if you do misconnect, it will be LH's duty to rebook you and to take care of its duty of care, e.g. hotel & meals (if necessary).. The duty of care applies no matter the reason for the delay, so there are least no financial issues in a delay. But, as you point out, unles you get very lucky, the seating on your rebooked flight may be lousy.
#792
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 29
Having a child and not wanting to be delayed changes this calculus. What is the next best connection? If the timing works better and it does not cost appreciably more, why not book it and take your time and book the seats you want?
Either way, if you do misconnect, it will be LH's duty to rebook you and to take care of its duty of care, e.g. hotel & meals (if necessary).. The duty of care applies no matter the reason for the delay, so there are least no financial issues in a delay. But, as you point out, unles you get very lucky, the seating on your rebooked flight may be lousy.
Either way, if you do misconnect, it will be LH's duty to rebook you and to take care of its duty of care, e.g. hotel & meals (if necessary).. The duty of care applies no matter the reason for the delay, so there are least no financial issues in a delay. But, as you point out, unles you get very lucky, the seating on your rebooked flight may be lousy.
#793
Join Date: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,125
The problem was that there was nothing close to this price -- I can see that there are later flights, but UA's system would not allow me to book it in economy class. If I could have, I would have! My son is a great traveler and I don't mind waiting a few hours at the airport. We can sit in a lounge; we've done it many times. I've since found Delta flights that connect in both directions (one way was nonstop on UA) and is a bit more expensive, plus it is charging on each flight to select seats (which I always pay, because I really don't want to be arguing about sitting next to my son, even on short flights). So I've booked both and am pondering. There are very few packages in this price range, most are several hundred dollars higher.
I have done many 1-hour-ish connections at FRA and generally don't worry about them unless they are late in the afternoon (last flight of the day). They're tight, but doable as long as your inbound is on time.
#794
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 29
Update: I called and tried to get UA to put me on the later flight. They wouldn't unless I paid the difference in fare, which is over $600. They said 50 minutes is considered enough time to connect, and I have 70 minutes.
It turns out I can book basic economy nonstop in each direction. By the time I pay for seats and checked bags, it will cost a few hundred more, and I will be in Basic Economy instead of Economy. Are there other differences I need to be aware of? Internationally, it doesn't seem like it is very different, assuming that I pay for my seats. I can still have a carry-on, etc. Is the only difference at that point boarding later?
Thank you so.much -- this has been very helpful. I am now running out of time. If I am going to cancel, I need to do so in the next couple of hours.
It turns out I can book basic economy nonstop in each direction. By the time I pay for seats and checked bags, it will cost a few hundred more, and I will be in Basic Economy instead of Economy. Are there other differences I need to be aware of? Internationally, it doesn't seem like it is very different, assuming that I pay for my seats. I can still have a carry-on, etc. Is the only difference at that point boarding later?
Thank you so.much -- this has been very helpful. I am now running out of time. If I am going to cancel, I need to do so in the next couple of hours.
#795
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 29
It's a Sunday in July, first thing in the morning, around 8:30 AM is the time of the second flight. I've never been to FRA before and just feel like if the slightest thing goes wrong, we are in for it. I don't mind waiting for the next flight (in fact, I'd prefer to be booked on it), but what if it is full? Per below, wondering if I'd be better off booking nonstops in Basic Economy and paying for seats and luggage. It comes out a few hundred more, but I'm so conditioned of being afraid of Basic Economy that I'm not sure what else might be different, once I've paid for seats and bags. It seems like not much, but then why is the price difference to economy so much more?