Flight Transfer Advice

dinkylink

Hi guys, just after some transfer advice as have previously only got direct flights.


Flight there is London to Japan, transferring at Frankfurt. I have 2 options, one with a 1.25 hour layover and one with a 2.40 layover.


London to Frankfurt leg is Lufthansa, Frankfurt to Japan is ANA. These airlines are sister/codeshare airlines however.


I am leaning towards the flight with the longer transfer time even though the total time is obviously longer, just in case because if I miss the ANA flight at Frankfurt the next flight is not till the following day! What do you guys think, how is Frankfurt for transfers?


The journey back also involves a transfer at Frankfurt, but I have 1 and 2 hour transfer options. This time both legs are with Lufthansa. I was thinking perhaps going for the shorter option as if I miss it surely they will just put me on the next flight an hour later? Or is this not worth the hassle?


I would be interested to hear peoples thoughts..




Thanks

PeacefulWaters

Is each leg on the same booking?

If so, I'd go short. If not, I'd go long.

Obviously_the_best

I'd go same as you, longer outbound shorter inbound.

callum9999

I'd personally go short on both, as I'm a cheapskate and if you miss the ANA flight there's a chance you could get €600 compensation. Even if not (if the delay wasn't Lufthansa's fault you get nothing) I wouldn't mind spending a night in Frankfurt at the airlines expense.

If you're more interested in not messing up your holiday however, I'd agree with OTB - the longer outbound connection and shorter inbound.

dinkylink

thanks all,


yes both legs would be on the same booking. Has anyone had experience of Frankfurt and what the transfer times are like?

dinkylink

also on the return journey if I miss the first transfer are they likely to just put me on the next plane an hour later?

theonlywayisup

If your flights are on the same PNR you will be covered for delay.

callum9999

dinkylink wrote: »

also on the return journey if I miss the first transfer are they likely to just put me on the next plane an hour later?

They'll put you on the next flight that still has free seats - which will most likely be the one an hour later, but isn't guaranteed.

hcb42

i would go long, I wouldnt want my trip cutting short because of a short transfer and a missed flight. That's not worth it, 2hrs is nothing in an airport

vart400

I've flown with Lufthansa via Frankfurt a few times. You should be ok with the 1h25 transfer time. The minimum allowed transfer time allowed at Frankfurt is 45 minuets, I did this once and it was really cutting in fine as my first flight was delayed taking off, which then resulted in me running to catch my next flight. Luckily this was also delayed so I just made it! You may have to go through a security check point depending on weather you need to change terminal but this is usually very quick.
Enjoy Tokyo! I've been twice. You're in for a treat!

eDicky

dinkylink wrote: »

Has anyone had experience of Frankfurt and what the transfer times are like?

The last time was several years ago but I doubt it's changed much. I am guessing that you are on one of the early morning LH flights out of Heathrow, unlikely to be delayed except by winter fog. Transfer at Frankfurt between a European flight and a long haul flight involves a change of terminal. So it can be a bit of a trek through a maze of escalators and corridors, perhaps involving a bus ride. LHR-FRA is a non-Schengan flight so you will pass immigration at least once, probably twice on the way back, also security, but queues are not bad. The only serious queue can be for the transfer desks, but you will avoid that if you receive your onward boarding pass when you check in at Heathrow. Returning, you will be trying to find your way through to the departure gate after a 12hr+ flight, which can be a factor...