Change flights in LHR or AMS / HEL / CDG

it takes 2 2 tango

Hi all.

I am looking at holidays either this summer, covid permitting or next summer 2023 if it has to be. I am looking at some destinations in Asia or Africa and have nothing drilled down yet.

Some destinations have equally good connections from LHR and AMS/HEL going to Asia and LHR/CDG going to Africa.

Would it be better to transit through LHR if going to far flung places because of CTA. You don’t have to clear immigration. If I transit through CDG or AMS or HEL you’ll have to clear Schengen and go through a metropolis of an airport.

Another question about going to Ljubljana. Should I fly via Frankfurt and change flights or fly to Venice and get a bus.

Thanks all. Happy new year.

bbbbb

I think changing terminals rather than passport control is the main issue to consider.

With that in mind I would avoid LHR and CDG

it takes 2 2 tango

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118384217#Comment_118384217

Thanks. If going to China HEL seems to be good. Is that a cluster f…. Of an airport to swap in though?

If going to Africa what mainland European airport do you recommend?

Charles Babbage

If you transit AMS or CDG you do not generally have to enter Schengen if your destination is not Schengen. When you arrive at LHR you have to show your passport there and in Ireland. AMS is generally a reasonable option, but I think the last time I was there they had security on arrival from outside the EU, which wasn't welcome after a long flight.

Obviously you can reach many of these places through the UAE hubs and Istanbul.

endofrainbow

HEL or AMS would be my choices. I'd avoid CDG and LHR at all costs.

fits

Of those Helsinki is by far the nicest airport to transit in and finnair is good to fly to Far East with too. You won’t need to change terminal but it’s not a massive airport even if you do.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118385697#Comment_118385697

Funnily enough, I'd avoid AMS at all costs. HEL would be my preference, and then LHR.

it takes 2 2 tango

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118384409#Comment_118384409

I assume that’s only going back home. Going from DUB to LHR Irish arrivals bypass immigration.

As a matter of curiosity, why don’t DAA let UK arrivals bypass passport control?

newirishman

Asia or Africa I'd probably try Dubai or Abu Dhabi, ie Emirates or Etihad

It is 7-8hrs first leg, and then 4-12 for the second, depending where you go.

I personally think that Emirates or Etihad are comfortable even in Economy, and both Dubai and Abu Dhabi Airports are easy to navigate.

newirishman

As for Ljubljana: If you get a flight via Frankfurt I'd take that to be honest, unless the price difference is massive (or flight times are too awkward).

whomitconcerns

Avoid cdg like the plague.... If you'll pardon the pun. Changing buses, shuttles, levels, etc all a pain

Ams is all one big terminal so as long as you can walk fast it's great for flights.

lHR can be a pain when changing terminals but it's balanced out by the clarity of everything.

Hel is great, not too big, a little bit different, and nice airline!

Murt10

I changed in Moscow going to Asia 2 years ago with Aeroflot. Completely painless and uneventful. 🖕👆️

it takes 2 2 tango

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118386165#Comment_118386165

Do you need a Russian visa if transiting?

How do check in staff know who to ask a visa from especially if the traveller is transiting with a different airline?

Murt10

No visa needed.

It's Aeroflot to Moscow and also Aeroflot on to /Thailand

VG31

For Ljubljana flying through Frankfurt/Munich/Zurich is probably the best option. You could also fly to Zagreb and get the bus or (infrequent) train from there. Zagreb is a lot closer to Ljubljana than Venice.

89897

Ive never used HEL but transited through the others several times and AMS all day. Now i actively avoid LHR and CDG more so CDG.

munchkin_utd

MUC might also be an idea as theres a reasonable number of flights from Dublin and if transfering from one non-schengen Lufthansa flight to another then you just walk from your arrival gate to the onward departure gate within Terminal 2.

Arrivals and departures share the same area so theres no lengthy trek to the bowels of the terminal just to go back to almost where you came from, you land off the air bridge to the same area where the next passengers are awaiting boarding.