International flights

[star72232]

I'm looking at possibly taking DD to Greece and Italy in the late spring. When I'm looking at flights there aren't any direct flights from Toronto to Athens, so we need to have a stop over. How close can we have a connecting flight and still have it be (reasonably) safe?

 

[minnie mum]

Which airports are your options? Heathrow can be a bear. So can Frankfort. You'd probably want around 2 hours.

 

[star72232]

It looks like 1h45m in Paris or 2h30m in New York.

 

[Terra Nova guy]

I travel internationally every month. I would also recommend 2 hours minimum, depending on how busy the airport is. I use London Heathrow a lot and often 2 hours is barely enough. I have not been to the airport in Paris, but the 2.5 hrs stopover in New York should be sufficient.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

It looks like 1h45m in Paris or 2h30m in New York.

So would this be a flight from Toronto to Paris to Athens or Toronto to NY to Athens? If so, I'd take the flight through NY, just to avoid CDG and to have the longer flight at the end for more sleeping time.

 

[firecracker725]

I'm looking at possibly taking DD to Greece and Italy in the late spring. When I'm looking at flights there aren't any direct flights from Toronto to Athens, so we need to have a stop over. How close can we have a connecting flight and still have it be (reasonably) safe?

We once connected at Heathrow and it took every bit of our nearly 3 hour layover from gate to gate. We literally landed at one end and took off from the other.

I think you'd be fine with either of those options, but I'd say just go ahead and connect in NY for the reasons the above poster mentioned.

 

[MAH4546]

Air Canada Rouge flies non-stop from Pearson to Athens Between May and September.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Air Canada Rouge flies non-stop from Pearson to Athens Between May and September.

Why would you book Rouge if you had a choice of another airline? It would practically be the equivelant of flying Spirit internationally (shudder).

 

[minnie mum]

Air Canada Rouge flies non-stop from Pearson to Athens Between May and September.

If anybody wanted an example of torture, or cruel and unusual punishment, doing a long haul on Rouge would certainly fill the bill.

 

[star72232]

If anybody wanted an example of torture, or cruel and unusual punishment, doing a long haul on Rouge would certainly fill the bill.

I've never flown Rouge before - I'll keep that in mind!

It isn't likely an option anyway, since we are probably looking at April if we go.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I've never flown Rouge before - I'll keep that in mind!

It isn't likely an option anyway, since we are probably looking at April if we go.

Do a Google search for reviews of Air Canada Rouge.

 

[NotUrsula]

You might want to consider Dublin as a transit point; very easy airport to navigate, and smaller than most of those mentioned thus far.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

You might want to consider Dublin as a transit point; very easy airport to navigate, and smaller than most of those mentioned thus far.

A benefit of flying from DUB back to the US is that you clear customs/immigration there, so no waiting when you land in the US!

 

[minnie mum]

A benefit of flying from DUB back to the US is that you clear customs/immigration there, so no waiting when you land in the US!

Pretty sure, since the OP is flying out of Toronto, that preclearing US customs wouldn't be a priority.

 

[Minniesgal]

It looks like 1h45m in Paris or 2h30m in New York.

I don't know about New York but Paris is as bad as Heathrow. Any options through Shiphol (holland) it is the best

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Pretty sure, since the OP is flying out of Toronto, that preclearing US customs wouldn't be a priority.

Please note my comment stated "flying back to the U.S.." This would be useful information to those doing so.

 

[NotUrsula]

Yes, Schipol (Amsterdam) is also an efficient airport, but they do have VERY spread-out concourses. Just be aware that transiting via Schipol tends to mean a lot of walking.

 

[Minniesgal]

Yes, Schipol (Amsterdam) is also an efficient airport, but they do have VERY spread-out concourses. Just be aware that transiting via Schipol tends to mean a lot of walking.

Ahh so that is how you spell it!