Transitting in

Hello! I have a question related to the transit time required via the Vienna International Airport (VIE).

We will be arrive from London with Austria Airline to VIE, then immediately transfer to Paris with Skyeurope. There will only be an hour and 30 minutes in between the two flights. We will have checked-in luggage.

I would like to know if 1 hr and 30 minutes is sufficient for the transfer? If you can walk me through on the Custom and luggage pack up procedures, that would be great!

Thank you very much in advance!

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I think this would be physically possible ... but I%26#39;m not quite sure about the check in times for Sky Europe. I presume it won%26#39;t be possible to check your luggage all the way through to Paris so you will need to reclaim it in Vienna and then check in for your next flight. That might make things a bit tight. Worth checking with Sky Europe and Austrian Airlines to see if there is any possibility of having the luggaged checked through.

Generally, Vienna airport is very efficient. It%26#39;s quite small so not much walking involved - just from the gate lounges, down to passport control, and out to the baggage carrousels. To give you an idea of the time for that part, I landed at 9.40 or so last week, and was through the airport and collected my suitcase and out the front door by about 10.00. That must be one of the most efficient airports in Europe!

Your biggest snag may be the departure from Heathrow as that is where delays are likely to occur. I have sat on the ground for 45 mins or so waiting to get a departure slot for the early-morning Vienna flight (departs LHR at 06.15). That can make you about 15-30 mins late arriving which will make things very tight for your turnaround to the Paris flight (I imagine they close check-in 40 mins or more before departure).

Is there no easier way for you to get to Paris from London? Heathrow can be very unreliable - freezing fog has caused chaos there today with many short-haul flights cancelled. You might find it less hassle (and not too expensive) to get the Eurostar train from London Waterloo.

rol

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When do you plan this trip? Currently - Sky Europe only has flights from Bratislava to Paris Orly. Some term Bratislava as Vienna east in their propaganda.

But Bratislava Airport is more than one hour from Vienna ( VIE) Impossible if this is your connection.

Sky Europe may begin Vienna - Paris flights in the Spring of 2007.

Perhaps you fly then? Probably after April.

If this is the case, it would be unlikely that Austrian Air would have baggage transfer agreements with Sky Europe. You will need to claim luggage and then proceed to Sky Europe for check-in , boarding card and baggage check in Vienna.

1 1/2 hours would normally be sufficient time for a transfer in Vienna.

As Roley states, Vienna is a smaller and efficient airport.

One problem may be Heathrow departure-

50% of the short haul flights today cancelled due to fog, Tomorrow more of the same. Some news say British Air will cancel all of their short haul flights tomorrow due to fog,

For Your information- Roleys quick arrival is not unique,

Passport control in Vienna is usually very quick - then a short walk to baggage claim. Unlikely that customs will even check you..

Then a short walk ( 1-2 minutes ) directly up one level to Departure Hall.

Be certain to check with Sky Europe regarding the last time for check-in . Many discount airlines cut-off check in 30-40 minutes before departure.

5 minute walk to departure gate.

But is all this worth it ?

For the time and money you spend on flights, you can take the train and avoid this stress.

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that is not enough time.

there is a bus every hour from airport (VIE) to aiport (BTS) but as this bus first goes to couple stops in Bratislava the journey takes approx. 90 minutes. the bus takes the direct route (60 minutes) only twice a day.

even if you manage to grab your luaggage at VIE within 30 minutes, it will take you up to 60 minutes to Bratislava.

I flew with Skyeurope several times - from entering the airport to entering the gate will take at least an additional 30 minutes.

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Thanks Rol and Vertical!

The trip is not immediate as I%26#39;m planning a trip for early May 2007. I%26#39;m on airline points, which does not allow open-jaw return, that%26#39;s why I cannot arrange to go direct from London to Paris (I would prefer save the best for last, and leave Vienna as our last destination prior to coming home).

As to whether the Vienna flight actually depart from VIE or Bristalava, I%26#39;ve went to the Skyeurope web site and complete a fly between now and May. For the flights in the near future, i do see a stop over at Bristalava, whereas the May flight I don%26#39;t, so i would presume that the flight that i%26#39;m planning to book goes direct from VIE to Paris Orly.

If i book the fly now, it will only cost 20EUR, which is why i%26#39;m considering flying instead of the train.

Rol and Vertical, you two have both been helpfully! Thank you very much for your response!

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Glad to be of help in making your decision on this.

One point about the train - if you booked well in advance (and since you%26#39;re not travelling until May that would be no problem), it should be possible to get a one-way ticket from London to Paris on Eurostar for about 60 pounds. More than 20 Euros the Sky Europe will cost you, of course, but still quite good value, and sometimes the extra expense is worth it for the reduction in rushing and panic!

rol, nervous traveller

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It%26#39;s only 2:49 hours from London to Paris by train, both railway stations are next to the city center... so I think flying (and especially via Vienna) is nonsense!

You can get a one-way, non flexible train ticket for only GBP 29,50 (about 55 USD).

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Robbi is quite right - the return fare to Paris is about 60 pounds and one way less than 30 pounds - very good value, and takes you right into the centre of town.

rol

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