Changing planes in Athens
I want to book a flight from Bucharest to Athens (arrives at 20:55) with Ryanair and to catch the flight to Thessaloniki at 22:05 with the same Ryanair. Do I have enough time to change the airplanes ? First time in Athens, I don't know at all the airport
Best Answer
First thing first, Ryanair is a point-to-point airline. This means that, as per their terms and conditions, they don't operate connecting flights. Moreover they can't and won't facilitate passenger and/or luggage transfers to connecting flights, regardless whether they are operated by Ryanair or not. Quoting from the linked T&C:
Article 17 - Point-to-point airline
We are a ‘point-to-point' airline. We therefore do not offer, and cannot facilitate, the transfer of passengers or their baggage to other flights, whether operated by ourselves or by other carriers.
What this means to you is that, after landing at ATH, you'll have to get your luggage from the baggage return area. From there you'll have to go to departures and re-check in the luggage in your connecting flight. Note that this is something you'll have to do both on the way to Thessaloniki and back.
You have 1h10m between the two flights. Now, the minimum connection time for ATH seems to be 45 minutes. However, this applies only to flights which are booked with a through ticket, according to the ATH airport website. It is hard to tell with enough certitude if 1h10m are enough to disembark, pick up luggage, drop the luggage off at the Ryanair counter, go through airport security and board your second flight.
One valid metric you can use to evaluate this is the fact that Ryanair baggage drop counters close strictly 40 minutes before the scheduled departure time. This reduces your connecting time from 1h10m to 30m. The chance of you making the connection will depend on a bunch of factors whose outcome is as unpredictable as it is unlikely to be in your favour. You'll need the incoming flight not to be significantly delayed, and that disembarking and baggage handling procedures occur swiftly. Frankly I wouldn't bet on it. Rather I'd arrange for a longer connection time.
As a general piece of advice, if you see that you are running short with time, don't hesitate to jump the baggage drop-off queue explaining your situation. This might be hard to do with Ryanair, but I'd try it nonetheless.
Pictures about "Changing planes in Athens"
How long does it take to transfer planes in Athens?
Athens Airport is an "all under the same roof" airport. 1 terminal and all flights commencing from the same spot. Minimum transfer time we advise is two hours. That means avoiding to book a flight with a take off less than two hours after landing time.Can I transfer through Athens airport?
Taking an Athens Airport Taxi to the City Centre Instead, choose the most hassle-free transfer from Athens airport, a taxi. Once you've safely stored your personal belongings and got comfortable in your air-conditioned car, you can sit back and relax while Welcome Pickups takes care of the rest.Do I need visa for connecting flight in Athens?
Who Needs a Greek Airport Transit Visa? Nationals of 25 world countries will need to get a visa in order to transit through Greece, to reach their non-Schengen destination country.Can you leave the airport during a layover in Athens?
Nowadays, exiting the airport is an absolute breeze. Just make sure to have filled the Passenger Declaration Form online before your flight into Athens. There is a chance that they'll \u201cinspect\u201d you for good health using a thermometer or even a rapid COVID test.Athens Airport || Greece 2022, Walking Tour 4K UHD, Athens International Airport
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