FRA airport: Where to pay for my pet in cabin? How do you reach check in after arriving at FRA?
Please be aware that my question stems from a basic lack of knowledge of airports.
First of all: I'm moving to Berlin from Austin, and I'm doing so with my cat in cabin. The flights will be Austin-Washington, Washington-Frankfurt, Frankfurt-Berlin. The first flights are operated by United and then Frankfurt-Berlin is by Lufthansa. For the record Washington-Frankfurt and Frankfurt-Berlin all happen in the A/Z hallway of the Frankfurt airport in the below map.
I've already paid for my cat in cabin with United. But with Lufthansa you need to pay at the airport. My question is where? The lady at customer service wasn't very helpful.
I've been told I pay at check in. My confusion is how do I get there without exiting the airport? I know this sounds dumb but I'm used to American airports where you park outside then come in to check in then go into security then to where all the gates are. When I arrive at Frankfurt aren't I where all the gates are? Don't I just walk from a gate with A to a gate with Z?
I guess the solution to this is that when I arrive from Frankfurt from an international flight, I go through immigration then this dumps me out at the terminal entrance where I check in, then go into security then go to the gate for Frankfurt-Berlin. But this doesn't make any sense according to the map because through which way am I being dumped at the terminal entrance if Washington-Berlin and Frankfurt-Berlin occur in A/Z.
Feel free to answer whatever section of this post. I think the best way for you to answer is to just tell me how this will all happen as in "you arrive then go from here to here then there blah blah" and I'd appreciate it if you refer to the map below, if possible.
A quick subquestion to all this: Do I need to walk into the "I have something to declare" lane if I have a cat with me?
Thank you!!
Best Answer
The map you are using is quite simplified. While indeed there is one pier A/Z, that pier has 3 levels, depending on where you are departing to or arriving from. Your flight to Berlin leaves at the Schengen area in concourseA, which is on the second floor. Flights to the US leave at the Z concourse, which is one level above A (i.e. third floor), and the so-called Non-Schengen area. Your flight from the US will let you out on the fourth level, which is technically also Z, but only for arriving passengers from Non-Schengen countries. After your arrival, you will have to go through immigration, and then (i think) transfer security, which will then bring you into the A area on the second floor.
jcaron already gave you the hint for transfer desks, there are several Lufthansa transfer desks in the A area (although i don't know, how many of them are open in the current situation).
Lufthansa has a better map which shows the different levels: https://www.lufthansa.com/content/dam/lh/documents/prepare-for-your-trip/airport-information/frankfurt-airport-html/LHMag201902_FRA.pdf
This shows multiple service center (marked with the I) on the arrival level as well as the A level (where your flight to Berlin will depart). At those service centers you will find the transfer desk and should be able to pay for your pet.
Additional note: You will go through immigration in Frankfurt, as that's the point where you are entering the Schengen zone, however you will only clear customs in Berlin. So only there you will have a lane where you can declare any goods. From what i have found, you have to declare your animal, since you also have to prove certain health and vaccination requirements. You can find the information here: https://www.bmel.de/EN/topics/animals/pets-and-zoo-animals/pets-entry-regulation.html.
Relevant section:
Please note that all pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) always have their documents and identity checked when entering/re-entering the EU from a non-EU country. The accompanying person must register the animal with the customs authority for this purpose.
Pictures about "FRA airport: Where to pay for my pet in cabin? How do you reach check in after arriving at FRA?"
How do you check in with a pet at the airport?
Check in: If you are traveling with a pet in-cabin, you must check-in at the airport with your pet. It is important to leave time in your travel schedule to check your pet in at the counter since you will not be able to check them in online or at a kiosk. Security: Pets do not go through the x-ray machine for baggage.What do I need to pick up a pet from the airport?
Register your animal to take it with you in the cabin You can take your dog or cat with you in the cabin on your Lufthansa flight. We shall check for availability, and make the booking for you at least 72 hours before departure.How do I add my dog to my Lufthansa flight?
Baggage handlers typically strap animal crates in place and may wrap them with perforated air cushion rolls. Cargo hold size and conditions depend greatly on the type of plane and the airline that operates it. In many models, the baggage area takes up the level directly beneath the passenger cabins.Lufthansa Cargo Animal Lounge (EN)
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Answer 2
I'm assuming that this is all on a single ticket.
After your arrival, you will have to go through immigration, and then (i think) transfer security, which will then bring you into the A area on the second floor.
FRA has a direct immigration passthrough between A and Z. If you get off the plane, follow the signs to A gate. You need to go through passport control but NOT security or customs since you are staying airside. You also DON'T collect any bags.
My question is where?
LH operates transfer/service desk in all terminals. Follow the signs or just ask at any gate or lounge entrance (Senator Lounge in Terminal A is open). They should help you to do whatever you need to do.
CAVEAT: if you travel during Covid, you need to make sure that you have all relevant documentation and registrations done up front. Things change quickly. Transfer desks, services, and passport control stations may be closed and you may get routed a different way through the airport. Just follow the signs and ask frequently since the signage is often wrong and out of date.
See also https://www.lufthansa.com/us/en/animals-as-additional-carry-on-baggage and specifically the checklist https://www.lufthansa.com/content/dam/lh/documents/prepare-for-your-trip/baggage/travelling-with-animals/animals-hand-luggage/en-checklist-animals-cabin.pdf
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