Transfer time at Terminal 1 Frankfurt

Hi there, I’m flying from Marseille to Bali this year and have a 1h30 layover in Frankfurt, from Terminal 1 to Terminal 1. Do you think that’s enough time, considering I don’t know the airport or the language? Thanks. »

Hi there,

Normally, it’s enough—provided you have a single ticket from Marseille to Bali that covers the connection. Let’s be honest, Frankfurt isn’t the easiest airport, and it often has issues, but if there’s a significant delay, you’d be rebooked on a later flight. The upside is you’ll stay in T1. You’ll need to go through passport control, and if you don’t have a Schengen passport, there’s a real risk due to new regulations. Security screening might or might not be required. Can’t you find a flight via Munich, by any chance?

Michel

Hi there,

In theory, 1h30 at Frankfurt is enough when everything goes smoothly. But that leaves no room for the slightest hiccup, and you’ll need to move quickly. And as Tatra mentioned, this only works if it’s a single ticket—not two separate bookings. In that case, your baggage is checked through to Bali, all boarding passes are issued in Marseille, you go through security (since it’s a non-Schengen flight), and immigration as you’re leaving Europe. With an EU passport, the automated gates are quick.

Also, unless it’s a new route, there wasn’t a direct flight. If you booked through Lufthansa, there’s likely another layover—probably in Singapore—and a connection with a partner airline like Singapore Airlines. In that case, check that connection time too.

It’s doable, but you’ll need to hustle in Frankfurt. As a precaution, don’t plan anything important or time-sensitive in the 24 hours after arriving in Bali, just in case.

If you haven’t booked yet, it’s safer to allow a longer connection (2–3 hours, for example) in Frankfurt (there are multiple flights per day from Marseille). Also consider Munich, where connections tend to be smoother and easier.

Hi Jérôme

I don’t think there’s a filter at Frankfurt for this kind of transfer—no guarantees, though.

Michel

Hi everyone, and thanks for all your advice! We’ve ended up booking a connection through Munich instead, with 2 h 55 for the layover—it’s much more relaxed and less stressful.

Hi there,

The connection in Munich is smooth. What about after, via Singapore?

Yes, it's much better this way via Munich. Do they still offer coffee in the departure lounges at Munich? Haven't been through there in a while.

Michel

Hey Michel,

Do they still offer coffee in the departure lounges in Munich?

I don’t remember it there or anywhere else. Last time I passed through, my flight from Seoul was delayed, and I made the connection in 40 minutes 😵. My luggage didn’t make it, by the way—I got it delivered the next day.

It’s been a while since I’ve been through there.

Same here—my last time in Munich was spring 2024, and I don’t have any plans to go back right now. One thing’s for sure: I’d rather connect through Munich than Frankfurt.

Three nights in Singapore, then off to Bali. I'm still looking for tickets to Bali, but based on the reviews about the airline, I think I'll go with Singapore Airlines.

Three nights in Singapore, then off to Bali. I'm still looking for tickets to Bali, but based on the different reviews about the airline, I think I'll go with Singapore Airlines.

On the Lufthansa website, choose the "multi-city" tab for this kind of itinerary. Singapore Airlines is a great partner airline of Lufthansa and Swiss, also available from Marseille. Airline combinations are possible and on the same ticket.

Hi everyone, Thanks for sharing all this helpful info. Jérôme, could you tell me a bit more about the “multi-segment itinerary” tab, please? As I mentioned in my previous post, I already have my Marseille–Singapore tickets (with a 3-night stopover before heading to Bali) via Munich, but I haven’t booked the Singapore–Bali round-trip yet. I don’t see that tab on my end. Is that normal, or does it only appear at a later stage?

Hi,

Right from the first step of your search, there’s a dropdown menu for "round trip," "one way," and "multi-city." This lets you return to a different place than your departure point or leave a gap in a loop. Just a heads-up—it’s not always financially worth it. In your case, it’s not useful at all.

Michel

I had a doubt, but this finally confirms my first impression. I made the right choice—it’s clearer now! I opted for a stopover in Singapore to explore the city and avoid paying for an overly expensive direct ticket. I don’t want to overstep, but I’ve read conflicting reviews about vaccines for Bali: some say several vaccines are necessary, while others claim keeping up with DTP is enough. Does anyone have reliable info on this, please? Thanks again for all your feedback. I hope I can share my experience after this first trip to Asia

Hi there, All the official health-related info for traveling to Indonesia (from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs) is here: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/indonesie/#sante. I also recommend reading the other sections about traveling to Indonesia, and registering with Ariane before your departure. It’s been super helpful for me in the past. Best regards

Hello Zed,

Could you please tell me a bit more about the “multi-city” tab?

It’s there on the Lufthansa website for info. But you’re no longer affected now. For example, you could have booked Marseille / Singapore + Singapore / Bali + Bali / Marseille all on a single ticket.



As mentioned in my previous message, I already have the Marseille–Singapore tickets (with 3 nights there before leaving for Bali) via Munich, but I haven’t booked the Singapore–Bali round-trip tickets yet.

For just the Singapore / Bali route, you’ve got options like Singapore Airlines, Garuda, and also KLM, which sells this flight as a continuation from Amsterdam, plus a few low-cost carriers. Compare everything carefully, including whether checked baggage is included or not.

On the way back, are you planning one night in Singapore as a safety buffer, or do you feel comfortable handling a self-transfer?

Be sure to check the entry requirements for Singapore and Indonesia on diplomatie.gouv and TravelDoc.

TravelDoc – Instantly check your travel and entry requirements

And very importantly, your passport must not only be valid for at least 6 months after your return date but also in good condition—no stains, tears, or any damage. This is a common reason for being denied boarding.

Hi Jérôme, Thanks so much for your super detailed feedback and all your advice about the formalities! For my return flight, I’m taking off at 11:40 PM. I’ll probably connect through Denpasar–Singapore–France on my own. I’ve spotted some flights that arrive around 6 PM, which should leave about five hours—hopefully enough time for customs and immigration. Your list of airlines is really thorough. Comparing them, I actually noticed two carriers—Transnusa and Jetstar—that offer pretty competitive checked baggage rates, with schedules that line up well with our connections. Still comparing... Have a great day!

Hi Zed,

For an independent connection, I wouldn’t say 5 hours is enough. Or at least, before finalizing it, check the reliability of the flight you’re considering—its cancellation rate, delays, etc. The safest option, in my opinion, is to spend the night or at least have a flight that arrives in the morning for a long-haul departure in the evening. That way, you’ve got a possible Plan B if something goes wrong, plus a little breathing room.

As for the administrative risks of going through Singapore, mentioned by Jérôme, it’s probably too late if you’ve already got the ticket. There’s nothing we can do about it, but Singapore *is* a bit of a wildcard for travelers.

Michel

Hi Zed,

Managing an independent connection is a really important topic that needs careful analysis to make the right choice.

Also consider whether you're traveling with one or more checked bags. In that case, add the baggage delivery time (I waited a good half hour for mine recently in Barcelona).

There are 3 possible scenarios with their pros and cons:

1°/ :

Your example with about 5 hours between the two flights. Plan to be at check-in at least 2 hours before departure, so around 9:30 PM for the Singapore flight. If the first flight is on time or has a 2-hour delay, you theoretically have time to collect your checked baggage (assuming you check one), go through immigration (e-gate in Singapore, and make sure to fill out a second SG card), and possibly change terminals.

Map



So yes, on paper, it’s doable, and you have roughly a 2-hour buffer.

Any delay longer than about 2 hours, though, and you start running into issues (I’ll come back to this). The same goes if your flight is canceled (on the day or before), as the airline will have to offer an alternative based on availability. If the replacement flight doesn’t allow you to make your connection, you’ll have to handle everything yourself—it’ll be your problem, not theirs.

What if a delay or cancellation means you can’t make your connection?

Deal with the airline in Singapore by asking for a date change. First, hope your ticket is changeable (often with a penalty—check the terms). Keep in mind there might also be a fare adjustment depending on availability (very common and can be expensive), not to mention limited seats on later flights (risky in peak season) and your own schedule.

If you can’t reach the airline for any reason, you’ll be marked as a "no-show," risking losing your ticket. At best, you’ll face the changes mentioned above.

In the end, this scenario can get expensive if your flight is canceled last minute or significantly delayed. It’s a gamble on the reliability and punctuality of a specific flight. You’ve got to be okay with taking that risk and potentially losing out.

2°/:

You leave the same day but earlier—maybe even in the morning. This way, you limit risks in case of delays, and if there’s a cancellation, you have more time to sort things out. You also have the option, if absolutely necessary, to buy a new ticket (at what price?) on another airline to catch your connection.

If everything goes smoothly, you’ll spend extra time at the airport. Otherwise, check if there are lockers and go for a walk.

3°/ :

You take your Bali/Singapore flight the day before. This eliminates all delay risks, gives you time to handle cancellations, removes stress, and lets you control your budget with just one night’s stay. Plus, you’ll be less tired by splitting up the trip.

To sum up, with an independent connection, you’re either okay with taking risks and dealing with potential issues and financial losses, or you’re not, and you leave the day before.

Also consider the airline. Low-cost carriers might not have a desk at the airport, so everything is handled via their website, phone, or messaging. Not always easy, especially abroad.

Hello,

My worst case of re-routing (Swiss International Air Lines) was 4 days later, and what’s more, arriving at the other end of the country—so I reached my final destination with a **5-day delay**! = the airline was ordered to pay compensation + damages. https://retardimportantavion.wordpress.com/2024/01/12/reacheminement-catastrophique-droit-indemnisation-meme-circonstances-extraordinaires-2/

I’ve lost count of delays of "3 hours or more" that led to compensation, including two re-routings 2 days later (on top of the Swiss case mentioned above).

Bottom line: unless you’re feeling *very* lucky, you should always buy ONE SINGLE flight ticket, through ONE BOOKING, with ONE airline for the ENTIRE air journey. It doesn’t matter if different airlines operate the various flight segments, as long as the single booking was made with ONE airline. If you have separate tickets and the first flight is canceled or delayed so you miss the second, it’s a "no-show"—meaning you lose that ticket and have to buy another at last-minute prices. You may also have to cover meals and accommodation while waiting for the next flight. Some "savings" can end up costing a fortune!

On the other hand, if you have a connecting flight with a single booking from one airline, and you miss a connection, the passenger is re-routed to their final destination for free and taken care of (meals and, if needed, accommodation) while waiting for the re-routing. https://retardimportantavion.wordpress.com/2023/09/29/indemnisation-meme-si-circonstance-extraordinaire-droit-reacheminement-dans-les-meilleurs-delais/

Best regards

Hi there,

"Unless you're feeling really lucky"....

It all comes down to trade-offs, priorities, and constraints too. For someone from Paris, things are clear and probably seem logical to you. For others, we have to make do with regional connections that often only offer expensive long-haul flights that don’t meet our expectations. For example, if I take a flight to Japan with an airline that works for me from Warsaw, I plan to get to Warsaw from Rennes—just being honest—via Amsterdam the night before, or, if something goes wrong, from Brussels with a cheap ticket and a train connection using a cancelable ticket at no extra cost. Plan A, Plan B.

Michel

I really want to thank you all so much for your advice and firsthand experiences. Your replies have been super helpful and made my trip planning much clearer.

In the end, I’m going with the middle option: a return flight from Bali to Singapore with Singapore Airlines, arriving at 10 AM, which gives me a comfortable buffer before my 11:40 PM flight to Marseille.

I also plan to apply for the SG Arrival Card for entry into Singapore well in advance to make departure day a lot smoother.

Thanks again for your help—it’s really appreciated! !

Hello Zed,

After all, I’m going for the middle option: a return flight from Bali to Singapore with Singapore Airlines arriving at 10 AM, which gives me a comfortable buffer before boarding my 11:40 PM flight to Marseille.

It’s for safety. If there’s a left-luggage service, you can head into the city if you don’t want to spend too long at the airport. You can also pay for lounge access unless you’re eligible for it.

I’m also planning to apply for the SG Arrival Card for entry into Singapore well in advance to make things smoother on departure day.

Watch the timing, though—you’ll need to do it twice unless the first one is also valid for your self-transfer return. I’ve never had that situation, so double-check.