Unfortunately, travel chaos often begins at German airports with the start of the holiday season. Many families want to go on vacation at the same time, leading to a huge increase in passenger numbers.
In July 2022, we flew from Frankfurt to Skiathos (FRA-JSI) and want to report on the situation at the airport.
Our outbound flight departed from Frankfurt Airport at 5 AM on Friday morning. After returning our rental car, we walked to the terminal. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a long queue that snaked across the terminal to the check-in area.
We were very glad to only have our backpacks and a stroller with us.
On the way to the security check, we saw many people who had laid down on the waiting benches or the floor to sleep.
At the security check itself, we didn’t have to wait even five minutes to have our carry-on luggage scanned. This time we were lucky, and none of our bags needed a separate inspection. So, we could proceed to the gate.
There was hardly anyone at the gate; most people were probably still queuing at check-in, while we could already make ourselves comfortable on the waiting benches. This also gave us time to calmly pack our stroller to protect it from the rigors of the flight. We checked our compact stroller at the gate and did not take it onto the plane.
Tips for Relaxed Travel During the Holiday Season
- Travel exclusively with carry-on luggage
- Avoid all checked luggage
- Check in online
- Avoid large airports
- Fly during off-peak hours if possible
On our return flight from Skiathos to Frankfurt (JSI – FRA) in July 2022, there was hardly anyone at the Greek airport. In the morning at check-in, only a few passengers were queuing at the counters. There was also little activity at the security check, so we could still relax in the departure hall. We checked the stroller again as gate check.
There were several empty rows on the plane as the flight was not fully booked. This gave us time to talk to the flight crew, and we were almost speechless when the flight attendant told us that people currently have to wait an average of 2 hours for their suitcase at baggage claim.
Upon arrival at Frankfurt Airport, our plane was assigned an outdoor parking position. Lucky for us, because currently, strollers are only returned directly at the aircraft at those spots.
