When PCSing to Germany, what airline will my family and I most likely be on?

2017-02-10T17:05:57-05:00

Also, what problems might we face before, during, and after the flight?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2017 5:11 PM

2017-02-10T17:11:18-05:00

I took a Lufthansa flight. But then, that was before DTS was created.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Feb 10 at 2017 5:21 PM

2017-02-10T17:21:40-05:00

I'm not sure about the airline, but Germany is 9 hours ahead and you will typically arrive at Frankfort in the early morning, but to you it will feel like it is late at night. So sleep on the plane and try to stay up till after 6 pm on your arrival day. These tips by Rick Steve's follow my experience exactly. Oh, I'm jealous, get off base, travel all you can, and enjoy the great food and beer.

https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/health/jet-lag

How to Beat Jet Lag: Tips and Cures by Rick Steves

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2017 7:03 PM

2017-02-10T19:03:46-05:00

You could end up flying patriot express from Baltimore to Ramstein AFB or any Goverment contracted US carriers i.e. Delta/United. Once you go to your CTO or Sato travel, you'll find out.

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Feb 10 at 2017 8:16 PM

2017-02-10T20:16:49-05:00

I can't remember what airline it was when I PCS'd over there, but the jetlag due to the time difference was the worst part (as others have said). I also recommend trying to get on the time schedule over there while in the air (sleep on the plane when it is night there).

Other than that, good luck, and hope you enjoy your time there!

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Feb 10 at 2017 8:20 PM

2017-02-10T20:20:43-05:00

As soon as you get on the plane. Set your watch to their time. If it is need time, go to sleep. By the time that you get their, you should be wide awake. Good luck and have fun

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Feb 10 at 2017 8:21 PM

2017-02-10T20:21:38-05:00

Their time

Response by SPC Brady Allen made Feb 10 at 2017 9:38 PM

2017-02-10T21:38:32-05:00

Ok, so while people talked about the Airlines, I will mention one thing. That is to keep in contact with your sponsor. Submit a DA FM 5434 to your unit in order to request s sponsor. You can go to militaryonesource.com to take a course on sponsorship and what to expect. I would honestly ask your leadership, they should be able to help. Your sponsor is a key person in ensuring you have a smooth transition from state side over to Germany. When you get your itinerary from SATO, let your Sponsor know then, so that way he is tracking ahead of time and can organize someone to pick you up if he can't. The money machines work with visa/master card, so I would go and get some euro when you get off plane, so that way you are prepared to buy anything you might need (i.e food or basic necessities). Most Germans that work at the airport know english since they interact with people from all over on a regular basis. And most younger germans know english because they usually learn it in school. Just ask, "Hallo, Sprechen sie english?" if they say "JA" then your good.
Another thing, get your passports now before you get here, don't rely on your orders to get you everywhere. Your family members will have to get both official and travel passports I am pretty sure. Ask you CoC to double check. Official passport are free.
Lastly, in order to drive a car in Europe, you will need a USAEUR (US Army Europe) license. Now days you can get on JKO (Joint Knowledge Online) to take the drivers test. Your spouse will need one also, So start studying and take the test now, so then that way it is one less thing you have to worry about. There is a lot of information I could put out, but that is some of the important things. Hope everything is going smooth, it can be a bit rough at times, but it will all pay off in the end. If you have any questions, feel free to message me on here.

Response by SFC George Smith made Feb 10 at 2017 10:55 PM

2017-02-10T22:55:03-05:00

Most likely a freedom Bird DOD Contract Aircraft... used to Be Flying Tiger Airlines... Out of Dover or McGuire...

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Feb 10 at 2017 11:59 PM

2017-02-10T23:59:49-05:00

The emphasis recently was to workload the rotator flight which is a CRAF bird going BWI-Rammestein AB. Have you got a levy brief scheduled yet? How about applying for a sponsor?

Response by COL Charles Williams made Feb 11 at 2017 12:05 AM

2017-02-11T00:05:02-05:00

We normally flew on Lufthansa

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Feb 11 at 2017 11:21 AM

2017-02-11T11:21:28-05:00

So I am kind of curious how that works today. Back in the 1984 I had to sit at McQuire AFB in NJ waiting on my USAF Port Call (Chartered Plane Arrival) before I could depart for Frankfort, waited in that damn terminal almost 12 hours for the plane to touchdown and get serviced before I could board. Crammed on a chartered 747 (Tower Air?) mostly with Army Families with screaming little kids........yuck!!

After that experience I always choose the do it yourself option and sought reimbursement (which as I remember it, limited you to American Flag carriers only).........so it was Pan Am and Northwest Orient in and out of Hamburg, Germany for me after that. Then 2 hour ride to Garlstedt, Germany on a Army bus......... Much more civilized.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Feb 11 at 2017 12:44 PM

2017-02-11T12:44:22-05:00

Could be anything from a civilian carrier to the back end of a C-17. As others have said, prepare for the jet lag and rely on your sponsor for help.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Feb 12 at 2017 3:03 PM

2017-02-12T15:03:30-05:00

It is normally a US Flag carrier. While on orders I've flown back and forth with Lufthansa, KLM, and Air France. You will know when you sit with transportation for your ticket.

Response by TSgt Alan Richard "Rick" Thomas made Feb 13 at 2017 2:05 PM

2017-02-13T14:05:06-05:00

It was always a military charter flight when I was in (71-92). So whatever airline won the bid for that flight was what you got.