 Poster: A snowHead
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GENEVA - Directions to car hire desks etc
It really is hard to find the relevant threads on here so, in the hope that this is useful, I copy below some info that I filleted from various sources last year. I am particularly indebted to rob@rar and Boredsurfing for most of the info. Enjoy!
Route from Geneva Airport (Swiss side) to Les Arcs
Travel time along Lac d'Annecy ie scenic route, pretty much same as staying on autoroute via Chambery. Now that Albertville bypass is open, driving around the Lake might even be marginally quicker.
Say 1hr50 to BSM with the new autoroute and Albertville bypass, assuming no particular traffic (around the lake). Used to be 2hr 15 and new roads probably knock 20-25 minutes off the journey.
Scenic route: stay on Swiss motorway to French border then follow signs for new motorway to Annecy. Then come OFF that motorway at Annecy Sud (past the hospital) signposted Ugine and Albertville and "Route Nationale" (ie not motorway). From Ugine it's fast dual carriageway to Albertville, and a new bypass along the river there much reduces the bottleneck quality of Albertville. Then join motorway to Moutiers and finally up to BSM. From BSM just follow signs to les Arcs 1800 up the hill about another 25min
SuperU is on rd BSM- Les Arcs.
Car hire desk (Geneva Airport Swiss side) to car
2E or 2CHF coin for luggage trolleys
On entering Arrivals Hall turn right and walk to the far end where an extension has been built for the car hire desks.
5 minute walk to car, if not using shuttle bus:
turn right out of the double doors after the car hire desks and walk to the right, follow footpath/cycle path markings on the pavement, up a slight hill, past the coaches parked on the right and the hire cars are parked in the second multi-storey on the left - P51. Cross road at the traffic lights, go down in the lift (you're at Level 3) to Level 1, car hire places are all down there.
Car return to Geneva Swiss side/petrol fill-up
1 Follow signs from motorway to Geneva Airport, once at airport follow signs to Car Park P 51 Car hire return
2 Just before P51 there is the World Trade Centre, half way along the frontage there is a petrol station sign, turn immediately right and then left into the pumps. NOTE which pump number you are going to use.
3 Go to credit card pay station at the end of the pump island you are parked by. Press button for instructions in English, follow the instructions, fill up.
4 Drive out of petrol pump area, go forward into the entrance of P51 (No need to go back onto the main road.)
5 Simply take a ticket at the right hand barrier, yes there are credit card logos on it BUT JUST TAKE A TICKET.
6 Drive 150 yards forward to the entrance barrier for Car Hire return put ticket into the box by barrier, barrier lifts, drive to approximately where you collected the car.
7 Find member of staff to check car and sign the paperwork.
8 Walk through the car park to the road back to the terminal.
NB – good idea not to overshoot P51. If you do, keep following overhead signs for P51 , which takes you up & round to a back entrance, ?one level up from car returns. Once back inside P51, follow exit signs & just before exit barrier, do sharp right into car returns.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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ANY Trolley requiring a coin......................take a corned beef tin ring pull on your key ring and insert rounded end , works for supermarket trolleys also..you'll never need a pound,euro,swiss franc again 
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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EJ were also being very strict on the size of hand luggage
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Good. I can't stand sitting on an aircraft surrounded by everybody's vast piles of tat. 
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take a corned beef tin ring pull on your key ring
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I haven't eaten corned beef in a while, but last tin I opened had a little metal flap thing and you had to use a key which slotted over it. Have they changed?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Geneva. The Doorway to France
| lizski wrote: |
| Does Geneva airport have a Swiss and French side? and the city? Very confusing on trainschedules . Is there anything you need to know regarding different areas? |
Yes the airport does have a French and Swiss side.
If you arrive on an international flight you will come out on the Swiss side unless you specifically follow the signs to France. If you do that you will find that your baggage still goes to Switzerland. There is a facility whereby you can ask to have your bags brought to the French side but I have never trusted it. Rather I pick up my bags, clear customs into Switzerland and then go up to the departures level and go through said doorway. As you face towards the airfield and away from the road it's at the far right hand end of the departures level. There's a sign and a French customs post so you will need your passport.
Once through you can access the French car rental desks which is usually the reason you want to be on the French side in the first place. On your return it's important that you bring the car back to the French side. Once you have done that there are check-in desks for international flights although they may not be permanently staffed. If there's no-one there you can usually use a courtesy phone on the desk to summon an agent. It's all actually quite easy and the only real tricky bit is making sure you have really good driving directions so you don't end up on a Swiss motorway getting stung for about 30 Francs for the privilege of driving a couple of miles.
Last edited by You need to Login to know who's really who. on Fri 6-11-09 14:10; edited 2 times in total
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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| nbt wrote: |
| Manchester also charge for parking when picking people up at arrivals |
Birmingham charge for parking when dropping off too - unless you use the long-stay carpark and catch the shutte bus. I find it easier to be dropped off/picked up at the railway station (International) and take the (ex-)Maglev.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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for anyone flying ex Bristol, I have an email from customer services there stating that they will be allowing ski boots in hand luggage providing they conform with the individual airlines hand baggage policy !
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HELP, where can I find train times Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Flight arrives 20.00 hrs on a Wednesday, so need time to collect luggage and get to train station.
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urs44, Obvious place to try is German Rail Last train looks like 22.31. on a Wednesday (20.33 & 21.33 also.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Thanks for that. Looks like train not an option as flight only arrive 22.00! May have to hire cars, not good.
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urs44, 20.00 or 22.00 
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Oh gawd, Christmas has taken it's toll! Thanks for that, makes our travel a little cheaper. Do you know what cheapo Euro27 ticcket is called. I believe 5 can travel on this?
Thanks again
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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urs44, it is called a Bayern Ticket and yes up to 5 people can travel on it. It costs 28 Euros for up to 5 paying passengers and you will find it listed on the info pages under the term Länder Tickets.
If any of your 6 kids are age 6 or under they travel for free I think. You can use it for all the regional trains and buses as well as the MVV (Munich's public transport system which includes the S-Bahn from the airport to the Hauptbahnhof. You catch the Garmisch trains from the Hauptbahnhof.
The S-Bahn station is in the area below Terminal One, so you collect luggage, exit the arrivals area and can take the lift down to the access area and tickets machines. You have to ditch the trollies though before you get down to the platforms.
Sing out if you need any help getting around the DB web site.
Sue 
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MEMMINGEM
Tiny airport but looks like recently done up. Only used on way back from Kappl so can't comment on arrivals. Used Ryanair and to be honest have no complaints with the service on all fronts. Quick and easy check in. Plane was an hour late in leaving but that was due to the plane needing major de-icing - not Ryanair's fault. Only a handful of flights a day so would imagine that if landing everything should run pretty smoothly. More upgrades getting done to airport in May. If you were delayed several hours though it is too small to pass the time though. Only one coffee shop serving pretty basic foods on each side, ie check in and departure lounge. Would definitely use again though for getting to resorts in western Austria. took around 2.5 hours in car from Kappl so should take around 2 from say St Anton
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You know it makes sense.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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SALZBURG 6/3/2010
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Just used a Monarch Charter Flight, through TERMINAL 1. Check in of skis took place in new special room situated between the entrances to Terminal 1 and 2. Three Long queues right out into the car park. Wear something warm, it was cold, windy and snowing! Once you've handed your skis in, you have to back-track and negotiate getting across the same 3 lanes of ski luggage and cases, where people are reluctant to make an opening! Worse than any lift queue!
All electrical appliances had to be removed from hand luggage, even adaptor plugs (but not at Manchester!)
Departure lounge seating totally inadequate for numbers waiting for flights - forget trying to buy food! It's as if every year, the numbers departing takes them by surprise - not improved over 14 trips through Salzburg.
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Poster: A snowHead
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Addition...
CHAMBERY
Arrival
Seems bl**dy chaos, but luggage does seem to come out strictly on order of planes landing. If you can't get near the belts, go outside and turn hard left and you can see where they offload from trolleys onto the belts - play spot your luggage!
- There is now a screen between the two belts to keep an eye on...
- Wait until most people have got their stuff then go get yours... The bus will wait!  (appologies for those going to Meribel/La Tania last week)
- Most silly belt ever as they also put skis on them and hey presto at the U-turn, they just all fall off!!!
Departure
Chaos as all the TO buses try to arrive exactly 2hrs before the flight. If you are travelling independently, avoiding this time makes check-in much easier. Stay landside until you *know* your plane is in - quite good restaurant/bar upstairs. Airside there is very little room and almost *no* facilities.
- Check- in: make sure you look at which lanes are available, as invariabley there are several and you can queue jump quite easily if one of the lanes is free/ barely used...
- Definately stay landside!!!
- There is free WIFI, just look for a bar receipt lying around and the access code is at the top, else, just ask one of the bar staff!
- No need hunt for cheaper food around the airport as they are all the same, even the little van outside... Yes I did go check! Sandwiches EUR 5, Canned Drink EUR 3. Other stuff is priced like in resort etc... The "restaurant" has quite good food, albeit rubbish staff! I can recommend the beef burger! 
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Can anybody comment on Southampton? We are considering using it as it is only 30-40 mins drive away but there is a higher surcharge and we will need to pay for parking. As opposed to gatwick where we can park at my parents house.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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GENEVA AIRPORT
Has one hour's free WIFI
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Any one recently been through Grenoble and any change/updates to provide from above posts?
Many thanks
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Zurich really has been cocked up. There is a large food hall in the public area but it was absolutely packed yesterday. I've a theory that local families spend Sundays there (Geneva too) as there are actually shops open there unlike the rest of the country. Once you've checked your luggage in and gone through to Departures the choice is limited to Burger King or the bar (typically salads or pasta or pizza snacks). The restaurant we ate at last year is closed probably to make way for another up market shop. Better choice is probably the Gate area, you can get pasta there, but I'd already eaten my £10 Burger King cack by then.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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| Villz wrote: |
GENEVA AIRPORT
Has one hour's free WIFI |
When your hour expires simply log on again giving you as much time as you want.
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GENEVA
If you have time to kill (don't ask - too many lads trips where one of the three incoming flights is delayed) and need food there are scores of options but few are cheap.
Best bet is to head past the railway station to the very end of the airport. There is a Migros supermarket where you can get pretty much whatever you need. The added benefit is you can do the first days shopping - decent bread available. The walk there and back also wastes a bit of time.
If the weather is good it is worth taking your picnic (sourced as above or otherwise) up to the top level and through the new food court. Good open air seating with lots of tables.
Last edited by Then you can post your own questions or snow reports... on Sat 19-11-11 12:23; edited 1 time in total
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What are Manchester and Chambery like these days for letting ski boots on as hand luggage?
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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bobmcstuff,
Manchester - Whenever we have taken ski boots, have always packed them in our cases, as the airlines stipulate on their travel documentation that you have to do so - would hate to chance it, to be told I can't carry them on as hand luggage, then risk my very soft boot bag protecting them sufficiently. At least in a hard sided Samsonite case, I know they're protected.
Flying with Thomas Cook (Neilson) again this time, and on the invoice it tells you they form part of your luggage allowance nad must go in the hold.
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Cheers.
Hmm. Oh well, I've got 22 kg hold luggage and 20kg ski bag allowance for a week trip so I should be able to fit them in easily enough......
IMO if it fits into the size restictions for hand luggage you should be able to bring them. They're just trying to make you pay excess baggage aren't they.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Exactly!! We pack my ski bag with two pairs of salopettes at least, jackets go in the husband's board bag with his boots, plus any hoodies/fleeces that we can squeeze in too - Thomas Cook give you 15kg for your skis/board so might as well make good use of it!! Board bindings and my ski boots go in the suitcases, and we just pack pretty light then - let's face it, it's not exactly high fashion you're after out in the cold in the evening!
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Southampton
Very easy and pleasant airport to fly from if you live in that neck of the woods. Two things to note though;
1. Can be prone to fog as close to the coast. Beware if catching an early flight !
2. Long stay car parking is SO expensive if you just turn up and park. Make sure you pre-book on-line !!
Griggs
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You know it makes sense.
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MrSteve, welcome to Snowheads and thanks for the post, most helpful !
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Can anyone clarify if Chambery airport (or Jet2) allow helmets as hand luggage? There are posts on here that suggests that they dont, there are also a number websites that say the same. However more resent posts suggest that they lifted the ban but i've not been able to get a black or white answer.
MrSteve,
Thanks for that, i'm supprised by that response becuase its pretty much everywhere than Chambery does allow boots as hand luggage. We're flying with Jet2 as well and they allow them but its the airport that does not?
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Poster: A snowHead
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Got the reply from Jet2 over the weekend...
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Dear Stephen
Thank you for your recent correspondence.Subject to local security restrictions a boot bag may be carried as the one piece of hand luggage-normal weight and size restrictions apply(max.10kgs,56cmx45cmx25cm).
Alternatively a boot bag may be checked into the aircraft hold if you have prebooked it as either a hold bag or ski equipment(ski equipment includes skis and boots).
I hope you find this helpful,for any more questions or further clarification,please kindly contact us on 0871 226 1737.
Kind regards,
Temptation Shaya
Jet2.com
Contact Centre Team
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Looking good... 
I'll email Chambery and Jet2 back to ask about the helmets.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Here's the Jet2 reply about helmets (Chambery referred me to Jet2's T&Cs). This would all be subject to meeting their hand luggage size criteria.
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Dear: Stephen
You are allowed to take ski helmets as one piece of your hand luggage.
Kind regards,
Mohamed Sharief
Jet2.com
Contact Centre Team
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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i emailed Chambery too, she suggested clipping my helmet to my hand luggage back. not convinced that will work. but long as short of it is as long as it meets the airlines restrictions (weight and size) then its ok
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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BAIRITZ SKI BOOT WARNING....
I flew from Dublin to Stanstead to Biarritz with my Ski boots as hand luggage, but they were taken off me by Biarritz security on the way back.... they consider it a risk because of clubbing people over their heads with them.... Insurance wouldnt pay because they were confiscated.... (no stolen/damage reports from police)
Ryanair customer support actually answered my email when I asked why I wasnt told. I was lucky enough to have a skiier answer me who wanted to find out himself why they were taken off me.... he told me that while an airline didnt consider them a risk, that is only for boarding the plain.... but that individual airports AND / OR security personnel can make a decision on any individual item, so it was within the airport security officers rights to confiscate them "for disposal", which means that I cannot get them back even if I flew to the airport!!!!!
So the simple thing is remember that an Airline might allow something, but the airport might not and VISA VERSA!!!!!!!! Hold luggage only for my boots from now on!
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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I think the safe bet here is to pack them in the checked in luggage, it just seems to me that these people answering emails and the reality of airport security dont match up. Just pains me to put my boots in the hold.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Someone must have been through Chambery this season with Jet2, maybe they can confirm if there are still signs saying no boots in the cabin?
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DUBLIN / AER LINGUS / SKI BOOTS AS HAND LUGGAGE
Just to note, as of this month (Feb 2012) Aer Lingus are allowing ski boots through as hand luggage (in boot bags obvs) at both Dublin airport and Geneva airport. The boot bag appears to take up hand luggage allocation. Purely based on observation and may of course change.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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I travelled through Chambery last week, Flybe flight , had to repack my lovely Atomic skiboots from their bootbag to my suitcase amongst the washing! I had met Flybe hand luggage restrictions travelling to Chambery and felt really peed off having to repack infront of 2 queues of dozens of folk! Why is it that kids can take their stupid hard case TRUNKIES and other flyers can take hard sided bags? My boots were well wrapped in ski trousers. DOH !!! I hate that woman on check in! Please can somebody clarify and make clear the rules on taking ski boots as carry on? Many thanks. xxx
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badgerlover, Chambery have too many Russians to deal with these days, so what as few different bags as possible so boots in hold luggage
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FAQ
