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Luggage re-check en route to/from Croatia and Slovenia via Munich?

My question is similar to "Tight Connection in Frankfurt from Dubrovnik," but I wanted to make sure I understood correctly. We are flying from the US, changing planes in Munich, with a final destination in Ljubliana, Slovenia. Then we will fly from Split back to the US, again changing in Munich. All of the flights are on airlines that are part of Star Alliance (Lufthansa, Lufthansa Cityline, and Croatia Airlines).

If I understand correctly, we will have to go through passport processing during the stop in Munich, both ways - correct? Will we also have to retrieve our checked baggage in Munich and re-check it? (Traveling with carry-ons only is not an option - we will have to check a bag.) We have over 2 hours 20 minutes between flights on the way over, and 2 hours 55 minutes on the way back. That seems like enough time. Is it?

Posted by
570 posts

If I understand correctly, we will have to go through passport processing during the stop in Munich, both ways - correct?

Yes. You will enter/exit the Schengen area in Munich so will complete your passport control there on both legs.

Will we also have to retrieve our checked baggage in Munich and re-check it?

No. As long as this was all booked under one ticket (i.e. you have one confirmation code/PNR for these trips) and your bag is tagged through to Split on the way there and your US destination on the way back, your bags will be automatically transferred in Munich.

Posted by
1700 posts

Andrew is correct. As long as your flights are on one ticket, and your luggage is checked all the way through to your final destination going to Slovenia and then to your final destination when you return home, you do not have to retrieve your luggage and re-check it. We had a similar flight itinerary when we visited Croatia and Slovenia using Star Alliance airlines.

Posted by
172 posts

Not sure about Munich airport, but Frankfurt now has a wing in the terminal for low-risk connecting flights. I flew Vancouver to Frankfurt to Zagreb last September and was surprised to find no passport checks. When I asked, they said be grateful, as you just get on your flight to Croatia and will have the passport check at Zagreb airport because you did not enter Germany. Makes sense and saves them a lot of work. Croatia is now inside the Schengen zone, by the way. As was Slovenia for years. Both countries had to make many changes to border security and other systems to achieve this.

Posted by
7990 posts

but Frankfurt now has a wing in the terminal for low-risk connecting flights.

What you are describing has always been, and would happen at any airport. Last September, Croatia was not part of Schengen, so you simply did a transfer airside, and correct, you never entered Germany, or the Schengen zone. The same would happen if you went through LHR today.

Since January though, you now do immigration in Munich/Frankfurt and nothing in Croatia (well, customs which is uneventful)