Munich Airport

Two hours is standard for international flights. It's the same for US and Europe.

I always stress out on the morning of the flight back to the USA so I always arrive 2.5 or 3 hours early. As far as hotel recommendations, there is really no need to stay at the Main Train Station. You can catch the train easily from Marienplatz which is a much nicer area to stay.

We stayed at the Munich airport -- they allowed us to check our bags the night before and we just woke up two hours before the flight and still had plenty of time. The airport is big, but not hard to navigate.

THis is a "personality" question... some non-stressers walk up to the gate just at boarding (checking in 2 hrs ahead as requested). Im the type that prefers to get there 3-4 hrs ahead just beacuse im nervous of delays enroute! Id rather sit for an extra hour or more with a coffee (or beer! if in munich) and a copy of the Economist = next to the gate. Munich is usually less hectic than the other biggies - Frankfurt is huge - but organized.

But to make a long story short (too late) - id say 3 hrs to be safe and enjoy the cafes and the view - its out in the farm area so its very pleasant!

For what it's worth - I have flown out of Munich the last three years in a row and never checked in 2 hours ahead. In fact, all of my flights were at 7AM and the airline staff were barely arriving at 6, so it wasn't even possible to check in 2 hours ahead.

But, you do what you feel comfortable doing. There are shops at the airport to browse around in.

Thanks everyon!

I arrive two hours early.However our last time flying to the USA from Munich we were suprised to find that there was a second security checkpoint near the gates where planes were leaving for the USA.It took everyone by suprise and many were late arriving at the gate.

Come to think of it I don't know what time we got downstairs to the gate (had to be around 6), but the staff was just getting there then -- both my flights through Munich have been 7 AM connector to Paris before a Delta flight back to Atlanta - However, CDG sucks your will to live. My last connection was like 2 1/2 hours and literally we got to the gate and stepped on the bus to board the plane.