Hi Everyone, I'm trying to book a ticket from Boston to Istanbul for this summer on Lufthansa. My friend (who books wholesale tix to Istanbul for companies) keeps telling me I have enough time to transfer from one gate to the next once landing at the Munich airport. I'm worried there's not enough time in between (there's about 1 1/2 hours) but my friend says it should be fine since I don't have to go through immigration because Turkey isn't an EU country yet? Does this sound right? Has anyone that has flown from the US with a stop in Germany recently experienced this? Did you have to go through immigration and then security again before boarding your connecting flight? THANKS for all your help.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9109 posts
Munich Airport "specializes" in tight connections. 90 minutes should be enough time. Last year I did Continental from Newark to Munich, and a Luft. flight on to IST with just 60 minutes between flights and made it to the gate with lots of time to spare. Turkey isn't part of the Schengen agreement so the Immigration check will be at IST, but you will have to go through a security screening at Munich. But even in if you do miss your initial connection, Luft has multiple flights a day between the two cities....so it shouldn't be a problem putting you on a later flight.
Posted by
Atlanta
3262 posts
We had a short connection in Munich (less than 1 hour) and made it just fine. You should have more than enough time!
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8033 posts
To answer another part of your question, she is correct, Turkey is not an EU Country, or more applicable a Schengen Agreement Country, so you are considered "In-Transit", and do not have to go through Immigration Control (since you technically are not entering the country). On a rare occasion, not sure of Munich, I have had to go through Security while in transit, depends on the airport and how it is set up, as well as destination country security requirements. I agree the 90 minutes is fine, I have always had good luck with airlines making sure you make your connecting flight, unless there happens to be a big delay, then they take care of getting you to your destination.
Posted by
OP
Andover, MA, USA
559 posts
Thanks everyone! I want to say I just love this helpline so much -everyone is always there with a quick answer! I've been a helpline member for almost 4 years and can always trust the wonderful answers I see posted (I would post answers more, I am not nearly knowledgeable enough yet about many of the particulars that you all are). THANKS AGAIN!
Posted by
Land of La
9202 posts
Enjoy Istanbul. It's FABULOUS!