Last fall I used our FF miles to book two first-class tickets from the US to Paris, with a connection in Munich, for my 86yo mother and me. Our itinerary had 65 minutes between flights, like just about all the other connecting flights, and I figured United knew what it was doing and that would be enough time. Schedules have changed slightly and we now have 90 minutes, which makes me feel better. However, what do the travel experts here think? I have never flown first class and don't know if we'll get special treatment for the connection. Mom is healthy but not fast, and we usually ask for a wheelchair since airports can be large with lots of standing. Will this be a problem for our connection? If so, I can try to change the second flight to a later one; there are plenty of options on United/Lufthansa from MUC to CDG.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5850 posts
Munich is a great airport for transfers. Don't worry about it ... especially with first class tickets!
Posted by
West Coast, California, USA
485 posts
90 minutes sounds safer than 65 minutes. I booked a trip with my United FF miles and some of the connection times were an hour or less between flights. That doesn't work when the plane is late and you have to get your luggage and go through customs, then get your luggage back on to your connecting flight. I ended up missing two flights this way (and I was flying business class.... no special treatment for me). I can't believe the airlines operate this way but apparently they do. I now like 90 minutes or more between international flights, just in case.
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5459 posts
Munich was built for tight connection times and even in this day and age can manage them. Ninety minutes should be ample. However, if this is going to cause you stress and anxiety stretch things out.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19274 posts
If you are arriving on a Lufthansa operated flight and going out on Lufthansa, that should be no problem. If the flight in is a United operated flight, they use the last gates on the south end of Terminal 1 and it's a looong walk (definitely get a wheel chair) to immigration at the middle of T1 (I know, it happened to me). But still, 90 minutes seems like enough time. You'll go through immigration in Munich but your bags should be check through to Paris, so you'll go through customs there.
Posted by
OP
Reston, VA, USA
810 posts
Thanks to all for the helpful responses. We are arriving on United... and really don't plan to do anything that afternoon in Paris. So I will just try to move our connecting flight later and spend a few relaxing hours in the business lounge, which seems to be in Terminal 2. Maybe Mom can catch a quick nap; she won't sleep much on the flight.