Munich Airport

Personally, with a 2 hour20 minute layover, I would risk it, IF your tickets from Stuttgart to MUC arenon LH? Even if it's on 2 tickets it's the same airline, so you should be able to check your bags through to JKF. I've done this a few times, but not on this route. You DO need to go through immigration in MUC as it's your last exit point from Schengen. Customs would only be in the US. There wouldn't be a local customs inspection flying to MUC from Stuttgart.

If you're not flying LH, what you've written above is correct. Not sure I would chance it. AND if it's a different airline, you would lose the value of the flight to JFK, unless you manage to cancel/ change it before departure.

This is very risky. What if your plane to Munich is delayed and you miss your flight? Lufthansa won't care and you will have to buy a new ticket at the last minute rate.

You will have to go through exit immigration because you are departing Schengen from Munich.

I wouldn't do it and I fly a great deal.

Thank you kindly for your advice! Indeed, both flights are on Lufthansa, so I was hopeful there would be sufficient time. Thank you again! I greatly appreciate your thoughts. :)

Ah, I spoke too soon. The additional guidance from another traveler is giving me pause. So much to ponder...Thank you very much for sharing your insights. :)

It may be worth a try to contact Lufthansa and see if they will allow a change in the return leg to originate in Stuttgart - change fees and change in fare price should be anticipated. What do you have to lose by inquiring? On a single ticket it's definitely doable at MUC.

I'm not the Forum's train expert, obviously, but couldn't you take a train to Munich? Good luck!

Ugh. Honestly, I've seen people miss flights because they had to go and pick up luggage and then go check in again-a woman in front of me in line there actually missed her flight to the US. I wouldn't do it if I were you.

It's worth asking if LH could check in your bags straight through going home. Sometimes they will do it for you.

If you really want to fly between Stuttgart and Munich I'd look at either the flight at 2035 in the evening, or the really early flight at 0600, both with Lufthansa. The evening flight would be ideal. Get a hotel at the airport and take your time in the morning.

I agree that you should first see if Lufthansa will link your flights and let you check your bag through to JFK from Stuttgart. This will make your trip home much simpler.

Or, if you can refund the Stuttgart-Munich tickets, then three hours on the train and U-Bahn. No bag check, no security screening. Chill in first class and have coffee at the on-board bistro. Leave at 7:15 to arrive two hours ahead of your expected boarding time. Trains go every hour, so 8:15 departure might be pushing to tight on your check-in window.

Lastly, one response was to get to Munich the evening before your travel. Good idea. I traveled through Frankfurt on business for many years and always stayed at the Frankfurt airport the evening before my flight back to the US. Morning flights to Frankfurt were often delayed by fog or other weather and I had many colleagues who missed their connections home.

Another vote to fly the night before or take the train the day before, I understand it’s a scenic ride between Stuttgart and Munich. Too many “if’s” in your circumstances to be comfortable with, imo but then I would rather have the odds more in my favor.
Everything I’m reading says that for your baggage to be transferred to the final destination, the flights have to be on the same ticket. I would call their customer service, as someone else suggested to see if they can connect the tickets and not wait til you get to the airport unless your German is good.

Just a note to thank all of you who shared such sage advice! Your experience and wisdom is most appreciated and I shall definitely follow your guidance. Abundant thanks! :)

I would just call their customer service, as someone else suggested, to see if they can connect the tickets. I think this could work, it is after all Lufthansa! The telephone number is (516) 738-4422.