Munich airport-time needed between flights?

I have done this and I usually try to have at least a 3 hr layover to make sure everything goes okay. The problem is if your 1 st flight is delayed getting out of the US then everything is like a domino effect and if you don't make the next flight because your stuck in a security line or getting checked in at the front desk then you have no recourse for getting to your destination except trying to buy a new ticket and taking the chance that there's another flight with space available that day. As long as you allow plenty of time for unforeseen circumstances then it usually works.

Thanks, Donald. It seems that between the 3+ hrs needed before the second flight and plus the actual flying time, maybe I'd be better off taking the train from Munich to Prague after all. I thought we'd save time flying, but maybe not because the first available flight is 8:15 am which is cutting it pretty close if we arrive at 6:35 am. The next available is 12:10 pm.

Do I still have to go out and go back through Munich airport security, instead of going straight from the gate AA lands at to my next gate, which looks like it would be Lufthansa if we decide to go ahead and fly?

Thanks!

I have also done this (but to Dresden instead of Prague from MUC). Ideally, I always try to keep everything on the same ticket but I also understand that sometimes that last connection flight is crazy expensive. If it were me I would allow 3 hours to connect to a flight and you are right that Lufthansa is you best bet.

If you decide to go the train route instead, an alternative to going through Munich or Nuermburg is you can take is a direct train from the MUC airport to Regensburg where you catch a direct train to Prague. See this thread for more discussion: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/czech/regensburg-to-prague

DJ

edit: don't forget to check lufthansa.de for prices in € instead of the USA site, sometimes it is cheaper to pay in €.

You almost certainly have to go through security.

1) If you have to check in again, that check in is in the public "insecure" area. You would have to check in again either if, as you say, you have bags to check in, or if you haven't got your boarding card.
If you can check in and get your boarding pass online before leaving home, that solves one of the two reasons.
Normally at check-in they as to see your hand luggage, possibly weigh or size check it, and tell you if it is OK.

2) European airports often do not trust foreign security. Not sure about Munich, they may do 100% security.

As above, you also do not have a guaranteed connection. If your first flight is delayed, or re-timed, hard luck.
"How much time do I need to manage all of this between our arrival at 6:35 am and the next flight?" - minimum 3 hours (09:35), and have a plan B just in case.

"European carry on requirements" - no such thing. Each airline has different limits. Check the airline website.

Thanks for your responses! I appreciate the help.