Hi RS folks, my teen will be flying though Munich from the US, in on United, out on Lufthansa. I see that they are in Terminal 2, on levels 3 and 4 respectively (although maybe 5 for Lufthansa, depending). As she makes her way from one gate to the other, is immigration/passport control on the way, or does she need to look for signs directing her there before making her way to the other gate area? (I recall transferring through Brussels, and we were funneled through passport control, meaning that we seemed to get there without looking for it). Im making a cheat-sheet for her of airports so logistics will be as easy as possible. Thnx
What is the final destination?
If there is a passport control requirement then your teen will be funneled through that route. It’s not like you have an option. I think having your teen just read the signs and directions along the way will be much more helpful than attempting to make a cheat sheet.
Yeah, I think its my need to feel some control. Im just trying to let her know if she should seek a shuttle bus (change terminals), etc. But yes, in this case, I think it straightforward. Parental nerves.
Terminal 2 has two buildings, connected by an underground shuttle train. United and Lufthansa, being code-share partners both use Terminal 2, so unlikely to need a shuttle bus. If connecting to another Schengen destination, she will go through Schengen immigration (passport control) before going to the connecting gate, which may or may not be in the other building.
https://www.munich-airport.com/transit-260553
I wouldn't bother with the cheat sheet, as it may make "the simple" overly complicated and perhaps even more stressful. Airport signage (in any airport) is designed to be very user-friendly, so no one really has to do "homework" beforehand. There's no way to get lost. Plus, even teenagers should be able to handle basic problem-solving or to ask someone on the ground a question or two in order to find their way. Or there's probably "an app for that", and a computer savvy teen will figure it out.
The Munich airport web page gives a pretty good overview of the transit process for international arrivals to domestic (intra Europe) departures.
As I understand it, there are two shuttle trains between T2 and T2 "annex", one for passenger remaining outside Schengen (airside) and another for passenger remaining inside Schengen - to keep them separate.
Thank you all!
I have researched. I understand that she won't need to take a shuttle in Munich (I was just explaining the reason for my forecasting). I was just trying to give her a gist. She will be in multiple airports. So I was just trying to give her a heads up about each. The only thing happening in Munich is passport control. Its her first stop in the Schengen zone (where she will remain). She's a seasoned traveler. Im just feeling more nervous than necessary, but its getting better and it will all be fine ;p