New biometric screening

Here you can find details: https://www.lufthansa.com/us/en/star-alliance-biometrics

The system hack at Munich Airport is to carry a Weißwürschtl, so the system recognizes you as citizen of Bavaria. ;-)

According to the link to the Star Alliance page, this isn't a requirement, just a way to identify you with your passport for boarding. (all the way down under FAQ, last question)
https://www.lufthansa.com/us/en/faq-star-alliance-biometrics

What happens if I cannot be biometrically identified at an access point?
If biometric identification doesn’t work at one of the access points, you’ll be asked to scan your boarding pass as usual.

I've been using a biometric system at SFO for at least 2 years, I vaguely recall applying for it during the pandemic, you still need to have your passport handy but about 1/2 the time no one asks to see it. Just step up, stare into a screen & that's your 'boarding pass', which is linked to your passport.

It is not clear if you mean the new Entry-Exit system for Schengen combined with ETIAS- two different things.

The Entry-Exit system (biometrics) you will just do on arrival when it (probably) starts in November. ETIAS (the new Schengen Travel Authorisation) you will have to pre-apply for as, when and if it starts. After many delays ETIAS is currently due to start in the spring. If that happens your airline will tell you about it (and it will be a big talking point on this forum). The system is not yet open, so you cannot apply for it and the exact procedure is unknown.

This…..
https://usa.blsgermanyvisa.com/biometrics_services.php

Thank you. Sorry for any confusion. YES, I believe it’s the entry program planned to begin in May of 2025.

You do not need a visa to attend a work conference in Germany if you hold a US passport.

That company's business is to help those who need it get a visa.

Thw ETIAS system you may be referring to is not a visa and is not yet open for applications. It's been postponed numerous times since 2023.

The above website is a little bit unclear.

As the site says when you dig into it-

We are pleased to confirm that persons holding a US passport do not require a visa for the Schengen Member States, provided that the duration of their stay does not exceed 90 days within any 180 day period and provided that no economic activity is being pursued. If you are not a US passport holder, please check our country list to see if you need a visa:

The ETIAS system will not be a VISA- it is a different thing entirely. This visa system is live but does not and will not apply to the vast majority of members of this forum who are on touristic visits of under 3 months duration.
In any event that is a 3rd party website- if you did happen to need a visa for some reason you would usually be better off applying through the official channels.

Ah, perfect. Thanks very much for this information. Very helpful!