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Return U.S. from Munich

Looking at options on a fall trip I find Icelandair with a 55 min transfer. I know that's what they do at KEF and it's worked for me before but not quite this tight.

Then Delta has a direct to Detroit with 2.5 hours to do US entry stuff. Never done that at Detroit so don't know how it goes but figure it's got to beat Atlanta

And there's an Air France with 2 (or possibly 4) hours to do whatever needs to be done there. Then US entry at Denver (not bad usually)

Haven't checked out respective quality of flight service, Icelandair is (or was) fine. Think I did Air France once and don't have bad memories but in any event this is our first overseas since Covid and I figure anything is pretty much a new bet.

Thoughts or pertinent experience welcome.

Posted by
1477 posts

I do not enjoy flying thru Atlanta when returning to the states. Two years we chose Detroit instead. I did not feel it was better. As it was new to us, it was a little confusing.

Posted by
8377 posts

I avoid Atlanta in the summer, and Detroit (and Denver) in the winter. For weather delay reasons. The thing about connecting at ATL is the larger number of international flights potentially arriving at the same time. We once waited 2 hours just for our checked bags which were literally the last two up the ramp. I dont think DTW has that much international traffic. Our favorite connections are through Minneapolis (Delta) and Toronto (Air Canada) but obviously weather is a factor there too.

Posted by
248 posts

Me too, and Chicago. This will be early October so don't figure weather possibilities being a decider.

Posted by
30 posts

I did the Icelandair 55 min transfer on a return trip to the U.S. from Munich four years ago. The flight from Munich was delayed. We ran to make the connection at KEF. They held the plane for us. It was stressful, but Icelandair made it work. Get seats at the front of the plane if you can.

Posted by
48 posts

The Detroit connection works fine. I travel Munich to Dayton, OH through Detroit all the time. It is on my schedule for 04 October.

Posted by
248 posts

Thanks, you may see me then that 1st week Oct is our rough time for return if this all comes together as we're figuring now.