We are trying to book flights with Lufthansa from WA to Athens. There are flights with only 80 minutes layover and ones with 110 minutes. Is the first layover time enough to make it through passport control? I know some have said it was in the past. Just wondered if things are different now. Denise
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
6646 posts
Either meet the permitted minimums allowed for MUC. Assuming these are connecting flights on the same ticket, and your first flight arrives on time . However, if I had to change terminals, I would feel much more comfortable with the extra time of the 110 minutes. And it's only a 30 min difference. Enough time to stretch your legs after a long flight and maybe get a snack and something to drink. Pretty sure the Passport Control agents are professional in how they treat ALL of the people who pass through their gates, regardless of what passport they hold.
If you are doing this on separate tickets, neither of those intervals are safe.
Posted by
Freedonia
17929 posts
I have entered both Schengen and the UK numerous times and at different airports since January.
No difference in the way I was treated. In fact, I applied for Easypass in Germany in April and had no problems.
If the airline is offering an 80 minute layover then they believe it is enough time. If for some reason, your flight into MUC is delayed and you miss the connection--assuming it is on the same ticket--LH is required to get you on the next available flight at no cost to you.
Posted by
Los Angeles
1740 posts
First of all, MUC is an incredibly efficient airport, especially when connecting on Lufthansa/Star Alliance flights. 80 minutes is within the minimum connection time, but if your flight is delayed, having the additional time cushion may be worthwhile, especially if the two longhaul flights you're looking at are equally convenient.
One thing to consider is that you may arrive at the T2 Satellite terminal and need to transfer to T2 via an underground shuttle train to catch your connecting flight - it's all well-planned, and doesn't take long, but again, less stress involved with the longer layover.,
Posted by
Virginia
448 posts
Due to flight delays, my flight from US last year arrived in Munich only 20 minutes before my connecting flight to Dubrovnik and I actually made it (although my checked bag not surprisingly did not and came on the next flight). It’s a very efficient airport.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19484 posts
I've flown into MUC at least three times in the last 20 years, and I've always been off the plane, through immigration, and out of the terminal and in the S-Bahn station in less than an hour. So I think getting to another gate in an hour is very possible.
Note: this was before the satellite terminal. It might take a few minutes longer if you have to change buildings.
But note also, I said off of the plane. What if the plane arrives late? I've been an hour late arriving in Germany three times (1/3 of the time).