Important Travel Updates On Munich Airport, Germany

Until recently, Munich Airport has been an easier and faster airport to connect through than Frankfurt Airport for several reasons. Frequently, when landing at Frankfurt Airport the planes land far out on the tarmac making it necessary to climb down an outdoor stairway to leave the plane before taking a bus for a 10 minute ride to the terminal. This happens year round in all kinds of weather.

In contrast, Munich Airport always had a nice jetway into the terminal and very quick, easy exit off the plane. This no longer appears to be the case. When arriving on a Lufthansa flight from Istanbul last month, we had the undesirable outdoor stairway to the tarmac and then a long bus ride to the terminal for the first time.

Munich has been expanding its airport, so maybe the longer and less convenient transfer time will only be temporary or this could be an indication of new changes to accommodate more flights. It is important to note, however, that more connection time between flights should be allowed.

Another delay in boarding was due to a second security check right at the gate with luggage and passengers having to pass through again. For several years after 9/11, this was normal for all flights traveling to the U.S., but it has been quite some time since we have encountered the double security check at the gate. This occurred before the recent embassy closings, and there was no apparent reason for the additional check.

Passport lines were longer and slower in Munich recently as well. If you qualify for the expedited first and business class line, be sure to take advantage of it if that line is shorter. Also, watch for employees about to open new check points which will speed up your progress.

When calculating your connection time between flights in Munich, I would recommend a minimum of 3 hours to allow for the new delays and still be able to board on time. If you do have a little extra time, you might be able to find one of the free computers in the terminal to check your email.

Otherwise, if you have your own internet device with you, you can take advantage of the recently implemented 30 minutes a day free W-LAN access through Deutsche Telekom now available in the terminals and the Munich Airport Center.

Still one of the nicest and easiest airport hotels to access is the Munich Airport Kempinski, just a one minute walk after stepping outside Terminal Building 2. The airport’s large outdoor courtyard with restaurants and bars right by the hotel also make it a social setting in nice weather.

Which European airport do you think is the quickest and easiest to connect through?