MUNICH AIRPORT   Customer Reviews and Passenger opinions

MUNICH AIRPORT review :  15 November 2009 by Farouk Mogheth   (Czech Republic)

Customer Rating :  2/5

Queuing

Cleanliness

Facilities

Flying to and from Munich to Abu Dhabi with Etihad. This was my first experience with MUC and has left me with mixed feelings. The airport is very clean and fair amount of shopping.. nothing great but sufficient. Arrival from AUH with a full A330-200 (shorter version). The line for passport control was very long and slow. Only 2 passport control officers available and the containment area for the passengers was ridiculously small and claustrophobic even with lots of glass around opening the "area" optically. I cannot even imagine how would the place look like in the rush hour of if a couple of flights arrived at the same time. At departure the chaos was unbelievable. Again small containment area with check in counters (around 10 at a time) and passport control just next to them. So today around apx. 700 passengers stood in a chaotic and long and incredibly slow lined mixing with people trying to get to check in counters. 3 flights (London, Moscow and Izmir) were boarding so many passengers had to get to the front of the line to catch their flights. Passport control couldn't even process faster as the lines were stuck as Xrays were just behind the booths making the process even more painful. Will try again in a month and see if this is was just a "bad day" - but all in all a rather bad experience. And charging 1 EUR for trolleys might not sound a lot but it gives a very strange first impression.

MUNICH AIRPORT review : 24 September 2009 by Paritosh Vasava

Customer Rating : 4/5

From and to Helsinki. Very efficient airport. Everything is easy to find. Very many stores for shopping. My luggage arrive on time and the security took less that 5 minutes during departure.

MUNICH AIRPORT review : 18 July 2009 by P Kim

Customer Rating : 2/5

Departure from Terminal 1, B-Gate area, flying British Airways. B-Gates are separated from other Gate areas in the terminal and there is little choice of duty free shopping and dining/bar options available. I also wasn't able to use the priority pass lounges as a result. Toilet facilities are basic and not as clean as I would expect for an international airport. The Airport charges for use of luggage trolleys in the departure area regardless of whether you will return the trolley - anyway, odd to charge for a major international airport and when you have paid airport taxes. The security check was strange - after my bag went through the x-ray machine, it had to go through the x-ray machine again but with my bag open and in a position where everything could potentially fall out. The security staff did this without asking me first and without any apology or explanation. Overall, not a good experience.

MUNICH AIRPORT review : 13 July 2009 by C Freeman

Customer Rating : 5/5

I have traveled through several times between US and Southern Africa and everything you might need en route is right there including train connection into Munich for the 12 or so daytime hours to kill between flights (US to Africa) and a great - if expensive - hotel for the necessary overnight stop on the return leg.

MUNICH AIRPORT review : 23 June 2009 by Brian Hill

Customer Rating : 1/5

Arrived into Terminal 1 on Aer Lingus, totally chaotic. Followed the signs and were directed down an escalator into a tiny border control area which was then found to be closed; there was a serious danger of injuries as there were still people on the escalator even through the area was now over crowded. Eventually found an open border control at 21.00 on a Thursday but then discovered that the signs to the U-Bahn are less than visible; when we found the way, it is a very long walk to the station. On return, security is a joke; "empty everything out of your pockets including a plastic ball point pen" and still set the alarm off; my wife carries a nebuliser (basically a small compressor), needles and syringes, this passed through the scanner without any comment or question. MUC Terminal 1 is a joke!

MUNICH AIRPORT review : 12 May 2009 : by Kurt Müller

Customer Rating : 4/5

While the airport works very well, the multi-storey car parks do not. The problem is in their automatic parking bay indication system. This shows you available bays on floors where, in reality, there are none. Avoid following the arrows pointing to fewer than 5 bays on a floor, as you will waste your time searching for non-existent slots.

MUNICH AIRPORT review : 27 April 2009 : by J Aberg

Customer Rating : 5/5

I know that Munich has been voted one of the best airports in Europe, and I understand why. It is very well laid-out, and very user-friendly. I would say it is as good as Frankfurt is bad. Therefore when flying Lufthansa and having to make a stop-over in Germany, I would pick Munich with no hesitation!

MUNICH AIRPORT review : 6 April 2009 : by G Calafiore

Customer Rating : 5/5

A wonderful airport; aesthetically pleasing, clean and efficient, more so than FRA due to its smaller size. Pleasant and obliging staff at check-in (LH, 4U, AB, etc) and at security. Good variety of shopping and dining options both land and airside, but at usual inflated airport prices. Excellent transportation options to get to the city, and the whole airport experience pleasant. This is perhaps Europe's most efficient and passenger-friendly airport.

MUNICH AIRPORT review : 12 February 2009 : by H Prem

Customer Rating : 5/5

I was there last summer for a flight to DOH with Qatar Airways through Terminal 2. Airport was very clean! A broad variety of Shop and very quiet even at night or in the morning! I had almost no queues and the Baggage was really fast to pick up, the only Airport with that size which managed that faster was NRT. All in all a good Airport.

MUNICH AIRPORT review : 3 February 2009 : by Pierre Fabre

Customer Rating : 5/5

As we had lots of luggage, what was greatly appreciated at Munich airport was the fact that you can transfer from the plane to the train without having to unload your bags from the trolley at any time! The airport trolleys are designed so that they can ride up and down the escalators and there are lifts as well. The trolleys are also allowed to go down on the train platform and there is not even a single step to get on the train. A very pleasant airport, too bad that the fussy Swiss staff wasted us half and hour wanting to charge us a fee for excess length of one of my bags, a 2m long ski bag, for which there would be absolutely no charge if it was skis inside, but chargeable as I was carrying some long kites in it instead! I was about to cut all my kite spars in half in order to avoid the 100$ charge when the manager finally allowed this bag too - next time I'll just pretend to be carrying skis!

MUNICH AIRPORT review : 6 January 2009 : by Alexander Gabriel

Customer Rating : 4/5

6am arrival, with 6 hour layover. When I arrived, hardly any of the shops were open, and was surprised at just how quiet the airport was - it was almost deserted. Within the next 2 hours the airport did become busier though, and there was a wide range of shops and restaurants to choose from.

MUNICH AIRPORT review : 22 December 2008 : by C Brown

Customer Rating : 5/5

Clean, spacious, very quiet, well-organised, clear signs. Good choice of shops and places to eat - nicer than average airport range. I spent quite a while here as my incoming flight was delayed and hence I had to get a later transfer - staff were helpful and efficient organising this, and food voucher was supplied quickly without my having to ask for it (unlike at some other airports). If I had to be stuck at any airport, this was a good one to be stuck at!

MUNICH AIRPORT review : 11 December 2008 : by Nick Paul

Customer Rating : 4/5

Early evening arrival ex LHR, transit to ADB. First impression is the airport is very quiet - no noise of travellers or shoppers, little sound of any sort of business. Predominantly grey colour scheme - highly polished floors, not too many shops, but pretty broad choice. Ample signage for information about dept. gates and flight times. Choice of eating places - typical coffee and baguette €7.20 / £5.50; spaghetti meal €10 ; pizza slice €4, etc.. Dept. gates are quite a distance apart (and also on two levels) so allow for sufficient walking time if connections are close together. Some travelators to various gates make it a bit easier. No delays at security on arrival (note a revolving full height barrier gate might be a challenge to some partially disabled pax as the access to it is quite narrow) or on departure, all very prompt. Plenty of seating available, free papers to pax if required. Clean and efficient service.

MUNICH AIRPORT review : 3 October 2008 : by Daniel Double

Customer Rating : 5/5

I travel thru Munich Airport a lot. City Connection takes about 20-40 minutes by car from the city center (depending on traffic), and even longer via public transport. Trains leave regularly during daytime. Departure, depending on airline, there may be long waits for check in. Passport and security checks are usually fast, the staff is firm but friendly. Security checks seem to be very good. Duty free shop assistance often very rude for unknown reasons. Arrival, especially in Terminal 1 there are often long lines at immigration. The bags usually arrive within 10-15 minutes after arriving at the gate, which is ok. There are no customs checks for every arriving passengers (or forms to fill out), which is a big time-saver. Sometimes passengers get picked at random for checks, but only seldom. Very clean airport. Good selection of shops, including supermarkets. All in all, a very good airport - way better than many bigger airports.

MUNICH AIRPORT review : 25 September 2008 : by W Warnock

Customer Rating : 2/5

Stopped over in MUC in transit from HAJ to MAN. As with other comments, agree that the airport is very clean and pretty well laid out. My problem is with the attitude of the staff which, in both occasions I've used the airport, I've found to be unhelpful. Real shame as the airport itself is fine, but I'd not look to transit via Munich if I could help it in future.

MUNICH AIRPORT review : 19 August 2008 : by Barbara Wissinger

Customer Rating : 3/5

The airport itself is nice, but I cannot understand why they always need forever to get the bags off the plane. After our last flight from Chicago (direct), we waited almost 45 minutes before everything was off-loaded. The fastest they've ever managed is 30 minutes after an Easyjet flight from Stansted. Anyone flying into Munich, whether Terminal 1 or 2, should try to only have carry- on, if possible.

MUNICH AIRPORT review : 12 August 2008 : by Ian Oliver

Customer Rating : 5/5

Munich is a joy to travel to and via. There is rather a long walk to get from the Schengen to non- Schengen areas but security and passport control were very quick and efficient. The place is clean, modern and unusually hasn't been turned into a giant shopping mall - natural lighting throughout by way of lots of windows. The free tea and coffee bars strategically located throughout are a superb idea - other airports take note!

MUNICH AIRPORT review : 17 June 2008 : by James Kenney

Customer Rating : 5/5

BOS-MUC-FRA. While my Lufthansa flight touched down on time, we had to wait for a gate, and I subsequently missed my FRA flight. No matter. Quickly rebooked at Lufthansa's counter, then through a fast security line, and on to the gate. Free coffee and tea, as well as newspapers, which was just the thing I needed after such a long flight. I would love to connect at MUC again. It really is a nice airport, and it quite efficient.

MUNICH AIRPORT review : 22 May 2008 : by A Johnson

Customer Rating : 5/5

Have flown into MUC twice, both times using Terminal 2. Airport is spotless and spacious. Accessible from downtown via S-bahn (40-45 min ride). Despite there being no wait at passport control on arrival, my baggage was already waiting for me on the conveyor belt. Both departures were on Sunday mornings during the winter -- on one trip, the airport was deserted, but on the other, there were significant queues for check-in and passport control. Schengen flights depart from the lower level while non-Schengen flights depart from the upper level, even though they use the same gates and segregate passengers by means of barricades and escalators. Many shops and cafes after passport control. There are also smoking booths where pax with cigarettes can cram in to smoke. However, the smoke tends to leak out of these booths and you can smell it in the main concourse area. Only downside to airport is that USA-bound passengers must go through a second security checkpoint, even if you are originating in MUC and have already cleared security there. You can purchase duty-free liquids after passport control and take them through this checkpoint.

Munich Airport review by H Lee

10 January 2008   Customer Rating :

If you have a couple of hours of stop over time, this is the airport you'll want to be in. Incredibly spacious, clean environment, very helpful and friendly staff, clear signs for directions. A wide variety of shops, cafes, & eateries, and easy access to the city with the S-Bahn train. They even have a Christmas market in the centre of the airport for people who do not have time to go to Marienplatz for the festivities.

Munich Airport review by David Griffiths

8 January 2008   Customer Rating :

I have been flying to Munich since the days of the old Riem airport. Although I’ve always liked Franz-Josef Strauss I had only used Terminal 1 until recently. Having now sampled Terminal 2 I can easily see why Munich is rated as the finest airport in Europe. I’ve only used it for arrivals and departures so I can’t comment on the transfer facilities but the overall quality of the airport is simply outstanding. It’s a big airport and there can be quite a distance to some of the gates but if your gate is used by Lufthansa you will be rewarded with free coffee and newspapers (usually the German FT) for even the lowliest economy passenger, a nice touch which adds to the already highly civilised experience. My only suggestion for improvement would be a dedicated Heathrow/Gatwick Express type rail service direct to the city centre. The S1/S8 lines are essentially local stopping trains which happen to serve the airport and it can be a trifle tedious as they potter their leisurely way through the northern suburbs. A direct fast rail link would make Munich as close to the perfect airport as it is possible to get.

Munich Airport review by J Tung

20 December 2007   Customer Rating :

Used Munich airport (Lufthansa, Terminal 2). Arrival experience was excellent. I arrived by City Line from London City Airport and hence the small plane didn't park by the gate. We were given a lift by shuttle. Very clean and efficient terminal with no queue in immigration. It took around 20-25 minutes from landing to claiming baggage. Excellent transport link into Munich city by S-Bahn. Return journey also smooth. Quick and friendly security/immigration. Duty free and boutique expensive but fair choices. Good quality restaurant and bar which are not common in airport, even in Hong Kong or Singapore. The flight was delayed for mroe than 30 minutes however there was no announcement. The way that the display monitor was designed mean that if you are sitting in the waiting lounge you can't see it. Free hot drink and papers available to passengers which is excellent. Overall it's a very friendly, clean, efficient and excellent airport.

Munich Airport review by Richard Winger

9 October 2007   Customer Rating :

LH pretends to manage 30 min connections through MUC. On a recent JFK-MUC-VIE-IST return itinerary in C class with 30 min transfer times both ways, I missed the MUC-VIE connection on the outbound and my bag missed the MUC-JFK connection on the return. On both legs, there were many other passengers who missed their connections. Surprisingly, LH makes no effort to facilitate connections, even for premium class passengers. The lesson: Despite LH's promise, insist on at least an hour transfer time with carry-on, more if you check bags.

Munich Airport review by Gerald Chapman

20 September 2007   Customer Rating :

Only used T2 but very impressed: bright and a great variety of interesting shops if you have time to kill. Not too far to walk and the free tea/coffee at Lufthansa holding area is a thoughtful touch. Also, lufthansa staff helpful - I hadn't used the check in machines before and was 'guided through' the procedure quickly and cheerfully.

Munich Airport review by Shawn Bindon

21 August 2007   Customer Rating :

There is no doubt in my mind that MUC is one of the finest airports in the world. Like many of the previous users making comments, I too enjoy the room it has, the great shops and restaurants and most of all, its efficiency!

Munich Airport review by Martin Marker

2 August 2007   Customer Rating :

The only negative aspect is the lengthy trek from the S-Bahn (suburban train) station to the T1 check-in areas (have not seen T2) and the signs are rather confusing. Against this the departure gates are immediately after security, assuming, that it, if your check-in is in C your departure gate is not in D. The airport advertises extensive retail facilities but you are not forced to pass through them.

Munich Airport review by Philippe Bopp

6 June 2007   Customer Rating :

The best airport I know. Short ways, efficient connections, good friendly service.

Munich Airport review by Ron Kuhlmann

28 May 2007   Customer Rating :

Excellent in almost every respect. The walks to the gates can be impressive but the exercise is usually welcome. The signage is good and the general ambience is very pleasant. Great place to transit.

Munich Airport review by Gyorgy Szeibert

4 May 2007   Customer Rating :

BUD-MUC-BRU & back by LH. Never ever had such a stress-free connection like via MUC. Short connection time (40 mins) is always enough. Extremely clean airport with easy connections. But beware if your connection flight is not on the same terminal as Star Alliance vs others because than must prepare a long walk between & it takes at least 1 hour.

Munich Airport review by Ron Kuhlmann

26 February 2007   Customer Rating : n/a

First visit to Munich and was in transit with 45 minute connection. As I came from SFO and was connecting to HAM, had to enter Germany and then undergo new security check. Just barely made it in the time available and was not impressed by the efficiency of the transit staff. However, the terminal was a lovely space and would have liked to have had a few moments to look around.

Munich Airport review by Nick Biskinis

17 December 2006

Recently travelled to Munich with Lufthansa: it's the same consortium that built Athens Airport, so a slight sense of deja vu. Either way Munich is a model of what an airport should be about. Roomy, clean, calm friendly service, shops with stuff you actually want to buy and (for us enthusiasts) great viewing terrace. If you're flying with Lufthansa, they even offer unlimited tea/milk/coffee at the gate. Munich Airport are really passenger focused, and were asking passengers what they thought of the airport. It's a toss up between Munich and Amsterdam as to which is the best European airport. The minor flaws are that the S- Bahn is, like London Underground Piccadilly Line a standard all-stopper service (though Munich t you get to see a lot of the area whilst travelling in). Plus tourist information/assistance with tickets is not what it ought to be. But of course, this can be remedied fairly easily. Munich is a total reversal of airports like London Heathrow or Paris Charles de Gaulle: it's designed for travellers, whereas LHR and CDG are second rate shopping malls masquerading as airports.

Munich Airport review by John Hoare

20 November 2006

Recently used Franz-Josef Strauss for MUC-TXL with Lufthansa. Comfortable, relaxing, efficient, orderly. The only deficit is the rather leisurely connection via the S-Bahn from the city centre, but even that is relaxed and orderly - certainly not as crowded as the service in Paris. If you have a choice, avoid Frankfurt and use Munich instead.

Munich Airport review by Robin Brunold

17 October 2006

The simplicity of its layout is amazing, the architecture stunning. There are plenty (and all kinds) of restaurants and shops, people that complain that there arent enough are just not able to find them. You'll never wait longer than 5 minutes in line at the security checkpoint or the passport control. The only downside to this airport is the slow connection to downtown Munich by public transport. I'm hoping for an express S-Bahn.

Munich Airport review by Scott Gibbins

24 September 2006

So nice to depart from here, wish I had longer there to enjoy all it had to offer! Left from the Lufthansa terminal, travelling with SAS Scandinavian, so was lucky enough to have access to all the facilities Lufthansa offer, such as the coffee and tea stations and the newspapers. A set-up I am not accustomed to, but I like it. The best thing was the pod-like chairs you can sit in and relax with the music while waiting.

Munich Airport review by Tony Maddern

28 August 2006

Munich is a beautiful airport to fly into and out of. Movement to and from the terminals is quick and easy and it's architecture is stunning. There is an excellent transport system between MUC and the city. The only down side to the airport is the lack of food outlets inside the terminal buildings.

Munich Airport review by Tim Pithers

18 February 2006

I recently flew in and out of Munich for the first time and was stunned by the architecture and simplicity of its layout. It is a great airport with amazing expanses of glass for plenty of contact with the outside. Arrival procedures were fast with baggage taking only about 5 minutes from a distant remote stand. Signposting is excellent and transport connections to Munich city ceter are frequent and fast. The cleanliness of the airport was outstanding. Departure was as easy as arrival with plenty of self-check in machines for Lufthansa flights and rapid traditional check-in. Security measures were thorough and fast. There are lots of things to do airside and its well worth spending some time (interesting boutiques etc.) Food outlets are numerous and (thankfully) prices are very reasonable. If you're flying on an e-ticket with Lufthansa you can do a fast automatic boarding procedure using machines into which you insert your boarding card.

Munich Airport review by Erkan Pinar

27 January 2006

This being one of my home airports - the other being Singapore Changi, I have to say that it is still one of the better ones. It is better than most in terms of food available: local bavarian delis, some german stuff, fish, japanese, italian, turkish, thai, bakeries and even its own brewery - well we are in Munich after all. More shops and variety than most other airports - including nicely sorted supermarkets - and its all good value for money. The S-Bahn (suburban trains) are actually new, clean and run on time - an express train is still missing. T2 is much nicer to depart from or arrive to - and a lot needs to be done to get T1 up to scratch - and staff could be better trained. All in all, its a decent airport to use.