Connection cities preference: FRA MUC ZRH?

[Anonymous]

All other details about the same, are one of these airports known to be better or worse for connecting from IAD to MXP? Connection time for all is about 1.5 - 2 hours, which is a little tight. Next choices are 5+ hours layover.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All other details about the same, are one of these airports known to be better or worse for connecting from IAD to MXP? Connection time for all is about 1.5 - 2 hours, which is a little tight. Next choices are 5+ hours layover.

This order of preference:

1. MUC
2. ZRH
3-49.- Getting hit by a bus
50. FRA

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All other details about the same, are one of these airports known to be better or worse for connecting from IAD to MXP? Connection time for all is about 1.5 - 2 hours, which is a little tight. Next choices are 5+ hours layover.

This order of preference:

1. MUC
2. ZRH
3-49.- Getting hit by a bus
50. FRA

Did you check options to LIN also?

[Anonymous]

I had two connection flights in FRA this summer and they were both fine.

[Anonymous]

I connected through MUC and FRA this summer on the way to Italy. On the way there, we were slightly delayed out of IAD so we all missed our connecting flights. On the way back, I went through MUC and spent the entire 2 hours getting across the airport, through multiple customs/passport check lines.

I would look for a longer layover and I would pick FRA over MUC. The larger planes from IAD get parked further out and you have to wait for buses to get back to the terminal, which eats up some of your connection time and you can't control it.

Haven't been through ZRH in years so no idea about that one.

[Anonymous]

One more thing, you might be better off connecting in Newark and flying direct if that is an option. Flight between here an Newark are so frequent that it's not a big deal if you miss one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had two connection flights in FRA this summer and they were both fine.

Ha, yes, was exaggerating for effect. But other things being equal it would be my last choice of those 3. FRA can be confusing and with multiple long walks seemingly to nowhere. MUC and ZRH are very compact and optimized for quick connections.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:One more thing, you might be better off connecting in Newark and flying direct if that is an option. Flight between here an Newark are so frequent that it's not a big deal if you miss one.

This would work in spring and fall. Not sure I agree in winter and summer. Newark can be an absolute clusterf--- on summer evenings because of storms, much moreso than Dulles. Winter obviously a risk there as well.

[Anonymous]

I'm embarrassed I don't know the answer to this but when connecting though a foreign country, do you go through the same customs line/process as if you were staying in that country?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm embarrassed I don't know the answer to this but when connecting though a foreign country, do you go through the same customs line/process as if you were staying in that country?

You are entering EU, so will take time for passport control

[Anonymous]

I connected through FRA on two layovers this summer and through MUC for one layover, also this summer. All were tight connections and the first leg of each arrived late, making everything tighter. We had to run for all 3, but made all 3 flights. The immigration lines were shorter and more efficient at FRA, but the airport layout was way more problematic and we had to run a way longer distance with our carry ons. If given the choice I’d pick Munich hands down. I have connected through ZRH in the past and it is a lovely airport with VERY good chocolate options but I’ve never had a short connection there.

[Anonymous]

Frequent flyer here. ZRH, MUC, FRA

FRA is out of jetways -- you'll see they're building a new terminal if you do end up transferring there -- so highly likely your flight to MXP will involve a bus ride, and sometimes for the big flights too.

FRA is also a mess of a layout. MUC is a newer and more modern airport when it comes to connections and lines and efficiencies.

ZRH I've only been through 2-3 times but it's fairly compact and efficient.

[Anonymous]

I can only speak to MUC and FRA. Didn’t enjoy FRA. No major issues, but it was kind of a mad house. MUC seemed a lot better- not as hectic, not as crowded and more manageable. Also, I assume you’re flying United or Lufthansa. I much preferred my United flight over Lufthansa. United seats were more comfortable, better food, better service…etc. Lufthansa wasn’t terrible, but if I did it again would choose United.

[Anonymous]

Agree with ZRH, MUC, FRA

(Flyertalk just had a thread on MUC FRA BRU and I think the consensus was MUC FRA BRU)

[Anonymous]

MUC is a great airport and I’d pick it first. Modern and pretty easy to get around. Love when we get to travel through there.

FRA has been a bit of a mess as of late with all the woes that seem to be hitting the Star Alliance hubs. It’s a bit sprawly and weird for some connections.