Germany

A Comparison of Direct Flights to Munich from the US

by Richard Gilbert Cross  |  Published August 9, 2024

With a wealth of options linking the US to Munich, you have the luxury of choosing from many cities across the country.

Photo: Jan Antonin Kolar / Unplash

While there are many indirect options on offer, a direct flight is the quickest and easiest way to travel from the United States to Munich. Flying from New York is the best time-saving route, as well as the most frequent, with the journey totalling around 8 hours. Many US cities now offer direct flights, with the routes spread across four airlines. We’ve analysed the best direct flight options to Munich from the US considering convenience, departure times and onboard facilities.

Lufthansa

Germany’s flagship airline provides travellers with a range of flexible options and competitive pricing for flights to Munich from various US cities. With services from seven US cities, Lufthansa stands out as the most economical choice for travel to Munich.

From New York, Lufthansa offers two daily flights to Munich: one from JFK at 6:15 pm and another from Newark Liberty International at 8:30 pm. Both airports offer convenient access for travellers. Lufthansa’s flights typically feature 8 first-class seats along with ample options for business, premium economy, and economy class passengers.

Those departing from Washington, DC can choose from two daily overnight flights from Dulles International. These flights depart at 5:15 pm and 10:20 pm, arriving in Munich at 7:45 am and 12:35 pm local time, respectively. Charlotte, North Carolina also benefits from several weekly flights to Munich, with a flight duration of 8 hours and 40 minutes.

Additionally, Lufthansa operates a daily flight from Chicago O’Hare departing at 3:35 pm, Boston Logan departing at 8.05 pm. and another from Denver International Airport departing at 4:05 pm, providing efficient connections to Munich.

Lufthansa excels in long-haul flights, offering passengers super-comfortable seating and excellent inflight entertainment options. This is particularly beneficial for longer-distance routes to Munich. For instance, their daily flight from San Francisco departing at 9:05 pm, which is ideal for minimising jet lag, as well as a daily flight from Los Angeles’ LAX departing at 5:10 pm.

United

United Airlines offers convenient options for travellers flying from various US cities to Munich, along with notable amenities and services.

Departing from New York’s Newark airport, United operates a single daily flight to Munich at 5:00 pm, arriving at 10:25 am. In Washington, DC, travellers can catch a daily flight departing at 5:15 pm. Meanwhile, in Denver, Colorado, United provides a daily flight departing at 8:20 pm, catering to both business and economy class passengers.

Chicago-based passengers seeking flights to Munich can opt for Lufthansa’s only flight from the city, departing at 6:00 pm. For passengers based further afield, United offers flights from Houston, Texas, departing at 4:30 pm, with a flight duration of 10 hours and 35 minutes. Additionally, flyers from San Francisco can choose a single daily flight departing at 1:30 pm..

United Airlines has received mixed reviews overall, but it boasts a strong reputation for its onboard entertainment and seat comfort, which are crucial factors for passengers embarking on longer journeys. Prices are often more expensive than Lufthansa.

Delta

The Atlanta-based Delta Airlines offers flights from New York City’s JFK to Munich three times a week, departing at 6:15 pm and lasting approximately 8 hours and 10 minutes. Additionally, there is a daily flight from Atlanta, Georgia to Munich departing at 6:25 pm, with a flight duration of about 9 hours and 20 minutes. The aircraft for the Atlanta route is a Boeing 767-300 with 215 seats, including 12 business class and 12 premium economy seats. Delta provides amenity kits with headphones and complimentary alcoholic drinks on long-haul flights.

American Airlines

American Airlines operates daily flights from Charlotte, North Carolina to Munich, using a Boeing 777 aircraft. The flight departs at 4:25 pm and has a duration of approximately 8 hours and 45 minutes. Business and premium economy class options are available. However, it’s important to note that basic economy class passengers do not receive a meal and will need to pay for alcoholic drinks. This service is positioned as an alternative to Lufthansa for travellers heading to Charlotte from Munich.