Changing planes
 

I'm changing planes in Germany on my flight to Prague this summer and I have 45 minutes to do so. I have never planned an international trip before or been to many airports. Is that enough time to change planes? I guess they wouldnt make me do so if it wasnt possible because they have to switch my luggage, but on the view flights Ive been on, it seemed like it took longer. Do I just have to walk off my plane and go to the right gate or how does that work? Thanks.

There are a lot of airports in Germany, but I'm going to assume we're talking Frankfurt? If all goes on schedule, 45 minutes will be more than enough time to make your connection. Yes, you will get off the plane and go straight to your next gate. The airlines have an idea of how long it takes to change planes at each airport, and you are correct to assume they would not give you a connection if it were not realistic.

It's actually Munich, but I'm sure the same principle applies. Good to know. Thanks.

You don't really give us enough details.

Maybe you'll luck out, and so will your bags - but realistically, it will probably not be enough time unless it's the same airplane that carries on to Prag, so the question is this: Are you carrying on to Prag with the same airline? Then it's their "problem" (although your nuisance) to get you and your bags onto the next flight if you don't make it. Still, it's a hassle, you shouldn't have let them book it that way, and maybe they'll still re-book if you ask?

If the second leg is with a different company, then you're in trouble.

WK

I've done this a number of times, and as long as your bags are checked all the way to your final destination you should be fine unless your first flight is delayed. Even if you are flying 2 different airlines, they will still check your bag all the way through if you bought it on just one ticket. If you had purchased 2 seperate tickets, (one ticket to Munich, then you bought another to Prague) that would change everything because then you might have to get your luggage, clear customs, check in again, and go through security. But if you bought this ticket all at once and you're checked all the way through, then you'll be OK and it will make no difference if you are flying with the same airline or one of it's partners.

Well there are two stops: United into London Heathrow for 2 hours then it switches to Lufthansa for the second and last leg, so hopefully I'll be alright.

PS: I bought it all together, so thats good.

Two hours will be enough time for Heathrow. Please do not worry about using different airlines. United and Lufthansa are partners, so your bags WILL be checked through to Prague. That being the case, using different airlines is a complete non-issue and will not increase your chance of having problems. Countless travelers do it every day.

FRA and MUC have worked to shorten international > international connections to 30 min. You should be fine.

That's comforting. Thanks for the info.