Lufthansa is making its SmartDepart service for some flight leaving Munich Terminal 2 a permanent feature.
The service aims to shorten the time passengers spend waiting to board and follows a successful trial that started last October.
Lufthansa offers the service on flights from Munich to Düsseldorf, Berlin/Tegel, Frankfurt and Hamburg. On weekdays between 6 and 8:30 a.m. and between 4 and 6:30 p.m., there will be a dedicated access to security checks, with departure gates nearby and shorter boarding times on so-called “racetracks”. The key requirement is that passengers only have one item of hand luggage.
Wilken Bormann, CEO Hub Munich:
“After a successful trial period, the results are clear: the time savings were very noticeable for our passengers. In a survey, the majority of passengers state that the start of their journey was much more comfortable and that they are spending less time waiting at the airport.”
How it works
Fast lane thanks to a dedicated access to security checks
For all departures to Düsseldorf, Berlin/Tegel, Frankfurt and Hamburg, passengers at Terminal 2 have access to a dedicated security checkpoint. It is in operation on weekdays during the peak times between 6 and 8:30 a.m. and 4 and 6:30 p.m. and is open to Lufthansa passengers travelling with only one item of hand luggage. The signs pointing to the security checkpoint read “Smart Depart Fast Lane”.
Special departure gates
The location of the departure gates has also been optimized so that passengers can get to the plane quickly after the security check. The gates are at the center of Terminal 2 and are a short walk from the security checkpoint. The arrival gates at the destination airports are also close to the exits.
Shorter boarding times
Passengers travelling to the previously mentioned locations can arrive at the gate later: flights to the specified destinations have shorter boarding times. The times that are stated on the boarding pass apply.
