Munich Airport: Masks, Are They Still Mandatory?

As of May 2023, masks were required in the check-in buildings at Munich Airport. However, as of December 2024, some travellers have claimed that masks are not mandatory at the airport, although this may depend on the airline.

Masks are not mandatory at Munich Airport

As of May 2023, masks were required in the check-in buildings at Munich Airport. However, as of December 2024, masks are not mandatory at Munich Airport. This is in contrast to previous years, when masks were mandated by authorities and had to be worn in all airport terminal buildings.

While masks are no longer compulsory, it is still possible to buy masks at Munich Airport. There are six vending machines in Terminal 2 that sell face masks, disinfectant wipes, and other sanitary products. Four of these machines are located before security, and two are in the gate area.

It is worth noting that masks may still be required on board your flight, and this is dependent on the airline you are travelling with. Therefore, it is recommended to check with your airline before travelling and to carry a mask with you.

In addition to the mask requirements, Munich Airport has implemented several other measures to protect against infection and ensure the safety of travellers. These include extensive hygiene measures, such as increased cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, as well as the provision of hand sanitizer dispensers. Social distancing is also encouraged through the use of lines and floor markings at check-in and security check areas. Plexiglas panels have been installed at direct contact points between passengers and employees.

Lufthansa says masks are required

Lufthansa has been very clear about its mask mandate. In May 2020, the German airline made it compulsory for passengers to wear masks during flights, saying that passengers must 'wear a face mask covering the nose and mouth'. This rule was in place until at least August 31, 2020.

Lufthansa also recommended that passengers wear masks throughout their entire journey, including in the airport, when 'minimum distance cannot be guaranteed without restriction'. The airline said that wearing masks serves as 'additional protection for all passengers' and that 'infection on board remains very unlikely'.

However, some passengers have reported that Lufthansa no longer requires masks on its flights. One passenger who travelled through Munich Airport in December 2024 said that masks were not mandatory at the airport, but that the requirement to wear one depended entirely on the airline. They noted that masks were mandatory on their Iberian flight, but not on their Lufthansa flight. Another passenger who flew out of Munich Airport in the same month said that only a handful of people were wearing masks at the airport or on their Lufthansa flight back to the US.

It is important to note that Lufthansa's mask mandate may have changed since August 2020, and passengers are advised to check the latest guidelines before travelling.

Cloth masks are not accepted

As of May 2023, masks are still required in the check-in buildings at Munich Airport. However, cloth masks are not accepted. In fact, cloth masks have not been accepted in Germany since 2021.

In most German states, you can wear a medical mask instead of an FFP2 mask on public transportation. However, Berlin, Brandenburg, and Bavaria require FFP2 masks on public transportation.

Some travellers have reported that, in practice, masks are not always enforced on public transportation or in airports. However, it is always a good idea to carry a mask with you, as some individual shops or medical settings may still require them. For example, one traveller reported that they were required to wear an FFP2 mask and show a negative Covid-19 test to enter a hospital for an appointment.

If you are travelling through Munich Airport, it is a good idea to carry a mask with you, as the airport authorities have mandated the use of masks in all terminal buildings. You can purchase masks, disinfectant wipes, and other sanitary products from vending machines in Terminal 2.

Masks are required on public transport

As of May 2023, masks were required in the check-in buildings at Munich Airport. However, as of December 2024, it seems that masks are no longer mandatory at the airport. Nevertheless, it is important to note that mask requirements may vary depending on the airline you are travelling with. For instance, while masks were not required on Lufthansa flights, they were mandatory on Iberian flights. Therefore, it is always a good idea to carry a mask with you when travelling, and to check the latest mask requirements for your specific airline.

When it comes to public transport in Munich, masks are required on long-distance public transport, such as trains, subways, buses, and trams. This means that you need to wear a mask when travelling on any of these modes of transport within the city and beyond. It is important to note that cloth masks are not accepted on public transport. You need to wear either an FFP2 mask or a surgical mask. These requirements are in place to ensure the safety of all passengers and to prevent the spread of infections.

When travelling on public transport in Munich, make sure to follow these guidelines:

• Wear an FFP2 or a surgical mask that covers your nose and mouth securely.
• Ensure you have spare masks with you in case you need to replace your mask during your journey.
• Be mindful of others and maintain a safe distance where possible.
• Follow any wayfinding markings or instructions provided by transport staff to ensure social distancing.
• Try to check-in online or use self-service options to reduce contact with surfaces and minimise crowding.
• Carry hand sanitiser with you and use the dispensers provided at transport hubs to maintain hygiene.
• Be respectful of others and follow any additional instructions provided by transport staff or displayed on informational posters.

By following these guidelines and wearing masks on public transport, we can all play a part in keeping Munich's public transport system safe for everyone.

Masks are not required in shops

As of May 2023, masks were required in the check-in buildings at Munich Airport. However, as of December 2024, it seems that masks are no longer mandatory at the airport. One source from December 2024 states that "face masks are not mandatory at the airport". Another source from the same time reports that masks are not required anywhere anymore, with the exception of hospitals and clinics.

While it seems that masks are not required in the airport itself, it is important to note that individual airlines may still require passengers to wear masks on their flights. For example, one source from December 2024 notes that while masks were not required at Munich Airport, they were still mandatory on their Iberian flight. Therefore, it is always best to check the specific requirements of your airline before travelling.

In addition, while masks may not be required in shops at Munich Airport, individual shops may still ask you to wear a mask. For example, one source notes that a shop selling orthopedic products required customers to wear masks. Therefore, it is a good idea to carry a mask with you, just in case.

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