Huge update: Flying from MUC-LHR I decided to stop down in baggage and risk a second run through security.

The Lufthansa attendant, security, and customs agent the first time were so pleasant. Everything went by very quickly.

As I went back to the border agent before baggage, you could tell she was going to be nasty. Attitude aside, she let me pass after explaining Lufthansa gave me permission and directions. Going down it took me about 3 minutes to find my bag which was supposedly lost and still being searched for in ORD...

I could see the stress on everyone there. There were easily 2000 bags visible from the escalator down. One person clearing and moving everything. One agent and security walking around seemingly laughing at the absurdity of the situation.

I took the bag to baggage tracing and let them know it was mine. They just took a picture of the tag and let me walk out. A little concerning to say the least.

I went back up to check in and checked the bag. Hopefully it arrives in London with me in a few hours. Will update again then.

A warning for anyone who wants to attempt this. The gate WILL deny you for having a Duplicate Ticket. You'll have to find a check-in agent to walk you through the gate. Only 1 of 4 spoke English. She was absolutely amazing and helpful.

Security the second time was hellacious. Apparently it got shut down for 30min when someone tried to fight through the turnstile?

Fun side thing: an American and a German got into an argument and almost threw hands. The American said "You've got a horrible attitude like the rest of this country."

The German said "just dye your hair black you don't deserve to be blond"

Yikes

Happy holidays everyone