Passing through the B gates security, there were separate queues for J/F, regular, and USA flights. I had J on a DE flight to the USA. I asked the agent at the front of the hall if I use the J line or the USA line. He directed me to go through the J line (lanes 1-2), and proceed to lane 10, which was all the way back in the USA line (with no clear path to get between the two). After waffling back and forth in the J line, I decided to exit out and go back to the USA lanes. Upon reaching the back room for USA flights, I noticed that no one was checking documents anywhere (including the J line), and all the lanes ended up in the same place. Fortunately, all the the queues were fairly short when I passed through, but it was still quite frustrating.

What exactly is the purpose of even having the rear lanes for USA flights? I would understand if the USA lanes were being screened differently, but there was no way for them to know or care which lane you use. I went through a similar exercise in futility checking in for my DE flights. They have J, PE, and regular check-in counters, but they also have a different set of counters for USA flights. Again, absolutely nothing and no direction for people in J on a USA flight. After checking my bag at J, I still had to wait in a second line at the USA counters for my document check. I do not recall ever encountering such insanity at MUC or any other airport in Europe or elsewhere. Secondary screening for USA-bound flights is not uncommon, but this was something else, entirely.

German efficiency at its finest!!