Transit visa for Germany if F1 expired?

[shrikantnagpure]

I am an Indian citizen studying in US. My F1 visa is expired. But my stay in US is legal as my I20 is valid. I am traveling from Chicago to India via Frankfurt on Air India flight.
I have a 2 hour stopover in Frankfurt during which I have to get out of the airplane (not the airport) and then embark the same airplane (same flight number).
Do I need a transit visa for Germany?
Thanks!

[txh1b]

Read https://www.immihelp.com/schengen-visa-for-europe-trip/

Rules suggest you need a visa. Personal experience with AirIndia suggests it is not a big deal as no one ever asked for the passport in Frankfurt and a transit card was issued as one gets off the plane and enters a lounge.

Better go with the rules and not take chances.