Germany's flag carrier — Star Alliance co-founder with extensive European network
Lufthansa is Germany's flagship carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance. It operates extensive hubs in Frankfurt and Munich, making it one of the most connected airlines in Europe. The Lufthansa Group also includes SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings. While the airline's hard product has historically lagged behind Asian carriers, recent fleet renewals with A350s and 787s are bringing significant improvements.
Economy offers 31-inch pitch on long-haul — standard but not generous. Complimentary meals and drinks on intercontinental flights. European economy is tighter with buy-on-board meals on short-haul. Entertainment screens on all long-haul aircraft with a decent selection of content.
Long-haul business class has been inconsistent — older A340s and 747s have a 2-2-2 layout without direct aisle access, while newer A350s and 787s feature a 1-2-1 staggered layout with better privacy. The newer product is competitive; the older product is notably behind. Lufthansa's First Class Terminal in Frankfurt is legendary.
First class is available on select 747 and A340 routes and features enclosed suites, a la carte dining, and premium bedding. The product is good but showing its age compared to newer Middle Eastern suites. The real star is the First Class Terminal at Frankfurt — a dedicated building with personal assistants, a full restaurant, cigar lounge, and chauffeur service to the aircraft.
Economy: 1 × 23 kg (Americas/Asia), hand baggage only on European light fares. Business: 2 × 32 kg. First: 3 × 32 kg. Carry-on: 8 kg.
Personal screens on all long-haul aircraft. Content library is adequate but smaller than Gulf carriers. Wi-Fi available on most flights (paid, with a free messaging option).
Solid Germanic-international menus. Economy long-haul gets a decent meal with beer/wine. Business features a multi-course menu with German wine pairings. First class is a la carte with Michelin-inspired options. The highlight is the First Class Terminal dining experience in Frankfurt.
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Search Lufthansa flights →Lufthansa's on-time performance has fluctuated in recent years, averaging around 73-76%. Strikes by various staff groups have periodically disrupted operations, and congestion at Frankfurt Airport (FRA) contributes to delays during peak periods. The airline maintains a 7/7 safety rating and a strong operational safety record. Lufthansa's fleet numbers over 280 aircraft with an average age of approximately 13 years, with new A350-900, 787-9, and A320neo family aircraft joining the fleet.
Lufthansa operates dual hubs at Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC), providing extensive connectivity across Europe and to long-haul destinations worldwide. As a founding member of the Star Alliance and parent company of the Lufthansa Group (which includes Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings), the carrier offers one of the broadest networks in European aviation. Key long-haul routes include Frankfurt–New York, Frankfurt–Singapore, Munich–Los Angeles, and Frankfurt–Tokyo. The Lufthansa Group collectively serves over 300 destinations in more than 100 countries, and Star Alliance membership extends this to hundreds more through codeshare and interline agreements.
Lufthansa fares from Germany are generally competitive on European routes but can be premium-priced on long-haul flights. The airline's Miles & More program is the largest frequent flyer program in Europe, with over 30 million members. Award redemptions start from 18,000 miles for a European round-trip in economy and 55,000-70,000 miles for intercontinental business class. Lufthansa regularly offers special fares during early January and late-summer sales. For the cheapest flights, book economy 4-8 weeks out and business class 2-4 months ahead. Consider booking open-jaw itineraries (flying into one Lufthansa Group hub and out of another) to save money and see more of Europe without backtracking.
Miles & More is one of Europe's largest loyalty programs. Status: Frequent Traveller (priority check-in, extra baggage, lounge access on international), Senator (Star Alliance Gold, HON Circle lounge), HON Circle (the most exclusive tier — requires 600,000 qualifying miles over 2 years, offers a personal travel manager).
Fly Lufthansa if: Travelers connecting through Europe, particularly to Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, or Africa, who want Star Alliance benefits and reliable German efficiency.
Consider alternatives if: Those seeking cutting-edge business class — Lufthansa's premium product has lagged behind Asian and Gulf competitors for years.
Lufthansa receives a 4.0/5 rating in our review. It offers solid service based on cabins, baggage, entertainment, food, and loyalty program.
Lufthansa is based at Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC). It is a member of Star Alliance.
Economy: 1 × 23 kg (Americas/Asia), hand baggage only on European light fares. Business: 2 × 32 kg. First: 3 × 32 kg. Carry-on: 8 kg.
Use our flight comparison tool to compare Lufthansa prices across booking platforms including Kiwi.com. Booking 6-8 weeks in advance and flying mid-week typically yields the cheapest fares.
Frankfurt (FRA) is Lufthansa's largest hub with the most long-haul routes, while Munich (MUC) is generally a more pleasant passenger experience with shorter walking distances and a smoother connection process. Both hubs offer Lufthansa lounges, but Munich's satellite terminal is often preferred by frequent travelers for its efficiency.
Yes, on long-haul flights Lufthansa serves complimentary meals and beverages including alcohol in economy class. On short-haul European flights (under 3 hours), economy passengers receive a complimentary snack and non-alcoholic drink, with additional food available for purchase from an onboard menu.
Lufthansa is the parent company of the Lufthansa Group, one of the largest airline groups in the world. The group includes Swiss International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings (low-cost), and several other carriers. All mainline carriers participate in the Miles & More loyalty program and Star Alliance.
If flying Lufthansa First, route through Frankfurt specifically for the First Class Terminal experience — it's a destination in itself. Munich's first class lounge is good but not on the same level.