Germany’s national flag carrier, Lufthansa, was founded in 1953 and uses Frankfurt Airport (FRA) – one of the busiest and most important in Europe – as its main hub. Munich Airport (MUC) serves as a secondary base. A founding member of Star Alliance, it’s the fourth-largest airline in the world in terms of revenue and the second-largest in Europe in terms of passengers carried.
Lufthansa offers a wide network of flights across Europe and the rest of the world, with over 200 destinations served globally. When I lived in South Africa, it was one of my preferred airlines for travelling to visit family in the UK, combining excellent service with some of the best connections and most reasonable fares for the Johannesburg to London route.
For flights within Europe, it may not be able to compete with the rock-bottom prices of budget carriers like easyJet and Ryanair, but for me, it offers a level of comfort and reliability that is often worth the higher cost.
Short-haul travel classes
If you’re flying within Europe, Lufthansa offers three different economy fares: Economy Light, Economy Classic and Economy Flex. I really appreciate the savings offered by Economy Light, which is great for overnight business trips or weekends away when you can manage without any checked luggage.
If you’re likely to need a checked bag up to 23 kg (50 lbs), then you’ll have to fork out a little extra for Economy Classic. Since the pandemic, when plans often had to be changed at the last minute, many travellers (myself included) place more value than ever on flexibility. Consider whether it’s worth paying extra for an Economy Flex ticket, which gives you the freedom to rebook your ticket free of charge or even to refund it for a fee.
For a more luxurious experience, Lufthansa also offers Business Class fares on European flights. The main advantages include priority check-in and boarding, the added personal space afforded by an empty middle seat, a full meal served on real china and the ability to take two pieces of carry-on luggage and two checked bags of up to 23 kg (50 lbs) each.
Long-haul travel classes
On intercontinental flights, there are five travel classes to choose from: Economy Light, Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class and First Class. Personally, I find Economy Light to be mostly redundant for longer trips since you’re likely to need more luggage than this fare allows.
On the other hand, I think that Premium Economy offers great value for money, with up to 50% more personal space and an additional checked bag of up to 23 kg (50 lbs) in comparison to your standard Economy ticket. Of course, if you have the budget to spare you can’t beat the comfort afforded by Business Class (new seats convert into a fully flat bed that’s almost two metres long) or First Class.
VIP treatment for First Class travellers includes access to the First Class Terminal at Frankfurt Airport, valet parking at Frankfurt and Munich, personal ground-side assistance and a luggage allowance of two carry-on bags and three 23 kg (50 lbs) checked bags. Generous seats with chest-high screens provide optimum sound insulation, space and privacy.
Food & drink
The quality and quantity of refreshments served on Lufthansa flights depends on your travel class and whether you’re flying within Europe or intercontinentally. For example, Economy passengers can expect a complimentary chocolate and bottle of water on European flights over 60 minutes but will need to pay for any other snacks or drinks.
A meal is served for Business passengers on all flights regardless of length. On a long-haul flight, however, Economy passengers will be served a three-course meal with complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Depending on the length of the flight, a second meal may also be served.
If, like me, you have a dietary requirement, you’ll be pleased to hear that Lufthansa offers no fewer than 11 special meal choices. These can be ordered up to 24 hours before departure and range from gluten-free and low-cholesterol meals to kosher and halal options. One thing I have noticed: although there are separate options for vegetarian and vegan, I often get served a vegan meal rather than a vegetarian one. However, the standard in-flight meal typically includes a vegetarian choice and the cabin crew have always been happy to offer this instead in the past.
In-flight entertainment
Long-haul flights offer an entertainment selection to rival that of any other national airline I have flown with. You can expect your seat-back screen to offer a good choice of recent movies, TV series, music, audiobooks, games and podcasts.
I also recommend checking out Lufthansa’s extensive library of e-Journals, including newspapers and magazines in a variety of languages that can be downloaded to your personal device ahead of departure. Your free download quota depends on your travel class and Miles & More status.
If you’re hoping to be able to get online during your flight, FlyNet Messaging (suitable for WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger) and FlyNet Premium (for scrolling social media and basic audio and video streaming) are available on an increasing number of flights. If you’re a Miles & More member you’ll get FlyNet Messaging for free on short- and medium-haul flights while First Class passengers enjoy free FlyNet Premium on long-haul flights. Otherwise, internet packages can be purchased onboard or in advance using the FlyNet app.
Lufthansa Allegris
In Spring 2024, Lufthansa announced a new luxury travel experience called Lufthansa Allegris, which will be rolled out across 120 aircraft with 27,000 new seat options across all travel classes by 2027.
In Economy, you’ll benefit from tablet holders, USB ports and a greater reclining pitch. You’ll also have the option to book first-row seats with more legroom or ones with an empty adjacent seat for maximum space.
In First Class, the pinnacle of luxury travel will be represented by the Suite Plus, a totally separate cabin with full-height walls and seats that can be converted into a double bed. You’ll also have a wardrobe for in-flight outfit changes and a dining table at which to enjoy gourmet cuisine and fine wines in style.
Miles & More loyalty program
If you fly often, it’s well worth downloading the Miles & More app to start earning points on every Lufthansa and Star Alliance flight you take. Points can also be earned on hotel bookings and certain everyday purchases, and you can use them to earn discounts on everything from flights to car rentals and luxury goods from the Lufthansa Worldshop.
Flying with kids
I have flown many times with my kids and find Lufthansa one of the friendliest airlines for doing so. Examples of this include free jars of baby food and toddler-appropriate snacks available without the need to pre-book, as well as child-friendly menus for those aged two and over.
Trust me, this is a lifesaver when your picky little one announces mid-flight that they no longer like the food that you packed for them, even though it was their favourite the day before. Cabin crew will happily warm baby food and bottles for you, although you may have to wait a little longer during meal services, so try to time your request for just before or after these busy periods.
Other benefits include in-flight entertainment options aimed especially for 0–2 and 2–7 year olds. In terms of luggage, babies (0 to 2 years) are entitled to one complimentary checked bag of up to 23 kg (50 lbs), in any travel class except Economy Light. You can also check your child seat, baby basket or foldable pushchair free of charge. If you need to use your pushchair to get through the airport, that’s fine – you can check it at the gate.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others. Find more perspectives in our user reviews below.
