Last Updated on July 24, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Lufthansa can be a good airline for long-haul travel, flights to Europe, and connections through Germany. Its main strengths include a large international network, established airport services, several cabin choices, and useful digital tools. However, your experience can vary by route, aircraft, fare, and connection. Check the operating carrier and seat map before booking, especially if cabin comfort is important to you.
Quick Answer
Yes, Lufthansa is generally a good choice for long-haul travel and flights through Germany. Its strengths include organized airport services, useful digital tools, and greater comfort in Premium Economy and Business Class. However, the cabin can vary by aircraft, and the experience during delays may be less predictable.
Key Takeaways
- Lufthansa is usually most appealing for long-haul travel and Europe-bound itineraries.
- Long-haul Business Class has flat-bed seats, lounge access, and priority services, while European Business Class uses a different setup.
- Premium Economy provides more room and better onboard service but normally does not include lounge access.
- Food, entertainment, seats, and internet access vary by route and aircraft.
- Check your aircraft, baggage allowance, connection time, and fare conditions before paying.
Is Lufthansa Good Overall?
Lufthansa is a full-service network airline, and it can be a practical choice when schedule, connections, and access to Europe matter to you. It offers Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class on suitable routes, although not every class is available on every aircraft.
The airline is strongest when you choose a long-haul flight that matches your comfort needs. Economy includes meals and drinks on long-haul services. Premium Economy adds more personal space and an upgraded meal experience. Long-haul Business Class provides a flat bed, lounge access, priority boarding, and additional baggage benefits.
Some travelers prefer Lufthansa over U.S. airlines for Europe-bound itineraries, while others may prefer a competing airline with a newer seat, a nonstop route, or a shorter connection. This is a personal comparison rather than proof that one airline is always better.
Where Lufthansa Performs Well
- Long-haul cabin choices: You can choose between standard Economy, Premium Economy, and premium cabins based on your budget.
- European connections: Frankfurt and Munich provide access to many destinations, although some connections require long walks or terminal changes.
- Digital services: The Lufthansa app can provide check-in, boarding passes, flight updates, rebooking options, and baggage information.
- Premium travel: Business Class includes lounge access and priority airport services on eligible itineraries.
Where the Experience Can Vary
- The seat and cabin design depend on the aircraft.
- Not every flight has the latest Lufthansa Allegris cabin.
- European Economy food and drinks differ from long-haul service.
- Customer support can become busier and slower during major disruptions.
- Carry-on limits may be checked at the airport or boarding gate.
Lufthansa is often most attractive when its route and schedule suit you. Do not assume every aircraft offers the same seat, cabin, or level of privacy.
What Should You Expect Before a Lufthansa Flight?
You can normally check in online or through the Lufthansa app from 30 hours before departure. You can then save your boarding pass, review flight information, and receive updates through the app.
Self-service check-in and baggage-drop machines are available at Frankfurt, Munich, and selected other airports. Availability depends on your departure airport, route, operating carrier, and travel documents. Some passengers still need to visit a staffed counter.
Business Class passengers normally receive priority check-in and priority boarding. Lounge access depends on your cabin, frequent-flyer status, operating carrier, airport, and same-day itinerary. Premium Economy does not normally include lounge access by itself.
Partner-lounge arrangements can change. At airports such as Vancouver, do not assume that a particular Air Canada or Lufthansa partner lounge will be available. Check Lufthansa’s current lounge information and your boarding pass before traveling.
Pro Tip: Check the operating airline, aircraft type, seat map, terminal, and minimum connection time before booking. A Lufthansa flight number can sometimes be operated by a partner airline with different seats and services.
How Do Lufthansa Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class Compare?
| Feature | Economy | Premium Economy | Business Class |
| Seat | Standard airline seat; size varies by aircraft | Wider seat, extra room, and greater recline than Economy | Flat bed on long-haul; blocked middle seat on most European flights |
| Airport benefits | Standard check-in and boarding | Separate intercontinental boarding group; lounge not normally included | Priority check-in, priority boarding, and lounge access on eligible itineraries |
| Food | Included on long-haul; mostly buy-on-board on European routes | Enhanced meal, welcome drink, and wider beverage selection | Multi-course meals and selected wines; service varies by route |
| Best for | Travelers focused on price | Travelers wanting more room without Business Class pricing | Overnight flights, work trips, and travelers who value sleep and airport benefits |
Lufthansa Economy Class
Economy Class is the lowest-cost Lufthansa option, but the service depends heavily on the route. On long-haul flights, you can normally expect an included meal, a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and seatback entertainment where the aircraft is equipped for it.
On European Economy flights, Lufthansa uses its Onboard Delights program. On qualifying flights of 35 minutes or longer, you receive a complimentary bottle of water and Lufthansa chocolate. Most additional food and beverages are sold separately.
Lufthansa Premium Economy
Premium Economy can provide a useful middle ground. Lufthansa advertises more personal space than Economy, larger entertainment screens on suitable aircraft, an amenity kit, an enhanced meal, and additional checked-baggage benefits on many long-haul tickets.
The seat reclines more than an Economy seat but does not become a flat bed. Premium Economy passengers normally board in group 3 on intercontinental flights, after Business Class and eligible status passengers. Lounge access is not normally included unless you qualify through status, another ticket benefit, or a separate access option.
Lufthansa Business Class
On long-haul Lufthansa Business Class flights, the seat converts into a fully flat bed that is nearly two meters long. You also receive lounge access on eligible itineraries, priority check-in, priority boarding, two carry-on bags, and a more detailed meal service.
European Business Class is different. It usually uses a standard short-haul seat with the middle seat kept empty. It gives you more personal space and airport benefits, but it does not provide a lie-flat bed.
Why Your Lufthansa Aircraft Matters
Lufthansa is introducing its newer Allegris cabin on selected aircraft and routes. Allegris Business Class includes several seat types, including privacy seats, extra-space seats, suites, and beds of different lengths. Some special seat types can cost extra to reserve.
Allegris Premium Economy uses a newer hard-shell seat design that allows the seat to recline without moving into the passenger’s space behind it. However, not every Lufthansa aircraft has Allegris. Other flights may use an earlier seat and cabin design.
Note: An equipment change can alter your seat even after booking. Review the aircraft and seat map again when online check-in opens.
What Are Lufthansa’s Service, Food, and Entertainment Like?
Cabin Service
Lufthansa generally uses a structured service style, particularly in its premium cabins. Business Class service includes meal courses, beverage service, and help preparing the seat for rest. However, crew interaction can vary from one flight to another, as it can with any airline.
The original claim that flight attendants act as “personal concierges” sets an unrealistic expectation. First Class provides the most individual attention. Business Class is premium service, but it is not normally a personal concierge service.
Food and Drinks
On long-haul flights, Lufthansa provides meals and a selection of beverages in Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class. Premium Economy receives an upgraded presentation and more choices, while Business Class provides a more detailed menu and selected wines.
Food quality remains subjective and can vary by menu, catering station, destination, and personal taste. It is more accurate to expect a full-service meal on long-haul flights than to assume every dish will be gourmet.
European Economy service is different. Most food and drinks are available for purchase through Onboard Delights, although qualifying flights include water and chocolate. Some medium-haul routes receive a different complimentary service.
Entertainment and Wi-Fi
Lufthansa’s long-haul entertainment selection includes movies, television programs, documentaries, music, audiobooks, podcasts, and games. The exact library and screen depend on the aircraft, route, and travel class, so a fixed claim such as “more than 250 movies” should not be applied to every flight.
Lufthansa FlyNet provides onboard connectivity. Travel ID and Miles & More members can use complimentary messaging on equipped flights after signing in. Faster internet packages for browsing, social media, streaming, or work may cost extra. Connection quality can vary during the flight.
Lufthansa Baggage Rules
Lufthansa publishes cabin-baggage limits by travel class and fare. Your personal allowance can still vary when another airline operates part of the trip, so check your booking confirmation and the airline’s baggage calculator.
| Travel Class or Fare | Typical Cabin Allowance |
| Long-haul Economy and Premium Economy | One carry-on bag up to 8 kg and 55 × 40 × 23 cm, plus one personal item up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm |
| Long-haul Business and First Class | Two carry-on bags, each up to 8 kg and 55 × 40 × 23 cm, plus one personal item |
| Economy Basic on applicable short- and medium-haul flights | A personal item may be included while a standard carry-on bag may require an additional purchase |
Checked-baggage allowances depend on your route, fare, travel class, frequent-flyer status, and operating airline. Do not assume that every Economy fare includes a checked bag.
Warning: Lufthansa states that oversized, overweight, or additional cabin baggage may be placed in the hold at your expense. Airport and gate charges can be much higher than adding baggage before departure. Check the current carry-on baggage rules before leaving home.
What Lufthansa Problems Should You Know About?
Lufthansa’s disadvantages do not affect every passenger, but they are worth considering before you book.
- Different aircraft products: The newest Allegris cabin is available only on selected flights, so two Lufthansa routes can provide noticeably different seats.
- Large hub airports: Frankfurt and Munich can involve long walks, security checks, passport control, or terminal changes. Leave a sensible connection window.
- Disruption support: During widespread cancellations or weather events, contact centers and airport desks can become busy.
- Cabin-baggage enforcement: Staff may check the number, weight, and dimensions of your bags.
- European Economy catering: Most food and drinks beyond the included water and chocolate are sold separately on many European flights.
- Seat-selection charges: Some preferred Economy seats and special Allegris Business Class seat types may require an additional fee.
Old information about pandemic-era flight credits should not guide a current booking. Your present refund or rebooking options depend on the ticket’s fare conditions, the purchase channel, and whether you or the airline canceled the flight.
What Happens if Lufthansa Delays or Cancels Your Flight?
Lufthansa can send flight changes through email, text message, or the app. When a flight is canceled, the airline may rebook you automatically. You can also use its disruption tools to review alternatives, request an eligible refund, or arrange certain rail alternatives when available.
For flights covered by European passenger-rights rules, you may have rights to care, rerouting, reimbursement, or compensation depending on the route, delay, notice, and cause. Review Lufthansa’s passenger-rights information and the official European guidance for your specific situation.
For eligible flights to, from, or within the United States, U.S. refund rules may also apply. Keep receipts for necessary expenses, save screenshots of schedule changes, and avoid accepting a voucher until you understand whether a cash refund is available.
Who Should Choose Lufthansa?
Lufthansa may be a good fit if:
- You need a convenient schedule to Germany or another European destination.
- You value a full-service long-haul experience instead of a low-cost ticket.
- You want Premium Economy as an option between Economy and Business Class.
- You value Business Class lounges, priority services, and a flat bed on long-haul flights.
- You are comfortable connecting through Frankfurt or Munich.
You may prefer another airline if:
- Another carrier offers a nonstop flight while Lufthansa requires a connection.
- You need the newest Business Class seat and cannot confirm that your flight has Allegris.
- You want free food and drinks on a short European Economy flight.
- Your carry-on bag exceeds Lufthansa’s published size or weight limits.
- A competing airline provides a better connection time, fare, or cancellation policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lufthansa Airlines have a good reputation?
Lufthansa is an established full-service airline and can be a good choice for international travel. Its long-haul cabins, European network, airport services, and premium options are important strengths. However, opinions about seat comfort, food, customer support, and connections vary by route and aircraft.
What is the 24-hour rule for Lufthansa?
For qualifying tickets involving travel to, from, or within the United States, airlines must offer either a 24-hour hold or penalty-free cancellation when the ticket is booked at least seven days before departure. This does not require free ticket changes, and the airline rule does not automatically cover bookings made through a travel agent or online travel agency.
Do you get free drinks on Lufthansa flights?
Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are generally available on Lufthansa long-haul flights. On many European Economy flights, you receive water and chocolate on qualifying services, while most other drinks and food are sold through the Onboard Delights menu.
Is Lufthansa Business Class worth it?
It can be worth it on a long overnight flight because you receive a flat bed, lounge access, priority services, additional baggage, and upgraded dining. Check the aircraft before booking because the seat layout and level of privacy vary, and not every route has the newest Allegris cabin.
Does Lufthansa Premium Economy include lounge access?
Premium Economy does not normally include complimentary lounge access by travel class alone. You may still qualify through frequent-flyer status, another eligible ticket, a credit-card benefit, or a separate lounge-access option where available.
What are common complaints about Lufthansa?
Common concerns include differences between older and newer aircraft, long airport connections, carry-on enforcement, paid catering in European Economy, and slower assistance during major disruptions. These issues vary by flight and do not affect every trip.
Conclusion
So, is Lufthansa a good airline? For many long-haul and Europe-bound trips, yes. It provides several cabin choices, organized airport services, included long-haul meals, broad entertainment, and useful premium benefits. Business Class is strongest when you need sleep and airport priority, while Premium Economy offers a more affordable comfort upgrade.
The main caution is inconsistency between aircraft and routes. Check whether your flight is short-haul or long-haul, which aircraft operates it, what your fare includes, and how much connection time you have. Lufthansa can be a sensible choice when those details match your priorities.
Sources
- Lufthansa Business Class — long-haul flat-bed seats, airport benefits, dining, and Allegris seat options
- Lufthansa Premium Economy Class — seating, baggage, meals, amenity kit, and entertainment benefits
- Lufthansa Carry-on Baggage Rules — cabin-bag dimensions, weight limits, personal items, and excess-baggage handling
- Lufthansa Onboard Delights — current European Economy food and beverage service
- Lufthansa Passenger Rights — assistance, refunds, rerouting, and rights after eligible disruptions
- U.S. Department of Transportation Refund Guidance — qualifying 24-hour booking protections and airline refund requirements