Lufthansa Airlines Review: Seats, Baggage, and More

Anyone who has ever booked a transatlantic flight has probably scrolled past Lufthansa in the search results. The German flag carrier carries millions of passengers each year to over 200 destinations worldwide. This guide cuts through the noise to give you a clear picture of seats, baggage, in-flight services, and how Lufthansa really stacks up against Emirates.

Headquarters: Cologne, Germany ·
Fleet Size: 268 (2024) ·
Destinations: Over 200 ·
IATA Code: LH ·
Founded: 1953 ·
Alliance: Star Alliance

Which country is Lufthansa Airlines from?

Lufthansa is the flag carrier of Germany, with its headquarters in Cologne. The airline was founded in 1953 and has been a member of the Star Alliance since 1997. Its IATA code is LH, and its main hub is Frankfurt Airport, with a secondary hub in Munich. The airline operates flights to over 200 destinations across six continents, as stated on its Lufthansa official website.

Bottom line: Lufthansa is a German airline headquartered in Cologne, founded in 1953, and operates globally from its Frankfurt and Munich hubs.

Is Lufthansa a good airline to fly?

Lufthansa holds a 4-star Skytrax rating, reflecting a strong overall product and service quality. Customer reviews generally praise the airline’s punctuality, extensive route network, and clean cabins, though some note inconsistency in onboard service depending on crew and route. The airline’s safety record is strong—it has not had a fatal accident involving a passenger jet in recent decades. For a balanced view, the table below compares key attributes with Emirates.

Which is better, Emirates or Lufthansa?

Choosing between these two carriers depends heavily on your route and priorities. Below is a direct comparison across five critical factors.

Five differences, one pattern: Lufthansa leads on route density in Europe and North America; Emirates wins on soft product and baggage weight.

Bottom line: For travelers primarily flying Europe–North America, Lufthansa’s network is hard to beat. For those heading to Asia, Africa, or the Middle East, Emirates’ allowances and service often tip the balance.

Which airline to stay away from?

No major carrier consistently earns a “stay away” label. However, some passengers avoid an airline because of specific pain points. Lufthansa’s biggest criticisms center on inconsistent service in Economy and relatively tight legroom on some narrow-body aircraft. Emirates receives occasional complaints about seat width on older A380s. Neither airline has systemic safety or reliability issues.

Bottom line: Both Lufthansa and Emirates are safe, reputable airlines. Your choice should hinge on route network, baggage needs, and preferred cabin experience.

What are seats like on Lufthansa?

Lufthansa offers four cabin classes: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class. Seat comfort varies by aircraft, but the table below gives typical specs for long-haul flights.

Four cabins, one pattern: pitch and width increase noticeably with each step up, with Premium Economy offering a meaningful middle ground.

Is Lufthansa Economy Class comfortable?

For a standard international Economy product, Lufthansa is solid but not class-leading. The 31–32 inch pitch is industry standard, and the seat padding is adequate for a six-hour flight. On longer flights (e.g., Frankfurt to New York), the seat can feel tight for taller passengers. The best strategy is to book an exit row or bulkhead seat for extra legroom. Lufthansa offers advance seat reservation on its website with extra-legroom options for an additional fee. For more details on Lufthansa’s offerings, you can explore our comprehensive review at $who plays thursday night football.

Which are the best seats in Economy Class?

Exit rows (typically rows 20–24 on A340/A380) provide the most legroom. Bulkhead seats (first row of each cabin section) also offer extra space. Avoid the last rows near the galley or lavatories due to noise and traffic. Seats on the window side of two-four-two configurations are best for couples or solo travelers who don’t want to climb over others.

Bottom line: For the best Economy experience, pay a little extra for an exit row or bulkhead seat. Avoid rear cabin rows on long-haul flights.

What is Lufthansa’s baggage allowance?

Lufthansa’s baggage policy depends on fare class and route. On most transatlantic flights, Economy Light allows 1×23 kg checked bag; Economy Standard gives 2×23 kg. Premium Economy offers 2×23 kg, Business Class 2×32 kg, and First Class 3×32 kg. Carry-on is one bag up to 8 kg (55×40×23 cm) plus a personal item. These are confirmed on the Lufthansa baggage and fees page. For codeshare flights operated by partner airlines, the stricter policy of the operating carrier applies—this is an important catch.

Bottom line: Always check your specific fare’s baggage allowance before packing. Codeshare flights can override Lufthansa’s standard rules.

Do you get free drinks on Lufthansa flights?

On long-haul flights, complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are served throughout the flight in all classes. Short-haul Economy passengers receive complimentary soft drinks, beer, and wine. Hot meals and snacks are provided on flights longer than about 90 minutes. According to Lufthansa’s official site, the service is inclusive and no charge for standard beverages.

Do you get food on Lufthansa short haul flights?

Yes. On European short-haul flights (e.g., Frankfurt to Rome), passengers receive a complimentary snack or light meal depending on the time of day and flight duration. Drinks (including beer and wine) are free. There is also a buy-on-board menu with premium items for those who want more.

Bottom line: You won’t go hungry or thirsty on Lufthansa. Short-haul Economy gets free snacks and drinks; long-haul gets full meal service.

Lufthansa pros and cons

Lufthansa offers premium service and comfort worldwide.Lufthansa official website (Lufthansa official website)

Lufthansa achieved a 4-star rating for its airport and onboard product quality.Skytrax (Lufthansa official website – Skytrax rating referenced)

Summary

Lufthansa remains a rock-solid choice for travelers connecting through Europe, especially those flying transatlantic or within the Star Alliance network. While its Economy seats won’t win any comfort awards against Gulf carriers, its operational reliability, extensive route map, and complimentary service make it a dependable option. For travelers choosing between Lufthansa and Emirates, the decision comes down to preferred route network and cabin experience: Lufthansa for European connections and premium transatlantic service, or Emirates for Middle East and Asian routes with generous baggage allowances.

Related reading: Eventim Apollo Seating Plan – Best Seats and Layout Guide

For a deeper look into the airline’s corporate structure and booking options, check out this Lufthansa Group guide.

Frequently asked questions