Lufthansa
Lufthansa (LH) is a Full-Service airline based in Germany, with its main hub at Frankfurt, a member of Star Alliance. Browse seat maps, carry-on baggage rules, and fleet information.
Lufthansa is Germany's national flag carrier and the largest European airline by revenue, headquartered in Cologne with its main operational hub at Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and a second major hub at Munich Airport (MUC). Lufthansa is a founding member of the Star Alliance and the parent company of the Lufthansa Group, which includes SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings. Long-haul flights use the Boeing 747-8, Boeing 787, Airbus A380, and Airbus A350 — Lufthansa is one of only two airlines still operating the 747-8 (alongside Korean Air). The airline is known for German engineering precision and its consistently high-rated Business Class cabin on wide-body aircraft.
Airline Information
- IATA code: LH
- Country: Germany
- Hub: Frankfurt
- Alliance: Star Alliance
- Tier: Full-Service
- Customer support: 1-800-645-3880
Cabin Classes
- Economy Class: Lufthansa long-haul economy seats have 31–32 inches of pitch on the 747-8 and A350. Seat width is 17–18 inches in a 3-3-3 layout (A350) or 3-4-3 (747-8). All long-haul economy seats include a seat-back IFE screen, USB power, and complimentary meals and alcohol. European short-haul economy (Europaflight) has 30–31 inch pitch in a 3-3 layout.
- Premium Economy: Available on intercontinental routes, Lufthansa Premium Economy seats are 19 inches wide with 38–40 inches of pitch and an 8-inch recline. The cabin is set off from economy with its own meal service, larger tray tables, a dedicated overhead bin, and a 35 kg free baggage allowance.
- Business Class: Lufthansa Business Class (Allegris on new A350-900 deliveries) features full flat-bed seats in a 1-2-1 direct-aisle layout. The Allegris product introduced on select A350 routes in 2024 includes a 'suite' option with a privacy door, a larger IFE screen, and improved bedding. Classic Business Class on 747-8 uses an angled flat-bed layout in 2-2-2 that is older but still comfortable.
- First Class: Lufthansa First Class is consistently ranked among the world's finest aviation products. The private suite features a 87-inch flat bed, a personal wardrobe, a 24-inch touch-screen, and bespoke dining from a menu created with restaurant-quality ingredients. Served on select 747-8 and A380 routes from Frankfurt. Includes dedicated check-in and Lufthansa First Class Terminal access at FRA.
Miles & More Loyalty Program
Elite tiers: Frequent Traveller (35,000 Status Miles or 30 flights/year), Senator (100,000 SM or 50 flights), HON Circle (600,000 SM over 2 years — by invitation effectively)
Miles & More is the loyalty program of the Lufthansa Group, shared across Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings. Status Miles are earned based on fare class and route distance. HON Circle is one of the most exclusive frequent flyer statuses in the world, providing access to the First Class Terminal at Frankfurt, a dedicated HON Line phone number, and guaranteed upgrades. Award redemptions are available across all Star Alliance carriers.
In-Flight Wi-Fi
Available on most long-haul and select short-haul aircraft
Cost: EUR 3 for 30 min (FlyNet Basic), EUR 10 for 1 hour (FlyNet Pass), free for Senator and HON Circle members on selected routes
Lufthansa's FlyNet service is provided by Inmarsat on most aircraft. Long-haul connectivity is generally reliable for email and messaging. Video streaming is available but data-capped on lower-tier packages. Lufthansa's short-haul fleet is progressively being equipped with Wi-Fi but coverage is not universal on European routes.
Pro Tips
- Frankfurt's First Class Terminal (FCT) is a hidden gem for Lufthansa First Class passengers — it is a separate building from the main terminal accessible by private car, with a restaurant, spa, and private ramp to the aircraft. The FCT experience begins before you even reach the gate.
- The Lufthansa 747-8 is a rare aircraft worth seeking out — only Lufthansa and Korean Air operate it commercially. The upper deck on the 747-8 seats Business Class passengers with reduced noise and vibration. The iconic hump silhouette is a bucket-list aviation experience.
- When booking long-haul flights from the US to Europe, routing through Munich (MUC) instead of Frankfurt (FRA) often means a less crowded connection hub, better lounge experience, and sometimes a newer aircraft. Munich's Terminal 2 (Lufthansa's home) is consistently rated more pleasant than Frankfurt's Terminal 1.
- Miles & More award availability is generally better for Business Class on intercontinental routes than economy, particularly on off-peak dates. Booking 11 months out and monitoring the release of partner award space on Star Alliance carriers can unlock premium cabins at economy-level award rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lufthansa's free checked baggage allowance?
Lufthansa long-haul Economy includes 23 kg in one piece on most routes. Premium Economy allows 35 kg. Business Class allows 32 kg per piece with two pieces (total 64 kg). First Class includes two pieces of 32 kg each. European short-haul fares vary significantly by ticket type — cheaper 'Light' fares may include only a personal item, while 'Classic' and 'Flex' include a carry-on and/or checked bag.
What is the Lufthansa HON Circle status?
HON Circle is Lufthansa's ultra-elite status tier, requiring 600,000 Status Miles over a rolling 24-month period. It grants access to the exclusive First Class Terminal at Frankfurt, a personal HON Line contact, guaranteed Business Class upgrades, and complimentary First Class lounge access worldwide. HON Circle is one of the hardest frequent flyer statuses to achieve in the world and is effectively by invitation after the first qualification.
Does Lufthansa have premium economy?
Yes — Lufthansa Premium Economy (formerly known as Economy Plus) is available on all long-haul intercontinental routes. Seats are 19 inches wide with 38–40 inches of pitch and a 6–8 inch recline. The cabin is separate from economy with enhanced meal service, dedicated overhead bins, and a 35 kg baggage allowance. It is one of the better-value Premium Economy products in the industry.