Lufthansa Review – Seats, Amenities, Customer Service, Baggage Fees & More

Lufthansa is Europe’s only airline to be awarded 5-star status by Skytrax, which assesses airlines by their quality and safety standards.

With its main hub at Frankfurt Airport [FRA] in Frankfurt, Germany, Lufthansa is the largest European airline, serving destinations across its expansive network with Lufthansa Group partner airlines SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Eurowings.

Basic Info

Airline: Lufthansa

Category: International airline

Frequent Flyer Program: Miles & More

Tagline: “Say yes to the world”

Number of Passengers Annually: 142 million

Fleet: 351

Main Hub: Frankfurt Airport (FRA)

Destinations: 18 domestic and 210 international destinations

Frequent Flyer Program

Miles & More is Lufthansa’s loyalty program that rewards members with award miles when flying with partner airlines and through other purchases, such as car hire or hotel stays.

Status points can also be earned to gain exclusive privileges, such as priority check-in, increased baggage allowance, and upgrade vouchers.

Hot Tip: If you’re looking to earn miles quickly for your next reward flight, check out our article on the best ways to earn lots of Lufthansa Miles & More miles.

Ticketing Options

Economy Fares

Premium Economy Fares

Business Class

First Class

Lufthansa Baggage and Other Fees/Add-Ons

Baggage Fees

Lufthansa has a standard piece concept, meaning passengers must adhere to the number of checked bags allocated to their fare type. The weight cannot be split across multiple pieces.

Lufthansa Carry-On Allowance

Economy and premium economy passengers may bring 1 standard carry-on, and business and first class passengers may bring 2. Each piece may weigh up to 17.6 pounds (8 kg) and measure up to 21.6 x 15.7 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm).

All passengers may also bring 1 personal item measuring 11.8 x 15.7 x 3.9 inches (30 x 40 x 10 cm).

Lufthansa Checked Baggage Allowance

• Economy: 1 x 50 pound (23 kg) bag
• Premium Economy: 2 x 50 pound (23 kg) bags
• Business Class: 2 x 70 pound (32 kg) bags
• First Class: 3 x 70 pound (32 kg) bags

Additional / Excess Baggage Fees

Passengers that have purchased an Economy Light Fare may purchase 1 piece of luggage.

Passengers traveling to/from the U.S. or Canada may also purchase a second bag for €90 / $100 per way.

Additional Luggage for Other Fare Types

Hot Tip: View more information (including excess baggage fees) in our dedicated article about Lufthansa’s baggage policy.

Other Fees and Add-Ons

Change/Cancellation Fees (Cash Tickets)

For Most Destinations:

• Changes: $300-$750
• Cancellations: $300-$750

Cancellation and change fees for flights to/the U.S. can range between $250-$1,000 (per passenger). For changes, any fare difference would also apply.

Hot Tip: If you’ve booked an award flight, you can find out more pricing details in our article on airline cancellation and change fees for award flight bookings.

Reservation Service Fees

• Online: No fee
• Online for flights originating outside the U.S.: $16.50
• Call center: $20
• At the airport: $20

Secure Your Fare: $39 to hold the fare at its current price for up to 48 hours

Extra Legroom Seats

• To/from North and Central Africa as well as the Middle East: $65
• To/from Argentina, Brazil, Canada (Vancouver), China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Singapore, South Africa, U.S. (Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco): $115
• All other flights: $100

Lufthansa FlyNet^® Internet

• 1 hour: €9/$10 or 3,500 miles
• 4 hours: €14/$15.50 or 4,500 miles
• Entire flight: €17/$19 or 5,500 miles

Sky Phone (Onboard Telephone): $9.95 per minute

Unaccompanied Minor

• Domestic flights within Germany or Europe: $90
• Intercontinental flight: $165

Pet Transportation

How to Avoid Paying Excess Fees and Expenses

There are several rewards cards where charges on your statement can be paid for by using your points/miles balance. We like Capital One cards for this strategy as you can redeem Capital One miles at a 1:1 cent ratio for statement credits for previous travel purchases (within 90 days). Here are the cards we recommend:

TOP PICK

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,350

Annual Fee

$395

APR

19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent (740-840)

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $395 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

 

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Welcome Offer

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,350

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent Credit (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x miles per $1 on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
• Up to a $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit

Cons

• $95 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Limited elite benefits

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Welcome Offer

Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel.

20,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$360

Annual Fee

$0

APR

19.74% - 29.74% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

Pros & Cons

Pros

• No annual fee (rates & fees)
• No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)
• Ability to use transfer partners

Cons

• Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
• No luxury travel or elite benefits

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.74% - 29.74% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.74% - 29.74% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Lufthansa Lounges

First Class Lounges

Senator Lounges

Business Lounges

Hot Tip: For additional information, check out our piece on U.S. Lufthansa Lounges listing locations, hours, eligibility, and more.

Inflight Inclusions, Amenities, and Seat Specs

Starting in the summer of 2021, Lufthansa will debut catering from Munich-based dean&david through Gate Gourmet with a price range of €2 to €12. Hot beverages and confectionery and patisserie specialties continue to be supplied by Munich-based Dallmayr.

Economy

Amenities include:

• Cushioned seats measuring nearly 16 inches (40 cm) on long-haul flights with adjustable headrests
• Touchscreen on long-haul flights with movies, music, and live sports
• Meal, snacks, and beverages, including alcohol (number of meals depends on flight duration)
  • Starting in spring 2021, a complimentary snack will no longer be served on short and medium-haul routes; passengers can purchase food or beverages at their leisure
• Blanket and pillow
• Wi-Fi (available to purchase)

Premium Economy

Amenities include:

• Access to the Lufthansa lounge (for a fee)
• Welcome drink onboard
• Generously sized seat, recline, and legroom with up to 50% more space on all sides
• 11-12 inch touchscreen on long-haul flights with movies, music, and live sports
• Meal, snacks, and beverages, including alcohol (number of meals depends on flight duration)
• Dining on fine china tableware
• Bottled water at your seat
• Blanket and pillow
• Wi-Fi (available to purchase)

Business Class

Amenities include:

• Access to the Lufthansa lounge
• Priority boarding
• Welcome drink
• Middle seat remains free on short-haul flights
• Seat that converts into a lie-flat bed on long-haul flights (nearly 79 inches long)
• 11-12 inch touchscreen on long-haul flights with movies, music, and live sports
• On-demand restaurant service dining, snacks, and beverages, including fine wines (number of meals depends on flight duration)
• Access to the welcome lounge

First Class

Lufthansa has 3 fits for first class, onboard the 747, A380, and on all other aircraft. Plus there are plans to install first class seats on new A350-900 planes in 2023.

Amenities include:

• Personal assistant on arrival at your destination airport
• Valet parking at Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC) airports
• Limousine service
• Access to the lounge (including the First Class Terminal at Frankfurt airport)
• Priority boarding
• Seat that converts into a lie-flat bed on long-haul flights (nearly 79 inches long)
• Up to 17-inch touchscreen on long-haul flights with movies, music, and live sports
• Amenity kit
• Flexible Michelin-quality fine dining, including caviar as a separate course (number of meals depends on flight duration)
• Snacks and beverages, including fine wines
• Privacy divider on some aircraft
• Access to the welcome lounge

Hot Tip: Read our review of Lufthansa first class aboard the Boeing 747-830 from Boston to Frankfurt. Did it live up to expectations?

Seat Specs

Lufthansa Customer Satisfaction

It’s uncommon to come across negative comments on Lufthansa’s Facebook page, which is not surprising since quite a few followers have posted that their negative comments have been removed — not the sign of a transparent and balanced attitude towards customer service.

Some passengers have questioned whether Lufthansa truly deserves its 5-star status, with complaints of old aircraft, lousy food, and poor service.

One critical factor for the Skytrax accreditation is the consistency of standards, and passenger reviews don’t support this. Passenger opinion is divided, either raving about their experience with Lufthansa or stating they will never fly the airline again. There are very few middle ground reviewers, and that’s what happens with a 5-star airline as the expectation is so high.

Germans are known for their efficiency and professionalism, and this is often the praise Lufthansa receives about its cabin crew, pilots, and ground staff assisting flight connections.

Most Common Complaints

No official statistics can be found on Germany’s Aviation Authority website lba.de.

Consumer Rankings, Ratings, Etc

Skytrax Ranking: 5-Star Airline (out of 5)

Skytrax Customer Rating: 6/10

Tripadvisor Airline Review Rating: 4/5 (average from 34,532 reviews)

Kayak Customer Rating: 7.9/10 (average from 27,390 reviews)

AirHelp.com Overall Rating: 7.52/10 (quality of amenities, on-time arrivals, and how well an airline resolves flight delay compensation claims)

Safety and Performance

Lufthansa has a 7/7 safety record according to AirlineRatings.com. This rating is assessed using information from the World’s Aviation Governing Body, government, and crash records, and takes into account whether an airline has an IATA Operational Safety Audit Certification.

Recent Awards

Skytrax World Airline Awards 2019

• Best Airline in Europe
• Best Western European Airline

Final Thoughts

Like many European Airlines, 2018 and 2019 have been tough years for Lufthansa, with hesitant travelers due to the uncertainty of Brexit.

The airline’s long-haul services have remained profitable, so it’s unlikely Lufthansa will be going anywhere — especially with its 2.9% passenger growth in 2019, having transported 145 million passengers.

Lots of controversy surrounded the 5-star status Lufthansa was awarded in 2018, as it was based on the airline’s 777X cabin that hadn’t been launched at the time of the award. There’s no doubt about it, the new cabin concepts look amazing, and hopefully, they will live up to the 5-star rating.