Yes, Lufthansa is a good airline to consider for international travel, with strong safety ratings and an advertised three-course long-haul economy menu. Lufthansa is most appealing when the total fare and itinerary work for you; check baggage, seat selection, the operating carrier, and connection time before booking.
This review focuses on Lufthansa-operated international economy trips from the United States.
Key Takeaways
- AirlineRatings gives Lufthansa its maximum 7/7 safety score as of October 21, 2026.
- Skytrax classifies Lufthansa as a four-star airline for product and service as of October 21, 2026.
- Lufthansa advertises a three-course long-haul economy menu as of October 21, 2026.
- As of October 21, 2026, Lufthansa’s baggage rules limit an included standard economy checked bag to 23 kg; inclusion depends on your ticket.
- For Frankfurt or Munich connections, consider passport control, transfer time, and whether your flights share one ticket.
Here’s if Lufthansa is a good airline
Lufthansa is a sensible international choice when its total price and connection schedule suit your trip.
Compare the available onward flights and total fare for your destination. A similarly priced nonstop may be a better choice.
3 pros of flying Lufthansa
Lufthansa’s safety rating and advertised long-haul meals are positives; compare onward flight options to see whether the itinerary also suits your trip.
Pro 1: Strong independent safety ratings
AirlineRatings also awards Lufthansa full points for its IOSA-registration component as of October 21, 2026. IOSA is IATA’s operational safety audit program.
What Lufthansa’s ratings measure
| Assessment | Lufthansa result | What it measures |
|---|---|---|
| AirlineRatings | 7/7 | Safety assessment |
| Skytrax | Four-star | Airport and onboard product and staff service |
| Passenger reviews | Individual opinions | Traveler satisfaction |
Passenger reviews are self-selected. For useful Lufthansa flight reviews, prioritize recent reports matching your route, cabin, and operating carrier.
Pro 2: Meals and amenities on long-haul flights
Lufthansa advertises a three-course long-haul economy menu as of October 21, 2026. Check the advertised service for each flight segment.
Pro 3: Useful connections across Europe
When comparing itineraries through Frankfurt or Munich, check the available onward flights to your European destination. Weigh the total travel time against a nonstop or another connection.
3 cons of flying Lufthansa
Lufthansa’s main trade-offs are fare extras, variable seat comfort, and the complexity of connecting flights.
Con 1: The lowest fare may not include everything you need
Checked baggage, advance seat selection, and flexibility can erase a cheap fare’s advantage. Compare the price with the extras you’ll actually use.
Con 2: Economy comfort varies by aircraft and seat
Aircraft configuration and seat location affect legroom, recline, and personal space. Check your flight’s seat map; aircraft age alone isn’t a comfort or safety verdict.
Check the operating carrier and its seat map for every flight segment.
Con 3: Hub connections add transfer complexity
A connection adds another departure and transfer to manage. A cheaper connecting itinerary may be less appealing once you consider the extra travel time.
What does Lufthansa economy actually include?
Judge Lufthansa’s value by the final ticket price with the baggage, seat, and flexibility you need.
Lufthansa economy: inclusions and booking checks
| Item | What to expect | What to check on your ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Meals | Advertised three-course long-haul economy menu | Advertised service for each flight segment |
| Checked baggage | Included standard bag: 23 kg limit | Whether your fare includes it |
| Cabin baggage | Check the cabin-baggage allowance displayed for your ticket | Carry-on and personal-item rules |
| Seat selection | Check whether your quoted fare includes your preferred seat | Selection isn’t a cabin upgrade |
| Changes/refunds | Fare conditions apply | Change eligibility, fare differences, and refundability |
Check your flight details for Wi-Fi availability and pricing.
Connections, cancellations, and getting help
Choose a connection with room for border checks, and follow your cancellation notice or contact the airline or ticket seller if travel is disrupted.
Check your specific itinerary’s transfer requirements and allow extra margin, especially for essential departures. Compare Frankfurt and Munich using gate locations, security, Schengen passport control, and onward schedules.
Separate tickets can leave you paying for a missed onward flight, so allow more transfer time.
If your flight is canceled, follow the options in your cancellation notice and contact the airline or ticket seller about rebooking or a refund. Check the current official passenger-rights and refund rules that apply to your itinerary, including relevant EU or US Department of Transportation rules.
Report delayed baggage promptly, keep your reference number, and save receipts for necessary purchases.
Lufthansa’s August 2026 conditions set a default check-in deadline of 45 minutes before departure unless another deadline is stated. Follow airport-specific instructions; check-in deadlines aren’t gate-closing times.
Even with an online boarding pass and carry-on baggage only, check the airline’s and departure airport’s instructions for document checks and counter attendance.
Lufthansa or another itinerary: what should you book?
Choose Lufthansa when its complete itinerary offers better value than your other bookable options.
Compare the same dates, airports, cabin, and baggage needs. Online booking isn’t inherently cheaper: compare final prices on Lufthansa and booking sites.
- Check the operating carrier and seat map.
- Add baggage and seat extras.
- Review through-ticket protection and connection duration.
- Read the seller’s servicing and refund conditions.
✈️ Compare flights using the same dates and baggage needs, then review the final fare and seller’s change conditions before paying.
For alternative itineraries, see our United Airlines pros and cons, Delta Air Lines pros and cons, and American Airlines pros and cons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lufthansa’s long-haul amenities, baggage allowance, and boarding requirements depend on the flight and ticket.
Is Lufthansa a safe airline?
AirlineRatings gives Lufthansa 7/7 for safety as of October 21, 2026. That assessment is separate from passenger satisfaction.
Is Lufthansa good for international economy flights?
Yes, when the schedule and total fare fit. Lufthansa advertises a three-course long-haul economy menu as of October 21, 2026, while seat comfort varies by aircraft and seat.
How should I interpret Lufthansa passenger reviews?
Passenger-review sites collect self-selected experiences. Read recent reports matching your route, cabin, and operating carrier rather than treating customer scores as safety ratings.
Does Lufthansa provide meals, blankets, and pillows in economy?
Lufthansa advertises a three-course long-haul economy menu as of October 21, 2026. Check the advertised service for each flight segment, including whether blankets and pillows are provided.
Does Lufthansa economy include checked baggage?
Check your route and fare’s displayed allowance. As of October 21, 2026, an included standard economy checked bag has a 23 kg limit.
What happens if Lufthansa cancels my flight?
Follow the options in your cancellation notice and contact the airline or ticket seller about rebooking or a refund before buying a replacement. Check the current official rules for your itinerary and keep receipts for necessary expenses.
How much connection time should I allow in Munich?
Check your specific itinerary’s transfer requirements and allow extra margin for passport control, security, delays, and gate locations. Allow more margin for separate tickets or essential departures.
What time do Lufthansa boarding gates close?
Follow the boarding deadline on your boarding pass and Lufthansa’s airport-specific instructions. The check-in deadline is not the gate-closing time.