There’s a reason the blue-and-yellow Lufthansa tail fin is one of the most recognized symbols in global aviation — the German flag carrier has been moving people across continents for over seven decades. Founded in 1953 and based in Cologne, Lufthansa now serves more than 200 destinations in over 80 countries with a fleet of roughly 300 aircraft.

Founded: 1953 ·
Headquarters: Cologne, Germany ·
Fleet size: Approximately 300 aircraft ·
Destinations: Over 200 in 80+ countries ·
Alliance: Star Alliance (founding member) ·
IATA Code: LH

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact free meal menu varies by route and season
  • Buy-on-board policy on short-haul can change without notice
  • Emirates vs Lufthansa better depends on specific route and traveler priorities
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Continued fleet modernization with Airbus A350 and Boeing 787
  • Expansion of long-haul routes from Munich and Frankfurt hubs
  • Ongoing recovery of post-pandemic passenger volumes

Eight key facts, one pattern: Lufthansa’s reputation rests on a foundation of German institutional credibility, a global network, and service standards that differ sharply by class and route length.

Attribute Details
Country Germany
IATA Code LH
Alliance Star Alliance
Fleet Size ~300 aircraft
Hubs Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna
Skytrax Rating 4-star (since 2025)
Free Meal (Long-haul Economy) Yes
Free Drinks (Economy) Water, tea, coffee, juice, beer, wine

Which country is Lufthansa airlines from?

Country of origin

Lufthansa is the flag carrier of Germany. The airline was founded on April 6, 1953 as Deutsche Lufthansa AG and began scheduled services on April 1, 1955. Its headquarters are in Cologne, Germany’s fourth-largest city, where the airline’s corporate management and administrative functions are based (Lufthansa official corporate information).

Headquarters

The Lufthansa Group’s corporate headquarters are located at Von-Gablenz-Straße 2–6 in Cologne. The airline also maintains major operational bases at Frankfurt Airport and Munich Airport, which serve as its primary hubs for intercontinental and European flights (Lufthansa official site).

Ownership history

Lufthansa has been publicly traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since 1966. The German government held a significant stake during the airline’s early decades but fully privatized the carrier by the 1990s. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the German government provided a €9 billion bailout package in 2020, taking a 20% stake in the company. As of 2025, the German government’s stake has been reduced, with major institutional investors including German asset managers and international investment funds holding the majority (Lufthansa Group Newsroom).

Why this matters

Lufthansa’s ownership structure — once fully state-owned, now largely private with a temporary government stake during crisis — gives it a unique position among European flag carriers. For travelers, this means the airline carries both the institutional backing of the German government and the commercial discipline of a publicly traded company.

The pattern: Lufthansa is a German institution that has evolved from a state-owned carrier into a publicly traded global airline group, but the German government’s willingness to step in during the pandemic shows its strategic importance to the country’s economy and connectivity.

Is Lufthansa a good or bad airline?

Safety record

Lufthansa maintains an excellent safety record and is consistently rated among the world’s safest airlines. AirlineRatings safety review aggregator gives Lufthansa a safety score of 5.5 out of 7. The airline’s last fatal accident involving a passenger flight was in 1993, and its fleet includes modern aircraft equipped with the latest safety technologies.

Service quality ratings

Skytrax airline quality assessment organization rates Lufthansa as a 4-star airline. The airline has not yet achieved the 5-star rating that some of its competitors like Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways hold. Passenger reviews on AirlineRatings give Lufthansa a meals-and-beverages score of 3.1 out of 5, based on 161 reviews.

Passenger reviews summary

Passenger feedback on Lufthansa tends to be mixed. Strengths frequently cited include punctuality, efficient ground operations, and the extensive route network through Frankfurt and Munich. Common complaints focus on the aging interiors of some long-haul aircraft, inconsistent service quality across crew members, and the buy-on-board food policy on European short-haul flights. The airline’s Premium Economy and Business Class products receive generally positive reviews for seat comfort and service, though they lag behind Middle Eastern and Asian competitors in amenities.

The trade-off

Lufthansa delivers reliable, efficient service typical of a major European flag carrier — strong on safety and network coverage, weaker on the premium cabin experience compared to Gulf carriers. For Economy travelers, the value proposition depends heavily on whether you’re flying long-haul (where meals are included) or short-haul (where you’ll pay for food).

The implication: Lufthansa is a solid, safe, and reliable airline that meets the expectations of a major European carrier. It’s not the luxury leader some competitors claim to be, but for travelers prioritizing punctuality, network access, and safety over onboard frills, it remains a strong choice.

What is the 3-1-1 rule on Lufthansa?

Liquids allowed in carry-on

Lufthansa follows the standard EU and international 3-1-1 rule for liquids in carry-on baggage. According to Lufthansa’s official carry-on policy, liquids and gel-like substances may be carried in containers up to 100 ml (3.4 oz) each. All containers must fit into one resealable clear plastic bag per person, with a maximum capacity of 1 litre. The airline explicitly includes drinks, soups, syrup, perfume, shaving foam, sprays, aerosols, and gels in its definition of liquids.

Size and bag restrictions

Lufthansa’s official carry-on page states that passengers are allowed 2 items of carry-on baggage, each up to 8 kg. The maximum dimensions for a standard carry-on bag are 55 x 40 x 23 cm, and one personal item up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm is also permitted.

Exemptions for medications and baby food

According to Lufthansa’s official policy, urgently required medicines and special foods in liquid form — such as baby food — may be transported outside the plastic bag in carry-on baggage. This exemption applies to flights within the EU as well as international routes.

For travelers with infants or medical requirements, Lufthansa’s clear documentation of exemptions makes preparation easier.

Does Lufthansa offer free meals?

Meal service by class and route

On long-haul flights, Lufthansa offers complimentary meals in all classes. Economy passengers receive a hot meal and a light snack on most intercontinental routes. According to Hauptstadtkoffer travel guide, meals and drinks are served on long-haul flights, with a welcome drink offered from Premium Economy onward. Business and First Class passengers receive multi-course meals served on porcelain tableware.

On short- and medium-haul European flights, the situation is different. According to the same travel guide, economy-class food is not free on most short- and medium-haul Lufthansa flights. Passengers can purchase snacks and drinks from a buy-on-board menu, while Business Class passengers continue to receive complimentary meals and beverages.

Special meal options

Lufthansa offers a wide range of special meals for passengers with dietary restrictions, religious requirements, or medical needs. Options include vegetarian, vegan, kosher, halal, diabetic, gluten-free, and low-lactose meals. These must be requested at least 24 hours before departure through the airline’s website or customer service.

Complimentary snacks on short flights

On flights within Europe lasting less than about 90 minutes, Lufthansa may offer complimentary water and a small snack (often a chocolate or a pretzel) even in Economy. However, any substantial food requires purchase from the buy-on-board menu.

The upshot

If you’re flying Lufthansa long-haul, you’ll get free meals regardless of class. If you’re flying short-haul in Economy, budget for food or eat at the airport before boarding. Business and First Class passengers get full meal service on all routes.

The catch: The free meal policy is a key differentiator between short- and long-haul flights. Passengers expecting free meals on a two-hour European hop will be disappointed, but those on a transatlantic route will be well-fed.

Do you get free drinks on Lufthansa flights?

Alcoholic drinks policy

On long-haul flights, Lufthansa offers complimentary beer and wine in Economy class. Premium drinks — including spirits and cocktails — are available for purchase. In Business and First Class, all alcoholic beverages including champagne, wine, beer, and spirits are complimentary. According to Lufthansa’s passenger conditions document, consumption of private-stock alcoholic drinks is not permitted on board.

Non-alcoholic beverages

Complimentary water, tea, coffee, and juice are available to all passengers in all classes on long-haul flights. On short- and medium-haul European flights, water and coffee or tea are typically offered free of charge in Economy, while other soft drinks may be available for purchase.

Inclusion in fare types

Free drinks are included in the ticket price for Business and First Class passengers on all routes. Premium Economy passengers receive complimentary beverages including a welcome drink on long-haul flights. Economy passengers get free non-alcoholic drinks and beer/wine on long-haul, but only water and hot drinks on most European short-haul flights.

The implication: Lufthansa’s drink policy is generous by European standards — free beer and wine in Economy on long-haul is a perk many competitors don’t offer. But the gap between long-haul and short-haul service is stark, and passengers should check their specific route before expecting complimentary beverages.

Which is better, Emirates or Lufthansa?

Route networks and hubs

Emirates operates from its single hub in Dubai, serving over 130 destinations across six continents with a fleet of more than 250 aircraft, including the world’s largest A380 and Boeing 777 fleets. Lufthansa operates from multiple hubs — Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, and Vienna — serving over 200 destinations in 80+ countries with a fleet of approximately 300 aircraft. Lufthansa has a significant advantage for European travelers seeking connections within Europe, while Emirates offers superior connectivity to Asia, Africa, and Australia via Dubai.

Service and amenities comparison

Emirates is widely regarded as offering a superior premium cabin experience, particularly in Business and First Class, with features like the A380 onboard lounge, shower spa (First Class), and extensive entertainment system with over 4,000 channels. Lufthansa’s Business Class offers lie-flat seats on long-haul aircraft, but its hard product is generally considered less luxurious than Emirates’. In Economy, Emirates offers complimentary meals and drinks on all flights, while Lufthansa’s Economy service varies by route length.

Price and value analysis

Lufthansa typically offers lower fares on routes from Europe to North America and within Europe compared to Emirates. For travelers flying from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, Lufthansa often provides more direct routing options and shorter total travel times. Emirates may offer competitive pricing on routes to Asia and Africa, especially when factoring in the Dubai stopover. According to Skytrax Ratings, Emirates holds a 4-star rating, while Lufthansa also holds a 4-star rating, though Emirates has historically ranked higher in passenger satisfaction surveys.

The comparison table below captures the key differences at a glance.

Factor Lufthansa Emirates
Hub(s) Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna Dubai
Fleet size ~300 aircraft ~250+ aircraft
Destinations 200+ in 80+ countries 130+ in 80+ countries
Skytrax rating 4-star 4-star
Free meals Economy (long-haul) Yes Yes
Free meals Economy (short-haul) No (buy-on-board) Yes
Free drinks Economy (long-haul) Beer, wine, soft drinks Beer, wine, spirits, soft drinks
Premium cabin quality Good (competitive) Excellent (market-leading)
European network Extensive Limited
Best for routes to Europe, North America Asia, Africa, Australia
Bottom line: The trade-off: Lufthansa wins for European travelers seeking connectivity within Europe and to North America, with competitive pricing and reliable service. Emirates wins for travelers heading to Asia, Africa, or Australia, or those who prioritize premium cabin luxury. The “better” choice depends entirely on your route, budget, and what you value most in the flying experience.

Timeline: Lufthansa’s key milestones

  • 1953: Lufthansa founded as Deutsche Lufthansa AG (Wikipedia context)
  • 1955: First scheduled flight takes off
  • 1990: Reunification of Germany leads to expansion
  • 1997: Co-founder of Star Alliance (Wikipedia Star Alliance entry)
  • 2000s: Introduction of long-haul Airbus A380, A350, Boeing 747-8
  • 2020: Received €9 billion government bailout during COVID-19 pandemic
  • 2025: Awarded 4-star Skytrax rating; Star Alliance wins World’s Best Airline Alliance award (Lufthansa Group Newsroom)

The pattern: Lufthansa’s timeline reflects the arc of post-war German aviation — from founding during reconstruction, through reunification-driven expansion, to becoming a founding member of the world’s largest airline alliance. The 2020 bailout and 2025 awards show both vulnerability to global shocks and enduring institutional strength.

Confirmed facts

  • Lufthansa is a German airline based in Cologne
  • 3-1-1 rule applies on Lufthansa flights
  • Free meals served on long-haul routes in Economy
  • Free drinks (non-alcoholic and select alcoholic) on long-haul
  • Star Alliance founding member since 1997
  • Skytrax 4-star rating as of 2025

What’s unclear

  • Exact free meal menu varies by route and season
  • Buy-on-board policy on short-haul can change without notice
  • Emirates vs Lufthansa better depends on specific route and traveler priorities
  • Exact fleet composition changes with new aircraft deliveries
Additional sources

lufthansa.com, hauptstadtkoffer.de, tripbytrip.org, ia902909.us.archive.org, handgepaeck.de, lufthansa.com, innsiktet.org

Frequently asked questions

What is the Lufthansa baggage allowance for Economy?

Lufthansa’s Economy baggage allowance typically includes one carry-on bag (up to 8 kg, 55 x 40 x 23 cm) plus one personal item (up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm). Checked baggage allowance varies by fare type and route — standard Economy includes one checked bag up to 23 kg on long-haul flights, while European routes may not include checked baggage on the most basic fares.

Does Lufthansa offer Wi-Fi on flights?

Yes, Lufthansa offers Wi-Fi on most long-haul and many short-haul aircraft. The service is provided by FlyNet and offers various packages including free messaging plans and paid browsing options. Availability depends on the specific aircraft and route.

Can I select my seat on Lufthansa?

Yes, seat selection is available on Lufthansa flights. Standard seat selection is free of charge for Business and First Class passengers. Economy passengers may need to pay for seat selection on some fare types, though free check-in seat assignment is always available from 23 hours before departure.

How early should I arrive for a Lufthansa flight?

Lufthansa recommends arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before departure for European flights and 3 hours before departure for intercontinental flights. Check-in is available online from 23 hours before departure for most flights.

What is Lufthansa’s cancellation policy?

Lufthansa’s cancellation policy depends on the fare type. Flexible fares allow free cancellation or changes, while basic Economy fares may be non-refundable or charge substantial change fees. Passengers can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund if the flight is at least 7 days away.

For travelers based in Europe, Lufthansa offers a compelling combination of safety, network reach, and German efficiency. The airline’s long-haul service — with free meals and drinks in Economy — provides solid value for transatlantic and Asian routes. Short-haul European travelers should be prepared to pay for food, but will benefit from frequent schedules and punctual operations. For the traveler booking a trip from Ireland or the UK to continental Europe or North America, the choice between Lufthansa and Emirates is clear: Lufthansa for direct European connections and competitive pricing, Emirates for superior premium cabin luxury and connections to Asia and Africa.

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