Airlines Lufthansa – Check-In, Baggage, Business Class Guide

Lufthansa, Germany’s flagship carrier, is more than a single airline. As the centerpiece of the Lufthansa Group, it connects passengers to over 200 destinations worldwide through a network of subsidiaries, partners, and a founding role in the Star Alliance. Whether you are checking baggage, tracking a flight, or booking business class, understanding how the group operates helps you travel smarter.

The group employs a multi-hub strategy with major bases in Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, and Brussels. It competes directly with Air France-KLM and IAG while serving both premium and budget travelers through full-service carriers and Eurowings. Recent additions like Lufthansa City Airlines signal a push to capture short-haul efficiency without diluting the mainline brand.

This guide covers the airlines within the group, baggage rules, check-in procedures, flight status tools, booking options, business class benefits, and key company facts – all grounded in official sources and current policies.

Which Airlines Are Part of the Lufthansa Group?

• Lufthansa Group is the largest airline group in Europe by revenue and second-largest by passengers.
• Lufthansa City Airlines launched in 2023–2024 as a new subsidiary to operate short-haul routes from Munich and Frankfurt.
• Online check-in opens 23 hours before departure; baggage allowance depends on fare class (Economy Light: no checked bag; Economy Classic: 1 bag, etc.).
• Lufthansa’s business class features lie-flat seats on long-haul, lounge access, and premium catering.
• The group’s wide network includes over 80 countries served by its own airlines and Star Alliance partners.
• Miles & More is the unified frequent flyer program across the group.

What Is Lufthansa City Airlines?

Lufthansa City Airlines is a new regional subsidiary announced in 2023, with operations beginning in mid-2024. It focuses on short-haul routes from Munich and Frankfurt. The carrier aims to combine the quality of Lufthansa with the operational experience of Lufthansa CityLine, offering a fresh brand for cost-efficient travel without affecting the mainline premium image. Details on routes and fleet are still evolving as it ramps up.

What Is the Difference Between Lufthansa and Lufthansa City Airlines?

Lufthansa mainline operates long-haul and high-density short-haul routes with premium services. Lufthansa City Airlines is designed exclusively for short-haul European flying, potentially with lower cost structures and a separate crew model. Unlike Lufthansa CityLine, which already serves regional routes, City Airlines operates under its own air operator certificate and brand.

What Is Lufthansa’s Baggage Policy?

Baggage allowances depend on travel class, fare type, route (European vs. intercontinental), and frequent flyer status. The following sections break down carry-on, checked baggage, check-in procedures, and flight status tools.

Carry-On Baggage

All passengers in Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class may bring one carry-on bag weighing up to 8 kg with maximum dimensions of 55 × 40 × 23 cm. Business Class and First Class passengers are allowed two such bags. Additionally, everyone may bring one small personal item (handbag, laptop bag) up to 40 × 30 × 10 cm that fits under the seat. A foldable garment bag (57 × 54 × 15 cm) is also permitted as an alternative to a carry-on.

Checked Baggage

Maximum linear dimensions per checked bag are 158 cm. Bags exceeding 32 kg are not accepted as travel baggage and must be sent as air freight.

How to Check In for a Lufthansa Flight

Online check-in opens 23 hours before departure. Passengers can obtain a boarding pass via the Lufthansa app, website, or airport kiosks. Those with a digital boarding pass can use self-service baggage drop kiosks at many airports. Baggage tags are provided free of charge at check-in desks. Deadlines for baggage check-in vary by travel class and airport, so it is advisable to confirm at booking. Always attach your name and phone number both inside and outside each bag.

How to Check Lufthansa Flight Status

Flight status can be checked in real time via the Lufthansa app, the official website, or airport information kiosks. Updates are synchronized with the airline’s global operations system. Passengers with Star Alliance Gold or Silver status may receive priority notifications about changes.

How to Book a Lufthansa Flight (Official Website & Partner Airlines)

Booking a Lufthansa flight is straightforward through the airline’s official website, which offers fare comparison, seat selection, and add-on services. The site is the most reliable source for current policies, promotions, and flight schedules.

Official Website

The Lufthansa official website (lufthansa.com) is the primary booking channel. It provides a flight search engine, access to Miles & More account management, and tools to add baggage or select seats. Corporate travelers can use Lufthansa Group’s corporate site for tailored solutions.

Partner Airlines & Star Alliance

Lufthansa is a founding member of the Star Alliance, which includes United, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, and 24 other carriers. Tickets can be booked through any member airline for routes that involve Lufthansa flights. Codeshare agreements extend the network beyond the group’s own fleet. Frequent flyers can earn and redeem miles across the alliance.

For a broader view of the alliance’s benefits, read our Complete Guide to Star Alliance Airlines.

What Are Lufthansa Partner Airlines?

Beyond Star Alliance, Lufthansa has bilateral partnerships with carriers such as Air Dolomiti (part-owned) and various interline agreements. These partners allow seamless connections and coordinated baggage handling. Always verify baggage allowances at booking because policies may vary by partner.

What Services Does Lufthansa Offer? (Business Class, Alliance & More)

Lufthansa’s service portfolio spans cabin classes, lounges, and loyalty benefits. Business Class is a key differentiator for transatlantic travelers.

Lufthansa Business Class

Business Class on all routes includes 2 carry-on bags and 2 checked bags up to 32 kg each. Long-haul cabins feature lie-flat seats, priority boarding, lounge access, and enhanced catering. On short-haul European flights, business class offers a dedicated check-in lane and extra legroom. Star Alliance Gold members receive comparable benefits even when flying on partner carriers.

Is Lufthansa a Good Airline?

Lufthansa consistently earns high ratings for legroom, onboard service, and operational reliability. Skytrax ranks it as a 4-star airline. Industry reviews often recommend it for transatlantic flights, though some note that catering and cabin product can vary by route and aircraft. The group’s fleet includes modern Airbus A350s and A380s that are being reactivated for long-haul demand.

Lufthansa at a Glance: History, Facts & Contact

Timeline: Key Events in Lufthansa’s History

1. 1953 – Lufthansa founded as Deutsche Lufthansa AG, taking over heritage of pre-war airline.
2. 1997 – Lufthansa becomes a founding member of Star Alliance.
3. 2005 – Acquisition of Swiss International Air Lines.
4. 2008 – Acquisition of Austrian Airlines (now part of the group).
5. 2009 – Acquisition of Brussels Airlines.
6. 2017 – Eurowings established as a low-cost subsidiary.
7. 2023 – Lufthansa City Airlines announced as a new regional subsidiary; operations begin mid-2024.

What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Lufthansa

Context: Lufthansa’s Position in the Aviation Market

Lufthansa Group competes with Air France-KLM and IAG (British Airways, Iberia). Its multi-hub strategy and mix of full-service and low-cost operations (Eurowings) allow it to capture diverse markets. The addition of Lufthansa City Airlines aims to capture cost-efficient short-haul travel without diluting the mainline brand. The group also has a strong cargo division, Lufthansa Cargo, and is investing in sustainability through sustainable aviation fuels and fleet modernization.

For travelers connecting through German hubs, see our German Airports: Frankfurt, Munich & More guide.

Sources & Official Quotes

“The Lufthansa Group is composed of the segments Network Airlines, Eurowings and Aviation Services.”

— Lufthansa Group official website (lufthansagroup.com)

“As a new airline in the Lufthansa Group, we combine the quality of Lufthansa and the experience of Lufthansa CityLine with the dynamism of a new young company.”

— Lufthansa City Airlines official website (lufthansa-city.com)

“Lufthansa is the second-largest airline group in Europe by passengers carried, as well as largest in Europe and fourth largest in the world by revenue.”

— Wikipedia – Lufthansa

Summary: Key Takeaway About Lufthansa

Whether you are flying for business or leisure, Lufthansa offers a comprehensive network supported by a strong group structure, clear baggage rules, and reliable digital tools. Always verify specific allowances at booking or check-in, as policies may vary by season, aircraft type, or route. As the group expands with new subsidiaries and sustainability initiatives, staying informed through official sources ensures a smoother travel experience.

Frequently Asked Questions