By Joseph Hellman-Benjamin, Founder and CEO of The Points King. Last updated: October 16, 2026. Editorial Policy
Short answer: Lufthansa is a good airline, but not the best-rated one. Skytrax ranked it 14th in the world in 2026. Among the airlines below, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Emirates and Air France ranked higher, while British Airways, Delta, KLM and United ranked lower. Its strengths are its network from Frankfurt and Munich, its partnerships with United and Air Canada, and the new Allegris cabins. Its weaknesses are an uneven product until Allegris is everywhere and long-haul economy fares without a checked bag. Below, Lufthansa is compared with 25 airlines, one section each.
Comparing the frequent flyer programs instead? See Miles & More vs. other airline miles programs: The Points Guy’s 2026 values, what each airline pays when you spend miles, expiry rules and US transfer partners for 15 programs.
We buy and sell Miles & More miles and the miles of most of the airlines below, so we watch these programs closely. For this update every fact was checked against the airlines’ own pages, the Lufthansa Group 2025 annual report, the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards and the Cirium On-Time Performance Review 2025. This page replaces our older one-to-one comparisons, which were written in 2018 and 2019 and had gone out of date.
| Singapore Airlines | No. 1 |
| Qatar Airways | No. 2 |
| Turkish Airlines | No. 5 |
| Emirates | No. 6 |
| Air France | No. 7 |
| Lufthansa | No. 14 |
| Iberia | No. 16 |
| Air Canada | No. 17 |
| Virgin Atlantic | No. 18 |
| SWISS | No. 19 |
| Thai Airways | No. 20 |
| Etihad Airways | No. 22 |
| British Airways | No. 23 |
| KLM | No. 24 |
| Delta | No. 25 |
| Austrian Airlines | No. 27 |
| Finnair | No. 33 |
| LOT Polish Airlines | No. 44 |
| United Airlines | No. 45 |
| ITA Airways | No. 49 |
| Air India | No. 57 |
| Ryanair | No. 64 |
| easyJet | No. 68 |
Source: Skytrax World Airline Awards 2026, announced September 18, 2026. Condor, Discover and Eurowings are not in the top 100.
Lufthansa at a glance
Lufthansa is Germany’s flag carrier and the largest airline in the Lufthansa Group, one of Europe’s three big airline groups, alongside Air France-KLM and IAG. Its IATA code is LH, so a flight number such as LH400 is a Lufthansa flight. The first Luft Hansa was founded in January 1926, which makes 2026 its 100th anniversary; today’s company was founded in 1953 and resumed flights in 1955.
Who owns Lufthansa? Deutsche Lufthansa AG is a publicly listed company. The German government took a stake during the pandemic and sold the last of it in September 2022, so there is no state ownership today. The company is registered in Cologne, and its main operations base is Frankfurt Airport.
| Fact | Lufthansa (2025 to 2026) |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1926 (first Luft Hansa); current company 1953, flights from 1955 |
| Headquarters | Cologne; operations based at Frankfurt Airport |
| Hubs | Frankfurt and Munich (group hubs also in Zurich, Vienna, Brussels and Rome) |
| Fleet | 387 aircraft at Lufthansa Airlines; 737 in the group (December 31, 2025) |
| Passengers in 2025 | 65.7 million at Lufthansa Airlines; 135 million in the group |
| Destinations | 330 in about 100 countries across the group (summer 2026) |
| Alliance | Star Alliance, founding member (1997) |
| Joint ventures | United and Air Canada (transatlantic), ANA (Japan), Singapore Airlines, Air China |
| Group airlines | SWISS, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, Discover Airlines, Edelweiss, Air Dolomiti, Lufthansa City Airlines; 41% of ITA Airways (going to 90%); 10% of airBaltic |
| Loyalty program | Miles & More |
| Skytrax 2026 | 14th in the world (15th in 2025) |
Is Lufthansa a good airline?
Yes, with caveats. It is consistently ranked in the world’s top 20, it has one of the largest long-haul networks in Europe, and its partnerships make it easy to connect to North America and Asia. The common complaints are real too: strikes (pilots and cabin crew walked out in April 2026), an older long-haul product on aircraft that have not yet received Allegris, and long-haul Economy Light fares without a checked bag.
Is Lufthansa safe?
Yes. Lufthansa’s last fatal accident was in Warsaw in 1993, when an A320 overran the runway and two people died. Its deadliest crash was in Nairobi in 1974. The 2015 Germanwings crash in the French Alps, in which the co-pilot deliberately crashed the aircraft, happened at a group subsidiary, not at Lufthansa itself.
Allegris, Lufthansa’s new cabins
Allegris is Lufthansa’s new long-haul product in every class. Business class offers several seat types, including Business Suites with doors; first class suites are on the newest A350-900s. At the end of 2025, 14 aircraft had Allegris (10 A350-900s in Munich and 4 Boeing 787-9s in Frankfurt), and more are arriving with new deliveries. For winter 2026/27 Lufthansa adds Allegris to routes including Atlanta, Houston, Denver, Detroit, Vancouver, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Older aircraft are due to be refitted, with most of the long-haul fleet on Allegris by the end of 2028. Until then, the seat you get depends on the aircraft, so check before you book.
Wi-Fi
Miles & More members can send messages free on Lufthansa flights. In August 2026 the group started rolling out free Starlink high-speed Wi-Fi for Miles & More members, beginning on a Lufthansa A320neo, with about 850 group aircraft planned by 2029.
Lufthansa vs. its competitors: summary table and charts
Click an airline to jump to its section.
| Airline | Alliance | Relationship with Lufthansa | Skytrax 2026 (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qatar Airways | Oneworld | Competitor | 2nd (1st) |
| Delta | SkyTeam | Competitor (SkyTeam) | 25th (22nd) |
| British Airways | Oneworld (IAG group) | Competitor (Oneworld) | 23rd (13th) |
| Emirates | None | Competitor | 6th (4th) |
| Austrian Airlines | Star Alliance (since 2000) | Owned by Lufthansa | 27th (23rd) |
| Etihad Airways | None | Codeshare partner | 22nd (26th) |
| Virgin Atlantic | SkyTeam (since 2023) | Competitor (SkyTeam) | 18th (16th) |
| United Airlines | Star Alliance | Joint venture partner | 45th (51st) |
| SWISS | Star Alliance (since 2006) | Owned by Lufthansa | 19th (11th) |
| Turkish Airlines | Star Alliance | Star Alliance partner and rival | 5th (6th) |
| KLM | SkyTeam | Competitor (SkyTeam) | 24th (21st) |
| Air France | SkyTeam | Competitor (SkyTeam) | 7th (8th) |
| easyJet | None | Competitor (low cost) | 68th (59th) |
| Iberia | Oneworld (IAG group) | Competitor (Oneworld) | 16th (20th) |
| Air Canada | Star Alliance (founding member) | Joint venture partner | 17th (19th) |
| Singapore Airlines | Star Alliance (since 2000) | Joint venture partner | 1st (2nd) |
| Thai Airways | Star Alliance (founding member) | Star Alliance codeshare partner | 20th (29th) |
| Air India | Star Alliance (since 2014) | Star Alliance partner | 57th (84th) |
| Finnair | Oneworld | Competitor (Oneworld) | 33rd (25th) |
| LOT Polish Airlines | Star Alliance (since 2003) | Star Alliance partner | 44th (55th) |
| Condor | None | Competitor | Not in the top 100 |
| Ryanair | None | Competitor (low cost) | 64th (61st) |
| ITA Airways | Star Alliance (since April 2026) | 41% owned, going to 90% | 49th (57th) |
| Discover Airlines | None (Lufthansa Group airline) | Owned by Lufthansa | Not listed |
| Eurowings | None (Lufthansa Group airline) | Owned by Lufthansa | Not in the top 100; named Best Low-Cost Airline in Europe in 2025 |
| Qatar Airways | 84.42% |
| Austrian Airlines | 83.74% |
| Iberia | 83.52% |
| Virgin Atlantic | 83.45% |
| Turkish Airlines | 81.41% |
| Etihad Airways | 81.06% |
| Delta | 80.90% |
| Finnair | 79.67% |
| United Airlines | 78.77% |
| Singapore Airlines | 78.58% |
| Air Canada | 73.26% |
Source: Cirium On-Time Performance Review 2025. Cirium only publishes top-10 tables by region, and Lufthansa was not in any of them, so no Lufthansa figure is shown.
| Delta (incl. regional) | 1,314 |
| Lufthansa Group | 737 |
| Turkish Airlines | 522 |
| Lufthansa Airlines | 387 |
| Air Canada | 355 |
| Emirates | 277 |
| Qatar Airways (passenger) | 249 |
| Air France | 229 |
| Singapore Airlines | 153 |
| Etihad Airways | 127 |
| KLM | 122 |
| SWISS (incl. Edelweiss) | 116 |
| Eurowings | 98 |
| Finnair (incl. Norra) | 78 |
| Austrian Airlines | 67 |
| Virgin Atlantic | 43 |
| Discover Airlines | 30 |
Sources: annual reports and official fleet pages. United (over 1,000 mainline aircraft) and British Airways (over 280) do not publish a comparable current total and are left out.
Lufthansa vs. Qatar Airways
This is the comparison people search for most, and Qatar Airways comes out ahead on most measures. It was ranked the world’s second-best airline by Skytrax in 2026 (first in 2025), it had the best on-time record of any airline in this guide in 2025, and every economy fare includes a checked bag. Lufthansa’s advantage is the network: nonstop flights from Germany to North America, Asia and Africa without a stop in the Gulf.
| Lufthansa | Qatar Airways | |
|---|---|---|
| Main hubs | Frankfurt and Munich | Doha (Hamad International) |
| Alliance | Star Alliance (founding member, 1997) | Oneworld |
| Loyalty program | Miles & More | Privilege Club (Avios) |
| Fleet | 387 aircraft at Lufthansa Airlines; 737 across the group (end of 2025) | 249 passenger aircraft plus 30 freighters (March 2026) |
| Skytrax 2026 (2025) | 14th (15th) | 2nd (1st) |
| Cirium on-time 2025 | Not in any published top 10 | 84.42% |
| Best business class | Allegris, including Business Suites with doors, on new A350-900s and 787-9s; older seats elsewhere | Qsuite with a privacy door on selected routes; First Class on the A380 only |
| Cheapest long-haul economy bag | Economy Light: no checked bag; Economy Classic: 1 x 23 kg | Every fare includes one: Economy Lite 20 kg on most Europe and Asia routes |
| Wi-Fi | Free messaging for Miles & More members; free Starlink rolling out since August 2026 | Free Starlink Wi-Fi with a Privilege Club login on about 150 widebodies (August 2026) |
Choose Lufthansa if:
- You want a nonstop from Germany, especially to North America
- You collect Miles & More or fly Star Alliance partners
- You would rather not route through the Gulf while the region’s schedules are still unsettled
Choose Qatar Airways if:
- You fly economy and want a checked bag and free Wi-Fi on every fare
- You are connecting to Asia, Africa or Australia and want the strongest business class (Qsuite)
- Punctuality matters more than a nonstop
Lufthansa vs. Qatar Airways in economy
For economy passengers the gap is mostly about what the cheapest fare includes. Qatar’s lowest economy fare, Lite, includes a 20 kg bag on weight-concept routes and one 23 kg bag to and from the Americas. Lufthansa’s long-haul Economy Light includes only a carry-on, so a bag means buying Economy Classic or paying for it. Qatar also offers free Starlink Wi-Fi on most of its widebodies once you log in to Privilege Club; Lufthansa started its own free Starlink rollout in August 2026, beginning with short-haul A320neos.
Which is better in business class?
Qsuite, Qatar’s business class with a closing door and a double-bed option for couples, is still the benchmark, but it is only on some aircraft and routes. Lufthansa’s new Allegris business class closes most of the gap where you get it: front-row Business Suites have doors, and several seat types are available. On older Lufthansa aircraft without Allegris, Qatar is clearly ahead. Check the aircraft before you book.
The 2026 Gulf disruption
The war with Iran that began in late February 2026 hit the Gulf carriers hard. Qatar Airways cancelled most of its flights in the first month and was back to about 85% of its network by mid-June 2026. In Germany it now flies to Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin and Düsseldorf; Hamburg remains suspended. Lufthansa’s own Middle East flights were also cut back, with Abu Dhabi and Muscat suspended until at least October 24, 2026.
Official pages: Qatar Airways business class (Qsuite); Qatar Airways baggage allowance; Privilege Club.
Lufthansa vs. Delta
Delta and Lufthansa are not partners. Delta belongs to SkyTeam and runs its transatlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic. Lufthansa belongs to Star Alliance and runs its joint venture with United and Air Canada. Delta’s official list of codeshare partners includes no Lufthansa Group airline, so you cannot earn SkyMiles on Lufthansa or Miles & More on Delta.
Where they meet head on is Atlanta. Delta flies Atlanta to Frankfurt and Atlanta to Munich daily; Lufthansa flies Atlanta to Frankfurt daily on a Boeing 787-9, a route getting Allegris seats from the 2026/27 winter schedule. Delta was the most punctual airline in North America in 2025 for the fifth year in a row.
| Lufthansa | Delta | |
|---|---|---|
| Main hubs | Frankfurt and Munich | Atlanta, plus Detroit, Minneapolis, New York, Salt Lake City, Seattle and others |
| Alliance | Star Alliance (founding member, 1997) | SkyTeam |
| Loyalty program | Miles & More | SkyMiles |
| Fleet | 387 aircraft at Lufthansa Airlines; 737 across the group (end of 2025) | 1,314 aircraft including regional (end of 2025) |
| Skytrax 2026 (2025) | 14th (15th) | 25th (22nd) |
| Cirium on-time 2025 | Not in any published top 10 | 80.90% (No. 1 in North America) |
| Best business class | Allegris, including Business Suites with doors, on new A350-900s and 787-9s; older seats elsewhere | Delta One Suites with privacy doors; a new suite arrives on the A350-1000 in 2027 |
| Cheapest long-haul economy bag | Economy Light: no checked bag; Economy Classic: 1 x 23 kg | Main Basic: first bag about $75; Main Cabin: first bag free |
| Wi-Fi | Free messaging for Miles & More members; free Starlink rolling out since August 2026 | Free for SkyMiles members on flights to Europe |
Choose Lufthansa if:
- You fly from Germany, or connect onward in Europe
- You hold Miles & More, United or Air Canada status
- You want the Allegris business class on the new aircraft
Choose Delta if:
- You fly from the US, especially from Atlanta, and want to keep earning SkyMiles
- You want free Wi-Fi today on a transatlantic flight
- On-time arrival is your priority
Lufthansa vs. Delta for international flights
For a US traveler the decision usually comes down to where you start and which program you collect. From Atlanta you have the same nonstop choice on both airlines to Frankfurt, and only Delta to Munich. Delta’s Main Cabin fare includes a checked bag to Europe; its Basic fare does not. Lufthansa’s long-haul Economy Light also excludes a checked bag.
An older version of this page said Delta is “much older” than Lufthansa. It is only slightly older: Delta traces its history to 1925, and the first Luft Hansa was founded in January 1926.
Is Lufthansa a Delta partner?
No. If you book a Delta flight to Germany you fly Delta, or a SkyTeam partner such as Air France or KLM. If you want to fly Lufthansa from the US on a US airline’s ticket, book it through United, its joint venture partner.
Official pages: Delta One; Delta baggage; SkyMiles; Delta’s codeshare partners.
Lufthansa vs. British Airways
British Airways and Lufthansa are Europe’s two largest network airlines from rival alliances: BA is in Oneworld with American Airlines, Lufthansa in Star Alliance with United. BA has the better business class on many routes, its Club Suite, which has a door on every seat. It also still sells first class on more routes. Lufthansa ranked higher with Skytrax in 2026 (14th against BA’s 23rd, a big drop for BA from 13th in 2025).
| Lufthansa | British Airways | |
|---|---|---|
| Main hubs | Frankfurt and Munich | London Heathrow |
| Alliance | Star Alliance (founding member, 1997) | Oneworld (IAG group) |
| Loyalty program | Miles & More | Executive Club (Avios) |
| Fleet | 387 aircraft at Lufthansa Airlines; 737 across the group (end of 2025) | Over 280 aircraft |
| Skytrax 2026 (2025) | 14th (15th) | 23rd (13th) |
| Cirium on-time 2025 | Not in any published top 10 | Not in any published top 10 |
| Best business class | Allegris, including Business Suites with doors, on new A350-900s and 787-9s; older seats elsewhere | Club Suite with a door at every seat; First on many long-haul routes |
| Cheapest long-haul economy bag | Economy Light: no checked bag; Economy Classic: 1 x 23 kg | Basic: no checked bag; standard economy: 1 x 23 kg |
| Wi-Fi | Free messaging for Miles & More members; free Starlink rolling out since August 2026 | Free Starlink rolling out during 2026 |
Choose Lufthansa if:
- You fly business from Germany, where the departure tax is far lower
- You want to avoid UK Air Passenger Duty
- You are a Star Alliance flyer
Choose British Airways if:
- You want a door on every business class seat
- You collect Avios or fly American Airlines
- You are starting in London
Taxes: why a BA ticket can cost more
The older version of this comparison said BA is pricier because of UK airport taxes. That is still true in direction, and the gap is largest in premium cabins. UK Air Passenger Duty on a flight to the US is £102 in economy and £244 in any premium cabin. Germany cut its aviation tax on July 1, 2026, and charges the same in every cabin: €59.43 on long-haul flights. Both taxes apply only on departures from that country, so the saving matters most when you start your trip in Germany.
| Departure tax per passenger, flight to the US | Economy | Business |
|---|---|---|
| UK Air Passenger Duty (April 2026 to March 2027) | £102 | £244 |
| German aviation tax (from July 1, 2026, long-haul band) | €59.43 | €59.43 |
Lufthansa vs. British Airways in business class
BA’s Club Suite has a closing door at every seat, but it is not on every aircraft yet: the 787-8 is still being retrofitted. Lufthansa’s Allegris business class offers several seat types, with doors on the Business Suites, but only on new aircraft. On an older Lufthansa 747 or A340 without Allegris, BA’s Club Suite is the better seat.
Premium economy and economy
Both airlines sell premium economy on long haul. In economy, both now have a basic fare without a checked bag, so compare the fare with a bag included.
Official pages: British Airways; UK Air Passenger Duty rates 2026 to 2027; German government: aviation tax cut.
Lufthansa vs. Emirates
Emirates is Lufthansa’s most direct rival for Germany to Asia, Africa and Australia, and the two do not cooperate at all. In September 2026 Germany gave Emirates a fifth German destination, Berlin, and Lufthansa Group publicly attacked the decision. Emirates ranked 6th with Skytrax in 2026; Lufthansa 14th.
An earlier version of this page said Lufthansa had the bigger fleet. That is true for the group (737 aircraft), but Emirates alone flies 277 widebody jets, most of them A380s and 777s.
| Lufthansa | Emirates | |
|---|---|---|
| Main hubs | Frankfurt and Munich | Dubai |
| Alliance | Star Alliance (founding member, 1997) | None |
| Loyalty program | Miles & More | Emirates Skywards |
| Fleet | 387 aircraft at Lufthansa Airlines; 737 across the group (end of 2025) | 277 aircraft, all widebodies (March 2026) |
| Skytrax 2026 (2025) | 14th (15th) | 6th (4th) |
| Cirium on-time 2025 | Not in any published top 10 | Not in any published top 10 |
| Best business class | Allegris, including Business Suites with doors, on new A350-900s and 787-9s; older seats elsewhere | A380 business with an onboard bar; new seats on the A350; First with a shower on the A380 |
| Cheapest long-haul economy bag | Economy Light: no checked bag; Economy Classic: 1 x 23 kg | Every fare includes one: Economy Special 20 kg on most routes |
| Wi-Fi | Free messaging for Miles & More members; free Starlink rolling out since August 2026 | Free Starlink for everyone on equipped aircraft; rollout started late 2025 |
Choose Lufthansa if:
- You want a nonstop from Germany to North America or Asia
- You prefer Star Alliance and Miles & More
- You want to avoid the Gulf while schedules are still recovering
Choose Emirates if:
- You are flying to the Middle East, India, Africa or Australia
- You want the A380 bar and shower
- You want a checked bag included on every economy fare
Lufthansa vs. Emirates in economy
The old comparison said Emirates economy feels cramped. Today the bigger difference is what the fare includes. Every Emirates economy fare includes a checked bag, and Starlink Wi-Fi is free for all passengers on equipped aircraft. Lufthansa’s cheapest long-haul fare does not include a bag.
Business and first class
Emirates’ A380 business class, with its onboard lounge, and its first class with a shower, are products Lufthansa does not match. Lufthansa’s Allegris First Class, on its newest A350s, is a strong rival to Emirates first on the routes where it flies.
Emirates in Germany
Emirates flies to Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf and Hamburg, and Berlin is to follow. Its operation was disrupted by the 2026 Iran war, with about 80% of capacity back by June 2026.
Official pages: Emirates business class; Emirates checked baggage; Emirates Skywards.
Lufthansa vs. Austrian Airlines
Yes, Austrian Airlines is owned by Lufthansa. Lufthansa completed its takeover in September 2009, bought out the remaining shareholders in February 2010 and delisted the shares. Austrian is now a wholly owned member of the Lufthansa Group, uses Miles & More, and shares lounges, fares and joint ventures with Lufthansa. So this is less a contest than a choice between two hubs: Vienna or Frankfurt and Munich.
| Lufthansa | Austrian Airlines | |
|---|---|---|
| Main hubs | Frankfurt and Munich | Vienna |
| Alliance | Star Alliance (founding member, 1997) | Star Alliance (since 2000) |
| Loyalty program | Miles & More | Miles & More |
| Fleet | 387 aircraft at Lufthansa Airlines; 737 across the group (end of 2025) | 67 aircraft (end of 2025) |
| Skytrax 2026 (2025) | 14th (15th) | 27th (23rd) |
| Cirium on-time 2025 | Not in any published top 10 | 83.74% (No. 3 in Europe) |
| Best business class | Allegris, including Business Suites with doors, on new A350-900s and 787-9s; older seats elsewhere | Boeing 787-9 long-haul business; new 787-9 seats due from 2027 |
| Cheapest long-haul economy bag | Economy Light: no checked bag; Economy Classic: 1 x 23 kg | Same Lufthansa Group fare family; Light fares have no checked bag |
| Wi-Fi | Free messaging for Miles & More members; free Starlink rolling out since August 2026 | Free Starlink is coming to Austrian after Lufthansa |
Choose Lufthansa if:
- You want more long-haul destinations and the new Allegris cabins
- You are connecting to North America or Asia from Germany
Choose Austrian Airlines if:
- You are flying to or through Eastern Europe
- On-time arrival matters: Austrian was the third most punctual airline in Europe in 2025
The older comparison said Austrian “has run into financial problems”. That was true in the 2000s, before the takeover. In 2025 Austrian earned an adjusted operating profit of €81 million on €2.54 billion in revenue and carried about 15 million passengers. Because both airlines use Miles & More, your miles and status work the same way on either.
Official pages: Austrian Airlines; Austrian free baggage; Austrian in the Lufthansa Group 2025 annual report.
Lufthansa vs. Etihad Airways
Etihad is the one Gulf airline Lufthansa works with. Lufthansa and SWISS are on Etihad’s official list of codeshare partners, a partnership that began in 2017 with the Lufthansa code on Etihad’s Abu Dhabi flights to Frankfurt and Munich. The loyalty side is thin, though: Etihad Guest miles can only be earned on Lufthansa flights sold under the Etihad code.
Right now the partnership matters more than usual. Lufthansa’s own Abu Dhabi flights are suspended until at least October 24, 2026, so Etihad is the nonstop option between Germany and Abu Dhabi.
| Lufthansa | Etihad Airways | |
|---|---|---|
| Main hubs | Frankfurt and Munich | Abu Dhabi (Zayed International) |
| Alliance | Star Alliance (founding member, 1997) | None |
| Loyalty program | Miles & More | Etihad Guest |
| Fleet | 387 aircraft at Lufthansa Airlines; 737 across the group (end of 2025) | 127 aircraft (end of 2025) |
| Skytrax 2026 (2025) | 14th (15th) | 22nd (26th) |
| Cirium on-time 2025 | Not in any published top 10 | 81.06% |
| Best business class | Allegris, including Business Suites with doors, on new A350-900s and 787-9s; older seats elsewhere | Lie-flat business; First Apartment and The Residence on the A380 |
| Cheapest long-haul economy bag | Economy Light: no checked bag; Economy Classic: 1 x 23 kg | Economy Basic: no checked bag; Economy Value: 25 kg |
| Wi-Fi | Free messaging for Miles & More members; free Starlink rolling out since August 2026 | Free messaging for Etihad Guest members; data is paid on most fares |
Choose Lufthansa if:
- You want a nonstop from Germany to North America or Asia
- You collect Miles & More
Choose Etihad Airways if:
- You are flying between Germany and Abu Dhabi while Lufthansa’s flights are suspended
- You want The Residence or the First Apartment on the A380
The old version of this page said Etihad had 66 aircraft and 82 destinations. Etihad grew faster in 2025 than in any year in its history: it ended the year with 127 aircraft and 22.4 million passengers. It flies to Frankfurt, Munich and Düsseldorf; planned increases in German flights were postponed to August 2027.
Official pages: Etihad partner airlines; Etihad fares and baggage; Etihad Guest.
Lufthansa vs. Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic does not fly to Germany, so this comparison is about how you cross the Atlantic: from London on Virgin, or through Frankfurt or Munich on Lufthansa. Virgin is in SkyTeam and shares a joint venture with Delta, Air France and KLM. It was one of the most punctual airlines in Europe in 2025 and the most improved, at 83.45% on time.
| Lufthansa | Virgin Atlantic | |
|---|---|---|
| Main hubs | Frankfurt and Munich | London Heathrow |
| Alliance | Star Alliance (founding member, 1997) | SkyTeam (since 2023) |
| Loyalty program | Miles & More | Flying Club |
| Fleet | 387 aircraft at Lufthansa Airlines; 737 across the group (end of 2025) | 43 aircraft, 32 destinations (end of 2025) |
| Skytrax 2026 (2025) | 14th (15th) | 18th (16th) |
| Cirium on-time 2025 | Not in any published top 10 | 83.45% (No. 5 in Europe) |
| Best business class | Allegris, including Business Suites with doors, on new A350-900s and 787-9s; older seats elsewhere | Upper Class with doors on the A330neo, plus the Retreat Suite |
| Cheapest long-haul economy bag | Economy Light: no checked bag; Economy Classic: 1 x 23 kg | Economy Light: no checked bag; Economy Classic: 1 bag |
| Wi-Fi | Free messaging for Miles & More members; free Starlink rolling out since August 2026 | Free Starlink rolling out from late 2026 |
Choose Lufthansa if:
- You are flying from Germany or anywhere in continental Europe
- You want more US destinations: Virgin flies to 32 cities in total
- You collect Miles & More
Choose Virgin Atlantic if:
- You are starting in London
- You want the Retreat Suite, which seats up to four guests
- You collect Flying Club or Delta SkyMiles
Official pages: Virgin Atlantic; Flying Club.
Lufthansa vs. United Airlines
United is Lufthansa’s closest partner. Together with Air Canada they run the Atlantic++ joint venture, which coordinates transatlantic schedules and fares and shares revenue. That is why you often see a flight sold by United but operated by Lufthansa, or the other way round. You can earn and spend Miles & More on United, and since July 22, 2026 United Global Services and Lufthansa HON Circle members recognize each other’s status.
| Lufthansa | United Airlines | |
|---|---|---|
| Main hubs | Frankfurt and Munich | Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, Washington |
| Alliance | Star Alliance (founding member, 1997) | Star Alliance |
| Loyalty program | Miles & More | MileagePlus |
| Fleet | 387 aircraft at Lufthansa Airlines; 737 across the group (end of 2025) | More than 1,000 mainline aircraft |
| Skytrax 2026 (2025) | 14th (15th) | 45th (51st) |
| Cirium on-time 2025 | Not in any published top 10 | 78.77% |
| Best business class | Allegris, including Business Suites with doors, on new A350-900s and 787-9s; older seats elsewhere | Polaris; Polaris Studio with a door on new 787-9s |
| Cheapest long-haul economy bag | Economy Light: no checked bag; Economy Classic: 1 x 23 kg | Basic Economy: first bag about $75; standard economy: first bag free |
| Wi-Fi | Free messaging for Miles & More members; free Starlink rolling out since August 2026 | Free Starlink for MileagePlus members; first transatlantic flight June 2026 |
Choose Lufthansa if:
- You start in Germany or want the Allegris cabins
- You want a better Skytrax-rated product overall
Choose United Airlines if:
- You start in the US, especially away from the East Coast
- You want free Wi-Fi now: United’s Starlink is already crossing the Atlantic
United flights operated by Lufthansa
If your United booking says “operated by Lufthansa”, you fly on a Lufthansa aircraft with Lufthansa’s crew, seats and service, under Lufthansa’s baggage rules. You still earn MileagePlus miles as on any partner flight. The same applies the other way round.
Official pages: United Airlines; Miles & More: United.
Lufthansa vs. SWISS
SWISS is another Lufthansa Group airline: Lufthansa bought it in 2005, and the takeover was completed in 2007. It uses Miles & More and shares lounges, fares and joint ventures with Lufthansa. The real choice is between Zurich and Frankfurt or Munich as your connecting hub, and between two business class products.
| Lufthansa | SWISS | |
|---|---|---|
| Main hubs | Frankfurt and Munich | Zurich and Geneva |
| Alliance | Star Alliance (founding member, 1997) | Star Alliance (since 2006) |
| Loyalty program | Miles & More | Miles & More |
| Fleet | 387 aircraft at Lufthansa Airlines; 737 across the group (end of 2025) | 116 aircraft including Edelweiss (end of 2025) |
| Skytrax 2026 (2025) | 14th (15th) | 19th (11th) |
| Cirium on-time 2025 | Not in any published top 10 | Not in any published top 10 |
| Best business class | Allegris, including Business Suites with doors, on new A350-900s and 787-9s; older seats elsewhere | SWISS Senses on the A350, with five seat types including a Business Suite; First Class |
| Cheapest long-haul economy bag | Economy Light: no checked bag; Economy Classic: 1 x 23 kg | Economy Light: no checked bag; Comfort and Flex: 1 x 23 kg |
| Wi-Fi | Free messaging for Miles & More members; free Starlink rolling out since August 2026 | Free Starlink is coming to SWISS after Lufthansa |
Choose Lufthansa if:
- You want more nonstop long-haul destinations
- You fly from Germany
Choose SWISS if:
- You start in Switzerland or prefer connecting in Zurich
- You want the SWISS Senses cabins on the new A350
SWISS’s new A350 with SWISS Senses cabins started long-haul flights in November 2025 and flies to Boston and Seoul. SWISS dropped from 11th to 19th with Skytrax in 2026. The old comparison praised Lufthansa’s ground services and SWISS’s lounges; both points still broadly apply: Lufthansa runs a dedicated First Class Terminal in Frankfurt, and SWISS’s Zurich lounges are well regarded.
Official pages: SWISS; SWISS checked baggage.
Lufthansa vs. Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines is the airline that flies to the most countries in the world, and it is Lufthansa’s biggest rival for travelers from Germany heading to Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Both are in Star Alliance, but they have no direct codeshare; they do co-own the leisure airline SunExpress. Turkish ranked 5th with Skytrax in 2026, nine places ahead of Lufthansa.
| Lufthansa | Turkish Airlines | |
|---|---|---|
| Main hubs | Frankfurt and Munich | Istanbul |
| Alliance | Star Alliance (founding member, 1997) | Star Alliance |
| Loyalty program | Miles & More | Miles&Smiles |
| Fleet | 387 aircraft at Lufthansa Airlines; 737 across the group (end of 2025) | 522 aircraft (January 2026) |
| Skytrax 2026 (2025) | 14th (15th) | 5th (6th) |
| Cirium on-time 2025 | Not in any published top 10 | 81.41% |
| Best business class | Allegris, including Business Suites with doors, on new A350-900s and 787-9s; older seats elsewhere | Lie-flat business; new Crystal suites with doors from November 2026; no first class |
| Cheapest long-haul economy bag | Economy Light: no checked bag; Economy Classic: 1 x 23 kg | Some EcoFly fares have no checked bag |
| Wi-Fi | Free messaging for Miles & More members; free Starlink rolling out since August 2026 | Free for Miles&Smiles members, with data limits by status |
Choose Lufthansa if:
- You want a nonstop rather than a connection in Istanbul
- You want first class
Choose Turkish Airlines if:
- You are flying from a smaller German city: Turkish serves 13 German airports
- You are going to Africa, Central Asia or the Middle East
- You want a well-rated business class at a lower fare
| Turkish Airlines | 13 |
| Qatar Airways | 4 (Hamburg suspended) |
| Emirates | 4 (Berlin to come) |
| Etihad Airways | 3 |
| Singapore Airlines | 2 |
| Thai Airways | 2 |
| Air India | 1 |
Sources: each airline’s network pages and German trade press, checked October 2026.
Because both airlines are in Star Alliance, you can generally earn Miles & More on Turkish flights and Miles&Smiles on Lufthansa. Check the fare class before you book.
Official pages: Turkish Airlines business class; Turkish Airlines checked baggage; Miles&Smiles.
Lufthansa vs. KLM
KLM and Lufthansa compete for the same connecting passengers in Europe: Amsterdam against Frankfurt and Munich. KLM is in SkyTeam with Air France and Delta. The old comparison said KLM charges extra to sit together and has uncomfortable seats; the bigger difference today is in business class, where all of KLM’s 777s have a new seat with a privacy door.
| Lufthansa | KLM | |
|---|---|---|
| Main hubs | Frankfurt and Munich | Amsterdam Schiphol |
| Alliance | Star Alliance (founding member, 1997) | SkyTeam |
| Loyalty program | Miles & More | Flying Blue |
| Fleet | 387 aircraft at Lufthansa Airlines; 737 across the group (end of 2025) | 122 aircraft, plus 62 at KLM Cityhopper (end of 2025) |
| Skytrax 2026 (2025) | 14th (15th) | 24th (21st) |
| Cirium on-time 2025 | Not in any published top 10 | Not in any published top 10 |
| Best business class | Allegris, including Business Suites with doors, on new A350-900s and 787-9s; older seats elsewhere | World Business Class with a door on all 777s |
| Cheapest long-haul economy bag | Economy Light: no checked bag; Economy Classic: 1 x 23 kg | Economy Light: no checked bag; Standard: 1 bag |
| Wi-Fi | Free messaging for Miles & More members; free Starlink rolling out since August 2026 | Free for Flying Blue members on most European flights; long-haul free from mid-2027 |
Choose Lufthansa if:
- You fly Star Alliance or hold Miles & More status
- You want the new Allegris seats
Choose KLM if:
- You collect Flying Blue or fly Delta
- You want a door in business class on a 777
Official pages: KLM.
Lufthansa vs. Air France
Air France was ranked 7th with Skytrax in 2026, seven places ahead of Lufthansa, and it has moved faster on the onboard product. Its new business suite with sliding doors flew on every New York flight in summer 2026, La Première first class reached more US routes in 2026, and Starlink Wi-Fi is free for Flying Blue members on most of the fleet. On October 14, 2026, Portugal chose Lufthansa over Air France-KLM as the buyer of a 44.9% stake in TAP Air Portugal, subject to regulatory approval.
| Lufthansa | Air France | |
|---|---|---|
| Main hubs | Frankfurt and Munich | Paris Charles de Gaulle |
| Alliance | Star Alliance (founding member, 1997) | SkyTeam |
| Loyalty program | Miles & More | Flying Blue |
| Fleet | 387 aircraft at Lufthansa Airlines; 737 across the group (end of 2025) | 229 aircraft (end of 2025) |
| Skytrax 2026 (2025) | 14th (15th) | 7th (8th) |
| Cirium on-time 2025 | Not in any published top 10 | Not in any published top 10 |
| Best business class | Allegris, including Business Suites with doors, on new A350-900s and 787-9s; older seats elsewhere | New business suite with doors; La Première first class |
| Cheapest long-haul economy bag | Economy Light: no checked bag; Economy Classic: 1 x 23 kg | Economy Light: no checked bag; Standard: 1 bag |
| Wi-Fi | Free messaging for Miles & More members; free Starlink rolling out since August 2026 | Free Starlink for Flying Blue members on most of the fleet |
Choose Lufthansa if:
- You fly from Germany or want Star Alliance
- You want nonstops from Frankfurt and Munich
Choose Air France if:
- You want the better-rated airline overall
- You want free Wi-Fi on long haul today
- You collect Flying Blue or fly Delta
Official pages: Air France.
Lufthansa vs. easyJet
No, easyJet does not belong to Lufthansa. It is a British low-cost airline; in July 2026 its board agreed to a takeover by Apollo worth about £5.7 billion, which easyJet expects to complete in early 2027. There is no Miles & More earning on easyJet flights.
easyJet competes with Lufthansa’s own low-cost airline, Eurowings, more than with Lufthansa itself: from Berlin, and against SWISS from Geneva and Basel.
| Lufthansa | easyJet | |
|---|---|---|
| Main hubs | Frankfurt and Munich | London Gatwick, plus about 29 bases including Berlin |
| Alliance | Star Alliance (founding member, 1997) | None |
| Loyalty program | Miles & More | None (easyJet Plus is a paid subscription) |
| Fleet | 387 aircraft at Lufthansa Airlines; 737 across the group (end of 2025) | Airbus A320 family only |
| Skytrax 2026 (2025) | 14th (15th) | 68th (59th) |
| Cirium on-time 2025 | Not in any published top 10 | Not in any published top 10 |
| Best business class | Allegris, including Business Suites with doors, on new A350-900s and 787-9s; older seats elsewhere | None |
| Cheapest long-haul economy bag | Economy Light: no checked bag; Economy Classic: 1 x 23 kg | Short haul only: free under-seat bag; large cabin bag and checked bags cost extra |
| Wi-Fi | Free messaging for Miles & More members; free Starlink rolling out since August 2026 | None |
Choose Lufthansa if:
- You want a full-service fare and to earn miles
- You need a connection or a long-haul flight
Choose easyJet if:
- You are flying point to point in Europe with only an under-seat bag
- Price is the only thing that matters
Lufthansa has narrowed the gap in Europe: since May 2026 its cheapest European fare, Economy Basic, includes only a personal item, just like easyJet’s. Once you add a cabin bag, compare the total price.
Official pages: easyJet cabin bags.
Lufthansa vs. Iberia
Iberia is part of IAG with British Airways and in Oneworld. It was the sixth most punctual airline in the world in 2025, at 83.52% on time across more than 188,000 flights, and it ranked 16th with Skytrax in 2026, two places behind Lufthansa. It is the stronger choice for Spain and Latin America; Lufthansa for Central Europe, Asia and North America.
| Lufthansa | Iberia | |
|---|---|---|
| Main hubs | Frankfurt and Munich | Madrid |
| Alliance | Star Alliance (founding member, 1997) | Oneworld (IAG group) |
| Loyalty program | Miles & More | Iberia Club (Avios) |
| Fleet | 387 aircraft at Lufthansa Airlines; 737 across the group (end of 2025) | About 95 mainline aircraft |
| Skytrax 2026 (2025) | 14th (15th) | 16th (20th) |
| Cirium on-time 2025 | Not in any published top 10 | 83.52% (No. 6 in the world) |
| Best business class | Allegris, including Business Suites with doors, on new A350-900s and 787-9s; older seats elsewhere | Iberia Business on the A350, A330 and A321XLR |
| Cheapest long-haul economy bag | Economy Light: no checked bag; Economy Classic: 1 x 23 kg | Basic: no checked bag; standard economy: 1 bag |
| Wi-Fi | Free messaging for Miles & More members; free Starlink rolling out since August 2026 | Free Starlink for all passengers being installed from 2026 |
Choose Lufthansa if:
- You fly Star Alliance or to Asia
- You want more choice of US gateways from Germany
Choose Iberia if:
- You are going to Spain or Latin America
- Punctuality is your priority
Official pages: Iberia; Iberia’s 2025 punctuality release.
Lufthansa vs. Air Canada
Air Canada is a Lufthansa partner, not just a rival. Both are founding members of Star Alliance, and Air Canada is in the Atlantic++ joint venture with Lufthansa and United. You can earn and redeem Miles & More on Air Canada. Lufthansa itself flies Munich to Toronto and Montreal.
| Lufthansa | Air Canada | |
|---|---|---|
| Main hubs | Frankfurt and Munich | Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver |
| Alliance | Star Alliance (founding member, 1997) | Star Alliance (founding member) |
| Loyalty program | Miles & More | Aeroplan |
| Fleet | 387 aircraft at Lufthansa Airlines; 737 across the group (end of 2025) | 355 aircraft (March 2026) |
| Skytrax 2026 (2025) | 14th (15th) | 17th (19th) |
| Cirium on-time 2025 | Not in any published top 10 | 73.26% |
| Best business class | Allegris, including Business Suites with doors, on new A350-900s and 787-9s; older seats elsewhere | Signature Class with lie-flat seats |
| Cheapest long-haul economy bag | Economy Light: no checked bag; Economy Classic: 1 x 23 kg | Economy Basic to Europe: first bag $90; Standard: first bag free |
| Wi-Fi | Free messaging for Miles & More members; free Starlink rolling out since August 2026 | Free for Aeroplan members in North America; expanding to international routes |
Choose Lufthansa if:
- You start in Germany
- You want the Allegris cabins on the newest aircraft
Choose Air Canada if:
- You start in Canada
- You collect Aeroplan, one of the best programs for booking Lufthansa awards
Official pages: Air Canada corporate profile; Air Canada baggage fees to Europe; Miles & More: Air Canada.
Lufthansa vs. Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines was named the world’s best airline by Skytrax in 2026. It is also a Lufthansa partner: both are in Star Alliance and have run a joint venture since 2017 on flights between Singapore and Australia and Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Belgium. Lufthansa adds Allegris seats on Munich to Singapore from late October 2026.
| Lufthansa | Singapore Airlines | |
|---|---|---|
| Main hubs | Frankfurt and Munich | Singapore Changi |
| Alliance | Star Alliance (founding member, 1997) | Star Alliance (since 2000) |
| Loyalty program | Miles & More | KrisFlyer |
| Fleet | 387 aircraft at Lufthansa Airlines; 737 across the group (end of 2025) | 153 passenger aircraft (September 2026) |
| Skytrax 2026 (2025) | 14th (15th) | 1st (2nd) |
| Cirium on-time 2025 | Not in any published top 10 | 78.58% |
| Best business class | Allegris, including Business Suites with doors, on new A350-900s and 787-9s; older seats elsewhere | Lie-flat business; Suites on the A380 and First on the 777; new cabins coming in 2027 |
| Cheapest long-haul economy bag | Economy Light: no checked bag; Economy Classic: 1 x 23 kg | Every fare includes one: Economy Lite 25 kg |
| Wi-Fi | Free messaging for Miles & More members; free Starlink rolling out since August 2026 | Free unlimited for KrisFlyer members on most aircraft |
Choose Lufthansa if:
- You want the Allegris seats on the new Munich route
- You collect Miles & More status
Choose Singapore Airlines if:
- You want the best-rated airline in the world
- You want a bag and free Wi-Fi on every economy fare
- You are flying on to Australia
Official pages: Singapore Airlines business class; Singapore Airlines checked baggage; KrisFlyer.
Lufthansa vs. Thai Airways
Thai Airways and Lufthansa were both founding members of Star Alliance in 1997, and they widened their codeshare in 2024 and 2025. They also compete directly on Frankfurt and Munich to Bangkok. Thai has turned itself around: it left court-supervised restructuring in June 2025, its shares returned to the Thai stock exchange in August 2025, and it jumped from 29th to 20th with Skytrax in 2026.
| Lufthansa | Thai Airways | |
|---|---|---|
| Main hubs | Frankfurt and Munich | Bangkok Suvarnabhumi |
| Alliance | Star Alliance (founding member, 1997) | Star Alliance (founding member) |
| Loyalty program | Miles & More | Royal Orchid Plus |
| Fleet | 387 aircraft at Lufthansa Airlines; 737 across the group (end of 2025) | About 80 aircraft, with 45 Boeing 787-9s on order |
| Skytrax 2026 (2025) | 14th (15th) | 20th (29th) |
| Cirium on-time 2025 | Not in any published top 10 | Not in any published top 10 |
| Best business class | Allegris, including Business Suites with doors, on new A350-900s and 787-9s; older seats elsewhere | Royal Silk business; Royal First on a few 777s, being phased out |
| Cheapest long-haul economy bag | Economy Light: no checked bag; Economy Classic: 1 x 23 kg | Check the fare when booking |
| Wi-Fi | Free messaging for Miles & More members; free Starlink rolling out since August 2026 | Varies by aircraft |
Choose Lufthansa if:
- You want a nonstop on the newer Allegris aircraft
- You hold Lufthansa status
Choose Thai Airways if:
- You want Thai service and onward connections in Southeast Asia
- You collect Royal Orchid Plus
Official pages: Thai Airways.
Lufthansa vs. Air India
Air India and Lufthansa are Star Alliance partners with a codeshare on 146 routes, and in February 2026 they signed an agreement to work toward a joint business between India and Europe. Air India flies to Germany only from Delhi and Mumbai to Frankfurt; Lufthansa flies to several Indian cities, including Bengaluru from Munich with Allegris First.
| Lufthansa | Air India | |
|---|---|---|
| Main hubs | Frankfurt and Munich | Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru |
| Alliance | Star Alliance (founding member, 1997) | Star Alliance (since 2014) |
| Loyalty program | Miles & More | Maharaja Club |
| Fleet | 387 aircraft at Lufthansa Airlines; 737 across the group (end of 2025) | Growing, with new aircraft arriving through 2026 |
| Skytrax 2026 (2025) | 14th (15th) | 57th (84th) |
| Cirium on-time 2025 | Not in any published top 10 | Not in any published top 10 |
| Best business class | Allegris, including Business Suites with doors, on new A350-900s and 787-9s; older seats elsewhere | Business on the A350-900; First on the 777-300ER |
| Cheapest long-haul economy bag | Economy Light: no checked bag; Economy Classic: 1 x 23 kg | Every fare includes one: Value 1 x 23 kg to Europe |
| Wi-Fi | Free messaging for Miles & More members; free Starlink rolling out since August 2026 | Free on the A350, 787-9 and some A321neos |
Choose Lufthansa if:
- You want the higher-rated airline overall
- You are flying from Munich or need Allegris First
Choose Air India if:
- You want a bag on every economy fare
- You are connecting onward within India
On June 12, 2025, Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 from Ahmedabad to London, crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 241 of the 242 people on board and 19 on the ground. The final investigation report had not been published as of October 2026. In July 2026 India’s aviation ministry said tests found no defect in the fuel switches. Air India climbed from 84th to 57th with Skytrax in 2026.
Official pages: Air India checked baggage; Maharaja Club.
Lufthansa vs. Finnair
Finnair competes with Lufthansa for travel between Europe and Asia, through Helsinki rather than Frankfurt or Munich. It is in Oneworld and uses Avios through Finnair Plus. The Russian airspace closure still makes many Finnair Asia routings up to 40% longer than before 2022, which removes the shortcut that used to be its main advantage.
| Lufthansa | Finnair | |
|---|---|---|
| Main hubs | Frankfurt and Munich | Helsinki |
| Alliance | Star Alliance (founding member, 1997) | Oneworld |
| Loyalty program | Miles & More | Finnair Plus (Avios) |
| Fleet | 387 aircraft at Lufthansa Airlines; 737 across the group (end of 2025) | 78 aircraft including those flown by Norra (June 2026) |
| Skytrax 2026 (2025) | 14th (15th) | 33rd (25th) |
| Cirium on-time 2025 | Not in any published top 10 | 79.67% (No. 10 in Europe) |
| Best business class | Allegris, including Business Suites with doors, on new A350-900s and 787-9s; older seats elsewhere | A350 business |
| Cheapest long-haul economy bag | Economy Light: no checked bag; Economy Classic: 1 x 23 kg | Superlight and Light fares: no checked bag |
| Wi-Fi | Free messaging for Miles & More members; free Starlink rolling out since August 2026 | Varies by aircraft |
Choose Lufthansa if:
- You want Asian routes with the new Allegris cabins, including Seoul, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore from winter 2026/27
- You collect Miles & More
Choose Finnair if:
- You are flying to Japan or from the Nordics
- You collect Avios
Official pages: Finnair ticket types.
Lufthansa vs. LOT Polish Airlines
LOT is a Star Alliance partner that uses Miles & More as its own frequent flyer program, so your miles and status work on both. Lufthansa owns no part of it: LOT belongs to the Polish state. LOT competes for passengers between Central and Eastern Europe and North America through Warsaw.
| Lufthansa | LOT Polish Airlines | |
|---|---|---|
| Main hubs | Frankfurt and Munich | Warsaw Chopin |
| Alliance | Star Alliance (founding member, 1997) | Star Alliance (since 2003) |
| Loyalty program | Miles & More | Miles & More |
| Fleet | 387 aircraft at Lufthansa Airlines; 737 across the group (end of 2025) | A mix of Boeing 787s, 737 MAX and Embraer jets; 40 A220s on order |
| Skytrax 2026 (2025) | 14th (15th) | 44th (55th) |
| Cirium on-time 2025 | Not in any published top 10 | Not in any published top 10 |
| Best business class | Allegris, including Business Suites with doors, on new A350-900s and 787-9s; older seats elsewhere | 787 business |
| Cheapest long-haul economy bag | Economy Light: no checked bag; Economy Classic: 1 x 23 kg | Economy Saver in Europe: no checked bag, except for Miles & More Frequent Travellers, Senators and HONs |
| Wi-Fi | Free messaging for Miles & More members; free Starlink rolling out since August 2026 | Varies by aircraft |
Choose Lufthansa if:
- You want more destinations and the higher Skytrax rating
Choose LOT Polish Airlines if:
- You start in Poland or the Baltics
- You hold Miles & More status and want a free bag on LOT’s cheapest fare
Official pages: LOT and Miles & More; LOT baggage.
Lufthansa vs. Condor
Condor is Lufthansa’s most direct German rival on leisure routes from Frankfurt: the Caribbean, Africa, the Indian Ocean and North America. It was part of Lufthansa for decades, but today the two have no ties at all. A German court ended the deal under which Lufthansa fed Condor’s long-haul flights in December 2024, and Condor is building its own feeder routes instead. The investor Attestor is taking full ownership, with the German state’s 49% stake due to change hands by August 2027.
| Lufthansa | Condor | |
|---|---|---|
| Main hubs | Frankfurt and Munich | Frankfurt |
| Alliance | Star Alliance (founding member, 1997) | None |
| Loyalty program | Miles & More | None of its own; earn with Alaska Atmos Rewards or Emirates Skywards |
| Fleet | 387 aircraft at Lufthansa Airlines; 737 across the group (end of 2025) | Airbus A330neo and A320 family |
| Skytrax 2026 (2025) | 14th (15th) | Not in the top 100 |
| Cirium on-time 2025 | Not in any published top 10 | Not in any published top 10 |
| Best business class | Allegris, including Business Suites with doors, on new A350-900s and 787-9s; older seats elsewhere | A330neo business, with four extra-space Prime Seats |
| Cheapest long-haul economy bag | Economy Light: no checked bag; Economy Classic: 1 x 23 kg | Economy Zero in Europe: personal item only |
| Wi-Fi | Free messaging for Miles & More members; free Starlink rolling out since August 2026 | Varies by aircraft |
Choose Lufthansa if:
- You want connections, a frequent flyer program and alliance perks
- You want a better-rated airline
Choose Condor if:
- You are flying to a leisure destination Lufthansa does not serve nonstop
- You want a low fare on a new A330neo
Official pages: Condor checked baggage.
Lufthansa vs. Ryanair
Ryanair is Europe’s largest low-cost airline and has no connection with Lufthansa. In Germany it is shrinking: it cut about 700,000 seats for winter 2026, closes its Berlin base on October 24, 2026, and leaves Bremen from April 2027, blaming Germany’s aviation taxes and airport charges even after the July 2026 tax cut.
| Lufthansa | Ryanair | |
|---|---|---|
| Main hubs | Frankfurt and Munich | Dublin, London Stansted and dozens of bases |
| Alliance | Star Alliance (founding member, 1997) | None |
| Loyalty program | Miles & More | None |
| Fleet | 387 aircraft at Lufthansa Airlines; 737 across the group (end of 2025) | Mostly Boeing 737s |
| Skytrax 2026 (2025) | 14th (15th) | 64th (61st) |
| Cirium on-time 2025 | Not in any published top 10 | Not in any published top 10 |
| Best business class | Allegris, including Business Suites with doors, on new A350-900s and 787-9s; older seats elsewhere | None |
| Cheapest long-haul economy bag | Economy Light: no checked bag; Economy Classic: 1 x 23 kg | Short haul only: free 40 x 30 x 20 cm bag; everything else costs extra |
| Wi-Fi | Free messaging for Miles & More members; free Starlink rolling out since August 2026 | None |
Choose Lufthansa if:
- You need a connection, a full-service fare or miles
- You are flying from a major hub
Choose Ryanair if:
- You are flying point to point in Europe from a secondary airport
- You travel with only a small bag
Official pages: Ryanair baggage policy.
Lufthansa vs. ITA Airways
ITA Airways, Italy’s national airline, is becoming part of the Lufthansa Group. Lufthansa has owned 41% since January 2025 and is buying a further 49% to reach 90%, with completion expected in early 2027 once regulators approve. ITA left SkyTeam, joined Star Alliance on April 1, 2026, and switched its loyalty program to Miles & More the same day.
| Lufthansa | ITA Airways | |
|---|---|---|
| Main hubs | Frankfurt and Munich | Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate |
| Alliance | Star Alliance (founding member, 1997) | Star Alliance (since April 2026) |
| Loyalty program | Miles & More | Miles & More (since April 2026) |
| Fleet | 387 aircraft at Lufthansa Airlines; 737 across the group (end of 2025) | A mostly Airbus fleet, including A350s and A330neos |
| Skytrax 2026 (2025) | 14th (15th) | 49th (57th) |
| Cirium on-time 2025 | Not in any published top 10 | Not in any published top 10 |
| Best business class | Allegris, including Business Suites with doors, on new A350-900s and 787-9s; older seats elsewhere | A350 business |
| Cheapest long-haul economy bag | Economy Light: no checked bag; Economy Classic: 1 x 23 kg | Economy Light: no checked bag |
| Wi-Fi | Free messaging for Miles & More members; free Starlink rolling out since August 2026 | Free Starlink is planned for ITA |
Choose Lufthansa if:
- You fly from Germany or need Asia and North America connections
Choose ITA Airways if:
- You start in Italy or are going to Southern Europe, Africa or South America through Rome
Official pages: ITA Airways free baggage.
Lufthansa vs. Discover Airlines
Discover Airlines is Lufthansa’s own leisure airline, founded in 2021 and wholly owned by the group. It flies from Frankfurt and Munich to holiday destinations with 30 aircraft, and some Lufthansa flights are operated by Discover. If your Lufthansa booking says “operated by Discover Airlines”, expect a different product: an older A330 business class seat rather than Allegris, no lounge access in economy and premium economy, and Miles & More earning without all the usual Star Alliance perks.
| Lufthansa | Discover Airlines | |
|---|---|---|
| Main hubs | Frankfurt and Munich | Frankfurt and Munich |
| Alliance | Star Alliance (founding member, 1997) | None (Lufthansa Group airline) |
| Loyalty program | Miles & More | Miles & More |
| Fleet | 387 aircraft at Lufthansa Airlines; 737 across the group (end of 2025) | 30 aircraft: 14 A330s and 16 A320s (end of 2025) |
| Skytrax 2026 (2025) | 14th (15th) | Not listed |
| Cirium on-time 2025 | Not in any published top 10 | Not in any published top 10 |
| Best business class | Allegris, including Business Suites with doors, on new A350-900s and 787-9s; older seats elsewhere | Older A330 lie-flat business |
| Cheapest long-haul economy bag | Economy Light: no checked bag; Economy Classic: 1 x 23 kg | Economy Light and Basic: no checked bag; Economy: 1 x 23 kg |
| Wi-Fi | Free messaging for Miles & More members; free Starlink rolling out since August 2026 | Free Starlink is planned |
Choose Lufthansa if:
- You want Allegris business class and full status benefits
Choose Discover Airlines if:
- You are flying to a holiday destination only Discover serves nonstop
Discover’s pilots and cabin crew struck in 2024 in a dispute over which unions represent them. Lounge access on Discover goes to business class passengers and to Miles & More Frequent Travellers, Senators and HON Circle members.
Official pages: Discover Airlines baggage; Discover Airlines lounges.
Lufthansa vs. Eurowings
Eurowings is Lufthansa Group’s low-cost airline for point-to-point flights within Europe, from German airports other than the Frankfurt and Munich hubs. It flies 98 aircraft to more than 150 destinations and carried 23.7 million passengers in 2025. It uses Miles & More but is not a Star Alliance member.
| Lufthansa | Eurowings | |
|---|---|---|
| Main hubs | Frankfurt and Munich | Düsseldorf, Cologne/Bonn, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Berlin and others |
| Alliance | Star Alliance (founding member, 1997) | None (Lufthansa Group airline) |
| Loyalty program | Miles & More | Miles & More |
| Fleet | 387 aircraft at Lufthansa Airlines; 737 across the group (end of 2025) | 98 aircraft (end of 2025) |
| Skytrax 2026 (2025) | 14th (15th) | Not in the top 100; named Best Low-Cost Airline in Europe in 2025 |
| Cirium on-time 2025 | Not in any published top 10 | Not in any published top 10 |
| Best business class | Allegris, including Business Suites with doors, on new A350-900s and 787-9s; older seats elsewhere | BIZclass on short haul |
| Cheapest long-haul economy bag | Economy Light: no checked bag; Economy Classic: 1 x 23 kg | BASIC: personal item only |
| Wi-Fi | Free messaging for Miles & More members; free Starlink rolling out since August 2026 | Free Starlink is planned |
Choose Lufthansa if:
- You are connecting through Frankfurt or Munich
- You want Star Alliance status benefits
Choose Eurowings if:
- You are flying point to point from Düsseldorf, Cologne, Hamburg, Stuttgart or Berlin
Official pages: Eurowings.
Miles & More vs. other frequent flyer programs
If you fly Lufthansa, you collect Miles & More, which also covers SWISS, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, Discover, LOT, Croatia Airlines and, since April 2026, ITA Airways. Award miles are earned by fare spent rather than distance flown (since 2018), and status has been based on points since 2024: 650 points for Frequent Traveller, 2,000 for Senator and 6,000 for HON Circle in a calendar year. Partner airlines still credit Miles & More by distance flown and booking class, so our airport distance calculator gives you a quick estimate of what a partner flight will earn.
Many travelers end up with balances in several of these programs. If you are holding miles you will not use before they expire, you have three options: book a partner award, transfer to a family member where the program allows it, or sell them. Selling is legal, but it breaks the rules of most programs and can get an account closed, so read what each program’s terms say about selling miles before you decide.
| Program | Airlines | If you will not use the miles |
|---|---|---|
| Miles & More | Lufthansa Group, LOT, Croatia | Sell Lufthansa Miles & More miles |
| SkyMiles | Delta | Selling Delta SkyMiles |
| MileagePlus | United | Sell United miles |
| Aeroplan | Air Canada | Sell Aeroplan points |
| Executive Club (Avios) | British Airways | Sell British Airways Avios |
| Skywards | Emirates | Sell Emirates Skywards miles |
| Etihad Guest | Etihad | Sell Etihad Guest miles |
| Miles&Smiles | Turkish Airlines | Sell Turkish Airlines miles |
| Flying Blue | Air France, KLM | Sell Flying Blue miles |
| Flying Club | Virgin Atlantic | Sell Virgin Atlantic points |
Going the other way, if you want to fly Lufthansa business class on an award and are short of miles, you can buy Lufthansa miles from us, with the same caveat about program rules. For a wider view of which programs give the best value, see how airline miles are valued, or the frequent flyer blogs that follow these programs every day.
FAQ
Which is better, Lufthansa or Qatar Airways?
Qatar Airways is rated higher (2nd with Skytrax in 2026, against Lufthansa’s 14th), was more punctual in 2025 and includes a checked bag on every economy fare. Lufthansa is better if you want a nonstop from Germany or collect Miles & More.
Is Lufthansa a Delta partner?
No. Delta is in SkyTeam and partners with Air France, KLM and Virgin Atlantic. Lufthansa is in Star Alliance and partners with United and Air Canada. You cannot earn SkyMiles on Lufthansa.
Is Austrian Airlines owned by Lufthansa?
Yes. Lufthansa took over Austrian in 2009 and has owned 100% since 2010. SWISS, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings and Discover Airlines are also wholly owned group airlines.
Does easyJet belong to Lufthansa?
No. easyJet is an independent British airline. Apollo agreed to buy it in 2026, with completion expected in early 2027.
Who owns Lufthansa?
Lufthansa is a publicly listed company with no government stake since September 2022.
What country is Lufthansa from?
Germany. It is the German flag carrier, headquartered in Cologne, with hubs in Frankfurt and Munich.
What airline is LH?
LH is Lufthansa’s two-letter IATA code. LX is SWISS, OS is Austrian and EW is Eurowings.
Is Lufthansa better than Emirates?
Emirates is rated higher (6th with Skytrax in 2026 against 14th) and includes a bag on every economy fare. Lufthansa is the better choice for nonstop flights from Germany to North America and for Star Alliance flyers.
Is Lufthansa better than British Airways?
Lufthansa ranked higher with Skytrax in 2026 (14th against 23rd), and taxes on flights from Germany are lower, especially in business class. BA’s Club Suite has a door at every business class seat.
Who are Lufthansa’s biggest competitors?
On long haul: Emirates, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines for Asia and Africa, and Air France-KLM, British Airways and Delta across the Atlantic. In Germany: Condor on leisure routes, and Ryanair and easyJet in Europe.
Sources
All sources were checked between October 13 and 16, 2026. Airline-specific pages are linked in each section.
- Lufthansa Group Annual Report 2025: fleet
- Lufthansa Group: summer 2026 network
- Lufthansa Group: 100 years of Lufthansa
- Lufthansa Group: end of state stake, 2022
- Lufthansa Group: alliances and joint ventures
- Lufthansa Group: free Starlink Wi-Fi, August 2026
- Lufthansa Group: ITA Airways majority stake
- Lufthansa: free baggage rules
- Miles & More: status levels
- Skytrax: World’s Top 100 Airlines 2026
- Skytrax: World’s Top 100 Airlines 2025
- Cirium: On-Time Performance Review 2025
- One Mile at a Time: Emirates Berlin rights, September 2026
- TravelMole: Lufthansa Group and Air India, February 2026
- Skift: Portugal picks Lufthansa for TAP stake, October 14, 2026