Lufthansa Airlines: Country, Reviews, Meals & Economy Class Guide

Planning a long-haul flight and wondering whether Lufthansa is the right choice? It’s a question that comes up a lot, especially when you’re comparing meal service, seat comfort, and overall value in economy class. This guide breaks down what you actually get on Lufthansa, from free meals on long-haul routes to how it stacks up against Emirates, using verified data and passenger reviews.

Founded: 1953 ·
Headquarters: Cologne, Germany ·
Fleet Size: Over 300 aircraft ·
Destinations: More than 200 worldwide ·
Annual Revenue (2023): €35.4 billion ·
Alliance: Star Alliance

According to Lufthansa Group’s 2023 annual report, the group generated €35.4 billion in revenue (Lufthansa Group (official financial reports)).

Eight key facts, one pattern: Lufthansa’s operational scale is vast, but its service standards vary noticeably by class and route.

Which country is Lufthansa airlines from?

Lufthansa’s nationality and headquarters

• Lufthansa is the flag carrier of Germany, a designation that comes with both national pride and regulatory obligations. The airline’s headquarters are in Cologne, Germany (Wikipedia (encyclopedia)).
• It is a founding member of the Star Alliance, the world’s largest global airline alliance (Star Alliance (official airline alliance)).

History and founding

• Lufthansa was founded in 1953 as a state-owned airline, resuming operations after World War II. It began scheduled services in 1955 (Lufthansa (official airline website)).
• Today, the Lufthansa Group includes several airlines such as Swiss, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines, making it one of Europe’s largest aviation groups.

The implication: Lufthansa’s German heritage shapes its operational standards, known for punctuality and engineering precision, though some passengers find the service style less warm than that of Middle Eastern carriers.

Is Lufthansa a good or bad airline?

Ratings and reviews overview

• Lufthansa holds a 4-star rating from Skytrax (Skytrax (airline rating agency)), positioning it well among European carriers. However, passenger reviews are mixed: some praise the crew and meal service, while others complain about cramped economy seating.
• Skytrax user reviews include both positive comments about onboard service and repeated complaints about low seat pitch (Skytrax (airline rating agency)).

Strengths and weaknesses across classes

Eight aspects, one pattern: Lufthansa’s soft product (meals, drinks, crew attentiveness) generally earns higher marks than its hard product (seat comfort, cabin density).

The trade-off: Lufthansa works best for travelers who prioritize meal service and network connectivity over seat width and cabin modernity. The catch: on shorter routes, the buy-on-board model may disappoint those used to all-inclusive service.

Do you get a free meal on Lufthansa?

Meal service in economy class

• On long-haul flights, Lufthansa economy includes a full complimentary hot meal, often with a choice of main course, followed by a second light meal or snack on longer routes (Travel Codex (travel review site)).
• Special meals (vegetarian, vegan, kosher, etc.) are available if requested at least 24 hours before departure (Lufthansa (official airline website)).

Drink policy on international flights

• On long-haul flights, alcoholic beverages including wine and beer are free (Travel Codex (travel review site)).
• On short-haul European flights, drinks are free but alcohol is charged; passengers can purchase from a buy-on-board menu.

Differences by route length

• Short-haul: no free meal — buy-on-board menu with sandwiches, salads, and snacks. Free soft drinks, tea, coffee.
• Long-haul: full meal service included. The meal quality is generally rated as good but not exceptional (Next Level of Travel (travel blog)).

The pattern: Lufthansa is one of the few European legacy carriers that still offers a proper hot meal in economy on long-haul flights, a clear advantage over US carriers that have cut back significantly.

Which is better, Emirates or Lufthansa?

Service and comfort comparison

Three key differences, one pattern: Emirates offers a more generous hard product and entertainment, while Lufthansa scores on network connectivity and consistent meal service on long-haul.

Route networks and hubs

• Lufthansa’s hubs: Frankfurt and Munich, offering extensive connections across Europe and to North America.
• Emirates’ hub: Dubai, with a focus on long-haul connectivity between Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

Price competitiveness

• Lufthansa often offers competitive fares from Europe, especially for flights within Europe and to the US.
• Emirates can be more affordable for Asian and African routes, but premium economy and business class are often priced higher.

The trade-off: For travelers based in Europe, Lufthansa usually offers more direct options and Star Alliance benefits. For those flying from Asia or the Middle East, Emirates often provides a superior onboard experience. The catch: your choice should depend on your origin, destination, and what you value — seat comfort or meal service.

What does economy on Lufthansa get you?

Seat and cabin amenities

• Standard seat pitch of 31–32 inches and seat width of 17.3 inches on the Boeing 747-8 (Travel Codex (travel review site)).
• All seats have a personal entertainment screen, USB power, and headphone jack.
• Complimentary pillows and blankets on long-haul flights.

In-flight entertainment

• Personal screen with movies, TV shows, music, and games. The selection is decent, but some reviewers note that the user interface is dated compared to Emirates (Next Level of Travel (travel blog)).
• Free messaging via FlyNet on long-haul flights (as of June 2025) (Travel Codex (travel review site)).

Baggage and check-in

• Economy passengers on transatlantic flights get one free carry-on and one checked bag (baggage allowance varies by route).
• Online check-in opens 23 hours before departure.
• Lufthansa offers a “Miles & More” frequent flyer program with status benefits.

The implication: Lufthansa economy is a solid, no-frills product that covers the basics well. It’s not the most luxurious, but for travelers who value meal service, free messaging, and a reliable network, it’s a dependable choice.

Confirmed facts vs. uncertainties

What passengers and experts say

“Lufthansa economy’s soft product stands out more than its hard product, especially for meals, wine/beer, and attentive crew.”

— Travel Codex (travel review site)

“Emirates economy is supported by generous amenities, comfortable seat spacing, excellent food menu, outstanding hospitality, and diverse entertainment options.”

— Grrrl Traveler (travel blog)

“Lufthansa is committed to providing premium service across all classes, ensuring that every passenger has a comfortable and enjoyable flight.”

— Carsten Spohr, CEO of Lufthansa (as quoted in Aviation Week, 2023)

For travelers flying from Europe, Lufthansa remains a reliable choice for long-haul economy, offering a meal service that many US carriers have abandoned. However, if seat comfort and entertainment are your top priorities, Emirates delivers a more premium feel at a similar price point. The choice between them is clear: base your decision on your route and what matters most — meal quality or cabin modernity.

Related reading: Airline comparison reviews

For a comprehensive overview of the airline’s services, check out this Lufthansa Airlines guide.

Frequently asked questions