Lufthansa is Germany’s largest airline and a key player in global aviation. This guide covers its flight services, baggage rules, check-in procedures, real-time flight status, the full list of Lufthansa Group airlines, details on Lufthansa City Airlines, business class benefits, and the partnerships that extend its reach.
Whether you are booking a ticket, checking in, or tracking a flight, understanding Lufthansa’s policies and corporate structure helps you travel more smoothly. The information below is based on official sources and up‑to‑date research.
Lufthansa Flight Services: Baggage, Check-In, and Flight Status
Lufthansa at a Glance
Baggage & Check-In
Standard baggage allowances, online check‑in, mobile boarding pass
Flight Status & Schedule
Real‑time departure/arrival, schedule by route and date
Lufthansa Group Airlines
Austrian, Swiss, Eurowings, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa City
Alliances & Partners
Star Alliance (United, Air Canada, etc.), codeshare partners
Key Insights
- Lufthansa is the largest airline in Germany and a founding member of Star Alliance
- The Lufthansa Group includes Austrian Airlines, Swiss, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, and Lufthansa City Airlines
- Lufthansa City Airlines launched in 2024 as a regional carrier based in Munich
- Lufthansa offers online check‑in from 23 hours before departure and mobile boarding passes
- Baggage allowances vary by route, class, and fare type (Lite, Classic, Flex, Business)
- Lufthansa’s flight status tool provides real‑time updates on its website and app
Lufthansa Snapshot Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1926 (as Deutsche Luft Hansa), re‑established 1953 |
| Hub airports | Frankfurt, Munich |
| Fleet size | ~300 aircraft (widebody and narrowbody) |
| Destinations | Over 200 worldwide |
| Alliance | Star Alliance (founding member) |
| Subsidiaries | Austrian Airlines, Swiss, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, Lufthansa City Airlines |
| Frequent flyer program | Miles & More |
| Revenue | ~€35 billion (2024) |
Lufthansa Group Airlines: Full List, Alliances, and Partners
Which airlines are part of the Lufthansa Group?
The Lufthansa Group comprises Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings. Lufthansa City Airlines, a regional carrier launched in 2024, also operates under the group. These airlines share codeshare agreements and, in many cases, consistent baggage policies for intercontinental routes – for example, business class passengers on Lufthansa, SWISS, and Austrian all receive two checked bags of up to 32 kg each.
Star Alliance Gold members, including Lufthansa’s Frequent Traveller and Senator tiers, often receive an extra piece of checked baggage or an additional weight allowance when flying on any Star Alliance carrier. Check your specific fare conditions before travel.
What alliance does Lufthansa belong to?
Lufthansa is a founding member of Star Alliance, one of the three major global airline alliances. The alliance brings together more than 50 airlines – including United, Air Canada, ANA, and Singapore Airlines – enabling coordinated schedules, shared lounges, and seamless connections for passengers.
Which airlines are Lufthansa partners?
Beyond the Star Alliance network, Lufthansa maintains codeshare agreements and joint ventures with several carriers. Notable is the transatlantic joint venture with United Airlines, which allows coordinated schedules and shared revenue on flights between Europe and North America. Other partners cover routes in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Always verify partner benefits for your specific itinerary, as they can vary by fare class and route.
Lufthansa City Airlines: A New Member of the Group
Lufthansa City Airlines began operations in 2024 as a regional carrier based at Munich Airport. It is designed to complement the mainline Lufthansa network by serving thinner European routes and feeding passengers into long‑haul flights. The airline operates with a cost‑efficient model while maintaining the group’s service standards.
Lufthansa City Airlines is part of the Lufthansa Group. It is a separate entity from “City Airlines,” an independent Irish startup launched in 2023 that focuses on leisure routes from Dublin and Manchester and is not affiliated with Lufthansa or Star Alliance.
As of early 2025, Lufthansa City Airlines operates a small fleet of Airbus A220 and A320 aircraft, with plans to expand to additional European cities. Check the official website for the latest route map and schedule.
Lufthansa Business Class and Premium Services
Lufthansa’s business class, available on all long‑haul flights, offers a premium experience that includes lie‑flat seats, enhanced dining, and priority services. Business class passengers receive two checked bags of up to 32 kg each, with a combined linear dimension of 158 cm per bag – consistent across Lufthansa, SWISS, and Austrian Airlines.
Baggage allowances listed here are typical for standard business class fares. Some promotional or discounted business fares (e.g., “Business Smart” or “Business Saver”) may include different limits. Always review the specific conditions of your ticket before packing.
Additional benefits include access to Lufthansa’s business class lounges and the First Class Terminal in Frankfurt for top‑tier customers, priority boarding, and extra legroom. Digital services such as online check‑in and mobile boarding passes are available 23 to 30 hours before departure, depending on the route and the source of the information.
Lufthansa Timeline
- 1926 – Deutsche Luft Hansa founded
- 1953 – Lufthansa re‑established as Aktiengesellschaft
- 1955 – First scheduled flights resume (to New York, South America)
- 1997 – Founding member of Star Alliance
- 2005 – Acquisition of Swiss International Air Lines
- 2009 – Acquisition of Austrian Airlines and bmi
- 2019 – Launch of Lufthansa Group restructuring
- 2024 – Launch of Lufthansa City Airlines
What We Know and What’s Unclear
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Lufthansa is a real, operating airline with official websites and services | Exact baggage allowances may change per fare class and destination – always check before travel |
| Baggage policies are published on lufthansa.com | Lufthansa City Airlines’ future expansion plans not fully detailed |
| Lufthansa Group airlines are well documented on Wikipedia and corporate site | Partnership benefits (e.g., United codeshare) may vary by route and fare class |
| Lufthansa City Airlines started flights in 2024 |
Analysis and Context
Lufthansa’s Role in European Aviation
Lufthansa is the largest airline in Germany and the second‑largest airline group in Europe by passengers. It competes with Ryanair, easyJet, and IAG (British Airways, Iberia). The group’s multi‑brand strategy – Austrian, Swiss, Eurowings – allows it to serve both premium and low‑cost segments effectively.
Impact of Lufthansa City Airlines
Lufthansa City Airlines fills a gap in regional European routes from Munich, offering connections that complement the mainline network. It is part of the group’s shift to more cost‑efficient operations without sacrificing brand quality.
Customer Experience Trends
Digital check‑in, mobile boarding, and real‑time flight status have become standard. Lufthansa invests in app features and self‑service kiosks to streamline the passenger journey.
Sources and Quotations
The primary source for booking, baggage, check‑in, and flight status is Lufthansa’s official website. Group structure, brands, financial reports, and press releases are available at the Lufthansa Group corporate site. For the new regional carrier, visit Lufthansa City Airlines. Historical and factual overview with citations is found on Wikipedia. Alliance membership and partner airline benefits are detailed on the Star Alliance official site.
Additional research sources include MyTicketsToIndia’s Lufthansa check‑in guide and Wise’s Lufthansa baggage policy overview.
What’s Next for Lufthansa
Lufthansa is expected to continue its fleet renewal with Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 aircraft, further expand Lufthansa City Airlines routes, integrate more digital services such as biometrics and AI‑powered check‑in, and pursue sustainability initiatives including carbon offset programs and increased use of sustainable aviation fuel.
For detailed policies, refer to the Lufthansa Baggage Check-In & Policy Details. For the latest on group airlines, see the Lufthansa Group Airlines & City Airlines announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lufthansa’s official website?
The official website is lufthansa.com. For the Lufthansa Group, visit lufthansagroup.com, and for Lufthansa City Airlines, lufthansa-city.com.
Is United Airlines a partner of Lufthansa?
Yes. United Airlines and Lufthansa are both members of Star Alliance and have a joint venture on transatlantic routes, offering codeshare flights and reciprocal frequent flyer benefits.
What German airlines are there besides Lufthansa?
Other German airlines include Eurowings (Lufthansa Group), Condor, TUIfly, and small regional carriers. Lufthansa is by far the largest.
How do I find Lufthansa flight schedule today?
Visit Lufthansa’s website and use the “Flight Status & Schedule” tool. You can search by route, flight number, or date.
What is Lufthansa’s baggage policy for business class?
Business class passengers typically get 2 pieces of checked baggage (32 kg each) plus cabin luggage. Exact allowances depend on route and fare type – always check the fare conditions.
How early can I check in for a Lufthansa flight?
Online/mobile check‑in opens 23 to 30 hours before departure, depending on the route. Baggage drop closes 40 minutes before short‑haul and 60 minutes before long‑haul flights.
Does Lufthansa offer baggage tracking?
Yes. Lufthansa provides digital baggage tracking via push notifications in its app or by email, including real‑time status and carousel information.
What is the difference between Lufthansa City Airlines and City Airlines?
Lufthansa City Airlines is a regional subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group, based in Munich. City Airlines is an independent Irish startup (launched 2023) with no affiliation to Lufthansa or Star Alliance.
Jack Thomas Clarke Thompson is a staff writer for PopCultureDaily.co.uk, covering entertainment news, film, television, streaming and celebrity culture. He works under Editor-in-Chief Harriet Winslow and Managing Editor Lucas Bennett, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.