History

The current German flag carrier began services in 1954, however an ‘older’ Lufthansa operated from 1926, flying its last Berlin to Stockholm Route 8 service on 2 May 1945. Germany’s post-war Lufthansa grew rapidly joining the jet age in 1960, expanding to Asia in 1961 and Africa in 1962. The airline was the first buyer of 737 and added 747’s to its diverse fleet in 1970. The fall of the Berlin Wall took the airline eastward however its main hub remains Frankfurt’s ultra modern airport. In the 2000’s Lufthansa went shopping; buying into America’s no-frills Jetblue in 2007, Brussels Airlines and Swiss International Air Lines in 2008, Britain’s BMI and Austrian Airlines in 2009 and has numerous fingers in other aviation pies. Lufthansa Technik is the maintenance subsidiary of the company which has a global network famed for its excellence. The company’s logo is a yellow crane which is a legacy of the old Lufthansa.

On-Board Service

Lufthansa’s flight crews have a reputation for efficiency rather than friendliness. The airline is essentially a reliable means of transport rather than a flying cocktail lounge. Flight crew are relatively formal and impersonally professional rather than warm and relaxed. If you are expecting the flight to be staffed with Claudia Schaeffer’s you might be disappointed as the airline has a mixed crew rather than sexy models.

Network

Lufthansa and its many subsidiaries have an extensive and expanding network, especially in Europe. It flies many smaller routes not covered by others and transferring flights in Frankfurt to connections is relatively painless if not pleasant. The airport is efficient, quiet and can be relaxing. It codeshares with a large number of airlines, often ones that provide a better service than Lufthansa itself, such as Singapore Airlines.

Price

Lufthansa and its many subsidiaries have an extensive and expanding network, especially in Europe. It flies many smaller routes not covered by others and transferring flights in Frankfurt to connections is relatively painless if not pleasant. The airport is efficient, quiet and can be relaxing. It codeshares with a large number of airlines, often ones that provide a better service than Lufthansa itself, such as Singapore Airlines.

Catering

Lufthansa does not win many customers because of its catering service which is ordinary at best. In premium classes presentation is naturally better than Economy and is comparable to similar rated airlines. Economy meals can be served in aluminium foil trays with plastic cups yet even shorter legs of less than an hour will have refreshments. Meals are usually unimaginative, inoffensive and unmemorable. Passengers accustomed to cheap European flights however do enjoy a free Lufthansa on board meal.

Entertainment

Lufthansa’s well maintained fleet has a satisfactory entertainment system of screens built into backs of seats. The airline offers a good selection of movies in a variety of languages, especially German and other European languages not so well catered to by Asian, American or British carriers. Lufthansa’s magazine is large but devoid of worthwhile articles. The airline has a wide range of audio channels. Smaller aircraft operating on short distance flights typically do not have entertainment.

Ground Service and baggage

Lufthansa operates a very efficient level of service on the ground and its baggage handlers are consciences and reliable. The airline operates impersonal self check kiosks at many airports. Wherever the airline is responsible for baggage transferring itself, rather a third party, you can rest assure it will be done correctly. The airline takes baggage handling very seriously.

Premium Classes & Lounges

While Lufthansa may have been aiming for understated elegance with its simple designs in First and Business Class together with their lounges, what they have actually achieved is a sterile ‘industrial’ look. Premium travellers are treated with a noticeable level of respect but their surroundings are hardly Monte Carlo. Lufthansa’s premium products just don’t feel premium and this seems to be what they actually were striving for. Their product feels very businesslike rather than luxurious.

Economy Class

Economy Class on Lufthansa is a safe bet. The seat will be comfortable and clean, the meal service will be nice and the entertainment channels will probably prove entertaining. The airlines luggage allowance is strictly enforced but reasonable. Long distance travellers can rest assure the flight will be reliably punctual and no dramas over bags will compensate for the indifferent service.

Frequent Flyer Programme

Lufthansa is an enthusiastic member of Star Alliance and has its own Miles & More frequent flyer programme which covers its subsidiaries Swiss, Austrian and others. Points can be earned on flights, partner airlines, travel products and an increasing variety of other service providers. Miles & More is one of the best frequent flyer programmes in aviation today, if not the best! Lufthansa’s Worldshop is a literal on-line department store where points can be redeemed. Practically anything can be bought here, but members need to do a lot of flying before they can go shopping.

Corporate Culture

Airlines today operate under great financial strain and management typically look at cutting staff costs first, but not Lufthansa. The airline cooperates with unions rather than confronts them and the management culture in the airline is healthier than others. However this did not stop the airline from involving itself in a major price fixing cartel recently which it did not come clean about until too late. If it’s corporate body permitted this to occur or initiated it, what other conduct could the same decision makers be capable of?

Safety

Lufthansa takes safety very seriously and its engineering division Lufthansa Technik is a by-word for reliability, whether it’s true or not. The airline has not operated without incident, but the last fatal event was in 1993. Events are more likely to be weather related than anything else. It has also experienced a number of hijackings. Lufthansa’s fleet comprises either modern aircraft or older models maintained at the highest standard flown by experienced well paid pilots.

Lufthansa - Rating

A Lufthansa flight is a reliable but relatively uneventful experience with service to match.

www.lufthansa.com