Lufthansa Airlines: Reviews, Baggage, Meals & vs Emirates Guide

Planning a trip across the Atlantic and stuck between Lufthansa and Emirates? Both airlines promise a comfortable economy experience, but the details—baggage limits, meal service, and seat comfort—can make a real difference to your journey. Founded in 1953 and headquartered in Cologne, Germany, Lufthansa serves over 200 destinations worldwide and is a Star Alliance member, and this guide compares the two carriers side by side so you can decide which fits your travel style and budget.

Year founded: 1953 ·
Headquarters: Cologne, Germany ·
Fleet size: Approximately 300 aircraft ·
Destinations served: Over 200 destinations worldwide ·
Alliance: Star Alliance member ·
Parent company: Lufthansa Group

Here is a quick overview of Lufthansa’s key facts.

Which country is Lufthansa airline?

Lufthansa is the flag carrier of Germany. Its headquarters are in Cologne, and its main hub is Frankfurt Airport. The airline was founded in 1953 and began operations in 1955 (Wikipedia – Lufthansa history). It is owned by the Lufthansa Group, a publicly traded corporation that also owns Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings.

Who owns Lufthansa?

Lufthansa is owned by the Lufthansa Group, a publicly traded company listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The German government holds a minority stake (about 20%) after a bailout during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the majority of shares are held by institutional and private investors.

What is Lufthansa Airlines code?

Lufthansa’s IATA code is LH and its ICAO code is DLH. You’ll find the LH code on all flight bookings, boarding passes, and airport screens.

Does Lufthansa fly to Ireland?

Yes, Lufthansa serves Dublin Airport (DUB) from its hubs in Frankfurt and Munich. It also operates codeshare flights with Aer Lingus and other Star Alliance partners, giving passengers connections to over 200 destinations worldwide.

The implication: For Irish travelers, Lufthansa offers convenient connections through Frankfurt or Munich, reducing total travel time compared to a Middle Eastern hub stop.

Is Lufthansa a good or bad airline?

Lufthansa positions itself as a premium full-service carrier, and for most metrics it delivers. The airline offers complimentary meals on long-haul flights, a generous baggage allowance on many routes, and a modern fleet. However, the experience can vary depending on the fare you buy and the route you fly.

How comfortable are Lufthansa economy seats?

While Lufthansa does not publish exact seat dimensions for every aircraft type, the airline’s economy product is consistent with industry standards. On long-haul flights, seats typically offer 31–32 inches of pitch and 17–18 inches of width. The seatback screens provide in-flight entertainment, and USB ports are available on most newer aircraft. For a more comfortable experience, consider selecting an exit row or bulkhead seat.

What do customer reviews say about Lufthansa?

Customer reviews are mixed but generally positive. On aggregator sites like Skytrax, Lufthansa holds a 4-star rating and an average score of 7.2/10 (Skytrax – Lufthansa reviews). Passengers praise the airline’s reliability and punctuality, but some mention that the economy cabin can feel cramped on older aircraft. The Lufthansa Group’s business class is widely regarded as excellent, but economy passengers shouldn’t expect luxury.

The pattern: Consistent reliability over flashy extras defines Lufthansa’s economy class.

Which is better, Emirates or Lufthansa?

This is the question many travelers ask when booking a transatlantic or long-haul flight. The answer depends on your priorities: baggage, meals, seat comfort, and overall value. Here’s a side-by-side comparison.

5 key differences, one pattern: Emirates leans toward luxury and amenity, while Lufthansa focuses on reliability and European connectivity.

The implication: If you’re a light packer and value a generous meal service, Lufthansa is a strong choice. If you want a wider seat, bigger entertainment screen, and a higher checked baggage allowance, Emirates edges ahead.

Emirates vs. Lufthansa: Which Offers Better Economy Class?

Emirates generally offers a more premium economy experience with wider seats and a larger entertainment library. However, Lufthansa’s economy class is no slouch – it provides complimentary meals on long-haul flights and a reliable service. The catch is baggage: Lufthansa’s 23 kg limit is tighter than Emirates’ typical 30 kg allowance, especially for travelers returning with purchases.

Which airline has better service and amenities?

Service is subjective, but both airlines score highly in customer satisfaction surveys. Emirates is known for its attentive cabin crew and extensive menu, while Lufthansa emphasizes punctuality and efficiency. Amenities like noise-cancelling headphones and amenity kits are more common in Emirates economy, while Lufthansa provides complimentary blankets and pillows on long-haul sectors.

Does Lufthansa offer free meals?

Yes, Lufthansa provides complimentary meals and beverages on all international long-haul flights. The menu includes a choice of hot meal, salad, dessert, and drinks. The product depends on the route and travel class, but economy passengers can expect at least one full meal service on flights over 4 hours (Lufthansa – inflight food).

What meals are included on Lufthansa flights?

On long-haul flights, you’ll receive a main meal (usually a choice of meat, fish, or vegetarian), a side salad, bread, dessert, and a beverage. On shorter routes (e.g., European flights), meals are available for purchase in Economy Class, though complimentary snacks and drinks are offered on some flights. Special meals (vegetarian, vegan, kosher, halal, etc.) can be requested in advance at no extra charge.

Are meals complementary on long-haul flights?

Yes, on all Lufthansa-operated long-haul flights (those over 6 hours), meals are included in the ticket price. This applies to all economy fares, including Economy Light, though Light fares may have restrictions on baggage. The airline also offers a “buy-on-board” menu for short-haul European flights, where you can purchase sandwiches, snacks, and drinks (Lufthansa – inflight food).

The implication: Your meal experience depends entirely on flight length; short-haul economy passengers should plan accordingly.

Is Lufthansa very strict with baggage?

Lufthansa is known for enforcing its carry-on size and weight limits, especially at the gate. The airline allows one carry-on bag (max 55 x 40 x 23 cm) and one personal item (max 40 x 30 x 15 cm) with a combined weight of up to 8 kg for economy passengers (Lufthansa – carry-on baggage). If your bag exceeds these dimensions, you may be forced to check it at the gate, which could incur a fee if your fare doesn’t include checked baggage.

What is the 3-1-1 rule on Lufthansa?

The 3-1-1 rule is a TSA regulation for liquids in carry-on luggage, not a Lufthansa-specific policy. It applies to all flights departing from U.S. airports. Lufthansa follows standard security rules: liquids must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, placed in a single quart-sized bag. The rule is often misattributed to Lufthansa, but it’s a universal TSA requirement (Lufthansa – carry-on rules).

Can I take two bags as luggage?

Lufthansa’s checked baggage allowance depends on your fare. On most economy tickets, you are allowed one checked bag up to 23 kg (50 lbs). For flights from the United States to Germany, the first checked bag is free and a second bag costs $90 USD (Lufthansa Group Business – baggage experts). Economy Light fares do not include any checked baggage, so you must pay for your first bag. On routes to Africa and Japan, allowances have been recently reduced – check your ticket conditions.

What is the baggage allowance for Lufthansa economy?

• Carry-on: 1 main bag (55x40x23 cm) + 1 personal item (40x30x15 cm), total weight up to 8 kg.
• Checked baggage: 1 bag up to 23 kg (50 lbs) on most international routes (varies by fare).
• Special items: Children under 2 years old generally receive one piece up to 23 kg and a folding pushchair, except on Economy Light (Lufthansa – free baggage).
• Max dimensions: 158 cm total (length + width + height) per checked bag.

The catch: Fare type and destination heavily influence your actual baggage allowance; always verify before booking.

“On all Lufthansa-operated flights the basic free baggage rule can be 1 bag up to 23 kg in some economy cases, with larger allowances available on other classes/fares.”

– Lufthansa – baggage official page

“Emirates economy meal service is complimentary on most flights and includes meals and beverages.”

– Emirates – dining experience

For travelers in Ireland, the choice between Lufthansa and Emirates often comes down to route availability. Lufthansa flies from Dublin via Frankfurt or Munich, while Emirates operates from Dubai (with a connection via Dublin). The trade-off is clear: Lufthansa offers a shorter total travel time to continental Europe, while Emirates provides a more luxurious experience for long-haul journeys beyond Europe.

Frequently asked questions