Lufthana: How is Economy?
 

I have to do two trips to East Germany in the fall. On surface, Lufthansa seems the least expensive and easiest way to go. How is their Economy compared to the US carriers (which are HORRIBLE!!!). Thanks.

Equally bad as the US carriers, argueably the 777 is slightly better than the 747. If you're looking to upgrade you should fly United as they only charge $550 for business class upgrade last year, though this year $800 each way. You can't pay to upgrade at the airport on Lufthansa as far as I know.

I heard they still offer free alcohol in coach and that includes after dinner drinks. No individual seat-back television screen, but the food is better than American's--well everyone has better food than American.

Unfortunately, in a moment of foolish weakness, I booked my reservation with Orbitz -- the 24 hour layover in Vienna was too tempting. I fly over on Lufthansa; return on Austrian Air. I was hoping to purchase an upgrade at the airport but, based on what I've heard, it seems impossible on Lufthansa. I gather, though, I might have a chance on the Austrian air return flight.

Hi flyer - since March, 2005, I've had 7 flights with them. Found them to be very decent and, yes, better than domestics. If you'll look up some of my previous posts, I've got some fairly detailed descriptions. In brief, good service and FAs, better than decent food and quantities were more than adequate, free before-, during- and after-dinner drinks. Only real downside was lack of individual IFE screens (which didn't bother me much since I read/sleep). All of our flights were on A340-300s. Would definitely fly with them again.

Truth be told economy of Lufthansa wasn't bad. They gave me the bulk head side aisle seat so I had decent legroom and didn't feel closed in. Food was horrible but I had eaten before I left and had plenty of time to grab breakfast in Frankfurt. They also let me switch to the earlier connection to Leipzig at no additional charge. Austrian Airline, on the other hand, was another matter entirely. I think they switched aircraft on us as the last minute. We were supposed to be on an Airbus but found ourselves on a very old 767. I'm 5ft tall and me knees hit the seat in front of me. There was no way I was spending 10 hours like that. Fortunately, there were two seats available in business class and I was able to purchase an onboard upgrade. FYI--Even business was tight--reminded me more of premium economy on Virgin Atlantic, with a less sophisticated entertainment system. It was also very hot without much air moving. Austrian is usually pretty good. I think I just ended up with a bad plane.