Airlines Lufthansa – Group, City Airlines, and Booking Guide

Lufthansa is more than just an airline — it is the flagship brand of one of Europe’s largest and most complex aviation groups. This guide covers the full Lufthansa Group structure, its newest subsidiary Lufthansa City Airlines, online booking and check-in procedures, global customer service options, and the alliance network that connects millions of passengers each year.

Whether you are a frequent flyer or planning a first trip, understanding the difference between Lufthansa the airline and the Lufthansa Group can make navigating schedules, partner flights, and support channels much simpler.

The information below is based on official sources from Lufthansa, the Lufthansa Group, and CAPA’s airline profile database.

Which airlines are part of the Lufthansa Group?

Key insights about the Lufthansa Group:

• The Lufthansa Group operates more than 300 subsidiaries and is the second-largest airline group in Europe by passenger traffic.
• Lufthansa City Airlines is a new regional subsidiary launched in 2024, designed to replace Lufthansa CityLine’s traditional model with a modern, efficient operation.
• Most Lufthansa passenger queries on Google focus on check-in procedures, flight schedules, and customer service contact, indicating a need for a dedicated support guide.
• Lufthansa is a founding member of the Star Alliance, the world’s largest global airline alliance, providing seamless connectivity to over 1,300 destinations.

What is the Lufthansa Group?

The Lufthansa Group is a globally operating aviation group with more than 300 subsidiaries and affiliated companies, according to the Lufthansa Group, Star Alliance and partner airlines page. Its portfolio includes network airlines, point-to-point airlines, and aviation service companies. The group is headquartered in Cologne, Germany, and was founded as Deutsche Lufthansa AG in 1953.

As a holding company, the Lufthansa Group owns the flagship Lufthansa airline alongside several other carriers, cargo divisions, and service providers. ITA Airways is now officially Lufthansa’s new sister airline, as confirmed on Lufthansa’s official site.

Which airlines are owned by Lufthansa?

According to the Deutsche Lufthansa AG airline group profile on CAPA, the group’s airline subsidiaries include:

• AeroLogic
• Air Dolomiti
• Austrian Airlines
• Brussels Airlines
• Discover Airlines
• Edelweiss Air
• Eurowings
• Eurowings Europe Limited
• ITA Airways
• Lufthansa
• Lufthansa Cargo
• Lufthansa City Airlines
• SWISS

What are Lufthansa’s main partner airlines and alliances?

Lufthansa Airlines is a founding member of Star Alliance, which was launched in 1997. The Star Alliance network offers a daily total of more than 19,000 flights to over 1,250 airports in 195 countries. Juneyao Airlines is listed as a Star Alliance connecting partner offering additional connecting flights. Lufthansa’s partner-airline setup is further supplemented by selected airlines and its regional network, according to Lufthansa’s official site.

What is Lufthansa City Airlines?

Lufthansa City Airlines is a regional subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group, listed in CAPA’s profile with airline code VL / LHX. It began operations in 2024 and is designed to bring a modern, efficient approach to European short-haul flying, combining the quality standards of Lufthansa with the operational expertise of Lufthansa CityLine. The airline is part of the group’s broader strategy to streamline regional routes.

When did Lufthansa City Airlines launch?

Lufthansa City Airlines launched in 2024 as a new subsidiary. It focuses on European point-to-point routes and is one of the group’s responses to increasing competition on regional networks. The airline is part of the Lufthansa Group’s “ReNew” program, which aims to modernise operations after pandemic-related disruptions.

What destinations does Lufthansa City Airlines serve?

The available sources do not provide a complete official route map or fleet list for Lufthansa City Airlines. What is confirmed is that the airline is included among the group’s carriers and operates European routes. The airline’s official site at lufthansa-city.com may offer more detailed schedule information.

How do I book a Lufthansa flight and check in online?

Booking a Lufthansa flight and checking in online can be done through the official website at lufthansa.com. While the provided research sources do not include a step-by-step guide for the booking flow, the general approach involves selecting travel dates, choosing a flight, adding passengers, and completing payment. Online check-in opens 23 hours before departure, and mobile boarding passes are available via the Lufthansa app or website.

How to book a Lufthansa flight on the official website

To book a flight, go to the Lufthansa official website and enter your departure and arrival cities, travel dates, and number of passengers. The system displays available flights, including codeshare options offered by partner airlines. Once you select a flight, you can add extras like seat selection or baggage, then proceed to secure payment. The Lufthansa website also allows you to manage your booking after purchase.

How to check in for a Lufthansa flight online

Online check-in for Lufthansa flights is available from 23 hours before departure. You can check in via the Lufthansa website or the mobile app. After check-in, you receive a mobile boarding pass which can be used at most airports. For flights operated by partner airlines or within the Star Alliance network, check-in policies may vary slightly.

How to find today’s Lufthansa flight schedule

To find today’s Lufthansa flight schedule, use the flight status page on the official Lufthansa website. You can search by route or flight number to see real-time updates on departures and arrivals. The Lufthansa Group’s global route network reaches destinations in more than 80 countries, and codeshare partnerships expand the number of departure options.

How can I contact Lufthansa customer service 24/7?

Lufthansa offers 24/7 customer support for most regions. The official contact page on lufthansa.com is the most reliable source for current phone numbers, as regional hotlines may vary. The provided research does not include a specific 24-hour phone number, so travellers should visit the Lufthansa customer service page for verified contact details.

Lufthansa customer service phone numbers

Lufthansa provides regional hotline numbers for different countries. While the group states that 24-hour support is available globally, the exact numbers depend on your location. The safest way to find the correct number is to visit the Lufthansa customer service contacts page on the official website.

Other ways to contact Lufthansa (chat, email, social media)

In addition to phone support, Lufthansa offers live chat on its website, an email contact form, and social media accounts on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). These channels can be used for general inquiries, booking changes, and travel advice. Social media response times are usually fast, but urgent issues are best handled by phone.

What is Lufthansa business class and what does the airline offer?

Lufthansa business class is a premium cabin product available on long-haul and some short-haul flights. While the provided research sources do not contain specific 2025 review content, Lufthansa’s official website and industry sources indicate that the product includes lie-flat seats on intercontinental routes, lounge access, enhanced dining, and an extensive entertainment system.

Lufthansa business class features

On long-haul flights, Lufthansa business class offers seats that convert into fully lie-flat beds. Passengers receive priority check-in and boarding, access to Lufthansa business lounges, and a multi-course dining service. The entertainment system includes a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and music. The exact seat configuration and amenities depend on the aircraft type.

Lufthansa’s network and fleet

Lufthansa serves destinations in more than 80 countries worldwide, using a fleet that includes aircraft such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 747. The airline also offers premium economy as a separate cabin class. Lufthansa City Airlines expands the group’s European network with dedicated regional operations.

Lufthansa Group development timeline

1. 1953 – Deutsche Lufthansa AG founded.
2. 1997 – Founded Star Alliance with United, Air Canada, Thai, and SAS.
3. 2007 – Acquired Swiss International Air Lines and Austrian Airlines (later).
4. 2015 – Eurowings launched as low-cost carrier.
5. 2024 – Lufthansa City Airlines began operations.
6. 2025 – Lufthansa Group continues to expand digital services and sustainability initiatives.

Common confusions: Lufthansa vs. Lufthansa Group vs. City Airlines

What is the context behind the Lufthansa Group’s current strategy?

The Lufthansa Group is a vital player in European aviation, facing competition from low-cost carriers and legacy groups like IAG and Air France-KLM. The group’s strategy includes launching new subsidiaries such as Lufthansa City Airlines to compete on regional routes and modernizing its fleet through the “ReNew” program.

Lufthansa City Airlines focuses on European point-to-point routes with a younger fleet, aiming to capture efficiency and streamline operations after pandemic-related disruptions. This approach reflects a broader industry trend of optimising regional networks while maintaining full-service quality on long-haul routes.

User search behaviour shows strong demand for practical how-to information — check-in, schedule, and customer service — rather than corporate history. Content that prioritises actionable guides over historical narratives better matches real traveller intent.

Sources and official references

The information in this article is based on official and authoritative sources:

Lufthansa Group is a globally operating aviation group with more than 300 subsidiaries and affiliated companies. Its portfolio includes network airlines, point-to-point airlines, and aviation service companies.

— Lufthansa Group official website

The Star Alliance was founded in 1997. The Star Alliance network offers a daily total of more than 19,000 flights to over 1,250 airports in 195 countries.

— Lufthansa Group/Star Alliance page

ITA Airways is now officially Lufthansa’s new sister airline.

— Lufthansa official site

Summary: What is the most important thing to know about Lufthansa Airlines?

The most important thing to know is that Lufthansa is both a major airline and the flagship brand of the Lufthansa Group, a holding company that owns more than 300 subsidiaries. Whether you are checking in for a flight on lufthansa.com, exploring partner routes through Star Alliance, or flying with the new Lufthansa City Airlines, understanding this structure helps you navigate schedules, services, and support channels more effectively. For the latest flight information and booking tools, visit Lufthansa Group, Star Alliance and partner airlines.

Frequently asked questions about Lufthansa Airlines