LOT Airlines

LOT Polish Airlines is the national flag carrier of Poland. And one of the oldest airlines in the world, founded in 1929. Headquartered in Warsaw, LOT plays a vital role in connecting Central and Eastern Europe with the rest of the world. As a member of the Star Alliance, LOT offers access to a vast global network, ensuring seamless connections across continents.

The airline is known for its reliability, modern fleet, and growing international presence. LOT operates both short-haul and long-haul flights, serving major destinations in Europe, North America, and Asia.

Its strategic hub at Warsaw Chopin Airport allows it to efficiently link East and West. Making it an important player in the European aviation market.

Main destinations flights

Region	Key Destinations
Poland	Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk, Wrocław, Poznań, Katowice
Europe	London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Vienna, Budapest, Prague, Rome, Vilnius, Riga
Asia	Beijing, Seoul, Tokyo, Delhi, Astana
USA	New York (JFK, Newark), Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles
From Ukraine	Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa (subject to resumption of service due to current events)

LOT’s fleet

LOT operates a diverse fleet from Embraer regional jets to Boeing narrow-body and long-haul Dreamliners. The airline is transitioning to more efficient aircraft, notably the Embraer E2, Airbus A220, and additional 787‑8s—modernizing both regional and long-haul capabilities.

Aircraft Type	Number in Fleet	Role & Notes
Boeing 737‑800	6	Classic narrow‑body, used on short- to mid-haul routes
Boeing 737‑8 MAX (MAX 8)	18 (+4 on order)	Modern narrow‑body with 186–189 seats; introduced late 2017
Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner	8 (+2 leased)	Long-haul; first European carrier with 787 in 2012
Boeing 787‑9 Dreamliner	7	Larger long-haul variant
Embraer ERJ‑170	5	Regional jets for short‑haul
Embraer ERJ‑175	15	Regional jet; gradually replaced by Embraer E2/A220
Embraer ERJ‑190	8	Mid-sized regional jet
Embraer ERJ‑195	16	Largest of the ERJ‑100/195 series
Embraer E195‑E2	3	Newest, more efficient, added July 2024
Boeing 777‑200ER (wet‑lease)	1	Hired for NYC routes

Hub and focus airports

Airport	Location	Role	Notes
Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW)	Warsaw, Poland	Main Hub	Central hub for domestic and international flights; major transfer point
Budapest Ferenc Liszt (BUD)	Budapest, Hungary	Former Secondary Hub	Used for long-haul routes until 2025; no longer a hub
Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport (RZE)	Rzeszów, Poland	Secondary Hub	Supports regional Polish connectivity
Kraków Airport (KRK)	Kraków, Poland	Focus City	Poland’s second-busiest airport; strong LOT operations
Katowice Airport (KTW)	Katowice, Poland	Focus City	Supports scheduled and charter LOT flights

Service Classes Overview

🟦 Economy Class

Feature	Details
Seating	Standard seat, adjustable headrest
Baggage	1 carry-on (up to 8 kg), checked baggage on most international fares
Meals	Free meal/snack on long-haul; buy-on-board on short-haul
Entertainment	Available on selected flights (especially long-haul)
Amenity Kit	Basic kit on long-haul
Seat Selection	Available (free or for a fee, depending on fare)

🟨 Premium Economy

Feature	Details
Seating	Wider seats with extra legroom and recline (2-3-2 layout on 787)
Baggage	Higher allowance: 2 checked bags + 1 carry-on
Meals	Two hot meals + welcome drink
Entertainment	Personal screen with premium content
Amenity Kit	Upgraded kit with additional comfort items
Additional Perks	Priority check-in and boarding

🟥 Business Class

Feature	Details
Seating	Lie-flat seats (on long-haul); spacious layout
Baggage	Maximum allowance: multiple checked bags + carry-on
Lounge Access	Included (LOT Business Lounge and Star Alliance partners)
Meals & Drinks	Multi-course gourmet meals + premium beverages
Entertainment	Large personal screen + noise-canceling headphones
Amenity Kit	Premium brand kit with luxury items
Other Services	Priority services, fast track, dedicated crew, power outlets

Check-in and Boarding information

Category	Details
Online Check-in	Available 36 hours before departure via website or mobile app; closes 2 hours before take-off.
Mobile App	Offers check-in, boarding pass download, flight status, seat selection, and baggage tracking.
Automated Check-in	Sends boarding pass automatically 36 hours before flight (available for eligible passengers).
Airport Check-in	Counters open 2 hours before short-haul, 3 hours before long-haul flights. Self-service kiosks available.
Boarding Time	Gate closes ~15 minutes before departure. Arrive at gate early.
Arrival at Airport	At least 2 hours before EU/domestic, 3 hours for long-haul/non-EU flights.
Carry-on Baggage	Economy: 1×8 kg (55×40×23 cm) + small personal item; more for higher classes.
Checked Baggage	Economy: 1×23 kg; Premium: 2×23 kg; Business: 3×32 kg (on long-haul routes).
Baggage Drop-off	Opens with check-in desk (2–3 hours before flight); closes ~45 minutes before departure.
Travel Documents	Valid ID or passport required. Some routes may require a printed boarding pass.

Loyalty Program

Category	Details
Program Name	Miles & More
How to Earn Miles	Flights with LOT & Star Alliance, hotel stays, car rentals, shopping, and co-branded credit cards
Using Miles	Award flights, seat upgrades, lounge access, hotels, car rentals, shopping, and Cash & Miles option
Earning Rate (Flights)	Based on fare class, booking channel, and distance
Mileage Validity	36 months (unless extended via status or active credit card use)
Retroactive Credit	Up to 6 months after flight
Status Levels	Basic, Frequent Traveller, Senator, HON Circle
Frequent Traveller	35,000 status miles or 30 qualifying flights/year
Senator	100,000 status miles/year
HON Circle	600,000 HON Circle miles over 2 years (on Business/First flights)
Key Benefits	Priority services, extra baggage, lounge access, seat upgrades, fast track, booking guarantees
Mobile Access	Miles & More app and website for managing account, bookings, rewards
Partner Network	Over 40 airlines, 300+ hotels, car rental companies, and retail brands

Onboard Services

Service Category	Details
Meals & Beverages	Complimentary meals on long-haul flights in all classes; snacks or buy-on-board menu on short-haul; special meals available upon request (e.g., vegetarian, kosher)
Wi-Fi	Available on select long-haul aircraft (Boeing 787 Dreamliner); charges apply based on data package
In-flight Entertainment	Personal screens with movies, TV shows, music, games (available on long-haul aircraft); limited or no entertainment on short-haul flights
Power & Charging	USB ports and power outlets available in Premium Economy and Business Class on long-haul aircraft
Cabin Comfort	Adjustable lighting, reclining seats, personal reading lights; Business Class features lie-flat beds on Dreamliners
Amenity Kits	Provided in Premium Economy and Business Class on long-haul flights; include items like eye masks, socks, toothbrushes
Children’s Services	Children’s meals, activity kits, and entertainment options available; baby bassinets on request (in long-haul)
International Flight Features	Multilingual crew, onboard shopping (duty-free), and enhanced meals depending on destination and class

Why LOT is a good choice for travel Europe

Reason	Explanation
Strategic Hub in Warsaw	Centrally located in Europe, allowing fast connections between Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia, and North America.
Strong Regional & Long-haul Network	Offers extensive routes across Poland, European capitals, Asia (e.g., Tokyo, Seoul), and the U.S. (e.g., New York, Chicago).
Member of Star Alliance	Access to a global network of 25+ partner airlines, lounge access, and seamless connections worldwide.
Modern Fleet	Operates comfortable and fuel-efficient aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Embraer E-Jets.
Good Value for Money	Competitive fares with solid onboard service, especially on long-haul flights.
Reliable and Punctual	Known for good on-time performance and operational reliability.
Friendly Onboard Service	Cabin crew consistently rated highly for professionalism and hospitality.
Flexible Booking Options	Offers digital tools, mobile check-in, and various ticket types with change options.
Miles & More Loyalty Program	Enables frequent travelers to earn and redeem miles easily across Star Alliance airlines.

How to Book a Ticket

Booking Method	Details
Official Website	Visit lot.com to search, compare, and book tickets directly. Often offers the best prices and full fare options.
Mobile App	Book flights, manage reservations, and check in via the LOT mobile app (iOS & Android).
Travel Agencies	Book through online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia, eDreams, or local agents for multi-airline itineraries or deals.
Call Center	LOT’s customer service can assist with bookings, changes, and group reservations.
At the Airport	Tickets can be purchased at LOT ticket desks, but prices are usually higher than online.

Tips to Save Money

Strategy	Details
Book Early	Cheapest fares usually appear 2–3 months in advance, especially for long-haul flights.
Use “Low Fare Calendar”	Available on the LOT website to see the cheapest prices across multiple dates.
Fly Midweek	Tuesday–Thursday flights tend to be cheaper than weekends.
Subscribe to Newsletter	Get alerts about promotions, discounts, and “Crazy Wednesday” deals.
Use Miles & More	Redeem award miles or use “Cash & Miles” for partial discounts.
Flexible Dates	Slightly adjusting departure or return dates can reveal lower fares.

Have a nice flight 🙂