LOT Polish Airlines is Poland’s national carrier and a long-established airline, specialising in flights to and around Eastern Europe. If you’re heading to the region, LOT Polish will likely be one of your best options for both price and routing. Its Star Alliance membership provides global reach, while creative management has expanded long-haul service to secondary Eastern European cities that other carriers don’t serve.
Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of it. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of it.
A strong hub airport at Warsaw Chopin airport
Nearly all LOT Polish Airlines destinations connect through Warsaw Chopin Airport, the capital hub of Poland named after composer Frederic Chopin. This modern, all-glass facility is efficient and filled with natural light, though it’s bursting at the seams (Centralny Port Komunikacyjny, a new airport between Warsaw and Łódź, is currently in the planning stages).
LOT Polish sets minimum connection times at just 40 minutes between flights, which is notably short for Europe. The airline confidently sells these tight connections, and I’ve never found the passport control lines between Schengen and non-Schengen areas to be problematic.
If you’re connecting between domestic flights, it’s even shorter, but you’ll need more time if you have to pass through passport control. The linear shape of the terminal makes it easy to navigate, and the only distractions you might find are the interesting shops along the way. I find the streaming sunshine indoors is especially welcoming when stepping off a long flight.
Onboard comforts
LOT Polish operates three cabins on long-haul flights (business, premium economy, economy) and two on narrowbody planes (business, economy).
Business Class
Business class varies significantly by aircraft. On Boeing 787 Dreamliners, you’ll get flat-bed seats with generous legroom in a 2-2-2 layout, though window passengers must step over aisle seatmates. Regional business class is simply economy seats with the middle blocked, which I appreciate for work space despite the premium price tag.
There’s no shortage of food on LOT flights, and even shorter trips usually include an impressive meal. On longer flights, tray tables are dressed with white cloths, and plates and silverware are placed directly on the table like in a restaurant. On shorter flights, it’s all served on one tray with a selection of drinks, including some tasty Polish wine and beer.
If I’m not redeeming miles, the most common way I end up in business class is by using the airline’s bid-for-upgrade system. You can pay a flat price, too, but you’ll save a lot more with the auction. It’s usually a fraction of the cost, and when I win, I find myself sleeping in a flat bed after tucking into sweets from a dessert trolley, all while smiling about the cash I saved. The upgrade system also works for travellers moving from economy to premium economy.
Premium economy class
Premium economy on Boeing 787 Dreamliners offers a middle-ground option with larger seats in a 2-3-2 configuration (avoid that middle seat if you can). You’ll get more recline, legroom, elbow room, and footrests compared to economy, plus heartier meals and drinks. For me, it’s a happy compromise on day flights without paying for business class.
Economy class
Economy service varies by route. Long-haul flights include complimentary hot meals and an open bar with beer and wine. On short-haul flights, you’ll receive a complimentary snack (such as a bun) and water or hot drinks, while additional items are available through the buy-on-board “LOT Sky Bar” menu. Mid-haul flights to destinations like Astana or Dubai include a complimentary meal served on a tray. Dreamliner aircraft feature entertainment screens with international movies, sitcoms, and music programmes.
Modern, rejuvenated fleet
After years with an ageing fleet, LOT has upgraded to entirely Boeing and Embraer aircraft. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner handles international routes, while 737-800s and newer MAX models cover European flights.
It also relies on its Embraer 175, 190, and 195 models to connect domestic cities and other points within Europe. These planes are my favourite when flying in economy because their 2-2 configuration means no middle seats. A win for everyone.
This fleet gives the airline a lot of flexibility. Because its planes aren’t as large as other carriers’ aircraft, it can launch routes that other airlines might not be willing to try. For example, LOT has experimented with long-haul flights from Budapest, Hungary, expanding service beyond its Warsaw hub. LOT’s route network to and from Budapest has evolved over time.
LOT also connects smaller Polish cities with long-haul flights to the United States. The airline operates seasonal direct flights from Kraków to Chicago and from Rzeszów to Newark. This gives the airline a route network that few other carriers can match.
Larger-than-expected loyalty programme
LOT Polish uses the Miles & More loyalty programme, which means members can earn and redeem miles across all Star Alliance airlines globally. The programme includes carriers like Lufthansa, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, and Swiss International, giving you coverage across every corner of the globe.
I really appreciate that when I’m redeeming miles from other Star Alliance airlines, I can almost always find award availability on LOT. The airline makes a great deal of award space for redemption available to partners, which adds a lot of value for being a member of any Star Alliance programme.
Premium services
LOT offers passengers in premium cabins and those with elite status some extra perks, both at the airport and on board.
Fast Track
Fast Track provides priority security screening at Warsaw and other Polish airports for eligible passengers. Passengers flying in LOT Economy Class can purchase Fast Track access at specific airports, including Warsaw Chopin, Gdańsk, Poznań, and Wrocław.
Lounge network
LOT Polish operates branded lounges in Poland, including the Polonez and Mazurek lounges in Warsaw, as well as a LOT Business Lounge at Chicago O’Hare. The Elite Club Lounge, a dedicated exclusive zone within the LOT Business Lounge Polonez at Warsaw Chopin Airport, is accessible to Star Alliance Gold members and Business Class passengers on long-haul flights. At other airports, eligible passengers access Star Alliance lounges or contract facilities, a major perk of flying with Star Alliance’s extensive network.
TIME2THINK
TIME2THINK lets you pay a fee to reserve a selected ticket and guarantee its price for 24, 48, or 72 hours while finalising travel details. As someone whose plans are constantly in flux, I find this very worth it for locking in prices while aligning my work schedule with trips.
Premium meals
As a full-service carrier, LOT Polish always offers refreshments in economy plus a paid snack and drink menu. Longer flights include hot meals, with free special dietary options available. Pickier eaters can upgrade to the “My Premium Menu” for a fee, served on porcelain in greater quantity than standard service.
Polish flavours
I love how the airline highlights its national heritage in its food and drinks. The wine and spirits menu includes Polish labels, and before landing in business class, the crew hands out local chocolates or sweets like Śliwka Nałęczowska (plums in chocolate) as a parting gift. The one thing I wish the airline would do more of is offer at least one Polish option with every meal choice on all flights. Sometimes, the only choices are international, which seems like a missed opportunity.
In all cabins, the buy-on-board menu includes some Polish snacks. You can also buy unique items like celebratory cakes and bottles of Champagne, delivered to any seat with advance notice for special occasions.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up to date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others. Find more perspectives in our user reviews below.
