LOT Polish Airlines, established on December 29, 1928, and commenced operations on January 1, 1929, as Poland's national flag carrier. Based in Warsaw, LOT Polish Airlines uses Warsaw Chopin Airport as its main hub, while Katowice and Kraków airports serve as secondary centers. The airline is a member of the Star Alliance, enabling it to provide integrated services within a global flight network.
As a full-service airline, LOT Polish Airlines operates a fleet of 80-90 aircraft. Notable models in this fleet include the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Boeing 737, Embraer 190, and ATR 72. The airline operates flights to over 100 destinations in more than 60 countries across Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa. The annual passenger count exceeds 10 million, with approximately 10.5 million passengers transported as of 2023.
Throughout its history, LOT Polish Airlines has undergone various developments. In the 1930s, it expanded its network to 10,250 km, continued operations with Soviet-made aircraft after World War II, and transitioned to modern Boeing aircraft from the 1990s. In the 2000s, it strengthened its transit hub. Today, LOT Polish Airlines connects four continents as the largest transit airline in Central and Eastern Europe.
LOT Polish Airlines, as Poland's national airline, has an extensive global destination network. The airline operates flights to over 100 destinations in Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa, covering more than 60 countries. While offering a wide flight network from its main hub at Warsaw Chopin Airport, Katowice and Kraków airports also serve as secondary hubs.
As part of the Star Alliance, LOT Polish Airlines provides more destination and flexible connection options to its passengers through codeshare agreements. LOT offers a wide range of destination options, especially for intra-European and intercontinental flights, frequently operating flights to popular routes such as New York, Chicago, and Toronto. Among seasonal routes, there are additional flights to holiday destinations, especially during the summer months. This extensive destination network makes LOT Polish Airlines one of the largest transit airlines in Central and Eastern Europe.
LOT Polish Airlines - Baggage Policy
Hand Luggage / Cabin Baggage: When traveling with LOT Polish Airlines, your cabin baggage allowance varies depending on the ticket type. In Economy class, if you have an Economy Simple or Saver ticket, you are allowed one piece of hand luggage measuring 55x40x23 cm and weighing up to 8 kg. Additionally, you can bring a personal item (handbag or laptop) measuring 40x35x12 cm and weighing up to 2 kg. For Economy Class or Flex tickets, these allowances are more generous, allowing for 2 pieces or up to 12 kg on intercontinental flights. Premium Economy and Business Class passengers have more cabin baggage allowance, typically permitted 2x9 kg.Checked Baggage: Checked baggage allowances also vary by ticket type. Economy Simple/Saver tickets do not include checked baggage for international flights, but generally allow 1-2 pieces of 23 kg for intercontinental flights. Economy Class/Flex ticket holders can carry 1 piece of 23 kg on international flights and 2-3 pieces of 23-32 kg on intercontinental routes. Premium Economy passengers can carry 2x23 kg, while Business Class passengers can carry 2-3x32 kg. Online purchase options for additional baggage are more economical for passengers wishing to buy extra baggage.Special Baggage: Special baggage, such as sports equipment and musical instruments, is subject to specific rules. Sports equipment can usually be transported for an extra fee, with size and weight restrictions applied. Musical instruments exceeding cabin baggage dimensions can be transported by purchasing an additional seat. Baby strollers and car seats are generally transported free of charge, and special services are offered for wheelchairs. It is important to contact the airline in advance for the transportation of special baggage.
LOT Polish Airlines - Check-in & Seat Selection
Check-in Options: When traveling with LOT Polish Airlines, the online check-in option becomes active 36 hours before departure and can be completed via lot.com or the LOT mobile app. You can download your mobile boarding pass as a QR code. Airport kiosk or self-service devices and counter check-in services close 60 minutes before departure (for long-haul flights) or 45 minutes before (for short-haul flights). You can print your boarding pass or receive it on your mobile device.Seat Selection: Seat selection on LOT Polish Airlines varies by ticket class. In Basic Economy class, seat selection is chargeable and can range from approximately €10-50. In Standard Economy, Premium Economy, and Business classes, seat selection is free. Premium seats with extra legroom and emergency exit row seats are chargeable in all classes, with prices ranging from €20-100 depending on the distance. During online check-in, standard seats can be selected for free, while Premium Economy and Business classes offer extra legroom as standard. The seat pitch in Premium Economy class is 96 cm.
LOT Polish Airlines - Meal Service
When traveling with LOT Polish Airlines, meal service varies depending on the flight distance and class. In Economy Class, on short-haul flights, a complimentary sweet or savory pastry, water, and hot beverages (coffee, tea) are offered; additional food and beverages can be purchased from the LOT Sky Bar. On medium-haul flights, complimentary tray meals and beverages are served. On long-haul flights, a three-course hot meal, open bar, and a second light meal are offered for free. In Business Class, meals prepared by Michelin-starred chefs and a wide selection of beverages are available, while Premium Economy offers more extensive menus. For passengers with special dietary requirements, vegetarian, vegan, halal, and kosher meal options are available for free on long-haul flights and must be ordered in advance. On short-haul flights, these special meals are chargeable. You can make your meal preference online 24-72 hours before your flight.
LOT Polish Airlines - Loyalty Program
LOT Polish Airlines' loyalty program **Miles & More** is offered in partnership with the Lufthansa Group. In this program, miles are earned based on flight distance and class coefficient; a 100% coefficient applies in Economy class, and 150%+ in Business class. Additionally, flights with Star Alliance member airlines (such as Lufthansa, Swiss, Turkish Airlines, ANA), hotel stays, and car rentals allow you to earn miles. You can use the miles you've earned for free or discounted flights, class upgrades, baggage fees, and lounge access. Membership levels are defined as Frequent Traveller (25,000 status points), Senator (100,000), and HON Circle (600,000). These levels offer advantages such as Polonez Lounge access, priority check-in and boarding, extra baggage allowance (3x32kg for Senator level), mile bonuses (25%-100%), and seat selection. Through credit card partnerships, miles can be earned and transferred via Polish banks (PKO, mBank) and Lufthansa Miles & More credit cards.
LOT Polish Airlines - Travel Classes
SAVER (Economy): Saver, one of LOT Polish Airlines' most basic packages, offers only a hand luggage option. With this package, you have a hand luggage allowance of 8 kg and dimensions of 55x40x23 cm. Seat selection and meal service are not included in this package. Changes and cancellations are limited and can generally be made for a fee 7-14 days before the flight date.STANDARD (Economy): The Standard package offers one piece of baggage allowance weighing 23 kg. Seat selection is possible for an additional fee. Hot meal service is available during the flight. Ticket changes are flexible and can be made for a fee, and cancellation options are also available.FLEX (Economy): The Flex package comes with advantages such as a 23 kg baggage allowance and free seat selection. Full meal service is provided during the flight. This package offers unlimited changes and cancellation options, and full ticket refunds can be made.Premium Saver/Standard/Flex: The Premium Economy class offers extra legroom (approximately 38-40 inches) and 2 pieces of 23 kg baggage allowance. Priority check-in and boarding privileges are available. Your journey becomes more comfortable with an enhanced meal menu. Lounge access is only available in the Flex package and offers high flexibility.Business (Saver/Flex): In Business class, especially on Dreamliner aircraft, you can travel with seats that recline 180 degrees. 2 pieces of 32 kg baggage allowance, free Lounge access, and gourmet meals accompanied by champagne are offered. Full flexibility and cancellation options are available.
With the Miles & More loyalty program, you can earn points from your travels and enjoy various benefits. Rules may vary depending on the type of flight.
LOT Polish Airlines - Cancellation & Changes
Cancellation Conditions: LOT Polish Airlines offers different cancellation conditions depending on your ticket type. For all tickets, if canceled within 24 hours of purchase and at least 7 days before departure, a full refund is available. Flexible and refundable tickets, such as Flex Economy or Business Class, can be canceled without penalty, and a full refund is provided. However, for Non-refundable Economy Saver/Promo tickets, the base fare is non-refundable, and only taxes are refunded. For Standard and Premium tickets, a specific penalty is applied.Change Rules: LOT offers flexible solutions for ticket changes. Date or route changes can be made with a fare difference and possible penalty according to ticket rules. In Flex tickets, if the same fare class is available, the change is free; otherwise, the difference is paid. Name changes can only be made on individual tickets and through the Contact Center, and this process is chargeable.Refund Process: The refund process is initiated online from the "Manage Booking" page and takes 7 to 30 days according to ticket rules. In case of no-show, non-refundable tickets are not refunded, and the seat is lost; in this case, it is important to contact the Contact Center immediately. If the flight is canceled by the airline, you have the right to a full refund or rebooking, and you can also claim EU261 compensation.
LOT Polish Airlines - Seat Comfort & Entertainment
Seat Comfort and Legroom: LOT Polish Airlines offers a comfortable travel experience for passengers on both short and long-haul flights. In Economy Class, seats offer a legroom of 71-76 cm on short-haul and 79 cm on long-haul flights, with a seat width of 46-48 cm and a recline of up to 12-15 cm. In Business Class and Premium Economy, there is more space; legroom is 94-99 cm, seat width is 50-53 cm, and seats can be fully reclined on long-haul flights. Seats are generally ergonomically designed and covered with leather or high-quality fabric materials.In-flight Entertainment: LOT Polish Airlines offers a comprehensive entertainment system, especially on long-haul flights. Touchscreens measuring 13-17 inches at each seat provide access to a library of over 100 movies, music, and games. With the Panasonic Avionics system, you can enjoy an entertaining journey. Wi-Fi service is available on long-haul flights, offering free messaging via WhatsApp. Broader network access can be purchased hourly or for the duration of the flight. Each seat is equipped with USB and A/C outlets as standard, while Business Class offers a more premium experience with noise-canceling headphones. You can easily access content through the LOT Entertainment portal.
LOT Polish Airlines - Special Services
Unaccompanied Minor Service: LOT Polish Airlines offers an unaccompanied flight service for children aged 5-14. This service is mandatory for children traveling alone in this age group and must be requested during reservation. For teenagers aged 15-17, this service is offered optionally. Special lounge and escort services are provided for unaccompanied minors, with service fees around €50-100 for short-haul flights and approximately €150 for long-haul flights.Pregnant Passenger Policy: Pregnant passengers traveling with LOT Polish Airlines can fly up to the 36th week. However, passengers traveling after the 28th week are required to present a doctor's report. For pregnant passengers expecting a single baby, this period can be extended up to the 32nd week.Disabled Passenger Assistance: LOT offers various assistance for disabled passengers. Passengers requiring wheelchair or other mobility assistance can benefit from these services for free by notifying in advance of their travel. Assistance identified by WCHR, WCHB, and WCHS codes includes airport transfer services.Other Services: For families with infants, a baby bassinet service that can be reserved in advance is offered on long-haul flights. This service is suitable for babies up to 10 kg and is available in limited numbers. Priority boarding is free for Business Class passengers, Miles & More elites, and families with infants. Under VIP/CIP services, LOT Premium Lounge access, fast-track security passage, and limousine transfer for Business/elite passengers are offered. Paid VIP options also vary between €50-200. All these services are requested during reservation and confirmed by the Contact Center.
LOT Polish Airlines - Pet Transport Policy
Cabin Pet Transport: When traveling with LOT Polish Airlines, only small cats and dogs are accepted in the cabin. The total weight with the carrier should not exceed 8 kg, and the carrier dimensions should be 55x40x23 cm. The carrier must be leak-proof and well-ventilated. Brachycephalic breeds, such as short-legged bulldogs and pugs, cannot be transported in the cabin.Cargo/Baggage Compartment Transport: For larger pets, LOT Cargo service can be used. Animals are transported in special IATA-compliant cages up to 32 kg. The same documents and veterinary approval are required. Fees vary by route, and reservations are mandatory.Required Documents and Rules: A health certificate, rabies vaccination done at least 21 days prior, microchip, and additional permits for entry into EU countries are required for your pet. Service animals can be transported in the cabin for free and must have training documents. There are no breed restrictions for these animals, but they must be notified in advance. Emotional support animals are not accepted. Poland complies with EU rules, and DOT rules apply on US routes.
LOT Polish Airlines - Travel Tips
By booking early, you can find more affordable tickets with LOT Polish Airlines. Setting flexible travel dates provides an advantage, especially for weekday flights. When choosing a seat, you might prefer the emergency exit rows with more legroom. If you want to disembark quickly during the flight, being seated at the front of the plane can be advantageous. If you're traveling at Warsaw Chopin Airport, there's an opportunity to relax at the LOT Business Lounge. Access to the lounge may require certain ticket classes or inclusion in a loyalty program. Time management is crucial for connecting flights; with LOT's mobile app, you can easily track your flights and stay updated with notifications. The mobile app also allows you to check in online and store your boarding pass.
The information on this page about LOT Polish Airlines is for general informational purposes only. Airlines may change their baggage rules, travel classes, cancellation/change policies and other services without prior notice. For the most current and accurate information, please visit the official LOT Polish Airlines website. Tripuck cannot be held responsible for any changes to this information.
Hand Luggage / Cabin Baggage: When traveling with LOT Polish Airlines, your cabin baggage allowance varies depending on the ticket type. In Economy class, if you have an Economy Simple or Saver ticket, you are allowed one piece of hand luggage measuring 55x40x23 cm and weighing up to 8 kg.
Check-in Options: When traveling with LOT Polish Airlines, the online check-in option becomes active 36 hours before departure and can be completed via lot.com or the LOT mobile app.
LOT Polish Airlines operates flights to 69 cities in 46 countries. Germany, Italy, Turkey are among its most popular destinations.
LOT Polish Airlines ticket prices vary by route and date. The current lowest fare starts from £105. Use the search box above for the latest prices.
When traveling with LOT Polish Airlines, meal service varies depending on the flight distance and class. In Economy Class, on short-haul flights, a complimentary sweet or savory pastry, water, and hot beverages (coffee, tea) are offered; additional food and beverages can be purchased from the LOT Sky Bar.
LOT Polish Airlines' loyalty program **Miles & More** is offered in partnership with the Lufthansa Group. In this program, miles are earned based on flight distance and class coefficient; a 100% coefficient applies in Economy class, and 150%+ in Business class.
Cancellation Conditions: LOT Polish Airlines offers different cancellation conditions depending on your ticket type. For all tickets, if canceled within 24 hours of purchase and at least 7 days before departure, a full refund is available.
Cabin Pet Transport: When traveling with LOT Polish Airlines, only small cats and dogs are accepted in the cabin. The total weight with the carrier should not exceed 8 kg, and the carrier dimensions should be 55x40x23 cm.