LOT Polish Airlines might not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of flying long-haul or navigating across Europe, but if you’ve ever connected through Warsaw or priced a flight to North America or Asia, chances are you’ve seen it pop up with surprisingly competitive fares. I’ve flown with LOT more times than I can count, short-haul hops to Budapest, transatlantic flights to New York, and even long-haul routes to Asia. It’s a mixed bag in some areas, but when you know what to expect, it’s a genuinely strong airline with more consistency than many of its larger European peers.
In this review, I’m walking you through what flying LOT really feels like, from check-in to touchdown, and whether it’s worth your money, time, and trust.
A Look at LOT Polish Airlines: A Legacy Carrier with a Modern Edge
Founded in 1929, LOT is one of the world’s oldest airlines still in operation. It’s the flag carrier of Poland and a member of the Star Alliance, which gives it access to a massive global network. The airline operates out of Warsaw Chopin Airport and serves over 120 destinations across Europe, Asia, and North America. While it doesn’t market itself with the flash of Emirates or Qatar, it does offer something that’s often overlooked: reliability, fair pricing, and a surprisingly modern long-haul product.
LOT’s fleet consists of a mix of Boeing and Embraer aircraft. Its flagship long-haul plane is the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, while regional and medium-haul routes rely heavily on Embraer 170s, 190s, and Boeing 737s. I’ve flown on nearly all of them. The Dreamliners feel fresh and efficient, while the Embraers, though compact, offer a 2-2 configuration that makes them feel less cramped than Airbus A320s or older Boeings used by other carriers.
Booking Experience: Smooth but Not Without Glitches
Booking with LOT directly is usually a smooth experience. Their website is fast, multilingual, and mobile-friendly. You can book standard one-way, roundtrip, or multi-city journeys, and the interface is cleaner than some of its larger competitors, especially when compared to notoriously cluttered European airline sites like ITA Airways or even Air France.
However, fare structures can be a bit confusing if you’re not paying attention. Economy is split into several tiers, Basic, Standard, and Flex, each with different rules for baggage and changes. The Premium Economy and Business Class products are only available on select long-haul flights, primarily operated by the 787s. I recommend checking the aircraft type during booking because the onboard experience can vary drastically depending on what plane you’re on.
What I appreciate is LOT’s relatively clear communication on what’s included at each level. Unlike low-cost carriers, they don’t hide add-ons during checkout, but there are occasional bugs when trying to select specific seats or make upgrades. If you’re booking complex itineraries, I suggest using a desktop rather than mobile to avoid glitches.
Cabins and Seats: A Tale of Two Experiences
The passenger experience with LOT depends heavily on whether you’re flying short- or long-haul. On short-haul flights, most aircraft are configured for economy with minimal frills. The Embraer jets are actually quite comfortable, with a 2-2 layout and decent legroom, especially for regional flights under two hours. However, older 737s in the fleet can feel a bit dated and cramped.
The game changes entirely on long-haul routes. LOT’s Boeing 787 Dreamliners are outfitted with modern cabins across all classes. In economy, the 3-3-3 layout offers a 31-inch pitch and relatively new IFE screens. Premium Economy is where LOT stands out the most, offering a more spacious seat, upgraded meals, and better recline. Business Class on the Dreamliner features lie-flat beds in a 2-2-2 layout. While it doesn’t offer the privacy of Qatar Airways’ QSuites or even the reverse herringbone seats of Air France, it’s a solid and cost-effective option for transatlantic and Asian flights.
I’ve personally flown both Premium and Business on their Dreamliners, and while the cabin finishes are a bit understated, the comfort and practicality make up for it.
In-Flight Service: Functional and Occasionally Impressive
Service on LOT can vary, but on long-haul flights, it often exceeds expectations. In Economy, passengers get a hot meal and drinks, including complimentary wine and beer. On short-haul flights, there’s a paid service model, which is increasingly standard in Europe, though I wouldn’t mind at least a complimentary water offering.
Business Class meals are served on real china and usually follow a Polish-European menu. I’ve had beef tenderloin with horseradish cream that could hold its own against Lufthansa’s catering. Premium Economy meals are plated, not boxed, and come with upgraded serviceware. Flight attendants are generally polite, though not overly warm, what I’d describe as professionally neutral.
In-flight entertainment is only available on long-haul Dreamliners, and it’s passable. Don’t expect a deep movie library, but most travelers will find enough to get through the flight. USB ports and power outlets are available in all classes on the 787s. Wi-Fi is available on select aircraft but is not free and often unreliable.
Punctuality and Operational Reliability
LOT actually performs well in terms of on-time performance. In 2023, over 84% of its flights departed on time according to OAG data. That places it above average among European carriers and even ahead of some premium names like British Airways.
Where things can get tricky is at the hub in Warsaw. The airport itself is efficient, but it’s not particularly large. Tight connections, especially those under 50 minutes, can be stressful if you’re transferring between Schengen and non-Schengen areas. I’ve made several of those connections without issue, but I’ve also seen bags miss tight layovers. If you’re flying with checked baggage, give yourself at least 60–75 minutes to be safe.
Customer Support and Experience: Room for Improvement
LOT’s weakest area is customer service, especially when something goes wrong. If your flight is delayed or canceled, don’t expect proactive updates. During the pandemic and post-COVID recovery phase, the airline struggled with refunds and rebookings. Even today, wait times for phone support can be long, and resolution of issues may take several days.
That said, in-person staff at Warsaw and onboard crew members are generally efficient and respectful. On a recent Business Class flight from Toronto to Warsaw, a flight attendant personally walked me through the wine list and gave excellent meal recommendations, small touches like that go a long way.
Online reviews reflect this mixed experience. LOT averages 6/10 on Skytrax and a 3.2-star rating on Trustpilot. Not terrible, but definitely not top-tier.
Baggage Policy: Generous if You Know What to Book
LOT’s baggage policy is generous, if you avoid Economy Basic. That lowest fare tier includes only a carry-on, with checked luggage available for a fee. Economy Standard includes one checked bag, while Premium Economy and Business Class include two and three pieces respectively.
Carry-on allowances are standard: 8 kg in Economy and up to 18 kg in Business (split across two bags). Oversized items and special equipment like bicycles or skis require advance notice and additional fees.
If you’re traveling on a long-haul route, I recommend at least Standard Economy to avoid the hassle and fees of paying for baggage separately at the airport.
How Are Prices and Value Compared to Competitors?
LOT positions itself slightly below Lufthansa or Air France in price, often offering excellent value for premium cabins.
Sample One-Way Long-Haul Prices (2025)
| Route | Economy | Premium Economy | Business |
| WAW – JFK | $550 | $1,050 | $2,300 |
| WAW – ICN | $620 | $1,150 | $2,500 |
| WAW – ORD | $590 | $1,100 | $2,450 |
When booked in advance, Business Class fares can undercut Lufthansa or United by 20–30%, making LOT a smart option for travelers who want lie-flat comfort at a lower price.
Safety Record and Aircraft Maintenance
LOT has maintained a clean safety record in recent decades, with no fatal accidents in over 30 years. It adheres to EU safety regulations and passed the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), the industry’s highest standard. Aircraft maintenance is handled by LOTAMS, which is certified by both EASA and the FAA.
The airline’s Boeing 787s average under six years in age, and even the Embraers remain in solid shape. While not flashy, the maintenance and safety standards are unquestionably strong.
How Does LOT Compare to Other European Airlines?
Carrier Comparison (Long-Haul Business Class)
| Airline | Seat Type | Service Style | Lounge Quality | Price Competitiveness |
| LOT Polish | Lie-flat (2-2-2) | Polite, efficient | Good (WAW) | Very good |
| Lufthansa | Lie-flat (2-2-2 or 1-2-1) | Formal, precise | Excellent (FRA/MUC) | Expensive |
| KLM | Lie-flat (1-2-1) | Friendly, casual | Moderate | Moderate |
| British Airways | Club Suite (1-2-1) | Personalized | Mixed | Expensive |
LOT’s business product lags slightly in seat privacy, but is strong in value and quality. For travelers flying to or from Central Europe, it’s a logical and strategic choice.
Frequent Flyer Program and Alliance Perks
LOT participates in the Miles & More program, shared with Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, and other Star Alliance carriers. You can earn and redeem miles across the entire network, and elite status offers perks like lounge access, priority boarding, and extra baggage.
If you’re already part of the Star Alliance ecosystem, flying LOT will fit seamlessly into your routine. Redemptions on LOT flights are generally good value, especially in Business Class on long-haul routes where cash fares are often competitive.
Should You Fly LOT?
LOT isn’t a luxury carrier, but it’s far from budget. It occupies a space that’s become increasingly rare in aviation: a full-service airline that focuses on efficiency, safety, and value. If you’re flying to Central or Eastern Europe, or looking for a cost-effective way to cross the Atlantic, LOT should be on your radar.
From my experience, LOT delivers above expectations on long-haul flights, especially in Premium Economy and Business. Short-haul flights are basic but reliable, and the punctuality record is a major plus. The booking and onboard experience are straightforward if you understand the fare structures. Just don’t expect much when it comes to proactive customer support.
For travelers who prioritize solid performance over flashy branding, LOT is a smart and often underrated choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About LOT Polish Airlines
Is LOT Airlines safe to fly?
Yes. LOT is IOSA-certified, with a modern long-haul fleet and a strong safety record.
Does LOT have lie-flat seats in business class?
Yes, on Boeing 787 long-haul flights. However, some older aircraft may lack direct aisle access for all seats.
Does LOT serve free food in economy?
Yes. Meals are included on all long-haul flights, and snacks are provided on shorter regional flights.
Can I use Star Alliance miles to fly LOT?
Yes. LOT participates in Star Alliance; award seats can be booked via programs like United MileagePlus, ANA, and Miles & More.
Are LOT’s lounges good?
Yes, especially at Warsaw. The Polonez Lounge offers solid food and comfort, though it’s not at Qatar or Turkish Airlines levels.