If you’ve ever searched for affordable long-haul flights from Europe, especially Germany, chances are Condor Airlines popped up. I’ve flown with Condor more than a dozen times over the past decade, on both short-haul and transatlantic routes. And while the airline doesn’t always shine in every category, it delivers exactly what it promises, reliable, budget-friendly travel to holiday destinations.
In this in-depth review, I’ll cover every detail that matters, comfort, safety, in-flight service, punctuality, and pricing, based on verified data and my personal experience.
What is Condor Airlines Known For?
Condor Airlines is a German leisure carrier headquartered in Frankfurt. It’s not a flag carrier like Lufthansa, but it plays a key role in German and European holiday travel. Founded in 1955, Condor primarily serves sun and leisure destinations in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
- Fleet Size: Approximately 50 aircraft as of 2025
- Hub: Frankfurt am Main (FRA)
- Parent Company: Attestor Capital (majority stakeholder)
- Typical routes: Frankfurt to Palma de Mallorca, Cancun, Punta Cana, Toronto, New York
Condor has built a niche around long-haul, direct flights to vacation hotspots. It’s not trying to be a full-service airline, it leans into its leisure DNA and keeps its pricing transparent.
Is Condor Airlines Safe and Certified?
Yes, Condor is a safe airline with strong regulatory compliance and oversight. As a German-based carrier, it follows the strict protocols of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and is also a member of IATA.
Safety Track Record:
- Zero fatal accidents since its founding in 1955
- Passed IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA)
- Fleet modernization ongoing since 2022, with the Airbus A330neo
- Older Boeing 767s being phased out
While it’s true that Condor operated older aircraft for years, the recent shift to A330-900neo aircraft has significantly enhanced onboard safety systems and environmental compliance.
How Are Condor Airlines’ Seats and Cabin Classes?
Condor offers three cabin classes: Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class. I’ve flown all three, and each delivers a distinct experience. The newer A330neo aircraft especially impressed me with their cabin upgrades and space optimization.
Seat and Cabin Class Comparison:
| Class | Seat Pitch | Seat Width | Recline | Entertainment | Best for |
| Economy | 30–31″ | 17–18″ | Moderate | Personal screen | Budget travelers |
| Premium Economy | 35″ | 18″ | Enhanced | Personal screen | Extra space seekers |
| Business Class | 78″ (lie-flat) | 20″ | 180° | 17.3″ screen | Long-haul comfort |
The Business Class on the A330neo includes full lie-flat seats and direct aisle access in a 1-2-1 layout. It’s not as luxe as Emirates or Qatar, but for the price, it delivers exceptional value.
What Is the In-Flight Experience Like on Condor?
Condor’s in-flight experience varies significantly depending on the aircraft type and cabin class. On newer long-haul flights (like FRA–JFK or FRA–CUN on A330neo), the experience is surprisingly modern.
Meals and Catering:
- Economy: Basic meal included, upgrades available (€8–€20)
- Premium Economy: Two meals, complimentary drinks
- Business Class: Multi-course gourmet meals with wine pairing
Entertainment & Connectivity:
- A330neo aircraft offer personal screens with 100+ movies and TV shows
- Limited Wi-Fi available, mostly messaging-capable
- Legacy aircraft like the Boeing 767 may have overhead screens or no IFE
Cabin Crew & Service:
In my experience, Condor’s cabin crew are consistently polite, efficient, and multilingual. They’re not overly chatty, but they are professional and well-trained. I’ve never experienced delays in service or missed meals, even on full flights.
How Is Condor Airlines’ Customer Service Rated?
Condor’s customer service is one of its weaker points, especially when dealing with cancellations or refunds. While onboard service is generally good, ground support, particularly during disruptions, can be slow.
Review Aggregator Ratings:
- Skytrax: 3 stars
- Trustpilot: 3.5 out of 5 (based on 18,000+ reviews)
Common Complaints:
- Delayed refund processes (sometimes exceeding 60 days)
- Limited customer support hours outside of Germany
- App and website bugs during online check-in
They’ve made recent efforts to streamline customer service, including chatbot support and faster compensation responses, but it still lags behind legacy carriers.
What Are Condor Airlines’ Baggage Policies?
Condor has clear, tiered baggage rules based on the route and class of service. Here’s how it breaks down in 2025:
- Carry-On:
- Economy: 1 bag (8 kg)
- Premium: 1 bag (10 kg)
- Business: 2 bags (12 kg combined)
- Checked Baggage:
- Economy Light: No checked bag
- Economy Classic: 1 x 20 kg
- Premium: 1 x 25 kg
- Business: 2 x 32 kg
Excess Fees:
- Overweight fees: €10–€20 per extra kilo
- Additional bag: €75+ on long-haul flights
Condor often checks weights at the gate, especially on US-bound routes, so pack accordingly.
How Punctual Is Condor Airlines?
Condor performs above average when it comes to on-time departures. According to OAG and FlightStats data:
- On-Time Performance (OTP): 83%
- Cancellation rate: Under 2% annually
- Delay duration: Most under 30 minutes
I’ve personally never had a major delay with Condor, and most flights left on or before scheduled time, especially from Frankfurt, where they control many operational variables.
What Are the Most Common Complaints About Condor?
Every airline gets complaints, but Condor’s tend to revolve around a few recurring issues:
- Older aircraft still in use (notably the 767s)
- Limited IFE and Wi-Fi on some routes
- Refund and claims process delays
- Lack of English-speaking support in some call centers
While not ideal, most of these issues are being addressed, especially with the A330neo fleet expansion and new customer support tools being rolled out in mid-2025.
How Much Do Condor Airlines Tickets Cost?
One of Condor’s strongest selling points is pricing. You can fly roundtrip from Frankfurt to Cancun, Punta Cana, or even Seattle for €400–€600, depending on the season and fare class.
Sample Average Fares (Economy Light, 2025):
- FRA–JFK: €420
- FRA–CUN: €480
- FRA–PMI: €90 (short-haul)
- FRA–BKK: €600
While prices are low, always factor in baggage and seat selection fees. Condor follows the low-cost hybrid model, so the base fare doesn’t cover much beyond the seat itself.
Who Should Fly With Condor Airlines?
Based on over a dozen personal flights and industry benchmarks, here’s who I recommend Condor for:
- Budget travelers: Excellent value, especially for long-haul leisure routes
- Vacationers: Direct service to many holiday destinations
- Premium flyers: Consider Premium Economy or Business for extra comfort
Not ideal for:
- Frequent business travelers needing lounges or alliances
- Luxury travelers expecting Emirates-level service
- Tech-dependent flyers wanting high-speed Wi-Fi
What Are the Pros and Cons of Flying Condor Airlines?
Pros:
- Affordable long-haul flights with direct routes
- New A330neo aircraft with modern cabins
- Reliable on-time performance
- Transparent fare structures
- Strong safety record
Cons:
- Older aircraft still operate some routes
- Limited in-flight connectivity
- Patchy customer support during irregular operations
- Unbundled fares can add up
Final Verdict – Is Condor Airlines Worth Booking?
Yes, Condor is worth booking if your priority is price, direct routing, and a decent onboard experience. I’ve always found the airline to be consistent, especially on newer aircraft. It’s not luxurious, and the customer service still needs work, but it’s safe, affordable, and efficient.
For leisure travel, especially transatlantic vacations, Condor hits the sweet spot between cost and reliability. Just know what you’re signing up for, and you’ll likely walk away satisfied.