When you think of premium transatlantic travel, LOT Polish Airlines might not be the first name that comes to mind, but it should be. As someone who has flown LOT’s Business Class across multiple intercontinental and European routes, I’ve come to see it as one of the most underrated premium cabins in the Star Alliance network.
LOT offers a surprisingly competitive product, especially on its long-haul Boeing 787 Dreamliner routes. The service is consistent, the food is often better than expected, and the price (especially when using points) can make it a great value.
In this review, I’ll walk you through every aspect of the experience, seat, food, service, entertainment, aircraft type, and give you my honest take on whether LOT Business Class is truly worth it.
What does LOT Business Class offer?
LOT Polish Airlines offers a fully flat seat, priority services, enhanced catering, and lounge access on its long-haul Business Class routes. On shorter European flights, the product is closer to intra-European Business, blocked middle seats, upgraded service, but no lie-flat seating.
On long-haul flights, Business Class includes:
- 180-degree lie-flat seats (2-2-2 layout on most aircraft)
- Two or three checked bags (32 kg each)
- Premium boarding and priority check-in
- LOT Business Lounge access (Polonez Lounge in Warsaw)
- Multi-course meals and full bar
- Amenity kit and bedding
- In-flight entertainment (IFE) with touchscreen
- Wi-Fi (available on most long-haul aircraft)
Short- and Medium-Haul Aircraft:
- Embraer E195/E190 and Boeing 737-800/MAX
- Intra-European Business Class is a blocked middle seat service, similar to Lufthansa or Swiss
LOT flies long-haul primarily on Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 Dreamliners, which are modern and fuel-efficient. The Business Class product is consistent across both types, with slight differences in cabin layout.
How is the seat and cabin design in LOT Business Class?
The LOT Dreamliner Business cabin features a 2-2-2 seating layout. All seats convert into lie-flat beds, roughly 78 inches long. The seat width is about 20.5 inches, which is on par with other European carriers but narrower than newer-generation Business suites.
Seat features:
- Full-flat recline (no angled seats)
- Adjustable lumbar support and reading light
- USB and universal power outlet
- Medium-sized IFE screen (15–17 inches)
- Privacy divider between seats
- Decent bedding (pillow + blanket, no mattress pad)
If you’re flying solo, window seats can feel exposed. There’s no direct aisle access from window seats, which is the biggest drawback. But the seat itself is comfortable for sleeping, especially if you’re not a light sleeper. The cabin lighting and noise levels are well-managed, thanks to the 787’s quieter environment.
What is the Service Like in LOT Business Class?
Service in LOT Business Class is polished, well-paced, and often more personal than you’d expect from a European flag carrier. Unlike the more procedural approach seen on airlines like Lufthansa or British Airways, LOT crews tend to show genuine warmth without compromising professionalism.
Passengers are typically greeted by name shortly after boarding. This small but impactful gesture sets a welcoming tone. Coats are collected and stored immediately after seat assignment, adding to the premium feel before takeoff.
Before departure, the cabin crew offers a selection of beverages, usually champagne, orange juice, or water. Drinks are served with care, and the crew makes sure every passenger is comfortable and settled before takeoff.
Most flight attendants speak both Polish and English fluently. On many international flights, you’ll also hear German or French, especially when operating to Western Europe or Canada. Communication is clear, and requests are handled without hesitation.
On overnight flights from North America to Warsaw, the service pace is adjusted for rest. After dinner, crew members offer a turndown-like experience with a blanket and pillow setup. They minimize cabin noise and lighting, allowing passengers to sleep with minimal disruption.
What’s the Food and Beverage Quality Like?
Dining Experience:
LOT offers a multi-course meal service in Business Class, often exceeding expectations in flavor and presentation.
Typical Meal Flow (Long-Haul):
- Appetizer – Smoked salmon, carpaccio, or cold salad
- Soup – Cream-based or broth (Polish-style)
- Main Course – Choice of beef, fish, or vegetarian (Polish and international mix)
- Dessert – Mousse, cake, or cheese selection
- Pre-landing meal – Sandwiches or hot breakfast, depending on direction
One of my most memorable meals was a braised beef with horseradish sauce on a flight from Warsaw to Toronto, flavorful and well-plated.
Beverages:
- Polish wines and local vodkas
- International red and white wines
- Champagne served before and during the meal
- Espresso-based coffee (not capsule-style, but also not barista quality)
The alcohol selection leans European, with occasional highlights like Polish mead or regional liqueurs.
What Inflight Entertainment and Wi-Fi Options Are Offered?
IFE System:
- 15.4-inch personal screens
- Around 80 movies and 100+ TV shows
- Language options: Polish, English, French, German
- Decent selection of new releases and Polish cinema
Each seat also comes with:
- Touchscreen remote
- Over-ear noise-canceling headphones (average quality)
- USB and universal charging port
Wi-Fi:
- Available only on 787-9 aircraft as of 2024
- Pricing: Approximately $9–$25 per flight depending on data use
- Connection speed is usable for email and light browsing, not for video
This is one of LOT’s weaknesses. Wi-Fi coverage is inconsistent, especially on 787-8 aircraft.
What Do You Get in LOT Business Class?
| Feature | Included |
| Fully Flat Bed | Yes |
| Amenity Kit | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Partial (787-9 only) |
| Lounge Access | Yes (Star Alliance) |
| Pre-departure Drink | Yes |
| Multi-Course Meals | Yes |
| Alcoholic Beverages | Yes |
| Seat Selection | Free |
| Checked Baggage | 2 x 32kg bags |
| Priority Security & Boarding | Yes |
The amenity kit usually includes:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Socks, eye mask, and earplugs
- Face moisturizer or lip balm
Bedding includes a thick blanket and a full-size pillow.
How is the Ground Experience?
Lounges:
- In Warsaw Chopin Airport: LOT operates its own Polonez Business Lounge
- Offers warm food, fresh salads, Polish desserts
- Decent workspace, showers available
- Outside Poland: Access to Star Alliance lounges or partner lounges
- Examples: Lufthansa Business Lounges, Turkish CIP, Swissport
Boarding is handled efficiently in Warsaw but can feel chaotic at smaller U.S. and Canadian outstations. Fast-track security is generally offered in major airports.
How Does LOT Compare to Other Business Class Airlines?
| Airline | Seat Layout | Privacy | Meal Quality | Wi-Fi | IFE Variety |
| LOT Polish | 2-2-2002 | Medium | Very Good | Limited | Good |
| Lufthansa | 2-2-2002 | Medium | Moderate | Paid | Good |
| Turkish Airlines | 1-2-1 / 2-2-2 | High | Excellent | Free | Excellent |
| Air France | 1-2-2001 | High | Very Good | Free/Paid | Excellent |
| United Polaris | 1-2-2001 | High | Good | Free | Excellent |
LOT falls behind on privacy and Wi-Fi coverage, but punches above its weight in food, comfort, and value.
What Does LOT Business Class Cost?
Typical Round-Trip Fares:
- New York to Warsaw: $2,500–$3,800
- Toronto to Krakow: $2,600–$3,500
- Chicago to Budapest via WAW: $2,700–$3,900
Using Points:
- United MileagePlus: 70,000 miles one-way
- Avianca LifeMiles: Often available for 63,000–78,000 miles
- Air Canada Aeroplan: 60,000–75,000 points
- Miles & More (LOT’s own): 70,000–85,000 miles one-way, plus taxes
LOT often releases more Business award space than Lufthansa or Swiss, making it a favorite for mileage travelers.
Is LOT Polish Airlines Business Class Worth It?
Yes, It’s Worth It If:
- You find a good fare or points redemption
- You value good food and reliable comfort
- You’re flying to/from Central or Eastern Europe
- You travel as a couple or don’t mind limited privacy
Maybe Not Worth It If:
- You want direct aisle access from every seat
- You need fast, reliable onboard Wi-Fi
- You’re flying solo and value enclosed suites
For the price, LOT’s Business Class delivers exceptional value, particularly on transatlantic flights. While not the most luxurious, it offers solid comfort, flavorful meals, and reliable service that often outperform bigger-name rivals in the same fare bracket.
What do frequent flyers say about LOT Business Class?
I’ve read hundreds of reviews and regularly scan FlyerTalk, Reddit, and TripAdvisor. Here’s what most travelers agree on:
Positives:
- Surprisingly good food
- Reliable lie-flat seat
- Strong value for the price (often cheaper than competitors)
- Friendly service with local character
- New aircraft (especially 787 fleet)
Negatives:
- No direct aisle access for all passengers
- Inconsistent Wi-Fi (especially across 787-8 vs. 787-9)
- Dated IFE interface
- Amenity kits feel basic (compared to Asian carriers)
People flying LOT for the first time often say it exceeded expectations, especially on food and comfort. The product isn’t luxurious, but it’s solid and competitive, especially when tickets are priced 20–30% below Lufthansa or British Airways.
Final Verdict
LOT Polish Airlines Business Class isn’t flashy, but it’s reliable, generous, and tastefully executed. For travelers heading to Europe, especially Eastern or Central Europe, it offers one of the best cost-to-comfort ratios in the sky.
If you’re booking with miles, this is one of the smartest redemptions in Star Alliance. And if you’re paying cash, LOT often undercuts its European rivals by $500–$1,000 without compromising core comforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LOT Business Class lie-flat?
Yes, on all long-haul Dreamliner routes.
Does LOT offer direct aisle access in Business Class?
No, unless you’re seated in an aisle or center section. It uses a 2-2-2 layout.
Is Wi-Fi available in Business Class?
Only on Boeing 787-9 aircraft. It’s not included for free.
What lounges does LOT offer access to?
You get access to LOT’s Polonez Lounge in Warsaw and Star Alliance lounges elsewhere.
Can I use points to book LOT Business Class?
Yes, using Miles & More, Aeroplan, United, or LifeMiles, availability is often good.