Qatar Airways generally provides a more comprehensive and higher-quality experience, particularly in on-time performance, in-flight entertainment, dining, and cabin cleanliness. However, Lufthansa offers more flexible ticket change and cancellation policies. The choice depends on individual priorities, such as valuing punctuality and comfort versus flexibility.
| Attribute | Qatar Airways | Lufthansa |
|---|---|---|
| On-time performance | Among the Top 5 most on-time airlines in 2024; 82.83% on-time arrivals from 99.30% tracked flights; 86.4% on-time performance for arrivals and 85.7% for departures; average delay time of 23 minutes in the past 30 days; specific flight has delay performance better than 88% of other flights, with an average delay of approximately 17 minutes; 6.00% of domestic flights and 6.69% of international flights were canceled. | Lufthansa aims to notify customers of known delays, cancellations, and diversions within 30 minutes of becoming aware of any such change. |
| Baggage allowance and fees | Not available | This information would typically be found on Lufthansa's website during the booking process or in the ticket details. |
| In-flight entertainment options | Oryx One, offering up to 8,500 options including movies, TV shows, audio programs, and games; refreshed monthly; interactive games; personal seatback screens or wireless streaming; live TV channels. | Lufthansa in-flight entertainment includes movies, TV programs, music, audiobooks, podcasts, and games. On short and medium-haul flights in Europe and North Africa, passengers can access entertainment on their devices via Wi-Fi. On long-haul flights, passengers can enjoy the program on personal HD screens. |
| Seat comfort and legroom | Economy Class seats are 18.5 inches wide with 32 inches of legroom; adjustable headrests and ergonomic lumbar support; extra legroom seats available in exit rows and bulkhead seats. | In Economy Class, Lufthansa seats have slim backrests for more legroom. On long-haul flights, seat cushions are over 40 cm wide with adjustable headrests. |
| Food and beverage quality | Excellent dining experience in all classes; complimentary meals, snacks, and beverages in Economy Class; multi-course menus with Qatari and Middle Eastern flavors, international cuisine, and premium wines in Business Class; lobster, caviar, and Dom Perignon Champagne in First Class; fresh, high-quality ingredients and avoids frozen meals. | In Economy Class, Lufthansa offers food and beverages, with the menu depending on the flight length and destination. |
| Customer service responsiveness | High levels of service quality and hospitality; initiatives designed to enhance passenger convenience, quicker check-in processes, and a user-friendly booking system; some reviews mention slow customer service regarding compensation, flight changes, and baggage issues. | Lufthansa aims to acknowledge written complaints within 30 days and send a substantive response within 60 days. For North American customers, a response to online feedback is expected within two weeks. |
| Cabin cleanliness | Honeywell UV Cabin System to disinfect aircraft cabins; cleaning products recommended by IATA and WHO; linen and blankets are washed and dried at high temperatures and sealed into individual packaging; HEPA filters that remove 99.97% of viral and bacterial contaminants. | Economy cabin was pretty clean. |
| Loyalty program benefits | Privilege Club members can earn Avios on every booking, enjoy award flights and upgrades, and save by paying with Cash + Avios. | Lufthansa's loyalty program is Miles & More. |
| Flight network and destinations | Connects more than 150 destinations daily across the Americas, Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia. | Lufthansa operates flights to various destinations. |
| Ticket change and cancellation policies | Not available | You can cancel your Lufthansa flight booking up to 24 hours before departure and request a refund. |
| Overall value for money | 3.9 out of 5; crowned the best value airline for legroom in 2017. | Opinions on Lufthansa economy comfort depend on the flight length. |
| Aircraft age and maintenance | Maintains one of the most modern fleets in the sky; strong emphasis on acquiring state-of-the-art technology. | Not available |