Information on LOT Flights

Headquartered in Warsaw, Poland, LOT Polish Airlines is one of the oldest airlines existing today. The airline has been flying for more than 95 years and currently takes passengers to 100 destinations on 4 continents.

I’ve used this airline many times to hop around Europe and to visit Asia. I always find the flight attendants to be very friendly and the planes are mostly newer Boeing Dreamliners, which are great for long-haul flights as they minimize jet lag with better lighting and airflow. Read on for my comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about LOT Polish Airlines.

LOT Polish Airlines check-in

The airline offers a host of ways to check in. The easiest is online through the airline website or mobile app. Online check-in is available 36 hours before your departure and will close two hours before take-off.

You can also print your boarding pass (note that some flights, like those in India, require a printed boarding pass always). There are also check-in desks at the airport where you can check in directly with an agent and drop off your bags at the same time.

There is a self-baggage check at self-service LOT kiosks in Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW). I have used these and found them very easy – they only require your name and booking reference number to get started. You can tag your bag yourself with a printed tag from the kiosk but note this is only valid for direct flights (not connecting flights).

Fare classes on LOT Polish Airlines

LOT offers three cabin classes: LOT Economy Class, LOT Premium Economy and LOT Business Class. Long-haul flights have all three, except flights to Dubai, Tashkent, Astana and Riyadh. These only offer Economy and Premium Economy, with no Business Class available. I don’t find this to be a big deal, as personally I think LOT Premium Economy is the best option out of the three.

Within Economy, you have a few different options to choose from. Economy Saver is the most basic option and includes cabin baggage only, with seat assignment for a fee, no refunds and changes for a fee. With Economy Standard, you get all the options that come with Saver, plus checked luggage and changes for free.

I personally tend to go for either Economy Semi Flex or Economy Flex when I travel short distances with LOT. Economy Flex is one step above Standard, but gives you the option to change your ticket for free (you can see why, as a travel writer, I’d prefer this one) and refunds at a charge. Finally, Economy Full Flex is the most generous and lenient category and comes with all the Semi Flex perks, plus full refunds for cancellations.

Now to my personal favorite: Premium Economy. I love this option for longer flights because it allows me to have a premium experience on an economy budget. I find this LOT option very unique, compared to other airlines. I really like that it allows me to access business lounges at a reduced price when I’m in Warsaw Chopin Airport.

With Premium Full Flex, I get two checked bags of 50 pounds (23 kg) each, seat assignment included, changes for free and full refunds for cancellations. I also enjoy the priority check-in and the in-flight entertainment, with more than 100 movies and TV shows on offer. Of course, the menu is better in this fare class too, with an appetiser, dessert and a glass of wine.

Business Class also offers Standard (cabin and checked luggage, seat assignment included, changes for free and no refunds), Semi Flex (with the changes being free and refunds for a fee) and Full Flex (with all of the above, plus full refunds for cancellations).

Of course, each of these options varies by price. But even if you book the most basic fare and then quickly change your mind, you’re able to cancel any flight within 24 hours of booking thanks to the Procedure 24H policy, no matter the cabin class or category of fare, and there are no fees associated with this. This is great if you travel a lot and your plans tend to change frequently, as mine do.

Seating on LOT

One of the reasons I enjoy flying with LOT is that even in the economy seats on the Dreamliner, you can still find power outlets, a USB port and an individual in-flight entertainment system with films, TV series, and some games. These planes also have LED lighting and dimmable windows. Seats recline and have a 17-inch base with an adjustable headrest.

In the premium economy cabin, you get all of the above, as well as the thing I love the most: an individual entertainment system in a seat that’s 20 inches wide with an adjustable headrest and footrest. Add in the free Wi-Fi and the comfort of the seat, and I’ve worked, rested, and recharged all in one flight.

If you decide to book a business class ticket, you’ll get priority boarding, fast track and access to the lounges worldwide. Seats are wider and recline, plus each comes with soft blankets and pillows as well as individual USB ports, power sockets, and a big screen entertainment system for movies and more. The business class amenity kit from LOT is one of my favorites in the industry and includes Phenomé products based on hydrolates instead of water for better moisturizing.

Membership and loyalty

LOT is a member of Star Alliance, which includes 25 member airlines and allows you to use benefits across many of them. For instance, if you have a Star Alliance Gold membership through any of the airlines, LOT will let you visit their business lounges, take extra luggage and gain priority access at the airport and on the plane.

LOT also has its own membership program called Miles&More and it is free to join. You can earn and redeem miles in the program for flight tickets, car rentals, shopping or hotel accommodation. The different tiers on the frequent flier status are based on spend and offer increasing benefits.

Frequent Traveller brings free seat selection in the standard zone plus lounge access and fast track in Warsaw. Senator brings fast-track privileges, free seat selection for a travel companion, discounts on flight awards for a companion and upgrade vouchers. HON Circle brings all of the above, access to the first class lounge and the highest possibility of upgrades to better class plus limousine airport service at Warsaw airport.

There are many special offers for members. They are accessible online – look for Mileage Bargains and Monday sMILEs for member savings.

Shopping with the airline

LOT offers a Shop&More program that allows you to shop online before your flight and have your purchases delivered to you onboard. You can buy everything from watches and jewelry to luggage, perfumes and more. You can also redeem miles in your loyalty account for these purchases, or use miles for discount vouchers and other airline purchases.

A unique experience available in the LOT KIDS program offers groups of children the chance to visit LOT HQ. On this tour, kids can see the history hall and technical hangars at the Warsaw airport, plus visit an observation deck. Also for sale is a ticket to the Boeing 737 simulator at the LOT Flight Academy in Warsaw, where you can be a pilot for a day.

Dining onboard

Economy class has regional hot meals and a large selection of sweet and savory snacks that rotate often. Drinks like juices, coffee and tea are free, and wine and beer are also available. When booking, economy passengers can choose to pay for a meal upgrade to the premium economy selection.

The premium economy menu is served on porcelain dishware and incorporates top ingredients, including high-quality proteins. You’ll receive an appetizer, main course and dessert with an extensive wine list included. The experience is meant to mimic a restaurant in the sky as closely as possible. On the many flights I’ve taken to Asia with LOT Polish Airlines, I love that the onboard menu always features the cuisine of the destination.