Full-service network airline
Lufthansa
Strong Central Europe option with Star Alliance reach.
| Hub | Frankfurt Airport (FRA) |
| Carry-on | Allowance depends on cabin and route. |
| Checked | Checked baggage varies by fare and market. |
| Check-in | 23 hours before departure |
| Changes | Fare rules apply. |
| Refunds | Refundability depends on the ticket purchased. |
Where it flies
Lufthansa operates daily nonstop service from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Frankfurt and Munich, with Boeing 747-8, A340 and A350 widebodies. The Star Alliance hub at Frankfurt is the densest connection bank in continental Europe and gives South African travellers access to over two hundred onward European, Asian and North American destinations. For business travellers heading into central Europe specifically — Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland — Lufthansa is structurally the best option.
Practical notes: Lufthansa is the founding Star Alliance member, so miles credit on SAA Voyager, Turkish Miles & Smiles, United MileagePlus, Singapore KrisFlyer and the rest of the alliance. Online check-in opens twenty-three hours before departure on the Lufthansa app. South African passport holders need a Schengen visa for entry to Germany or any onward Schengen country. Frankfurt and Munich both have direct rail links to their respective city centres — the Frankfurt to city centre journey is twelve minutes by S-Bahn. The hard product on the long-haul aircraft is being progressively upgraded with the new Allegris business and first cabins; check the aircraft type at booking if cabin matters.
Booking notes
Payment methods and fare inclusions can vary by market and cabin, so confirm baggage and change rules on the airline checkout page before paying.
Contact
Call +49 69 86 799 799Pro tip
Lufthansa is a dependable Europe benchmark, especially for Frankfurt and beyond.
Related routes
FAQ
When should I book Lufthansa?
Compare direct prices as soon as you know your dates, then re-check once or twice before you pay to catch fare swings.
What baggage should I confirm before checkout?
Cabin baggage: Allowance depends on cabin and route.. Checked baggage: Checked baggage varies by fare and market.
Can I change or refund my booking?
Fare rules apply. Refundability depends on the ticket purchased.
Where do I manage check-in or booking changes?
Use the airline's official booking, check-in and manage-booking links above so you are working from the source system.