At-a-glance comparison
| Attribute | British Airways | Lufthansa | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline category | Full-service | Full-service | Same category, a direct comparison |
| Primary hub | LHR | FRA (+ MUC) | Different hubs: pick the one that suits your route |
| Fleet size (approx.) | 280+ aircraft | 280+ aircraft | Similar scale |
| Global alliance | oneworld | Star Alliance | Neither is in a global alliance |
| Founded | 1974 | 1955 | Lufthansa has the longer operating history |
| Aircraft types in fleet | A380, B787, B777, A350, A320 | A380, B747-8, A350, B787 | |
| Cabin baggage | 23 kg (hand baggage only fare may differ) | 8 kg | |
| In-flight meals | Complimentary meal | Complimentary meal | Same meal policy |
About British Airways
British Airways is the UK's flag carrier. Non-stop flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai to London Heathrow. oneworld alliance with extensive American Airlines connectivity.
Fare structure: Euro Traveller (Hand Baggage Only, Basic, Plus); Club Europe/Club World; First
About Lufthansa
Lufthansa is Germany's flag carrier and Europe's largest airline by fleet. Operates non-stop from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad to Frankfurt/Munich. Star Alliance member.
Fare structure: Light, Classic, Flex (economy); Business
Who each airline suits
You want the lowest headline fare
Suited to this: Either: compare same-day fares
Both carriers are in the same fare class. Compare actual same-day fares on HappyFares for your route and date.
Long-haul international with stopover
Suited to this: British Airways
British Airways operates wide-body aircraft (A380, B787, B777, A350) on long-haul. Lufthansa is also full-service.
Frequently asked questions
Is British Airways cheaper than Lufthansa?
It depends on the route and the date. Compare the two on your route and dates on HappyFares to see live fares. Both carriers are in the same fare class, so compare the total for what you need.
Which has the better frequent flyer programme?
British Airways's programme is part of oneworld: your miles transfer across 25+ partner airlines worldwide and earn elite status across the alliance. Lufthansa's programme is part of Star Alliance, with the same alliance-wide benefits. For frequent international travellers, alliance membership is the deciding factor.
Which has better refund / cancellation policy, British Airways or Lufthansa?
Both follow DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section 3 Series M Part IV, so the regulator-mandated framework is identical. For Cancel-for-Any-Reason refunds regardless of fare rules, HappyFares Smart Saver add-on covers either airline.
Does British Airways fly the same routes as Lufthansa?
British Airways's hub is LHR. Lufthansa's hubs is FRA (plus MUC). Both serve major Indian metros, but their route networks differ: British Airways specialises in connections via LHR, and Lufthansa connects via FRA. Use HappyFares to see which airline operates your specific city pair.
Can I book both British Airways and Lufthansa on HappyFares?
Yes. HappyFares lists fares from both British Airways and Lufthansa (along with every other major airline operating Indian routes). The same pricing applies to both: taxes included in the fare shown, zero convenience fee on domestic flights with code HFNCF, an itemised fare breakdown and no pre-ticked add-ons. Compare and book either carrier in the same booking flow.