Condor Airlines making a bold push into the competitive transatlantic market this summer, significantly expanding its service from Los Angeles International Airport with new flights, upgraded amenities and a partnership that gives passengers access to one of the airport’s most exclusive lounges.
“This summer we are upping our daily seasonal service from Southern California’s most important transatlantic gateway: LAX on board the most stylish and comfortable long-haul aircraft in the skies. And with Condor’s own connecting service from our convenient Frankfurt hub, we bring more of Europe within easier reach at more affordable fares,” said Mikko Turtiainen, director of sales, The Americas. “Plus, we are pleased to offer our departing LAX Business Class passengers a truly premium lounge experience through our partnership with the Air France Lounge, which opened just last summer. When it comes to flying to Europe this summer from Southern California, Condor truly is one of the most attractive, convenient and affordable options.”
Starting this month, the leisure carrier will operate daily nonstop flights between LAX and Frankfurt aboard its newest Airbus A330-900neo aircraft, a sleek, fuel-efficient plane that has become the backbone of its long-haul fleet. But the bigger draw for travelers may be Condor’s expanded network of connecting flights beyond Frankfurt, including new service to Berlin, Paris, Rome, Vienna and Zurich, all designed to make European vacations more seamless for Southern Californians.
The airline, which began in 1956 as a vacation-focused carrier shuttling Germans to Mediterranean beaches, has spent the past few years modernizing its fleet and refining its service to attract a broader range of travelers. Its 18 Airbus A330neos, with three more arriving by 2028, feature lie-flat business-class seats, spacious premium economy cabins and an eye-catching striped livery inspired by European beach umbrellas.
One of the most notable upgrades for Condor’s business-class passengers is access to Air France’s stylish new lounge in LAX’s Tom Bradley International Terminal. The 11,883-square-foot space, which opened last year, offers runway views, a brasserie-style dining area and a full-service bar pouring Champagne and French wines. A new addition is the Clarins spa offering complimentary facials—a rare perk for a non-alliance airline’s customers.
Condor Airlines Business Class
Condor’s business-class cabin, arranged in a 1-2-1 layout for direct aisle access, has also drawn attention for its Prime Seats at the front of the plane. These extra-spacious spots, available for an added fee, include wider footrests, pajamas and snack baskets delivered at boarding—a touch that addresses a common passenger complaint about waiting for meal service.
The airline’s partnership with Alaska Airlines provides another incentive for U.S. travelers. Customers can book Condor flights using Alaska’s Mileage Plan, with awards starting at 55,000 miles one-way in business class—a relative bargain compared to many competitors. The partnership also allows free stopovers in Frankfurt, effectively letting travelers add a German city to their itineraries at no extra cost.
While Condor maintains its roots as a leisure airline, its recent moves—from the lounge access to the premium seating—signal ambitions to compete for business travelers and discerning vacationers alike. With legacy carriers dominating transatlantic routes, Condor is betting that its combination of new planes, competitive pricing and thoughtful amenities will carve out a niche.
For now, that niche appears strongest on the West Coast. In addition to its LAX expansion, Condor flies to Frankfurt from Seattle, Portland and Anchorage, where it operates one of the only nonstop routes to Europe. This summer will test whether American travelers are ready to embrace an airline that still feels, in many ways, like Europe’s best-kept secret.
Condor Airlines at a Glance
A Brief History of Condor Airlines
Founded in 1956, Condor began as a leisure-focused airline, transporting German vacationers to sunny Mediterranean destinations. Over the decades, it expanded its network to include long-haul routes, particularly to North America, while maintaining its reputation for affordability and reliability.
In recent years, Condor has undergone a major fleet renewal, replacing its older Boeing 767s with 18 state-of-the-art Airbus A330-900neo jets—with three more set to join by 2028. This modernization has allowed the airline to offer a more premium experience while keeping fares competitive.
Condor’s Expanding Route Network from LAX
This summer, Condor is ramping up its LAX-Frankfurt (FRA) service to daily flights, all operated on its A330neo. But the bigger news is the introduction of new one-stop connections from LAX to several European cities via Frankfurt, including:
+Berlin (BER)
+Hamburg (HAM)
+Munich (MUC)
+Paris (CDG)
+Rome (FCO) with continuing service to Palermo (PMO)
+Vienna (VIE)
+Zurich (ZRH)
+Prague (PRG)
These new routes provide seamless same-terminal transfers in Frankfurt, making it easier than ever for Southern Californians to explore Europe. Condor also maintains interline agreements with Lufthansa, allowing connections to over 100 additional destinations across the continent.
Partnership with Alaska Airlines: A Key Advantage
Condor’s partnership with Alaska Airlines is a major perk for travelers, especially those enrolled in Alaska’s Mileage Plan. Benefits include:
+Earning and redeeming Alaska miles on Condor flights
+Award flights starting at just 27,500 miles (one-way in economy) or 55,000 miles (one-way in business class)
+Free stopovers in Frankfurt, allowing travelers to explore Germany before continuing to their final destination
This partnership makes Condor an attractive option for Alaska Airlines loyalists looking for affordable transatlantic flights.
Condor Airlines Business Class on A330-900neo
Condor’s A330-900neo features a sleek, modern cabin with a 1-2-1 business class layout, ensuring every passenger has direct aisle access. Key highlights include:
+78-inch lie-flat seats with mattress toppers for superior comfort
+17.3-inch 4K entertainment screens with Bluetooth headphone connectivity
+Premium dining with complimentary alcoholic beverages
+Thoughtful amenities, including pajamas, amenity kits, and noise-canceling headphones
Condor Airlines Business Class “Prime Seats”
For those seeking extra luxury, Condor offers four “Prime Seats” at the front of the cabin, featuring:
+Extra-wide footrests and more personal space
+Dedicated snack baskets (available immediately upon boarding)
+Center seats ideal for couples, with a shared table for dining together
+Exclusive pajamas and upgraded bedding
These seats can be secured for an additional fee (starting at €199) and are a fantastic option for travelers who want a first-class-like experience without the premium price tag.
Condor’s Premium Economy & Economy Options
Premium Economy
Condor’s 64-seat premium economy cabin (in a 2-4-2 layout) offers:
+5 extra inches of legroom compared to standard economy
+Enhanced recline and footrests
+Larger entertainment screens and upgraded meal service
+Competitive pricing, often matching legacy carriers’ standard economy fares
Economy Class
+A 2-4-2 seating configuration (better than many competitors’ 3-3-3 layouts)
+4K seatback entertainment screens
+Complimentary meals and beverages
+Generous baggage allowances (one free checked bag on most fares)
Condor Airlines Business Class Air France Lounge Access
One of the most exciting perks for Condor’s business class passengers departing LAX is access to Air France’s new lounge in the Tom Bradley International Terminal. Opened in 2024, this lounge offers:
+A stylish, modern design with runway views
+Gourmet dining, including made-to-order crepes and French specialties
+A full-service bar with Champagne, premium wines, and craft cocktails
+Quiet zones, workspaces, and shower suites
+Clarins Spa offering complimentary facials
The lounge is open from 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., perfectly aligning with Condor’s 5:30 p.m. departure to Frankfurt.
Condor Airlines Bottom Line
Condor is emerging as a strong competitor in the transatlantic market, offering:
✔ Daily nonstop flights from LAX to Frankfurt on brand-new A330neos
✔ Expanded European connections to Berlin, Paris, Rome, and more
✔ Award-winning business class with lie-flat seats and premium service
✔ Affordable premium economy and economy options
✔ Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan redemptions at great rates
✔ Exclusive lounge access at LAX via Air France
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