Lufthansa CityLine
A German regional scheduled airline within the Lufthansa Group, operating short- and medium-haul feeder services that connect smaller European markets with Lufthansa’s major hubs.
About Lufthansa CityLine
Lufthansa CityLine is a wholly owned Lufthansa Group regional airline based in Germany. Its roots date to 1958, when it was founded as Ostfriesische Lufttaxi, later becoming Deutsche Luftverkehrsgesellschaft before adopting the Lufthansa CityLine identity in 1992. The carrier operates under its own CL and CLH codes while providing flights closely integrated with Lufthansa’s network, schedules and passenger experience.
The airline’s operations are centred on Lufthansa’s hubs at Frankfurt and Munich. Its principal role is to feed passengers from German and other European cities into Lufthansa’s wider domestic, European and intercontinental network. Routes are generally short or medium haul, and the precise schedule can change as Lufthansa Group reallocates regional capacity between CityLine and other operating airlines.
Lufthansa CityLine has primarily used Bombardier CRJ900 regional jets, alongside Airbus A319 aircraft on selected services. The CRJ900 has a two-by-two seating layout without middle seats, while the larger A319 follows the familiar single-aisle Airbus arrangement. Flights normally offer Economy Class and a flexible European-style Business Class, with the adjacent seat typically kept free in Business where the configuration permits.
Because its services are marketed within the Lufthansa network, passengers receive the broader benefits associated with Lufthansa’s Star Alliance membership. Eligible travellers can earn and redeem Miles & More miles, while status customers may receive lounge access, priority services and additional baggage benefits according to their fare, status and itinerary. Recognition by partner programmes depends on the flight number and ticketing arrangement.
CityLine’s main strength is connectivity: coordinated schedules at Frankfurt and Munich can make smaller European cities accessible through a single Lufthansa booking. The trade-off is that regional aircraft provide less overhead-bin space and a more compact cabin than mainline jets. Lufthansa Group is also restructuring its regional operations, so travellers should check the operating carrier and aircraft shown on their booking before departure.
Good to know
Flying with Lufthansa CityLine — what to expect
Check Operating Carrier
A ticket sold by Lufthansa may be operated by Lufthansa CityLine or another group airline. Check the operating-carrier line because the aircraft, onboard setup and some procedures can differ.
Limited Cabin Storage
CRJ900 overhead bins are smaller than those on many mainline aircraft. Larger cabin bags may need to be tagged and placed in the hold at the aircraft.
Hub Connections
Many services are timed to connect through Frankfurt or Munich. Allow a sensible connection margin, particularly when changing terminals, clearing passport control or transferring from a remote stand.
European Business Class
Business Class generally uses the same cabin seats as Economy with enhanced ground and onboard benefits. On Airbus services, the neighbouring seat is commonly left free, subject to the aircraft configuration.
Miles And More
Eligible flights can earn Miles & More miles and status points. Credit depends on the booking class, flight number and ticket issuer, so verify eligibility before travel.
More from Germany
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FAQ
Lufthansa CityLine — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- The longest route can change with seasonal schedules and Lufthansa Group fleet assignments. Check the operating carrier and duration in Lufthansa’s timetable, as a route sold under a Lufthansa flight number is not necessarily flown by CityLine.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee.
- Frankfurt Airport and Munich Airport are the principal departure and connection points for Lufthansa CityLine services. Many passengers use these airports to connect between regional flights and Lufthansa’s long-haul network.
- Fares are often lower when booked in advance for off-peak dates, especially outside major holidays and weekday business-travel periods. Comparing nearby dates and both Frankfurt and Munich connections can reveal better options.
- Lufthansa CityLine mainly serves German and European destinations as part of Lufthansa’s hub-and-spoke network. Routes change as the Lufthansa Group reallocates aircraft and regional flying, so current schedules should be checked for specific cities.
- Cabin-baggage rules generally follow the Lufthansa allowance attached to the booked fare. Space is tighter on regional jets, so an otherwise accepted bag may be tagged and placed in the hold at the aircraft; check Lufthansa’s current baggage page before departure.
- The total is not fixed because Lufthansa Group adjusts regional routes seasonally and may transfer services among operating airlines. Consult Lufthansa’s current timetable for the destinations operated by CityLine on your travel dates.
- Lufthansa CityLine’s operations are primarily centred on Frankfurt Airport and Munich Airport. Both hubs connect its regional services with Lufthansa’s broader international network.