Choosing an affordable airline without sacrificing comfort has become a top priority for travelers across Europe, and Eurowings has emerged as one of the most popular options for budget-friendly air travel. As a low-cost carrier under the Lufthansa Group, the airline combines accessible prices with the reliability of one of Europe’s most respected aviation companies. But what exactly does Eurowings offer? How does it compare to other airlines? And what should you expect from your journey—from booking your ticket to landing at your destination? In this comprehensive guide, we explore everything you need to know about Eurowings’ routes, pricing system, services, travel experience, and valuable tips for first-time passengers.
What Is Eurowings?
Eurowings is a German low-cost airline that operates short-haul and medium-haul flights across Europe, along with select long-haul routes depending on the season. As part of the Lufthansa Group, it benefits from the operational infrastructure, safety standards, and market reputation of one of the world’s largest airline families. Founded to compete in the rapidly growing budget travel sector, Eurowings focuses on delivering convenience and affordability to leisure travelers, students, and families looking for low prices without compromising on essential flight quality.
Unlike premium airlines, Eurowings trims the extras—such as free checked baggage or complimentary in-flight meals—to offer lower base fares. Yet, the airline maintains strong safety protocols, friendly service, and a modern fleet, including Airbus A319, A320, and A330 aircraft. For travelers who want flexibility, Eurowings also allows upgrades to higher fare classes, ensuring a balance between saving money and enjoying necessary comforts.
Key points about Eurowings:
- Low-cost airline belonging to the Lufthansa Group.
- Focused on affordability and essential services.
- Offers short-, medium-, and seasonal long-haul flights.
- Operates a modern Airbus fleet.
Where Does Eurowings Fly? Understanding the Route Network
One of Eurowings’ biggest strengths is its extensive network of destinations across Europe. The airline connects major urban hubs, vacation hotspots, business cities, and seasonal tourist destinations. With multiple bases in Germany and growing presence in Austria, Switzerland, and Southern Europe, Eurowings has positioned itself as a convenient option for both domestic and international European travel.
Popular destinations include major cities like Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Vienna, Zurich, Stockholm, Barcelona, Rome, London, Paris, and Amsterdam. Eurowings also flies to top Mediterranean spots such as Mallorca, Ibiza, Crete, Split, Sardinia, and the Canary Islands—making it extremely popular among holiday travelers. During the summer season, the airline operates additional routes to Greek islands, Croatia’s coastline, and Portuguese beaches.
Although Eurowings previously expanded into long-haul travel with routes to the United States, the Caribbean, and Asia, the airline now focuses mostly on the European market, with occasional long-haul operations through Eurowings Discover (now called Discover Airlines). This shift allows the brand to strengthen regional connectivity while maintaining affordable pricing.
Highlights of Eurowings’ route network:
- Extensive coverage across major European cities.
- Strong focus on holiday destinations.
- Multiple German and Austrian hubs.
- Seasonal expansion for summer tourism.
How Affordable Is Eurowings? Breaking Down the Prices
Low-cost airlines are known for offering attractive base fares, and Eurowings is no exception. Prices are highly competitive compared to traditional full-service carriers, and travelers can often find exceptional deals when booking early or during promotional periods. However, as with most budget airlines, understanding how the pricing structure works is crucial to avoid surprises.
Eurowings offers three main fare categories: Basic, Smart, and BIZclass.
The Basic fare includes only the seat and a small personal item, making it ideal for minimalists or weekend travelers. Smart adds services like a carry-on, checked baggage, and snack, offering great value for travelers who want convenience without buying extras separately. BIZclass, available on select routes, provides a premium experience with priority boarding, lie-flat seats (on long-haul aircraft), lounge access, and gourmet meals.
While the base fare can be very cheap, add-ons such as seat selection, checked luggage, additional carry-on allowance, or priority boarding can increase the final price. Nevertheless, even with extras, the total often remains significantly lower than what premium airlines charge for comparable routes.
Why Eurowings offers affordable prices:
- Low-cost operational model.
- Pay-for-what-you-need service customization.
- Efficient fleet usage and high booking volumes.
- No free checked luggage on Basic fares.
What Is the Booking Process Like?
Booking a flight with Eurowings is simple and user-friendly. Travelers can use the official website or mobile app to view schedules, compare fares, and manage bookings. One advantage of the Eurowings platform is its transparent display of add-on costs, making it easier to choose only the services needed. Payment can be made via credit card, PayPal, SEPA transfer, or other electronic methods.
After booking, passengers receive an email confirmation with all necessary details. Eurowings also allows online check-in up to 72 hours before the flight, giving travelers more flexibility. Boarding passes can be downloaded digitally or printed at home, reducing time spent at the airport. For those flying with checked bags, it’s recommended to arrive earlier to avoid long queues, especially during peak travel seasons.
Booking advantages:
- Clear overview of fare options.
- Easy app and website navigation.
- Early online check-in.
- Convenient payment methods.
What to Expect at the Airport: Check-In and Boarding
Eurowings operates from both primary and secondary airports depending on the city, which influences check-in and boarding procedures. At major hubs like Düsseldorf, Cologne, Hamburg, and Vienna, facilities tend to be more organized and efficient, offering automated kiosks and dedicated counters for different fare classes. At smaller airports, operations may be simpler but usually faster due to lower passenger volumes.
Check-in is generally smooth, especially for travelers who use mobile boarding passes. Passengers with Basic fares and no checked luggage can go straight to security, while those checking bags should plan extra time. Eurowings adheres strictly to baggage allowances, so having luggage that exceeds weight or size limits will result in additional fees at the counter.
Boarding typically follows a group system, starting with premium and priority passengers followed by general boarding. On-time performance is generally reliable, though delays sometimes occur during busy seasons. As a low-cost airline, Eurowings minimizes ground time, which helps reduce operational costs and keep prices low—but also means that turnaround procedures are speedy.
Airport and boarding tips:
- Arrive early if checking luggage.
- Use mobile boarding passes for convenience.
- Expect quick boarding processes.
- Don’t exceed baggage limits to avoid extra fees.
How Comfortable Are Eurowings Flights?
Eurowings offers a balance between affordability and comfort. While it does not provide the same luxury as premium airlines, its aircraft interiors are clean, modern, and ergonomically designed. Seats typically range from 71–79 cm (28–31 inches) of legroom depending on the aircraft and fare class. A “More Legroom” upgrade is available for passengers seeking additional comfort.
Cabin crew are known for being friendly and efficient, with a focus on fast service due to short flight durations. The atmosphere onboard is relaxed yet organized, and cleanliness is consistently well-rated across passenger reviews. With large windows, mood lighting on newer planes, and decent seat padding, the general in-flight environment is pleasant for a low-cost experience.
For long-haul journeys operated by Eurowings or Discover Airlines, comfort increases significantly. Passengers can upgrade to premium economy or business class, which feature larger seats, priority meals, and more spacious cabin layouts. These upgraded cabins provide exceptional value compared to traditional airlines.
Onboard Services: What Is Included and What Costs Extra?
Being a low-cost airline, Eurowings separates many onboard services into optional purchases. This allows passengers to choose exactly what they want to pay for while keeping base fares low. The airline offers an extensive buy-on-board menu that includes snacks, sandwiches, beverages, and premium options like hot meals on select flights.
Entertainment options vary by aircraft. On many planes, especially those operated by Lufthansa or Discover, passengers can access a streaming entertainment platform with movies, shows, audiobooks, and digital magazines through their mobile devices. However, seatback screens are not standard on short-haul flights.
Wi-Fi is available on many routes for an additional fee. The service is generally stable for messaging and browsing, though not ideal for high-bandwidth activities like streaming or video calls. For passengers who value productivity while flying, purchasing the Wi-Fi package can be worthwhile.
Common paid extras on Eurowings:
- Snacks and beverages.
- Premium or hot meals (selected routes).
- Seat selection and extra legroom.
- Wi-Fi packages.
- Priority boarding.
- Checked luggage upgrades.
Is Eurowings Safe? Understanding Standards and Maintenance
Safety is a top priority for Eurowings, especially as part of the Lufthansa Group. The airline complies with strict European Union aviation standards and undergoes regular inspections, maintenance cycles, and regulatory audits. All aircraft are equipped with modern safety features, and pilots undergo rigorous training in line with Lufthansa’s high operational standards.
Eurowings also uses advanced monitoring systems for fleet management, security compliance, and aircraft performance. Crew members are trained to handle emergency procedures and customer assistance, ensuring a professional and consistent level of safety throughout the flight journey.
The airline maintains an excellent safety record, and its association with Lufthansa further reinforces confidence among passengers.
Safety highlights:
- Operates under Lufthansa Group’s safety oversight.
- Modern Airbus fleet with strict maintenance schedules.
- Highly trained pilots and cabin crew.
- Strong regulatory compliance within EU standards.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Flying with Eurowings
Advantages
- Very competitive prices across Europe.
- Wide network of destinations, especially holiday hotspots.
- Reliable safety standards and professional operations.
- Multiple fare classes for different budgets.
- Modern fleet and comfortable cabins.
- Easy online booking and check-in.
Disadvantages
- Extras can increase cost if not planned.
- Limited complimentary services.
- Entertainment options vary depending on aircraft.
- Some routes may use secondary airports farther from city centers.
Despite these drawbacks, the overall value for money is impressive, especially for travelers looking to explore Europe without overspending.
Tips for Your First Eurowings Flight
To get the best experience from Eurowings, consider the following tips:
- Book early to secure the lowest fares.
- Check baggage rules carefully before arriving.
- Use the Eurowings app for faster check-in and updates.
- Bring snacks if you prefer not to purchase onboard.
- Choose “More Legroom” seats for longer flights.
- Download entertainment on your phone as backup.
- Keep an eye on promotions and seasonal sales.
These small steps can significantly improve your overall journey.
Is Eurowings Worth It? Final Verdict
Yes—Eurowings is absolutely worth considering if you’re looking for an affordable, safe, and reliable way to travel across Europe. The airline successfully blends low-cost pricing with respectable comfort, modern aircraft, and the operational strength of the Lufthansa Group. Whether you’re planning a weekend city break, a summer vacation in the Mediterranean, or a family visit in another European country, Eurowings offers excellent value for money.
With transparent pricing, convenient routes, and consistent service quality, the airline has earned its reputation as a leading low-cost carrier. For travelers willing to customize their experience and pay only for what they need, Eurowings delivers exactly what budget-conscious passengers expect—without compromising the essentials.