About LOT Polish Airlines
LOT Polish Airlines is Poland's flag carrier — a legacy airline that's been flying since 1929 and still operates out of Warsaw Chopin (WAW) as its main base. It's not a budget airline, and it's not pretending to be. With 232 non-stop routes across 102 airports and a total network span of over 500,000 km, LOT punches well above its weight for an airline most travelers outside Europe overlook. The network leans heavily on Central and Eastern Europe, but LOT also runs transatlantic flying, which is genuinely unusual for a carrier this size.
Why fly LOT Polish Airlines?
The honest case for LOT comes down to two things: Warsaw as a connection point and the transatlantic routes that most people don't realize exist. WAW handles 96 routes alone, which means if you're routing through Central Europe, it's a legitimate hub — not just a stopover city you're forced through. The WAW to LAX run stretches nearly 10,000 km, which tells you this isn't a purely regional operation. LOT also tends to price competitively on European routes, especially into Poland itself, which dominates the network with 128 routes. If you're heading to Krakow (KRK), flying LOT often beats the connection game you'd play on a larger carrier. Service is generally solid — not flashy, but reliable and unpretentious in a way I actually appreciate after years of overpromising airlines.
LOT Polish Airlines hub airports
- WAW Warsaw — 96 LOT Polish Airlines routes from Poland
- KRK Krakow — 11 LOT Polish Airlines routes from Poland
- GDN Gdansk — 7 LOT Polish Airlines routes from Poland
- RZE Rzeszow — 3 LOT Polish Airlines routes from Poland
- FCO Rome — 3 LOT Polish Airlines routes from Italy
Top destination countries on LOT Polish Airlines
- Poland — 128 LOT Polish Airlines routes
- USA — 9 LOT Polish Airlines routes
- Spain — 7 LOT Polish Airlines routes
- Germany — 7 LOT Polish Airlines routes
- Italy — 6 LOT Polish Airlines routes
- France — 6 LOT Polish Airlines routes
- Greece — 4 LOT Polish Airlines routes
- Norway — 4 LOT Polish Airlines routes
Tips for booking LOT Polish Airlines
Book direct through LOT's site if you want the clearest fare class breakdown — third-party platforms sometimes bury the restrictions. WAW is your best connection bet; the other hubs like GDN and RZE have limited onward options, so don't count on them for complex itineraries. Baggage allowances vary noticeably between fare tiers, and economy light fares are pretty stripped back, so check before you assume. If you're flying transatlantic, the business cabin is worth pricing out — it sometimes undercuts competitors on the WAW-LAX route. And give yourself reasonable connection time at Warsaw Chopin; it's not a massive airport, but security queues can move slowly during peak hours.
Frequently asked questions about LOT Polish Airlines
Where does LOT Polish Airlines fly?
LOT Polish Airlines operates 232 routes connecting passengers across Europe, North America, and beyond, with a strong focus on Poland, the USA, and Spain as top destinations.
What is LOT Polish Airlines's main hub?
Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) serves as LOT Polish Airlines's primary hub, making it the central connection point for most of their flight network.
Is LOT Polish Airlines a legacy carrier?
Yes, LOT Polish Airlines is a legacy full-service carrier offering traditional airline services including multiple fare classes, meals, and baggage allowances across their extensive network.
When should I book flights with LOT Polish Airlines?
For the best fares, book 2-3 months in advance for long-haul flights and 4-6 weeks ahead for European routes; flexibility with dates and early morning departures often yield better prices.
What are LOT Polish Airlines's baggage and check-in policies?
Baggage allowances vary by fare class, with economy typically including one checked bag; online check-in opens 24 hours before departure, and airport check-in closes 2-3 hours before international flights.