Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines announce more passenger privileges

As part of their efforts to expand their partnership, Lufthansa and Brussels Airlines are to launch a reciprocal frequent flyer arrangement, allowing members to earn and redeem miles throughout the partner's network. The airlines already offer code-share services on cross-border flights between Germany and Belgium and to other destinations in Europe.

Meanwhile, at the start of the summer timetable, Brussels Airlines will move into the same terminal as Lufthansa at Hamburg Airport. From then on, fares offered by both airlines on cross-border flights will be combinable, allowing passengers in possession of a ticket for a round trip flight between Belgium and Germany to take one flight with Lufthansa and the other with Brussels Airlines.

Since March 29, Lufthansa and Brussels Airlines airport lounges are open to all passengers travelling Business Class with either carrier. Status customers have enjoyed reciprocal lounge privileges already since February.

Numerous Lufthansa and Brussels Airlines flights will be operated on a codeshare basis under the partner airline's flight number. Reservations for these flights can be made as of today. In future, Lufthansa and Brussels Airlines passengers will have access to both airlines' route networks. Initially, this service will apply to flights between Brussels and Frankfurt, Berlin, Hamburg, Hanover, Nuremberg and Stuttgart as well as to selected European destinations.

This arrangement will be extended to other flights, particularly to and from Munich. This agreement will benefit customers of both airlines, as it will provide them with greater choice and flexibility.

Passengers will, for example, be able to fly from Berlin to Brussels with Lufthansa and return with Brussels Airlines. The two partner carriers will offer nine flights per day on this route.

Under the frequent flyer programme partnership, Brussels Airlines Privilege members will then be able to earn award and status miles on all flights operated by Lufthansa and also redeem any miles accumulated prior to that date for award tickets on Lufthansa flights. Conversely, Lufthansa Miles & More members will have their account credited with all the premium, status and HON Circle miles earned on flights operated by Brussels Airlines and will also be able to book award flights with Brussels Airlines.

In addition, status customers of both carriers will enjoy additional privileges such as more generous free baggage allowances and preferential baggage claim. Lufthansa status customers flying with Brussels Airlines will also be able to use Brussels Airlines' Business Class check-in counters. Likewise, Brussels Airlines' Platinum and Gold passengers will have access to Lufthansa's First or Business Class check-in counters.

Whenever possible, Lufthansa and Brussels Airlines aim to locate their service desks and check-in areas close to one another at airports. At the start of the summer timetable, Brussels Airlines will therefore move into Terminal 2 at Hamburg Airport, where Lufthansa and other Star Alliance partners are located. At a later date, in line with the Star Alliance's "Under One Roof" strategy, Brussels Airlines plans to relocate to Terminal 2 at Munich, which is used exclusively by Lufthansa and its Star Alliance partners. These arrangements will eliminate time-consuming journeys between terminals and offer transfer passengers shorter and improved connecting times.

Lufthansa plans to take a 45 per cent stake in Brussels Airlines, which may later be increased to 100 per cent. The transaction is currently undergoing regulatory review by the European Commission. Meanwhile Brussels Airlines is making preparations for its entry into the Star Alliance.