Top-Review logo

The Ultimate Eurowings Review: Is This Low-Cost Airline Worth Your Money?

You want the rock-bottom prices of a budget airline, but you don’t want to gamble with the reliability, safety, or customer service of an ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC). Enter Eurowings.

As Germany’s premier low-cost carrier, Eurowings promises a middle ground: cheap fares backed by the operational muscle of a legacy airline. But does it deliver, or will hidden fees and strict baggage rules ruin your trip?

TL;DR Verdict: Eurowings offers an excellent compromise between ultra-low-cost carriers and legacy airlines. Backed by the Lufthansa Group, it is highly reliable and safe. However, to get the best value, you must understand its ‘Basic’, ‘Smart’, and ‘Best’ fare classes. Book the SMART fare to avoid the frustrating hidden fees associated with the BASIC ticket.

This comprehensive, no-fluff review breaks down Eurowings’ fare structures, baggage rules, hidden costs, and how it stacks up against the competition.

What is Eurowings? Understanding the Airline

The Lufthansa Group Connection

Eurowings is not an independent startup; it is the low-cost subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group, one of the world’s largest and most respected aviation conglomerates. This corporate backing is Eurowings’ biggest selling point. It means the airline adheres to the stringent maintenance, safety, and operational standards of its parent company, offering a level of reliability that standalone budget airlines often struggle to match.

Eurowings vs. Eurowings Discover

Before booking, it is crucial to understand the brand split:

  • Eurowings: Handles short- and medium-haul flights within Europe, connecting major hubs like Cologne, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, and Vienna to popular vacation spots (Mallorca, Canary Islands, etc.).
  • Eurowings Discover: The long-haul leisure subsidiary. If you are flying to the USA, Caribbean, Thailand, or South Africa, you will likely be flying on a Eurowings Discover aircraft (often wide-body Airbus A330s), though the booking and loyalty integration remain seamless.

Eurowings Fare Classes Explained: Avoid the Hidden Fees

Eurowings uses a tiered fare system. Understanding the difference is the key to avoiding expensive surprises at the airport.

BASIC Fare (The Bare Minimum)

This is the cheapest ticket you can buy, but it comes with strict limitations.

  • Included: One small underseat bag (max 40 x 30 x 25 cm).
  • Not Included: Overhead carry-on, checked bags, seat selection, or flight changes.
  • The Catch: If you show up at the airport with a standard carry-on, you will be forced to check it in for a hefty fee (often €50+). BASIC fares are also generally non-changeable.

SMART Fare (The Sweet Spot)

For most travelers, this is the most logical choice. The price difference from BASIC is usually marginal, but the value is significantly higher.

  • Included: One checked bag (23 kg), one standard carry-on bag (55 x 40 x 23 cm), a reserved seat, and a small snack/drink voucher.
  • Flexibility: You can change your flight date/time (paying only the fare difference) without a punitive change fee.

BEST Fare (The Premium Lite Experience)

Designed for business travelers or those who want a hassle-free, premium experience without paying legacy business-class prices.

  • Included: All SMART benefits, plus a premium seat (extra legroom or front row), Fast Track security access at select airports, and a full meal.
  • Loyalty: Earns bonus Miles & More points and includes lounge access at specific hubs (like Cologne/Bonn or Düsseldorf) if flying on a Lufthansa-operated feeder flight.

The Real Cost: Baggage, Seats, and Add-Ons

Cabin and Checked Baggage Allowance Breakdown

Eurowings is strict about baggage dimensions.

  • Underseat bag (BASIC): 40 x 30 x 25 cm. Must fit under the seat in front of you.
  • Overhead cabin bag (SMART/BEST): 55 x 40 x 23 cm. Max weight 8 kg.
  • Checked bags: Standard weight is 23 kg.
  • Pro Tip: Always add checked bags during the initial booking. Adding a bag later via “Manage My Booking” costs more, and adding it at the airport counter will cost significantly more (up to €60-€70).

Seat Selection and Extra Legroom

Standard seat selection is free with SMART and BEST fares, but you are limited to standard rows. If you want Extra Legroom (exit rows or bulkheads) or a Front Row seat, you must pay a premium, typically ranging from €15 to €40 per flight segment, regardless of your fare class.

In-Flight Food and Beverage

Except for BEST fare passengers, nothing is free. Eurowings offers a “Buy on Board” menu featuring sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. Prices are standard for European aviation (e.g., €4 for a beer, €6 for a sandwich). You can pre-order meals online up to 24 hours before departure to guarantee availability and save a few euros.

Eurowings vs. The Competition: Which Airline Should You Choose?

To understand Eurowings’ market position, we must compare it to the two extremes of the European market: Ultra-Low-Cost Carriers (ULCCs) and Legacy Carriers.

Eurowings vs. Ryanair / EasyJet (ULCCs)

Ryanair and EasyJet will almost always be cheaper on the base fare. However, Eurowings flies to primary airports more often (e.g., Düsseldorf instead of Weeze), has a newer average fleet age, and benefits from Lufthansa’s operational reliability. If a flight is canceled, Eurowings is generally faster at rebooking you.

Eurowings vs. Lufthansa (Legacy Carrier)

Eurowings is significantly cheaper and offers a simpler, more direct booking experience. However, you sacrifice the global network connectivity, free checked bags on standard fares, complimentary meals, and widespread lounge access that Lufthansa provides.

Comparison Summary Table

Feature

Eurowings (SMART Fare)

Ryanair / EasyJet

Lufthansa (Economy)

Base Fare Price

Moderate

Lowest

Highest

Checked Bag Included?

Yes (23kg)

No (Pay extra)

Yes (23kg)

Seat Selection Free?

Yes (Standard seats)

No (Pay extra)

Yes (at check-in)

Change Fee

Pay fare difference only

High penalty + fare diff

Pay fare difference only

Best For…

Balanced budget & comfort

Absolute rock-bottom budget

Global travel & premium service

The Passenger Experience: Step-by-Step Guide

Booking and Managing Your Reservation

The Eurowings website and mobile app are functional and relatively intuitive. The booking flow clearly displays what is included in your fare. Post-booking, the “My Bookings” portal allows you to add bags, change seats, or upgrade your fare class easily.

Online Check-In and Airport Procedures

Crucial Rule: Online check-in opens exactly 30 hours before departure and closes 2 hours prior.

  • If you are flying BASIC, you must check in online and print your boarding pass or save it to your mobile wallet. If you fail to do this and check in at the airport, you will be hit with a steep airport check-in fee (usually around €30).
  • SMART and BEST passengers can check in at the airport for free, but online check-in is still highly recommended to save time.

Onboard Experience: Comfort and Service

Do not expect luxury. The seat pitch is a tight 29 to 30 inches, which is standard for European short-haul but uncomfortable for tall passengers. The seats do not recline. However, the cabins are kept remarkably clean, the boarding process is efficient, and the cabin crew is professional and safety-focused.

Safety, Reliability, and Passenger Rights (EU261)

Safety Record and Fleet

Eurowings operates a modern, standardized fleet consisting almost entirely of the Airbus A320 family (A319, A320, A320neo, A321). Because they are part of the Lufthansa Group, their aircraft undergo the same rigorous, world-class maintenance checks. Eurowings holds an excellent safety record and adheres to strict EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) regulations.

Delays, Cancellations, and EU261 Compensation

Being a low-cost carrier does not exempt Eurowings from European passenger rights. Under EU Regulation 261/2004, if your flight is canceled or delayed by more than 3 hours at arrival, you are legally entitled to:

  • Care (meals, refreshments, and hotel accommodation if an overnight stay is required).
  • Financial compensation of up to €600 per passenger, depending on the flight distance, provided the disruption was within the airline’s control (e.g., technical issues, crew strikes).

Pros and Cons of Flying Eurowings

The Advantages (Pros)

  • Lufthansa Reliability: Backed by a major legacy carrier, resulting in fewer operational hiccups than standalone ULCCs.
  • The SMART Fare: Offers excellent value by bundling a checked bag and seat selection at a reasonable price.
  • Miles & More Integration: You can earn and redeem frequent flyer miles, a rarity in the low-cost sector.
  • Primary Airports: More likely to fly into major city centers rather than remote regional airports.

The Drawbacks (Cons)

  • Strict BASIC Fare Limits: The underseat bag-only rule for BASIC tickets is a trap for the unwary.
  • Expensive Airport Add-Ons: Paying for bags or check-in at the airport is prohibitively expensive.
  • No Free Amenities: No complimentary food, drinks, or entertainment on standard fares.
  • Customer Service: While better than Ryanair’s, reaching a human agent for complex issues can still be frustrating and time-consuming.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Eurowings a safe airline? Yes. Eurowings is fully certified by EASA, operates a modern Airbus fleet, and adheres to the strict maintenance and safety protocols of the Lufthansa Group.

How much does it cost to add a bag to Eurowings? If added during the initial booking, a 23kg checked bag typically costs between €25 and €40. If added later via “Manage My Booking,” the price increases. At the airport, it can cost upwards of €60.

Can I change my Eurowings flight? If you booked a SMART or BEST fare, you can change your flight by paying any difference in the fare price. If you booked a BASIC fare, changes are generally not permitted; you would have to cancel and rebook at the current market rate.

Does Eurowings fly to the USA or Caribbean? Yes, but these flights are operated by its long-haul subsidiary, Eurowings Discover. The booking experience and Miles & More integration are identical to standard Eurowings flights.

How do I contact Eurowings customer service? The best way is via the live chat or contact form in the “Help” section of their website. Warning: Avoid searching for “Eurowings phone number” on Google, as this often leads to third-party scam call centers.

Final Verdict: Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Fly Eurowings?

Eurowings successfully bridges the gap between bare-bones budget flying and full-service legacy travel. It is an excellent choice for travelers who want to save money but refuse to compromise on safety, operational reliability, and airport convenience.

Fly Eurowings if: You want a reliable, safe budget airline, you are traveling within Europe or to popular sun destinations, and you are willing to book the SMART fare to get a checked bag and seat selection included.

Avoid Eurowings if: You are hunting for the absolute lowest possible base fare (look at Ryanair), you require extensive global connecting flights, or you expect complimentary meals and drinks without paying for a premium fare.

Final Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
(Eurowings earns high marks for reliability, safety, and the value of its SMART fare. Points are deducted for the restrictive BASIC fare rules and the high cost of last-minute add-ons).