Condor Airlines: What to Actually Expect
European airline selection has gotten complicated with all the carrier advice flying around. As someone who lived as a digital nomad for 8 years and flew dozens of European leisure carriers across the Atlantic, I learned everything there is to know about budget transatlantic options. Today, I will share it all with you.
German leisure carrier, mostly flies vacation routes from Europe to beaches and cities. I’ve flown them twice to the US. Here’s the honest take.
The Fleet
Mix of Boeing 767s for long-haul and Airbus A330neos on newer routes. The A330neos are solid – modern, comfortable enough. The 767s are showing their age but get the job done. That’s what makes understanding aircraft types endearing to us travelers — newer planes genuinely improve the experience.
Seat Classes
Economy: Standard cramped long-haul economy. Nothing special, nothing terrible. Adjustable headrests help. Bring your own entertainment on older planes. Probably should have led with this section, honestly — manage expectations for what economy actually means.
Premium Economy: More legroom, better meals, slightly wider seats. Worth it on 8+ hour flights if the price jump isn’t crazy. I’ve upgraded to this and found it worthwhile for overnight flights.
Business: Lie-flat seats, actual decent food. Good option if you find a deal, probably not worth full price compared to other carriers. That’s what makes Condor business endearing to us travelers — it’s functional luxury at competitive rates.
The Food
Long-haul flights include meals. Economy gets a hot meal plus a snack. Nothing memorable but edible. Premium and Business get upgraded options. Special meals available if you order in advance. The German bread service is surprisingly good.
Where They Fly
Strong on transatlantic leisure routes. Frankfurt hub connects to Vegas, New York, Seattle, Caribbean destinations, and more. Good option if you’re starting from Germany or connecting through Frankfurt. That’s what makes Condor endearing to us travelers — they connect vacation destinations directly without forcing connections through major hubs.
The Booking
Website works fine. They nickel and dime on extras like most European carriers – seat selection, luggage, meals on short flights. Factor that into price comparisons. I always calculate the total price with bags and seats before comparing.
Package deals can be decent if you’re booking flight + hotel together. That’s what makes leisure carriers endearing to us wanderers — the bundled vacation packages sometimes beat booking separately.
Bottom Line
Solid budget option for transatlantic travel from Europe. Not luxurious, not terrible. Gets you where you’re going at competitive prices. I’d fly them again if the price was right. Probably should have led with this section, honestly — Condor is all about value, not experience.
Don’t expect Emirates service levels, do expect to arrive at your destination without incident. That’s what makes Condor endearing to us travelers — reliable transportation at fair prices, which is exactly what a leisure carrier should deliver.
