A Condor Airlines Boeing 787-9, its fuselage adorned with striking pink and white stripes, divides opinions among aviation fans. Some critics call the design flashy, while others praise its boldness. For travelers, however, the debate over appearance takes a backseat to the onboard experience. A recent transatlantic trip in Condor’s business class—first from New York to Frankfurt, then onward to Berlin—revealed what lies beneath the airline’s eye-catching exterior.
The airline’s history spans two distinct phases. Founded in 1955, Condor shifted in 2004 toward budget long-haul flights from Germany to destinations across the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Though its pricing later aligned with legacy carriers, it maintained its reputation for affordable transatlantic business class. A 2022 rebrand introduced the striped livery and added Airbus A330neo aircraft, replacing older Boeing 757s that left service only last November. The new business class cabin, part of a three-cabin layout, now features 30 seats in a 1-2-1 arrangement, with the front row reserved for “Prime” passengers who receive extras like complimentary pajamas.
Frankfurt Airport, Condor’s operational hub, presents logistical challenges for connecting passengers. One traveler described rushing through passport control lines during a recent trip, arriving at the gate by mere minutes. The delays stem from Frankfurt’s infrastructure rather than Condor’s operations, though the airline’s business class lounges help mitigate the stress of tight connections.
Lounge Perks and German Hospitality
At New York’s JFK, Condor Business Class passengers access the Horizons Lounge in Terminal 7, which offers a functional layout with hot food and a full bar. On the return leg, two lounges stood out: Berlin’s Tempelhof, where a small robot handled dirty dishes, and the Lufthansa Business Lounge in Frankfurt. Both provided showers, buffet-style dining, and ample seating. Tempelhof even served Jagermeister on tap, a notable touch during a lengthy layover.
The cabin itself prioritizes comfort with a dimly lit ambiance in blues and purples, ideal for overnight flights. All 30 seats recline fully to 180 degrees, allowing for deep sleep. One passenger reported napping in a fetal position on both legs of the journey. While flight attendants remain attentive without being intrusive, they do not assist with bedding setup, a minor oversight. Each seat includes a foot compartment for shoes, a console with universal power outlets, over-ear headphones, and a dopp kit. The kits varied slightly: the first contained a toothbrush, eye mask, striped socks, and moisturizer, while the second featured a deeper drawstring pouch with the same essentials. Free Wi-Fi, however, was limited to Prime passengers.
The menu reflects Condor’s German heritage alongside international flavors. On the outbound flight, a four-course starter included smoked duck breast, marinated salmon, and salad. The main course offered beef tenderloin, shrimp with herb polenta in Diavola sauce, or ricotta ravioli, followed by chocolate cake and coffee or tea. Breakfast before landing featured an omelet with feta and sweet potato, fresh fruit, and cereal.
German Flavors and Light Fare Options
On the return, lunch arrived shortly after takeoff and emphasized German cuisine with “Oktoberfest-style” fried chicken, potato salad, and wild lingonberries. The breaded chicken avoided deep-frying mess, while other options included salmon and pumpkin gnocchi. The pre-landing dinner was lighter, with salad, chicken breast, and a vanilla cream dessert topped with caramel and meringue.
The cabin’s only notable drawback is the absence of privacy screens between center seats in each row. Without barriers, passengers risk waking to the impression someone is nearby. Middle seats suit travelers comfortable with shared space or conversation.
Condor’s business class fares are typically more affordable than those of legacy European carriers like Lufthansa. While not every flight qualifies as a bargain, deals occasionally appear, particularly for Atmos Rewards members, the loyalty program for Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines, of which Condor is a global partner.