We've partnered with Lufthansa to ensure you have a smooth transit through Austria, Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland. We have a few tips to help you travel with our partner airlines: Your passport and visa will be checked at your first point of entry after leaving the US.

United Airlines and Lufthansa are deeply connected through their membership in the Star Alliance, the world's largest global airline network. This partnership, which has existed for decades, allows the two carriers to function as a nearly seamless unit for international travelers. They participate in a "transatlantic joint venture," which means they coordinate their flight schedules, pricing, and sales on routes between North America and Europe to offer better connectivity. In 2026, this connection is highly beneficial for passengers because it allows for codesharing; you can book a single ticket through United that is actually operated by Lufthansa, or vice-versa. This integration extends to loyalty programs, where members of United’s MileagePlus can earn and redeem miles on Lufthansa flights, and Lufthansa’s Miles & More members can do the same on United. Furthermore, elite status benefits—such as lounge access, priority boarding, and extra baggage allowances—are recognized across both airlines, making the transition between the two carriers at major hubs like Frankfurt, Munich, Newark, or Chicago exceptionally efficient for frequent flyers.