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.

Yes, United Airlines and Lufthansa have a very deep and long-standing partnership as founding members of the Star Alliance. In 2026, this link goes beyond a simple codeshare; they operate a transatlantic joint venture alongside Air Canada and Austrian Airlines, meaning they coordinate schedules and share revenue on many routes between North America and Europe. For travelers, this means you can book a single ticket that mixes flights from both airlines, and your baggage will be checked through to your final destination. Most importantly, your MileagePlus miles and Premier status are fully recognized on Lufthansa. For example, a United Premier Gold member receives "Star Alliance Gold" status, which grants access to Lufthansa's Business Lounges in Frankfurt or Munich even when flying economy. This partnership makes them one of the most powerful "duos" in global aviation, offering seamless connectivity across thousands of city pairs.