If you're considering booking a flight with Condor Airlines, you've likely come across a mix of opinions online. As a German leisure airline founded in 1955, Condor specializes in affordable flights to vacation destinations across Europe, North America, Africa, and the Caribbean. With a fleet of over 50 aircraft, including modern Airbus A330neo models, it serves routes from major U.S. and Canadian cities like New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), and Toronto (YYZ) to hubs in Germany such as Frankfurt and Munich. But what do real travelers say? In this in-depth Condor Airlines reviews roundup, we'll draw from recent passenger experiences, expert analyses, and aggregated ratings to give you a balanced view. Based on my expertise in travel research and analysis of thousands of reviews, I'll highlight the pros, cons, and key factors to help you decide if Condor is right for your next trip.
Whether you're a budget-conscious vacationer or a business traveler seeking value, understanding Condor Airlines reviews can save you time and money. We'll cover everything from in-flight service to baggage policies, incorporating insights from 2024-2025 experiences to ensure relevance.
Overview of Condor Airlines
Condor Airlines positions itself as a budget-friendly carrier with a focus on leisure travel. Owned by Attestor Capital, it's not part of a major alliance but partners with airlines like Lufthansa for connections. The airline operates seasonal routes, with more flights in summer and fall, and flies to about 90 destinations worldwide. Key U.S. gateways include Anchorage (ANC), Los Angeles (LAX), and Miami (MIA), while Canadian options are Calgary (YYC) and Vancouver (YVR).
From Condor Airlines reviews, the airline scores an average of 2.5-3 stars on platforms like TripAdvisor and Skytrax, with praises for affordability but criticisms for add-on fees and inconsistencies. In 2023-2024, on-time performance hovered around 73-76%, with common disruptions at busy hubs like Frankfurt Airport.
Positive Aspects from Condor Airlines Reviews
Many travelers appreciate Condor's value proposition, especially for transatlantic flights. Here's what stands out in positive Condor Airlines reviews:
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Affordability and Value: Reviewers often highlight competitive fares, with business class tickets sometimes cheaper than economy on U.S. carriers. One Wander With Wonder reviewer described it as "affordable luxury," noting impeccable service on a Baltimore-to-Frankfurt route in September 2024. Business class perks like lie-flat seats, gourmet meals (e.g., German Rinderbraten), and complimentary drinks were praised for exceeding expectations at the price point.
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Modern Fleet and Comfort: On newer Airbus A330neo aircraft, passengers report spacious seating, large 4K entertainment screens, and USB charging ports. A Going.com expert review gave it a 6.5/10, commending "tasty, generously portioned meals" in all classes and clean cabins. Reddit users in a 2022 thread (updated with recent comments) shared smooth experiences from Seattle to Frankfurt, with no delays and good food.
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In-Flight Entertainment and Service: Long-haul flights include free movies, TV shows, and snacks. Business class gets premium amenities like pajamas in "Prime Seats." A Digital Nomads World review called it "family-friendly" with friendly crew and reasonable group pricing.
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Routes and Connectivity: Condor excels in direct flights to sunny spots like Tenerife and Punta Cana. Travelers on Rick Steves' forum noted reliable seasonal service from U.S. West Coast cities, making it ideal for European vacations.
Overall, positive Condor Airlines reviews emphasize it's a solid choice for budget leisure travel, with some calling it "trustworthy" for safe, on-time operations under strict German aviation standards.
Negative Aspects from Condor Airlines Reviews
Not all experiences are glowing. Common complaints in Condor Airlines reviews reveal areas for improvement:
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Delays and Cancellations: AirAdvisor reports only 72.8% on-time performance in early 2024, with routes like Frankfurt to Punta Cana seeing 24% delays. A Reddit post from July 2025 labeled Condor "the worst airline ever," citing a 24-hour delay due to no mechanic available and poor communication.
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Add-On Fees and Baggage Policies: Drip pricing is a frequent gripe. Checked bags start at €30-€70, with gate fees up to $250. Trustpilot reviews (1.6/5 average) include stories of double-charging for luggage and misleading policies—e.g., one passenger paid €350 extra despite pre-purchasing allowance. Yelp reviews from Seattle echo this, calling gate agents "rude" for enforcing strict carry-on limits (55x40x20 cm, 8kg max).
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Customer Service and Transparency: Many Condor Airlines reviews criticize unhelpful support. A Trustpilot user described being denied refunds for unused services, while another on AirlineQuality.com (3/10 average) noted inconsistent responses via WhatsApp or phone. Cancellations due to pregnancy or other issues often result in only tax refunds, buried in lengthy terms.
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In-Flight Experience on Economy: Seats can feel cramped (30" legroom), with paid Wi-Fi and snacks on shorter flights. A 2025 Reddit rant mentioned dehydration on a 9-hour flight due to limited water service. Food quality varies—some call it "disgusting," especially breakfast.
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Other Issues: Lost luggage (e.g., 10+ cases on a Palma-Zurich flight) and outdated entertainment on older Boeing 767s are mentioned. No lounge access for business class is a downside.
Cabin Classes: What to Expect
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Economy: Basic but functional. Free meal on long-haul, but extras like special diets cost more. Reviews suggest it's "bare-bones" but clean.
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Premium Economy: Extra legroom (up to 35") and better recline. Going.com calls it a "good value upgrade" with included entertainment.
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Business Class: Lie-flat seats, multi-course meals, and priority boarding. AirlineQuality.com business reviews praise the A330neo for privacy and quality, though some note angle-flat seats on older planes.
Baggage, Food, and Other Policies
Baggage: Personal item free; carry-on fees from €39. Checked limits: 23kg max, with overweight fees.
Food: Complimentary on long-haul; paid on short-haul. Alcoholic drinks free in premium classes.
Refunds/Changes: EU261 applies for delays over 3 hours (up to €600 compensation). Flexible fares allow changes, but basics don't.
Is Condor Airlines Worth It?
Based on aggregated Condor Airlines reviews, it's a mixed bag: Great for affordable, direct leisure flights if you plan ahead and pack light. Avoid if you prioritize premium service or have tight connections. Overall rating: 3/5 stars. For 2025, check seasonal changes—e.g., suspended routes like Baltimore (BWI). Always buy travel insurance and read policies carefully.
If you're flying Condor soon, share your experience in the comments to help fellow travelers!
Sources
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Wander With Wonder - Condor Airlines Review: Affordable Luxury in the Skies
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Going.com - What is Condor Airlines? A Complete Review! (2025)
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AirAdvisor - Condor Delays & Cancellations for Today: Real-Time Flight Updates
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Reddit - r/travel: Any recent experiences with Condor Airlines? What to expect?
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Reddit - r/travel: Is Condor possibly the worst airline ever?
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Wander With Wonder - Condor Airlines Review: Affordable Luxury in the Skies (Duplicate for Emphasis)
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Digital Nomads World - Condor Airlines Review (Duplicate for Emphasis)
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