Country: Poland ·
Hub: Warsaw (WAW) ·
Alliance: Star Alliance ·
IATA code: LO
24-hour free cancellation: Yes — full refund within 24 hours of booking on US-issued tickets with departure 7+ days away.
Typical refund timeline: 7–21 business days for credit card refunds.
LOT Polish Airlines is the flag carrier of Poland and one of the oldest airlines in the world (founded 1929). LOT operates from Warsaw (WAW), Kraków (KRK), and Rzeszów (RZE) to seven US cities: JFK, EWR, ORD, LAX, MIA, IAH, and BOS. LOT is part of the Star Alliance and uses the Miles & More loyalty program (shared with Lufthansa Group). Warsaw is the best hub in Europe for onward travel to Ukraine, the Baltics, and Eastern Europe.
LOT fare brands explained
LOT economy is sold in three brands: Economy Saver ($120 change fee, no refund), Economy Standard ($120 change fee, cancel for credit), and Economy Flex (free changes, full refund). Premium Economy is $90 to change. Business class is $50 to change, typically refundable. Fare difference always applies. LOT uses 787-9 aircraft on most US routes, offering modern lie-flat Business seats.
Miles & More on LOT and Lufthansa Group integration
LOT uses the Miles & More program shared with Lufthansa Group airlines (Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, Brussels Airlines). Miles earned on LOT can be redeemed across all Miles & More partners. Cancelled LOT tickets refund as Miles & More credit or a LOT travel voucher minus the cancellation fee.
Warsaw as an Eastern Europe gateway
Warsaw is one of the best hubs for US passengers travelling to Eastern Europe and the former Soviet states. LOT has extensive service to Ukraine (when operating), Belarus, the Baltics, Romania, Bulgaria, and the Balkans. Multi-segment LOT itineraries are common for these destinations. Schedule changes on the US-WAW leg can disrupt onward connections; an agent can map alternative routings via Frankfurt, Munich, or Vienna using Star Alliance partners.
EU261 protection on LOT
LOT flights are protected by EU Regulation 261/2004. If LOT cancels your flight or causes a 3+ hour arrival delay, you may claim €250–€600 in compensation per passenger. LOT has been operationally stable in recent years with improved on-time performance after fleet modernization.
LOT Polish Airlines change & cancellation fees in detail (2026)
| Fare class | Change fee | Cancellation fee |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | $120 | $200 |
| Premium Economy | $90 | $175 |
| Business | $50 | $125 |
| First / Suites | $0 | $100 |
Indicative fees per passenger per direction. Fare difference may apply. Refundable fare types have different rules — call to verify your specific ticket.
Common reasons US travellers call about LOT Polish Airlines
- Change a LOT Polish ticket from the US to Warsaw
- Cancel and recover Miles & More credit
- Rebook after a LOT schedule change
- Handle Eastern Europe multi-stop itineraries
- Process LOT Business class changes
LOT Polish Airlines FAQ
Economy Saver and Standard: $120 USD per passenger per direction. Premium Economy: $90. Business: $50. Flex: free. Fare difference always applies.
Yes — Warsaw is the best hub from the US to Ukraine, the Baltics, and Eastern Europe. LOT has extensive Eastern European service and short layover times at Warsaw.
Yes — LOT uses Miles & More, shared with the Lufthansa Group. Miles earned on LOT can be redeemed on Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, and other Star Alliance partners.
You're entitled to a full refund within 7 days OR a free rebooking on LOT or Star Alliance partners. Under EU261, you may claim €250–€600 compensation if within 14 days and LOT's fault.
LOT operates 787-9 aircraft on US routes (modern, fuel-efficient, with lie-flat Business class). Short and medium-haul fleet is being modernized with E2-jets and A220s.