LOT Polish Airlines is the national flag carrier to Poland. They have an advantage over U.S legacy carriers as that they fly nonstop to Poland from the U.S.
If you are planning a trip to Poland, you’ve most likely discovered a frustrating situation: no American legacy carriers – Delta, American, or United have nonstop flights to Poland. That means that if you choose a U.S airline, you will be forced to book a connecting flight through a major European hub like Frankfurt or Amsterdam with a European airline. That will add hours to your trip and increase the amount of hassle as you will have to change planes mid trip.
This is where LOT Polish Airlines comes in handy. As Poland’s national flag carrier, LOT has something that the American legacy carriers do not: nonstop flights between the United States to destinations in Poland.
Beyond Poland bound travelers, LOT also has a large network from its hub in Warsaw to the Middle East, Asia, and beyond, making it a very useful option for connections for large number of travelers.
As of October 2025, LOT Polish Airlines has nonstop service from four U.S Cities.
These U.S cities represent major population centers across different U.S regions and capture the majority of American demand for flights to Poland. Two cities stand out in particular.
Chicago has a large Polish-American population, making it a natural departure city for the airline. New York City’s massive international demand justifies service from two of its major airports.
If none of these cities are close to where you live, LOT has a partnership with JetBlue Airways through a codeshare agreement. JetBlue provides connecting flights from other U.S cities to these major hubs.
One of LOT’s strongest characteristics or selling points is its commitment to showcasing authentic hospitality. Passengers across all cabin classes enjoy meals that provide the best Polish and international cuisine. In fact, LOT’s economy meal service in some circles was considered superior to what most U.S legacy carriers offer in their economy classes.
LOT flies the Boeing 787 Dreamliner exclusively on flights between Poland and the United States. The 787 is designed for long-haul comfort, featuring advanced cabin technology and environmental controls that reduce jet lag and fatigue.
U.S legacy carriers handle transatlantic routes inconsistently. Low-density routes like Poland (hypothetically) might be assigned an older Boeing 757 or 767. Like how United uses their Boeing 757s on flights to Stockholm. In some cases, a narrowbody aircraft like the Airbus A321LR might be used. With LOT, you always know you will get the 787.
If you’re connecting to cities beyond Poland, flying LOT has a major benefit: you stay with the same airline throughout your whole journey. U.S carriers can get you to major European hubs, but then you’ll have to switch to a European carrier for your final flight to your destination. With LOT, your bags, itinerary, and customer service will remain consistent from the moment you take off from the United States.
LOT’s business class definitely falls short in comparison to U.S. legacy carriers. Their Boeing 787 business class is configured in a 2x2x2 seating arrangement, whereas United’s 787 business class has a 1x2x1 or similar premium configurations. If you’re paying high ticket prices for business class, LOT’s offering may leave you cramped and uncomfortable.
One of the largest oversight is LOT’s lack of in-flight WiFi. WiFi is basically a standard amenity at this point on most modern long-haul flights. This is truly a problem for business travelers or anyone paying top dollar for premium experiences. With LOT’s business class without WiFi, you’re basically paying premium prices for a product that is equal to a U.S legacy carrier’s premium economy product.
Thinking positively, LOT is well aware of these weaknesses. The airline has already secured investment to upgrade its 787 cabin product. These improvements should address at least the onboard WiFi component. If LOT Polish Airlines can pull off a similar transformation like how Brussels Airlines did for their Airbus A330s, LOT will be more competitive.
For leisure travelers heading to Poland or connecting to destinations beyond through Warsaw, LOT Polish Airlines is an option worth considering. You get a nonstop flight from the United States on a modern aircraft. You will experience authentic Polish hospitality.
If you’re connecting, you will remain with the same airline throughout your entire journey. All things that no U.S. legacy carrier currently possesses in their arsenals.
However, if WiFI connectivity and premium business class comfort are deal breakers, you might be better off sticking with a legacy carrier and connecting to Poland.
But for most travelers looking to experience Poland, LOT Polish Airlines delivers great value and a genuine Polish travel experience from takeoff to touchdown.
