LTU International Airways was established in 1955. It was one of the major airline carriers before its merger with Air Berlin in May 2009. It had long haul and short haul passenger flights to a number of domestic and international destinations. It operated to major destinations in the US, which made it a strong competitor of Lufthansa.
HEADQUARTERS
LTU International Airways was based at the Düsseldorf International Airport in Düsseldorf, Germany.
AIRLINE CODES
LTU International Airways’ IATA code was LT, ICAO code was LTU and Callsign was LTU.
SERVICE AREAS
LTU International Airways, now as part of Air Berlin, serves 121 destinations in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and the Caribbean.
LARGEST HUBS
The airline’s largest hubs were Düsseldorf International Airport, Munich International Airport and Berlin-Tegel International Airport.
POPULAR ROUTES
LTU International Airways’ (Air Berlin) most popular routes are to Israel, Thailand, Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Turkey, Canada, Dominican Republic and the United States.
FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM
LTU International Airways’ frequent flyer program was called TopBonus. Today, as the airline has been operating under the name Air Berlin, its frequent flyer program is continuing to be offered to passengers. Members get special bonuses by flying with Air Berlin frequently and by purchasing products and services from the airline’s partners.
CABIN AMENITIES AND CLASSES
There are two classes offered in LTU International Airways’ (Air Berlin) flights — Economy and Business Classes.
Business Class — prior to the flight, business class passengers are allowed to check-in via telephone to avoid the long queues inside the airport. They are also given additional baggage allowance. During the flight, the business class cabin is equipped with leather seats with 54" of seat pitch, 19" of width and reclining capability of 150 degrees. Seats have individual TV screens with a wide range of video and TV programs to select from. The airline also has an on-board bar with an extensive selection of the best drinks and beverages.
Economy Class — seats in this class are wide enough to accommodate the space needed by a traveler. Light snacks and full-range menus and beverages are available on board, but the selection depends on the length of the flight. There are audio and video entertainment systems available.
BAGGAGE POLICIES
On short distance flights (or those below 3,000 miles), the maximum free baggage weight allowance is 44 lbs for every passenger, while on long distance flights (3,000 miles and above), the free baggage weight allowance is 44 lbs for the economy class and 66 lbs for the business class. Infants and children are entitled to the same baggage allowances. Passengers are not allowed to carry any baggage weighing more than 70 lbs.
Flights to and from Canada and USA follow the two-piece concept for baggage, which means that economy class passengers can check-in a maximum of two items weighing 50 lbs each while business class passengers can carry up to two bags weighing 70 lbs each. All bags should not exceed 62" in overall dimensions. For flights to Great Britain, no baggage should exceed 70 lbs while checked bags on flights to Hungary should not exceed 110 lbs. Excess baggage fees vary according to destination.