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Lufthansa offers unusual transatlantic detour after minor schedule change

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Lufthansa offers unusual transatlantic detour after minor schedule change
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Jens Ritter CEO Lufthansa Airlines | Lufthansa Airlines

A Lufthansa passenger traveling from Lisbon to Finland via Frankfurt was offered an unusual rebooking option after their connecting flight was rescheduled. The passenger, whose original itinerary involved a simple connection in Frankfurt, was presented with alternative routes including a transatlantic detour through Newark, New Jersey, on partner airline United Airlines.

Flight schedule changes often prompt airlines to offer free rebooking options to affected passengers. This practice is standard across the industry and is also protected under European Union regulations for air travelers. However, it is uncommon for such rebookings to involve crossing the Atlantic twice for what would otherwise be a straightforward intra-European journey.

According to screenshots reviewed by Simple Flying, the proposed alternative itinerary included flying from Lisbon (LIS) to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) on United Airlines flight UA 65, then from Newark to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) on UA 42, before continuing onward with Lufthansa flight LH 856 to Kuusamo (KAO), Finland. Another option involved flying from Lisbon to Munich and then taking two separate train journeys within Germany before continuing by air.

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Simple Flying contacted Lufthansa regarding these lengthy alternatives. A spokesperson for the airline explained, "This is a particularly rare occurrence, facilitated especially by the low frequency of service on this route (twice-weekly flights to KAO)."

The disruption originated when the Kuusamo-bound flight was delayed by one hour and twenty minutes. Despite being offered complex rerouting options involving long-haul flights or overnight train journeys, the passenger ultimately accepted a more straightforward revised itinerary: departing Lisbon at 15:55 and arriving in Frankfurt at 20:00 on LH 1169 before catching the rescheduled LH 856 to Kuusamo.

For frequent flyers seeking status miles or enhanced onboard service, such a detour might hold appeal. On long-haul business class segments between Europe and North America aboard widebody aircraft like Boeing 787s or 777s operated by United Airlines, passengers can earn significantly more status miles compared to short-haul European flights—potentially gaining half of what's required for Frequent Traveller status in one trip—and enjoy upgraded amenities such as lie-flat seating and improved dining.

Nevertheless, most travelers are likely interested in reaching their destination as directly as possible rather than accumulating extra miles or sampling premium cabins on longer routes.

Lufthansa operates as a full-service carrier with major hubs at Frankfurt and Munich airports and is part of Star Alliance since its founding in 1953.

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