Condor Airlines' aircraft, wrapped in vibrant green, yellow, blue, red, or beige stripes, stands out on the runway. But what is the experience like inside?
Travellers using Vancouver International Airport (YVR) may have spotted one of Condor's eye-catching planes on a recent trip. The airline has increased its summer schedule to include daily flights for the 2025 summer season, with the outbound ones departing at 5:50 p.m. and the inbound returning at 3:50 p.m.
The German airline provides cheaper flights from Vancouver to Europe for peak summer travel, offering previously unheard-of prices on routes to top cities in central and southern Europe, such as Milan, Rome, Prague, and Vienna, with many options featuring only one short layover. Prices on many of these routes cost about half what they have in previous years (for example, $600 to Rome versus $1,100 or higher).
Travellers departing YVR fly directly to the airline's German hub, Frankfurt International Airport (FRA), and then connect to a vast network across Europe. They fly on the Airbus A330neo aircraft, which accommodates 310 passengers, with four Prime seats, 26 seats in Business Class, 64 seats in Premium Economy Class, and 216 seats in Economy Class.
Condor's significantly lower fares might raise concerns for travellers unfamiliar with the airline and who have experienced issues with low-cost carriers in Canada. However, Condor isn't new; the airline was established in 1956 and now flies over nine million people from the eight largest cities in Germany and Zurich in Switzerland to approximately 90 destinations globally.
Historically, the carrier has primarily served a leisure market, but it has pivoted to incorporate the business community, particularly with the launch of its latest, ultra-modern fleet.
Condor is an independent airline and not part of an alliance, such as Star Alliance, SkyTeam, or Oneworld. It operates some code-share flights with several airlines, including WestJet, Emirates, JetBlue, and Alaska Airlines.
Firsthand experience: What it's like to fly Condor Business Class
I flew in Condor's Business Class on a May 2025 trip to Vienna that included a stopover in Frankfurt.
I find it slightly nerve-wracking flying with a new airline, but Condor's staff ensured I felt comfortable throughout the journey.
Before I got to the airport, I checked in with Condor online within the 24-hour check-in window. As with most airlines, doing this prevents an added delay at the airport, and you can send your boarding pass to your email.
During the check-in, you are offered upgrades (for a fee). I already had a Business Class ticket, but the system provided an upgrade for a fee to a seat in the front row of the Airbus A330neo, called the "Prime Seats." These seats offer even more legroom (although the Condor's Business seats lie fully back, meaning you don't run the risk of feeling uncomfortable unless you are extraordinarily statuesque).
Couples may prefer to fly in the Prime Seats because they can sit in opposite seats, allowing them to share a table.
Upgrades are available online, at the airport, and even on the aircraft at the last minute, for a fee, which varies by route.
Business Class travellers also have access to premium lounges at participating airports, including the one in the Plaza Premium Lounge on Level 4 of YVR's International Terminal between Gate D67 and D68. Anyone on any airline, however, can purchase lounge admission if it isn't included in their fare.
Travellers can enjoy comfortable seating to watch planes take off, charge their devices, or use the complimentary Wi-Fi. A buffet has hot and cold dishes and they serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
I also enjoyed access to a couple of Lufthansa Business Lounges in Frankfurt and one in Vienna. Ensure you find the right lounge in Frankfurt, as there are multiple Lufthansa lounges (I lucked out on my return trip with one kitty-corner to my gate).
The overseas lounges offer similar amenities and experiences. Of course, Germany has some foods and beverages you might not spot often at YVR, such as the Bitter Lemon drinks served everywhere and a variety of sausages.
On-board Condor experience
Having a Business Class ticket makes boarding a breeze, with early boarding and a crisp glass of champagne before departure.
Condor provides business travellers with a variety of goodies, including a travel organizer, striped socks (to match their planes), a lie-back bed cover (it makes the seat even more comfy when you stretch out), and a kit including lip balm, a tooth brush, toothpaste, moisturizer, and an eye-mask.
After take-off, the crew provides a menu displaying various entrees, cocktails, wine, beer, or non-alcoholic beverages (see slide four).
My "main" flight attendant, Sonja, provided warm hospitality throughout my journey, and she even recommended a place for me to try Wiener Schnitzel in Vienna. Sonja also suggested I try mixing Condor's signature cocktail, the Condorpolitan, with Bitter Lemon.
The Condorpolitan contains vodka, sweet lychee, lemon zest, and tart cranberry, so it paired well with the sour lemon German favourite.
I was also served what I can only characterize as a veritable feast, complete with numerous appetizers that could have been a standalone meal. I enjoyed salmon with asparagus and pate, chicken Caesar salad, a heavenly piece of burrata, and breads and pretzels with various dips and butters.
For my entree, I chose the steak dinner, which was served with mashed potatoes and a buttery vegetable medley (see slide five). After that, I was encouraged to find room for a strawberry cheesecake, served with a mango sauce. I also enjoyed a coffee with Bailey's.
On my return flight, I was given a salt-and-pepper shaker shaped like a tiny plane. I was so enamoured with it that my flight attendant brought me four more.
It certainly wasn't difficult to fall asleep after a large meal in the comfortable, fully lie-back seats.
Condor's Business Class seats have six-way adjustable headrests and direct access to the plane, meaning you don't have to ask anyone to move. The airline also has one of the "quietest cabins in the world" compared to any airline of its size. It was extremely quiet (and not frightfully cold), allowing a light sleeper and frequently freezing flyer like me to stay asleep.
The Business Class has three dedicated washrooms for its 26 seats and four Prime Seats; economy has 216 seats and has two washrooms.
Passengers who stay awake have plenty of entertainment options. Each seat has a 17.3", 4K monitor featuring a range of in-flight entertainment (including a flight map), and you can choose between Condor noise-cancelling headphones or your own wireless Bluetooth headphones. There are also several plugs to charge your devices while on board, and space to put your things.
Before landing in Frankfurt, a full breakfast of meat, cheese, fruit, eggs, and a croissant fuelled me for the next leg of my journey.
Short-haul flights with Condor
Getting off the plane was a breeze, but travellers with short connections shouldn't dawdle. I may have been a little too relaxed after that experience and didn't plot my route to the gate, and wandered a bit. Frankfurt's many terminals mean you may need to take a shuttle. They come fairly often, but you'll want to make it to your terminal before you fully relax.
After spending some time in a Lufthansa Lounge in Frankfurt, I boarded the flight from Frankfurt to Vienna. The plane was significantly smaller and didn't feature a dedicated Business Class like the Airbus A330neo. However, the business section features more legroom (it is the front row), expedited boarding, special chocolates, and a small meal (I got a sandwich). You also get to leave first, and, depending on your connection, this could mean saving precious extra time.
In my case, I had the peculiar experience of landing in a thunderstorm, forcing airport operations to a halt until it was safe for people to work on the runway. This didn't last long, and I quickly collected my baggage in Vienna. Since I was flying business, my baggage was marked "priority."
What are the differences with flying economy?
I haven't experienced Condor's economy firsthand, but several of the "perks" enjoyed in Business also apply.
Condor has five types of mood lighting and illuminated handrails throughout the entire Airbus A330neo cabin. The lighting is softer than what you may experience on other aircraft, and after waking up, it gently transitions from darkness to gentle blue hues, providing a gentle transition.
The striped theme on the outside of the plane also appears on all the plane's headrests, regardless of fare class. The Airbus A330neo also features more overhead bin space, meaning it's unlikely your carry-on will be sent to the checked area (even if you book in economy).
Everyone can choose from a wide range of Bluetooth-enabled, in-flight entertainment on 4K screens, including films, series, music, podcasts and eJournals. Each seat also has separate USB A/C ports, as well as a separate holder for mobile devices. High-speed internet is available in all classes for a fee.
All Condor passengers receive two meals on the journey overseas from Vancouver.
Some differences between Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class include:
- No complimentary alcoholic beverages are served in regular economy (you can enjoy them in Premium).
- Premium Economy and Economy seats have a 13.3" monitor (Business Class seats have a 17.3" one).
- Premium Economy has a 89 cm seat pitch, while Economy has a 76 cm one.
- Business Class travellers enjoy a small cocktail table and adjustable headrest in addition to lie-flat seating.
- Business Class seats have a larger storage area, including coat hooks.
Thanks to Condor for facilitating the flight tickets mentioned above. All opinions and inclusions are those of the author and were based solely on personal experience. None of the businesses or entities featured were granted any previews of the story before publication or paid to be mentioned.
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