Lufthansa has lost its fifth star: reasons from Skytrax

Skytrax, a well-known aviation consulting firm, made the sensitive decision to downgrade Lufthansa's credit rating.

A step backward that generated a stir, with the removal of the fifth star the carrier had received in 2017. It can be said how the pandemic years have certainly not done one of the world's most famous and important airlines any good. The recovery in the travel market is evident, but this still does not allow for enough economic return to fill the gap of the past few years. The quality of services offered is suffering.

The standard declined and Skytrax made its intervention, downgrading the First airline in Europe to ever be awarded five stars. It should be emphasized, however, that this decision is the result of several factors. Undoubtedly there is a component represented by passenger ratings. On the other hand, one cannot ignore the fact that stars are closely related to the willingness or unwillingness of carriers to purchase a branding package from the airline consulting firm.

Lufthansa loses fifth star

You can currently go to the official Skytrax website and find out what the updated rating is on Lufthansa, after the removal of the fifth star: "Lufthansa is a certified four-star airline for the quality of its products at the airport and on board, as well as for staff service. This rating takes into account seating, food, beverages and services in general, as well as cleanliness, IFE, etc. Rating that covers both cabin and ground staff."

Lufthansa: details of the new evaluation

A comparison can also be made between the previous five-star rating and the current four-star rating from Skytrax. In this way one can realize where exactly Lufthansa has lost its "perfect scoring."

• Long-haul travel in premium economy: upgrade from 4.5-star to 4-star
• Long-haul travel in economy class: upgrade from 5-star to 3.5-star
• Short-haul business class travel: upgrade from 4.5 stars to 4 stars
• Short-haul travel in economy class: upgrade from 4-star to 3.5-star

The real problem seems to be the economy class, which is the one most affected by the cuts made by the carrier, due as mentioned to the years of lockout caused by Covid-19. This downgrade was in the air, and if things do not improve, even the fourth star could be considered at risk.

Here are in detail the votes of the long-haul economy class:

• Food quality: 4.5 to 3
• Food abundance: 4 to 3
• Selection of wines and drinks: 4 to 3
• Speed and punctuality: 4.5 to 4
• Hospitality: 4.5 to 4
• Relationship with customers: 4.5 to 4
• Consistency of service: 4.5 to 4

Following are the votes of the economy class on short and medium haul:

• Free food and snacks: 4 to 0.5
• Free drinks: 4 to 0.5
• Speed and punctuality: 5 to 4
• Enthusiasm and friendliness: 4.5 to 4
• Hospitality: 4.5 to 4
• Handling of passenger requests: 4.5 to 4
• Consistency of service: 4.5 to 4

• Skytrax