transatlantic · 8h 30m · 6,972 km

Chicago to Frankfurt

2 airlines · 2 aircraft ranked

In business class, Lufthansa's Business Class (747-8) edges out the field with a 6.7/10.In premium economy, Lufthansa's Premium Economy (747-8) leads the field with a 5.3/10.

How we score → Last updated June 2026

Quick pick

Best business class:close call

Fly Lufthansa. It has free Wi-Fi (paid on United).

If fares are comparable, this is the better cabin.

Best premium economy:strong pick

Fly Lufthansa. It has free Wi-Fi (paid on United).

If fares are comparable, this is the better cabin.

Best economy:strong pick

Fly Lufthansa. It has free Wi-Fi (paid on United).

If prices are similar, go with this one.

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1
Business ClassLufthansa · Boeing 747-8 · 2014 cabinBest on route
Lie-flat · 2-2-2 · 64" pitchAvg. reliability
Full power outlets + Free Wi-Fi
6.7
Good
Seat 5.9·Amenity 7.9
2
PolarisUnited · Boeing 787-10 · 2019 cabin
Lie-flat · 1-2-1 · 78" pitch · Paid Wi-FiReliablePoints: Chase UR, Bilt
Mattress pad + Direct aisle access
6.5
Good
Seat 6.5·Amenity 6.6

Select two airlines to compare head-to-head

Data verified June 2026

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Airlines on this route

Route insights

  • In business class, Lufthansa's Business Class (747-8) edges out the field with a 6.7/10.
  • In premium economy, Lufthansa's Premium Economy (747-8) leads the field with a 5.3/10.
  • In economy, Lufthansa's Economy (747-8) leads the field with a 4.6/10.

Frequently asked

Which is better in business: United or Lufthansa on ORD-FRA?

Polaris (United Airlines, 787-10) and Business Class (Lufthansa, 747-8) score virtually the same in business: 6.5 vs 6.7/10. The biggest gap is power — AC + USB-C vs no power — but neither carrier pulls ahead overall.

Which is better in premium economy: United or Lufthansa on ORD-FRA?

Premium Economy (Lufthansa, 747-8) edges out Premium Plus (United Airlines, 787-10) in premium economy, scoring 5.3/10 vs 4.5. The deciding factor: AC + USB-C vs no power. United Airlines fights back on seat width.

Which is better in economy: United or Lufthansa on ORD-FRA?

Economy (Lufthansa, 747-8) beats Economy (United Airlines, 787-10) in economy, scoring 4.6/10 vs 3.4. The deciding factor: Free Wi-Fi vs Paid Wi-Fi.

What are the best seats in United Polaris on ORD-FRA?

Best: Window seats in odd rows (1A, 3A) are closer to the window with more privacy. Avoid: Even-row window seats are closer to the aisle. Same Safran Optima Polaris seat as 787-9 and 777-200ER. 16-inch IFE. Panasonic Ku-band wifi (paid). Saks Fifth Avenue bedding with mattress pad on request.

What are the best seats in United Premium Plus on ORD-FRA?

Best: Window pairs (2 across) avoid the center middle seat. Avoid: Center middle seat in the 3-section. 2-3-2 premium economy (smaller cabin than 777). 13.3-inch IFE with Bluetooth. Enhanced plated meals with alcohol.

What are the best seats in United Economy on ORD-FRA?

Best: Economy Plus rows offer 34-inch pitch vs standard 31-inch. Avoid: Last few rows near lavatories. 3-3-3 economy. 9-inch IFE. Economy Plus available for extra legroom. Panasonic Ku-band wifi (paid).

What are the best seats in Lufthansa Business Class on ORD-FRA?

Best: Upper deck (2-2 layout) is quieter and more intimate. Avoid: Window seats on lower deck lack direct aisle access in 2-2-2. Pre-Allegris: 2-2-2 lower deck (48 seats), 2-2 upper deck (32 seats). No direct aisle access from window. Only 1 of 19 aircraft has partial Allegris (lower deck only). Upper deck is still old product through 2027.

What are the best seats in Lufthansa Premium Economy on ORD-FRA?

Best: Window pairs for 2-across. Avoid: Center inner seats. 2-4-2 premium economy. Enhanced meals with alcohol.

What are the best seats in Lufthansa Economy on ORD-FRA?

Best: Upper deck economy rows for smaller, quieter cabin. Avoid: Last rows near lavatories. 3-4-3 lower deck, smaller upper deck section. Free wifi.