Lufthansa launches curbside check-in service at Detroit Metropolitan Airport

This new, free service is available for customers in First and Business Class, Senator and HON Circle Members, and Star Alliance Gold Members.

Lufthansa becomes the only airline allowing international customers departing from Detroit to check their bags and receive a boarding pass directly at the curb, while Detroit becomes Lufthansa’s first North American gateway to feature curbside check-in service. Eligible customers may now conveniently conduct the entire check-in process at the curb and proceed directly to security screening—speeding travel through the airport by bypassing the check-in counter.

Additionally, eligible customers who have already checked-in for their flight online may now also drop their checked luggage directly at the curb.

“With Frankfurt ranked as one of Detroit’s top markets for international travel and Germany accounting for about 25 percent of all traffic between Detroit and Europe, Detroit is a very important market for Lufthansa,” said Ümit Menemenci, Lufthansa Station Manager for Detroit. “We are pleased to introduce curbside check-in and baggage check service for the first time in North America to our Detroit customers, which will also compliment well our exclusive Lufthansa Automotive program.”

“Lufthansa continues to be a strong partner with the Airport Authority in providing non-stop, competitive air travel options between Southeast Michigan and Europe, and onward to Asia, the Middle East, and beyond,” said WCAA Interim CEO Genelle M. Allen. “We are delighted that Lufthansa has once again chosen Detroit as their North American launch market for their latest investment in the travel experience.”

In November 2010, Detroit was selected as one of three introductory markets for the re-launch of Lufthansa’s FlyNet™ in-flight broadband internet service, which will be gradually introduced on all North American routes by the end of this year. Customers on Lufthansa’s flights between Detroit and Frankfurt were among the first to surf the internet and use mobile data communication services from their WLAN-enabled device while inflight over the Atlantic.

From 2007, Lufthansa has also featured its Lufthansa Automotive program exclusively for U.S.-based automotive business travelers. The program allows members to qualify for Frequent Traveler status in Miles & More, Europe’s largest frequent flyer program, as well as other special privileges and exclusive offers from Lufthansa and other Star Alliance partners.