About DE
DE is Condor, a German leisure carrier that's been flying holiday-hungry Europeans to warm places since the 1950s. It's not a low-cost airline in the Ryanair sense, and it's not a full-service legacy carrier either — it sits in that interesting middle lane of charter-origin airlines that have evolved into scheduled operators. The network tells the story immediately: 328 non-stop routes across 89 airports, heavily weighted toward sun destinations. Germany dominates the route map (155 routes), with Greece and Spain accounting for another 78 combined. FRA is the clear center of gravity with 76 routes, making it one of the busiest leisure-focused hubs in Europe.
Why fly DE?
The honest case for Condor is geography and frequency to places other carriers underserve. If you're routing through FRA to somewhere like Crete, Rhodes, or the Canaries, Condor often has better timing and pricing than the legacy alternatives. The SJD (San José del Cabo) route stretching nearly 10,000 km to Frankfurt is a genuine long-haul product — not a puddle-jump. Condor has invested in a premium cabin product on long-haul routes, and leisure-focused carriers often outperform mainline airlines on seat pitch economy precisely because their passengers complain loudly when they don't. The total network spanning over a million kilometers means real connectivity, not just a hub-and-spoke illusion.
DE hub airports
- FRA Frankfurt — 76 DE routes from Germany
- DUS Dusseldorf — 28 DE routes from Germany
- MUC Munich — 23 DE routes from Germany
- HAM Hamburg — 14 DE routes from Germany
- PMI Palma de Mallorca — 9 DE routes from Spain
Top destination countries on DE
- Germany — 155 DE routes
- Greece — 42 DE routes
- Spain — 36 DE routes
- Italy — 10 DE routes
- USA — 9 DE routes
- Dominican Republic — 8 DE routes
- Egypt — 7 DE routes
- Switzerland — 7 DE routes
Tips for booking DE
Book early for Greek island routes — DUS and FRA slots to popular Aegean destinations sell out faster than you'd expect, especially June through August. Condor isn't in a major global alliance, so don't count on accruing miles with your Star Alliance or oneworld card. Baggage allowances vary significantly by fare class and route, so read the fine print before assuming your checked bag is included (it frequently isn't on base fares). HAM operates 14 routes, which is useful if you're in northern Germany and want to skip the FRA connection entirely. First-timers should note that Condor's check-in experience at FRA is handled separately from Lufthansa operations — different terminal, different queue.
Frequently asked questions about DE
Where does DE fly?
DE operates 328 routes primarily connecting major destinations across Germany, Greece, and Spain, serving as a key carrier for travel within Europe. The airline focuses on these regions with a strong network of connections to support both leisure and business travelers.
What is DE's main hub airport?
Frankfurt (FRA) serves as DE's primary hub, providing a central connection point for flights across its European network. This strategic location allows for efficient routing to the airline's top destinations.
Is DE a legacy, low-cost, or regional carrier?
DE operates as a legacy carrier with an extensive network of 328 routes across major European destinations, indicating a full-service airline model rather than a budget or purely regional operation. The airline serves key markets with a hub-and-spoke structure typical of established European carriers.
When should I book DE flights and what fare classes are available?
Booking 6-8 weeks in advance typically offers the best fares on DE flights. The airline offers multiple fare classes ranging from basic economy to premium cabins, allowing flexibility based on your budget and travel needs.
What are DE's baggage and check-in policies?
Baggage allowances and check-in procedures vary by fare class and route; it's recommended to check your specific ticket details on DE's website for carry-on and checked baggage limits. Online check-in is typically available 24 hours before departure for added convenience.