For two decades, Lufthansa has quietly run one of aviation's more charming traditions: every September, crews on selected long-haul flights out of Munich ditch the standard uniform and dress in full Bavarian costume to mark the start of Oktoberfest. The custom began on 1 September 2006 with a Munich to New York departure, and this year marks the 20th edition.
The 2025 route line-up includes three festive flights. On 19 September, costume-clad crews fly from Munich to Bangalore and to Beijing, and on 27 September another crewed flight departs for Singapore. Ground staff at Munich Airport's Terminal 2 will be dressed in traditional attire too, so even a quick transfer puts you in the mood.
There's a twist this time: entirely new outfits, created by Lower Bavarian traditional fashion house Spieth & Wensky. For the first time, the design blends Bavarian costume with Lufthansa branding — the crane from the airline's logo appears on the buttons of the knitwear, and Lufthansa's signature wing pattern is woven into the skirts and waistcoats. According to Heiko Reitz, the airline's Hub Manager Munich, the costumes were made exclusively for Lufthansa cabin crews and are one of a kind.
You don't need to score a seat on one of the special flights to join in. Throughout the festival weeks, Bavarian dishes appear onboard selected routes. In first and business class, expect starters like white sausage terrine and a pretzel tree, mains such as Wiesn roast duck and fried chicken, and apple strudel for dessert. Premium economy and economy passengers get Nuremberg bratwurst with Bavarian cabbage and mashed potatoes — a respectable festival plate at 35,000 feet.
The Munich lounges go all in as well. Senator and Business Lounge guests can tuck into Munich potato soup, roast pork, and steamed dumplings with vanilla sauce, while the First Class Lounge serves Bavarian duck breast alongside sweet Oktoberfest treats.
Why should a traveller care? If you're transiting through Munich between mid-September and early October, you may stumble into a genuinely fun slice of local culture without buying a festival ticket or a Dirndl of your own. Book one of the costume flights and you get the full experience; book any Lufthansa long-haul via Munich in this window and there's a decent chance of festive food, costumed staff in the terminal, and a lounge serving dumplings with vanilla sauce. It's a low-effort way to taste the Wiesn if Munich's beer tents are booked out or priced beyond your budget. Note that on-the-ground Oktoberfest itself runs in Munich through early October, so a stopover can pair the airborne version with the real thing.
Keep an eye on Lufthansa's announcements if you want to target one of the specific costume departures — Bangalore, Beijing, and Singapore are this year's beneficiaries.
Via One Mile at a Time