LOT Polish Airlines has been named Best Airline in Central Europe at the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards, retaining the title it won last year. The carrier also announced four-star Skytrax ratings for three business lounges in Warsaw and Chicago.
The recognition covers LOT Business Lounge Polonez and LOT Business Lounge Mazurek at Warsaw Chopin Airport, alongside LOT Business Lounge Chicago at O’Hare International Airport.
Passenger Survey Behind the Airline Award
The Best Airline in Central Europe title was presented at the World Airline Awards ceremony in London. Results were based on a passenger survey conducted between September 2025 and August 2026.
According to LOT’s announcement, this year’s survey drew responses from travellers representing more than 100 nationalities, with 24.8 million verified entries covering over 300 airlines. It was available in eight languages.
LOT CEO Michał Fijoł said the award reflected the airline’s work to improve the passenger experience, while the lounge ratings recognised recent changes to its facilities.
Four-Star Lounges in Warsaw and Chicago
Skytrax auditors highlighted the lounges’ consistent design, quality of materials, food and beverage selection, and distinctive Polish identity.
In Warsaw, the renovated Polonez and Mazurek lounges received praise for their locations close to departure gates. Auditors also noted the apron views from Mazurek.
The Polonez lounge’s spa was singled out for the standard of its facilities, range of treatments and staff expertise, as well as its collaboration with a Polish cosmetics brand.
At Chicago O’Hare, the assessment highlighted the lounge’s use of Polish design, brands and food. Panoramic views of the apron and LOT aircraft were another feature noted by auditors.
How the Skytrax Award and Ratings Differ
The passenger-voted World Airline Awards are separate from Skytrax’s expert assessments of airline and lounge quality.
LOT received its four-star Skytrax World Airline Rating in 2025, following an evaluation of its product and passenger service. The newly announced lounge ratings extend that recognition to three of the carrier’s airport facilities.
For passengers, the distinctions cover different parts of the journey: the regional award reflects travellers’ opinions of the airline, while the lounge ratings assess the experience on the ground.
