Lufthansa cabin crew in Germany are pushing back against new tax rules that increase costs on standby travel benefits. The regulation, introduced in November, classifies discounted non-revenue tickets as taxable income, impacting a key support system for employees.
The UFO union has raised concerns, warning that the move places a heavy financial burden on lower-income flight attendants who rely on these benefits to commute. Many crew members are based at Frankfurt Airport but cannot afford to live nearby.
Non-revenue travel, commonly known as “nonrev,” allows airline staff to fly at minimal cost on standby. While often seen as a perk, for many Lufthansa employees it is essential for reaching their workplace rather than leisure travel.
The union argues that the new tax policy could make commuting financially unviable for several crew members, potentially affecting workforce stability and daily operations if concerns are not addressed.