Lufthansa has unveiled new Bavarian-inspired uniforms for its famous Oktoberfest Trachtencrew, combining traditional dirndls and lederhosen with distinctive elements of the airline’s identity.
Lufthansa is giving one of its most popular cabin crew traditions a fresh look, unveiling a new collection of Bavarian-inspired uniforms ahead of Munich’s 2026 Oktoberfest.
Traditional clothing specialist Spieth & Wensky created the outfits under the direction of designer Elisa Berzgahi-Freymann. The Munich-born designer has a particularly personal connection to the project, having previously worked as a Lufthansa flight attendant during 2017 and 2018.
The new collection combines classic Bavarian Tracht with unmistakable elements of Lufthansa’s corporate identity.
Female cabin crew will wear an elegant dark-blue dirndl featuring a skirt made from a specially developed jacquard fabric. Lufthansa’s distinctive “wing pattern” is woven into the material, a design motif also found throughout the airline’s aircraft cabins.
A crisp white blouse features a bow-style neckline inspired by Lufthansa’s familiar cabin crew neck scarf. Meanwhile, the traditional bow on the dirndl apron has been replaced with a decorative metal clasp, giving the outfit a cleaner, more contemporary finish.
A coordinating knitted cardigan is finished with specially designed buttons bearing Lufthansa’s famous crane logo.
Lederhosen Take Flight
The male outfit centres on cool-grey lederhosen decorated with dark-blue embroidery. A small Lufthansa crane is also embroidered on the side pocket.
The lederhosen are paired with a traditional waistcoat, whose back uses the same specially woven wing-pattern fabric found on the dirndl skirt. Crane-emblazoned buttons and dark-blue detailing tie the complete collection together.
According to Lufthansa, Berzgahi-Freymann wanted the garments to respect the history and techniques of traditional Bavarian clothing while ensuring the wearers remained instantly recognisable as airline crew.
The exclusive collection will not be available for purchase and was produced solely for cabin crew working Lufthansa’s special Oktoberfest services.
Twenty Years Of Trachtencrews
Although Lufthansa cabin crew first wore dirndls during Oktoberfest in 1957, the appearance was a one-off. The airline formally revived the idea in 2006, when its first modern “Trachtencrew” flew from Munich to New York.
Since then, selected Munich-based long-haul crews have swapped their regular uniforms for dirndls and lederhosen during the annual festival, known locally as the Wiesn.
“Since 20 years, our long-haul crews have exchanged their uniforms for Bavarian traditional costumes during Oktoberfest,” said Heiko Reitz, Lufthansa Airlines executive board member and Munich hub manager.
The new outfits will make their airborne debut on September 19, the opening day of Oktoberfest, aboard flights from Munich to Bengaluru and Beijing. A further Trachtencrew service will depart for Singapore one week later.
A Taste Of Bavaria At 35,000 Feet
Passengers who miss out on flying with the specially dressed crews can still experience some Bavarian hospitality.
Throughout September, Lufthansa will serve a selection of seasonal dishes on certain long-haul flights from Munich and Frankfurt. These will include Weißwurst terrine, Oktoberfest duck, Backhendl fried chicken and apple strudel.
Business Class passengers on selected European services can also enjoy an Oktoberfest menu until October 6. First, Business and Premium Economy customers travelling on long-haul flights from Germany may receive special felt Oktoberfest amenity kits.
Lufthansa’s German lounges will join the festivities with Bavarian beer, traditional food and themed decorations.
The new Trachtencrew collection is a beautifully executed blend of heritage and aviation branding—and one that will undoubtedly attract plenty of attention as Lufthansa’s dirndls and lederhosen return to the aisles. Prost!
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