Look inside: From first class to economy, what to expect from Lufthansa's new cabins
- Lufthansa's new cabin concept, Allegris, is now available on flights from Munich to several U.S. cities.
- Allegris features redesigned seats in all classes, from first class suites to economy.
- First class suites offer double beds, individual climate control, and increased privacy.
MUNICH − Lufthansa’s new cabin concept, which the airline branded Allegris, is flying to the U.S. now, with destinations from Munich including Chicago, Newark/New York, San Diego and San Francisco. Allegris flights to Charlotte, North Carolina, are planned to begin this summer.
On planes with Allegris, the seats from first class to economy are all new.
According to the airline, first-class Allegris suites are available only on Chicago, San Diego and San Francisco markets for now.
Paste BN had an opportunity to preview an Allegris-equipped A350 in Munich in March. Whether you’re traveling in the front of the plane or at the very back, here’s what you can expect.
Allegris first class
First class is where Lufthansa’s Allegris concept is really the most differentiated – and where the airline had the most difficulty getting everything approved.
Lufthansa brought many innovations to its Allegris suites, which for now are flying only on a few Airbus A350s. Each plane has three suites, with the two along the windows accommodating one passenger each and the center suite accommodating up to two passengers. The sofa in the center suite folds out into a divider-free double bed for couples traveling together.
Some of the other innovations include seat heating and ventilation, like in a car, and lots of storage.
It goes almost without saying that the seats and the bed are comfortable.
According to airline officials, two of the biggest hurdles with getting the suites approved by regulators were their high walls, which the A350 was not initially designed to accommodate, and touch-screen seat controls that are operated through the same tablet as the in-flight entertainment system.
Allegris business class
Every seat in Lufthansa’s new business class has aisle access, and there are five configurations that airline executives say will allow passengers to choose their layout. Each plane has four single suites and four side-by-side suites, two of each at the front of each business class cabin. The business-class suites feature extra storage and a larger footwell. Other seat layouts include single central “throne” seats for added privacy, seats right against the windows, and standard seats with extra space.
The in-flight service in business class is also elevated, with a pre-departure beverage service, attentive crews and a hearty menu. The seats are also controlled by tablets and feature heating and ventilation.
Though Lufthansa’s executives say they’re excited for customers to be able to pick which seat makes the most sense for them, it may be confusing for casual leisure travelers to know what to choose. Paste BN’s reporter overheard one passenger confused about how his seat storage layout differed on his flight returning from Munich compared with what was available at his seat on the flight to Munich.
Allegris premium economy
Lufthansa’s new premium economy seats feature headrests with privacy wings and most of the other standard premium economy features: increased legroom, a foot and leg rest, noise-canceling headphones and other premium amenities.
Premium economy on long-haul airlines is becoming more standardized across the industry, but the privacy wings are a new feature that earlier adopters of the class may not have rolled out yet.
Allegris economy
Lufthansa’s new Allegris economy seats include a large, high-definition seatback screen with Bluetooth connectivity. Rows are arranged with 31 inches of pitch.
Though there’s not a huge amount of difference between economy seats on most airlines, Lufthansa passengers will benefit from the latest ergonomics and other small touches to make the seat more comfortable and space-efficient.
The reporter on this story received access to this event from Lufthansa. Paste BN maintains editorial control of content.
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for Paste BN. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com.