Are Lufthansa Business Seats Worth It

Are Lufthansa Business Seats Worth It? A Deep Dive into Business Class Comfort and Value

Long-haul flights can be grueling, transforming excitement into exhaustion. For many travelers, the thought of upgrading to business class sparks a tempting question: "Are Lufthansa Business Seats worth it?" Is the added comfort, service, and convenience truly worth the significant price difference?

This comprehensive guide will break down everything Lufthansa Business Class offers, from the moment you arrive at the airport to your arrival at your destination. We'll explore the benefits, discuss the cost-value equation, touch upon the exciting new Allegris product, and help you determine if a Lufthansa Business Class seat is the right investment for your next journey.

What Does Lufthansa Business Class Offer?

Lufthansa aims to provide a seamless and comfortable experience from start to finish for its business class passengers. Let's delve into the key aspects.

The Pre-Flight Experience: Lounges and Priority Services

Your journey in Lufthansa Business Class often begins long before you step onto the aircraft.

• Priority Check-in and Security: Business Class passengers benefit from dedicated check-in counters and priority security lanes at many airports, saving valuable time and reducing stress.
• Generous Baggage Allowance: You're typically allowed two checked bags up to 32 kg (70 pounds) each, plus two carry-on bags up to 8 kg (18 pounds) each, significantly more than economy class. Checked baggage also receives priority handling upon arrival.
• Lounge Access: A cornerstone of the business class experience is access to Lufthansa Business Lounges, Star Alliance lounges, or contracted lounges worldwide. These lounges offer a quiet retreat with comfortable seating, work areas, complimentary food and beverages (including self-service coffee, soft drinks, and alcoholic options), and often showers. For those with higher elite status, Lufthansa's Senator Lounges offer an even more elevated experience with a wider selection of hot food and premium beverages.
• Priority Boarding: Business Class passengers are among the first to board, allowing for a relaxed entry and ample time to settle into your seat.

The In-Flight Experience: Comfort Above the Clouds

Once on board, Lufthansa's Business Class aims to transform your flight into a relaxing and productive environment.

Seats: Your Personal Space in the Sky

Lufthansa's long-haul aircraft typically feature lie-flat seats in a 2-2-2 configuration. While these seats convert into a fully flat bed of almost two meters (approximately 6.5 feet), providing ample space for comfortable sleep, it's worth noting that not all seats offer direct aisle access in this configuration. This means a window seat passenger might need to step over their neighbor to access the aisle.

However, Lufthansa is progressively rolling out its new "Allegris" Business Class product on select new aircraft like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner. This represents a significant upgrade, featuring a 1-2-1 configuration where every seat has direct aisle access. The Allegris cabin also introduces a variety of seat types, including:

• Suites in Row 1: Offering full-length privacy doors, larger screens, and more storage.
• Extra Space Seats: Providing additional width and desk area.
• Privacy Window Seats: Designed for solo travelers seeking more seclusion.
• Extra Long Bed Seats: Converting to beds up to 2.20 meters (7.2 feet) for taller passengers.
• Classic Lie-Flat Seats: The standard fully reclining flat beds with direct aisle access.

Beyond the lie-flat capability, Lufthansa Business Class seats offer adjustable headrests, lumbar support, and often adjustable firmness to customize your comfort. You'll also find ample storage space and power outlets for your devices.

Dining: A Culinary Journey

Lufthansa takes pride in its Business Class dining experience, often described as restaurant-style.

• Multi-Course Meals: On long-haul flights, expect a three-course main meal followed by a pre-arrival meal. Meals are served on fine china with silverware and stylish glassware, enhancing the dining experience.
• Curated Menus: Menus rotate every few months, featuring gourmet dishes prepared by world-class chefs, with an emphasis on seasonal and regional ingredients.
• Award-Winning Wines & Beverages: A wide selection of fine wines, beers, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages are available.
• Meal Pre-Selection: For long-haul flights departing from Germany, you can pre-select your main meal up to 24 hours before takeoff, choosing from an expanded selection of up to six culinary highlights.
• Express Meal Option: On late-night departures or shorter red-eye flights, an abbreviated meal service or an "Express Meal" (appetizer, salad, cheese, and dessert) can be requested to maximize sleep time.

Entertainment & Amenities: Stay Engaged and Refreshed

To make your journey more enjoyable, Lufthansa Business Class provides a range of entertainment and amenities.

• In-Flight Entertainment System: Each seat features a personal entertainment screen with a selection of movies, TV shows, music, audiobooks, and games. Noise-canceling headphones are typically provided. The new Allegris cabins boast larger 4K screens and Bluetooth connectivity for personal headphones.
• Wi-Fi Connectivity: Lufthansa offers FlyNet® Wi-Fi on board, though business class passengers generally need to pay for full internet access.
• Amenity Kits: Passengers receive an amenity kit containing essentials like socks, an eye mask, earplugs, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and skincare products (often from premium brands like L'Occitane).
• Comfort Items: Plush blankets and pillows are standard, with some flights offering additional bedding for longer journeys.

Is the Cost Justified? Analyzing the Value Proposition

Deciding if Lufthansa Business Seats are worth the investment often comes down to balancing the enhanced experience against the price. The cost difference between economy and business class can be substantial.

Here's when the value proposition might swing in favor of business class:

• Long-Haul Flights: For journeys spanning many hours or across multiple time zones, the ability to sleep in a fully flat bed can be invaluable for arriving well-rested and minimizing jet lag. The comfort benefits are far more pronounced on longer flights compared to short or medium-haul European flights where the business class seat might simply be an economy seat with a blocked middle seat.
• Business Travel: If you need to arrive at your destination ready for meetings or work, the ability to rest, work efficiently in a comfortable environment, and access lounges can be a significant advantage.
• Special Occasions: For honeymoons, anniversaries, or once-in-a-lifetime trips, the premium experience can add a luxurious touch to the overall journey.
• Personal Well-being: For travelers who prioritize comfort, space, and a stress-free experience, the benefits of business class can genuinely enhance their travel well-being. The attentive service and higher quality food can make a tangible difference.

It's important to consider that the value is subjective. While one review noted that Lufthansa Business Class is "solid, reliable, and comfortable—but it's not mind-blowing" compared to some ultra-luxury carriers, others found it to be a "really great, reliable product" with excellent service and comfortable seats.

Finding Value: Smart Booking and Upgrades

If the full price of a business class ticket seems daunting, there are ways to make it more accessible:

• Miles & More Upgrades: Lufthansa's frequent flyer program, Miles & More, allows members to use accumulated miles to upgrade from Economy or Premium Economy to Business Class.
• Fixed-Price Upgrades: Lufthansa sometimes offers fixed-price upgrades, which can be booked online or through customer service, depending on availability.
• Bid-for-Upgrade Program: For eligible flights, you can place a bid for a business class upgrade. If your bid is accepted, you secure the upgrade.
• Sales and Promotions: Keep an eye out for Lufthansa Business Class sales, particularly during periods like Black Friday or early-year promotions.
• Check Aircraft Type: If the new Allegris product is a priority for you, check the aircraft type for your specific flight, as it's being rolled out gradually on A350s and Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

Lufthansa's Evolving Business Class: The Allegris Difference

Lufthansa is investing significantly in its new Allegris product, which aims to elevate the Business Class experience. This new cabin design addresses some of the previous criticisms, such as the lack of direct aisle access for all seats in the 2-2-2 configuration.

With Allegris, passengers can expect:

• Enhanced Privacy: Higher walls and the 1-2-1 configuration ensure direct aisle access for every seat and increased privacy. Some seats even feature sliding doors for a private suite experience.
• Advanced Technology: Expect wireless charging pads, Bluetooth connectivity for personal headphones, heated and cooled seats, and large 4K entertainment screens.
• Variety of Seating Options: The five distinct seat types cater to different traveler preferences, whether you prioritize an extra-long bed, more personal space, or ultimate privacy.

While the rollout of the Allegris product has faced delays, it represents Lufthansa's commitment to offering a more competitive and luxurious Business Class experience.

Maximizing Your Lufthansa Business Class Experience

To get the most out of your Lufthansa Business Class ticket:

• Arrive Early for Lounge Access: Take full advantage of the lounge amenities, including food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and relaxation areas, before your flight.
• Pre-Select Your Meal: If flying long-haul from Germany, use the pre-selection option to ensure you get your preferred main course.
• Utilize the Lie-Flat Seat: Adjust your seat to a fully flat position for optimal sleep, especially on overnight flights. Consider bringing your own comfortable sleepwear.
• Explore Entertainment Options: Dive into the extensive in-flight entertainment library.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and other non-alcoholic beverages offered throughout the flight.
• Engage with the Crew: Lufthansa's cabin crew is often praised for their attentive and personable service. Don't hesitate to ask for anything you need.

Conclusion

So, are Lufthansa Business Seats worth it? For many, especially on long-haul international flights, the answer is a resounding yes. The blend of priority services, comfortable lie-flat seats (with the promise of even better privacy and features in the new Allegris cabins), elevated dining, and access to lounges can significantly transform your travel experience from a chore into a comfortable and even enjoyable journey.

While the price premium is undeniable, the ability to arrive well-rested, productive, and refreshed often justifies the investment, particularly for business travelers or those seeking a special travel experience. Ultimately, the "worth" depends on your personal priorities, the length of your flight, and your budget. But with strategic booking and a clear understanding of the benefits, Lufthansa Business Class offers a compelling proposition for those looking to elevate their journey.

What's your experience with Lufthansa Business Class? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Lufthansa Business Class seats lie flat?

Yes, Lufthansa Business Class seats on most long-haul aircraft convert into fully flat beds, allowing passengers to sleep comfortably during their journey.

Do you get lounge access with Lufthansa Business Class?

Yes, a Lufthansa Business Class ticket includes access to Lufthansa Business Lounges, Star Alliance lounges, or contracted lounges at airports.

Is food served in Business Class on Lufthansa?

Absolutely. Lufthansa Business Class offers a multi-course meal service on long-haul flights, served on fine china with a selection of gourmet dishes, fine wines, and other beverages. You can even pre-select your main meal on certain flights.

How can I upgrade to Lufthansa Business Class?

You can upgrade to Lufthansa Business Class through several methods, including using Miles & More miles, purchasing a fixed-price upgrade, or participating in a bid-for-upgrade program, depending on availability and fare rules. It's generally recommended to inquire about upgrades well in advance of your flight.