Lufthansa economy and premium compared

Choosing the right class for your next Lufthansa flight can significantly impact your travel experience, especially on long-haul journeys. While Economy Class offers a budget-friendly way to reach your destination, Lufthansa's Premium Economy aims to bridge the gap between standard Economy and Business Class, offering enhanced comfort and services. But is the upgrade truly worth the extra cost?

This guide will break down the key differences between Lufthansa Economy and Premium Economy, helping you decide which option best suits your travel needs and budget. We'll compare everything from seat comfort and baggage allowance to dining and airport perks, giving you a clear picture of what to expect from each class.

Understanding Lufthansa Economy Class

Lufthansa's Economy Class is designed to provide a reliable and comfortable flying experience for passengers on both domestic and international routes, focusing on value without compromising essential services.

Key Features of Lufthansa Economy

• Seating & Comfort: Lufthansa Economy seats typically offer a seat pitch ranging from 30 to 32 inches and a width of 17 to 18 inches, depending on the aircraft type. The seats recline, and many feature adjustable headrests for added comfort, with some aircraft offering footrests on longer flights. Newer Lufthansa Allegris Economy Class seats promise improved ergonomics and more personal space due to slim backrests.
• In-Flight Entertainment: On long-haul flights, Economy Class passengers have access to personal seatback screens loaded with a variety of movies, TV shows, music, and games. Some newer aircraft even offer 4K quality entertainment screens. Wi-Fi is often available for an additional cost.
• Dining & Refreshment: For long-haul flights, Lufthansa Economy Class provides complimentary meal service, which can include a hot meal, a light snack, or breakfast options, depending on the flight duration. A selection of complimentary beverages, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, is also typically available.
• Baggage Allowance: Generally, Economy Class passengers on intercontinental flights are allowed one checked bag up to 23 kg (50 lbs). Carry-on allowance is usually one piece up to 8 kg (17 lbs), plus a smaller personal item.

Exploring Lufthansa Premium Economy

Lufthansa's Premium Economy Class is positioned as a significant upgrade from standard Economy, offering a more comfortable and enhanced travel experience without the higher price tag of Business Class.

Why Upgrade to Lufthansa Premium Economy?

• Superior Seating Comfort & Space: This is often the biggest draw. Premium Economy seats offer significantly more space – up to 50% more room on all sides compared to Economy Class. Expect a seat pitch of around 38 inches, a width of 18-19 inches, and a greater recline (typically 8 inches). These seats often feature a cocktail table in the armrest and a footrest.
• Enhanced Dining Experience: Premium Economy passengers are typically greeted with a non-alcoholic welcome drink upon boarding and receive a personal bottle of water at their seat. Meals are upgraded, often served on fine china tableware instead of disposable dishes, and portions may be slightly larger and of better quality than in Economy. Lufthansa often enhances both main and second meals in Premium Economy.
• Increased Baggage Allowance: A notable benefit is the increased checked baggage allowance. Premium Economy passengers typically receive two free checked bags, each weighing up to 23 kg (50 lbs), which is double the allowance for standard Economy Class on intercontinental flights. Carry-on allowance usually remains one piece up to 8 kg.
• Additional Amenities: Passengers often receive an amenity kit containing travel essentials like a toothbrush, toothpaste, eye mask, socks, and earplugs. Entertainment screens are typically larger (11- or 12-inch monitors) and seats may include USB charging ports and universal power outlets.

Lufthansa Economy vs. Premium: A Direct Comparison

Let's put them side-by-side to highlight the key differences you can expect when flying Lufthansa Economy and Premium Economy.

Seating Comfort & Space

• Economy: Seat pitch 30-32 inches, width 17-18 inches, standard recline.
• Premium Economy: Seat pitch around 38 inches, width 18-19 inches, and generally 8 inches of recline. Offers up to 50% more personal space. This extra room can make a significant difference on long flights.

Baggage Allowance

• Economy: 1 checked bag up to 23 kg (50 lbs) on intercontinental flights.
• Premium Economy: 2 checked bags, each up to 23 kg (50 lbs), on intercontinental flights. This is a significant advantage for travelers with more luggage. Both classes generally allow one 8kg carry-on bag.

Dining Experience

• Economy: Complimentary meals and beverages on long-haul flights, often served with metal cutlery.
• Premium Economy: Upgraded meals served on fine china tableware, a welcome drink, and a personal bottle of water. Both main and second meals are often enhanced.

Onboard Service & Amenities

• Economy: Standard blankets and pillows, individual seatback entertainment screens.
• Premium Economy: Amenity kit, often the same thin pillow and blanket as Economy, larger entertainment screens, and sometimes a cocktail table and footrest.

Price Point: Is Premium Worth the Cost?

The price of a Lufthansa Premium Economy ticket can be roughly double that of an Economy ticket. Whether this cost is justified depends heavily on your priorities and the length of your flight. For long-haul journeys, the increased comfort and additional baggage allowance often make Premium Economy a worthwhile investment, especially if you value arriving feeling more rested.

Who Should Fly Which Class?

Deciding between Lufthansa Economy and Premium Economy boils down to your personal preferences, budget, and the nature of your trip.

• Choose Lufthansa Economy If:

  • You're on a tight budget: Economy Class is the most cost-effective option, perfect for travelers prioritizing savings.
  • You're flying short-haul: For shorter flights, the differences in comfort are less pronounced, making Economy a perfectly suitable choice.
  • You're a light packer: If you only need one checked bag or less, Economy's baggage allowance is sufficient.
  • You're a resilient traveler: If you can sleep or relax easily in standard airline seats, the extra space might not be a game-changer for you.

• Opt for Lufthansa Premium Economy If:

  • You're flying long-haul: The significantly increased legroom, wider seats, and greater recline can make a substantial difference on flights lasting several hours, helping you arrive more refreshed.
  • You value comfort and space: If you find standard Economy seats restrictive and want more room to stretch out.
  • You need extra baggage allowance: Two checked bags at 23 kg each is a significant perk, especially for longer trips or if you're traveling with sports equipment.
  • You appreciate enhanced amenities: The upgraded meals, amenity kit, and larger entertainment screens contribute to a more pleasant journey.
  • The price difference is manageable: If the upgrade cost is a few hundred dollars more and fits your budget, many find it a worthwhile investment for the improved experience.

Tips for Booking and Upgrading Your Lufthansa Flight

• Book in Advance: Fares for both classes, especially Premium Economy, tend to be lower when booked well in advance.
• Consider Sales and Promotions: Keep an eye out for Lufthansa sales or special offers that might make Premium Economy more affordable.
• Check for Upgrade Offers: Sometimes, Lufthansa offers paid upgrades to Premium Economy (or even Business Class) closer to the departure date, either online or at the airport. These can sometimes be good value if available.
• Utilize Miles & More: If you're a member of Lufthansa's Miles & More frequent flyer program, you might be able to use miles to upgrade your flight.
• Be Flexible with Dates: If your travel dates are flexible, you might find better deals on less popular days or seasons.

Conclusion

The choice between Lufthansa Economy and Premium Economy ultimately depends on your individual travel priorities. While Economy Class offers a practical and budget-friendly way to fly, Lufthansa Premium Economy provides a noticeable step up in comfort, space, and amenities, particularly beneficial for long-haul flights. The added legroom, enhanced dining, and increased baggage allowance can transform a grueling journey into a much more enjoyable experience.

Consider the duration of your flight, how much you value personal space, and your baggage needs. For many, the investment in Lufthansa Premium Economy is a worthwhile splurge that pays dividends in comfort and a more relaxed arrival.

What are your experiences with Lufthansa Economy or Premium Economy? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lufthansa Premium Economy worth it for short flights?

Generally, Lufthansa Premium Economy is most beneficial for long-haul intercontinental flights due to the significant difference in seat comfort and amenities. For short flights, the added cost is often not justified as the flight duration is too brief to fully appreciate the benefits.

Can I upgrade from Economy to Premium Economy on Lufthansa?

Yes, it is often possible to upgrade from Economy to Premium Economy on Lufthansa. This can sometimes be done during the booking process, through the "Manage My Booking" section on Lufthansa's website, or at the airport, often for a fee or using Miles & More miles.

What's the main difference in seat comfort between Lufthansa Economy and Premium?

The main difference lies in space and recline. Lufthansa Premium Economy seats offer significantly more legroom (38-inch pitch vs. 30-32 inches in Economy), are wider (18-19 inches vs. 17-18 inches), and provide greater recline (8 inches vs. standard Economy recline), offering up to 50% more personal space.

Do Lufthansa Premium Economy passengers get lounge access?

No, lounge access is generally not included with a Lufthansa Premium Economy ticket. However, Premium Economy passengers can often purchase access to Lufthansa's business lounges at most airports for a fee, which is typically around €25. Frequent flyer status may also grant lounge access.