What to Know About LH Premium Economy

Long-haul travel can be exhausting, leaving you feeling cramped and less than refreshed upon arrival. If you've ever wished for a bit more space, comfort, and enhanced service without the significant leap to Business Class, then you've likely considered or heard about LH Premium Economy. But what exactly does it offer, and is it truly worth the upgrade?

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Lufthansa's Premium Economy class, helping you decide if it's the perfect middle ground for your next journey.

What is LH Premium Economy?

Lufthansa Premium Economy is designed to bridge the gap between standard Economy and Business Class, offering an elevated travel experience on long-haul flights. It's a smart option for travelers seeking enhanced comfort and additional amenities without the full cost of a Business Class ticket. This cabin class aims to provide a more relaxed and satisfying journey, ensuring you arrive at your destination feeling more refreshed.

Key Benefits and Features of Lufthansa Premium Economy

When you choose Lufthansa Premium Economy, you're investing in specific upgrades that can significantly improve your flight experience.

Enhanced Seating and Personal Space

The most significant advantage of LH Premium Economy is the seat itself. You can expect noticeably larger and more comfortable seats compared to regular Economy.

• More Room: Lufthansa Premium Economy seats offer up to 50% more room on all sides.
• Generous Pitch: Seats typically feature a generous pitch of 38 inches, providing ample legroom to stretch out.
• Wider Seats: Expect a seat width of 18-19 inches.
• Increased Recline: The seats recline approximately 8 inches (about 15 degrees), which is roughly twice as much as in Economy, making it easier to relax or even get some sleep.
• Thoughtful Design: Many seats include a cocktail table in the armrest for your drink and a footrest for added comfort. Lufthansa's new Allegris Premium Economy seats will feature an innovative hard-shell design, adjustable headrests, armrests, and leg rests, ensuring you don't disturb the passenger behind you when reclining.

While a fully separate cabin isn't always standard, some aircraft have a small ceiling divider to delineate the Premium Economy section, and the upcoming Allegris design promises a privacy screen.

Increased Baggage Allowance

Say goodbye to baggage worries! Lufthansa Premium Economy tickets include a more generous baggage allowance.

• Checked Bags: You are permitted two checked bags, each weighing up to 23 kg (50 lbs). This is double the allowance of a standard Economy Class ticket.
• Carry-on: The carry-on allowance remains the same as Economy Class: one item up to 8 kg (18 lbs).

This extra allowance is particularly beneficial for longer trips or if you tend to pack more.

Upgraded Dining Experience

Your culinary journey is also enhanced in Lufthansa Premium Economy.

• Welcome & Water: Upon boarding, you'll receive a non-alcoholic welcome drink, and a bottle of mineral water will be waiting at your seat.
• Meal Service: Meals are upgraded compared to Economy, often featuring larger portions and better quality. They are served on fine china tableware, adding a touch of elegance to your meal.
• Beverages: Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available throughout the journey.
• Second Meal: On flights lasting at least 6.5 hours, a second hot meal (dinner or breakfast) is served. You can also pre-order special meals for dietary or religious needs up to 24 hours before departure.

In-Flight Entertainment & Amenities

Stay entertained and comfortable during your flight.

• Larger Screens: Enjoy a comprehensive in-flight entertainment program on personal 11- or 12-inch monitors, which are larger than those in Economy. The new Allegris seats will feature 15.6-inch 4K touchscreen monitors with Bluetooth connectivity and wireless charging.
• Amenity Kit: You'll receive an amenity kit containing essentials like an eye mask, sleep socks, earplugs, a dental kit, and a refreshing towel.
• Pillow & Blanket: While the pillows and blankets are generally the same as those provided in Economy, they still contribute to overall comfort.
• Power & USB: Seats are equipped with power outlets and USB charging ports to keep your devices powered throughout the flight.

Airport Experience (with caveats)

While the in-flight experience is significantly upgraded, the airport experience offers fewer exclusive perks.

• Check-in: Premium Economy passengers typically use the same check-in areas as Economy travelers. Priority check-in is generally not included, which differs from some competitors.
• Boarding: You will receive priority boarding, usually in Group 3, after Business Class and Star Alliance Gold passengers.
• Lounge Access: Standard Lufthansa Premium Economy tickets do not include complimentary lounge access. However, you can often purchase access to Lufthansa Business Lounges or partner lounges for a fee (e.g., €25-€49 or $39-$60, depending on location and pre-booking). Lounge access is complimentary if you hold Miles & More status (Frequent Traveller, Senator, HON Circle Member) or Star Alliance Gold status.

Is LH Premium Economy Worth the Upgrade?

This is the million-dollar question for many travelers. Is paying extra for Lufthansa Premium Economy truly worth it?

The general consensus is yes, particularly for long-haul flights. The enhanced seat comfort, with its increased legroom and recline, is often cited as the primary reason for the upgrade. If you're tall or simply prioritize personal space and the ability to stretch out, the investment can be invaluable for a more restful journey.

The added benefits like increased baggage allowance, upgraded meals served on china, and an amenity kit further sweeten the deal. While the price difference can be significant, often doubling the cost of an Economy ticket, many find the improved comfort and amenities justify the expense, especially when compared to the much higher cost of Business Class.

Consider your priorities:

• Long-haul flights: The longer the flight, the more valuable the extra comfort becomes.
• Budget: If Business Class is out of reach, Premium Economy offers a comfortable compromise.
• Personal Comfort: If you struggle to sleep or relax in standard Economy, the larger seats and greater recline can make a significant difference.

Booking Your LH Premium Economy Experience

Booking Lufthansa Premium Economy is straightforward, and there are several ways to do it:

• Direct Booking: You can select Premium Economy directly when booking your flight on Lufthansa's website or through a travel agent.
• Upgrades: If you've already booked an Economy ticket, you might be able to upgrade to Premium Economy.
  • Online: Lufthansa's website allows you to check if your flight qualifies for an upgrade and book it directly.
  • Phone: Contact Lufthansa customer service to inquire about real-time seat availability and upgrade costs.
  • Airport: Upgrades may be available at the ticket counter, check-in, bag drop-off counter, or gate at a fixed price, dependent on your route.
  • Miles & More: If you're a Miles & More member, you can use your accumulated miles to upgrade eligible tickets, subject to availability.
  • Bid for Upgrade: Lufthansa occasionally offers a bid-for-upgrade program where you can submit an offer for an upgrade, and if accepted, you'll be upgraded.

It's often advisable to book or upgrade as early as possible, especially for popular routes, as availability can be limited.

Conclusion

Lufthansa Premium Economy offers a compelling proposition for travelers seeking a more comfortable and enjoyable long-haul flight without breaking the bank. With significantly more spacious seats, an enhanced dining experience, increased baggage allowance, and improved in-flight entertainment, it provides a noticeable upgrade from standard Economy. While it may not include all the perks of Business Class, such as complimentary lounge access or priority check-in, the core comfort benefits often make it a worthwhile investment for a more relaxed journey.

Have you flown Lufthansa Premium Economy? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!