When Lufthansa introduced its new Allegris business class, the airline also started charging for seat assignments in business class. The logic was that Allegris offers customers a choice of seating options, and that comes at a cost.
Well, Lufthansa has now expanded the concept of charging for seat assignments in business class on long haul flights beyond Allegris, as you’ll now find seat fees on the carrier’s reconfigured (but not with Allegris) Airbus A380s, as flagged by Travel-Dealz.
In this post:
Lufthansa charging for Airbus A380 business class seats
Lufthansa is currently in the process of retrofitting its fleet of eight Airbus A380s with new business class seats. The airline isn’t installing Allegris business class seats, but instead, is just taking an off the shelf product, in the form of the Thompson Aero Vantage XL product. These seats are in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration, so seats alternate between being closer and further from the aisle.
There’s now an interesting update, as Lufthansa has decided to monetize these different seating options, with a similar naming mechanism to what you’ll find on planes with Allegris cabins. For flights as of September 15, 2026, Lufthansa is starting to charge for seat assignments in A380 business class:
- Lufthansa’s A380 business class now has Privacy Seats, as they’re called, which are the seats closest to the windows, with the letters “A” and “K”
- Lufthansa’s A380 business class now has Extra Long Bed Seats, which are the bulkhead window seats, featuring a larger ottoman
- These seats now come at a fee of up to €170 per sector; Miles & More HON Circle and Senator members, as well as those on Business Flex fares, can assign Privacy Seats for free, while HON Circle members can assign Extra Long Bed Seats for free (elites can’t assign these seats for free on Business Light fares)
I don’t like this, but I guess it’s hard to be too mad?
I’m obviously not at all a fan of the expansion of seating fees in business class, and I also don’t like the way that Lufthansa is constantly finding new ways to brand the same product, in order to extract more revenue.
So this is objectively a negative change, though in fairness, at this point seat fees are becoming the norm on long haul flights operated by major European airlines. British Airways has charged for all business class seats for eons. Air France and KLM have both recently expanded business class seat fees globally, even though most business class seats are virtually identical (as they’re typically reverse herringbone).
At least in the case of Lufthansa, there is a material difference in popularity and comfort between these seats, with the “true” window seats being by far the most popular. So in that sense, I at least prefer only charging for the better seats, rather than simply charging for all seats.
Obviously Lufthansa realizes it would just be unconscionable to charge for business class seats in its old layout, given the 2-2-2 configuration, or else I’m sure it would do that as well. 
Bottom line
Lufthansa has now expanded seat assignment fees to its reconfigured Airbus A380s, which feature a staggered (non-Allegris) product. Specifically, the airline is charging up to €170 to assign either the “true” window seats (“Privacy Seats”) or the bulkhead window seats (“Extra Long Bed Seats”).
Of course I hate to see seat fees expand, but this is very much the direction the industry is headed, unfortunately, and Lufthansa isn’t being quite as punitive as some other airlines, at least.
What do you make of Lufthansa’s new A380 business class seat fees?
A couple of things here.
First off, I just flew this new seat a couple weeks ago when they subbed in D-AIMC on the DEN flight. It's very nice and I'd say it's the second best business class seat I've flown, after ANA's THE Room. It's that good. Unfortunately. the overall experience is let down by LH's poor bedding (although catering and service were good on this flight).
Secondly, I'm not "mad" that they're...
A couple of things here.
First off, I just flew this new seat a couple weeks ago when they subbed in D-AIMC on the DEN flight. It's very nice and I'd say it's the second best business class seat I've flown, after ANA's THE Room. It's that good. Unfortunately. the overall experience is let down by LH's poor bedding (although catering and service were good on this flight).
Secondly, I'm not "mad" that they're monetizing this. It actually makes sense, as the window side window seats are appreciably better than the aisle side seats. What makes me mad is that they're not extending the same ability to select them for free that they extend to Senator and HON Circle tier fliers to United 1Ks/GS and Air Canada Super Elites. And yes, obviously LH should be focused on their own elites, but because all flights amongst AC/LH/UA are operated under their joint venture, they should all three recognize each others' elites the same, regardless of whether whose aircraft they're on.
Funnily this is the same product that they use on their ex-Philippine Airlines A350s. I wonder if those jets are also getting retrofitted to the A350 Allegris.
Well I guess they can spin it as expanding Allegris "Soft Product" to the rest of the fleet lol.
We booked Biz on Lufthansa on an old 340-600 and they want another $340 to pick a seat each way. nuts we paid enough for an old plane and old seating... hope it wont be too bad for 1 7 hour flight,
Last year I booked a BA J Class flight for my elderly cousin SAN-LHR r/t. She paid cash ( a lot of cash ) and I was appalled that BA charges for seat assignment (clearly I was unaware until then).
She declined and said that the didn't care where she sat as long as she could lay down to sleep. Fair point.
I can see up charging the first row added amenity pods but dear Lord 170 Euro for a window on a Biz Class Fare ?
Cheap and sad.
AMC Movie Theaters have been trying to copy the airlines with seat charges. Last year they tried to charge more for better seats. They quickly ended that due to negative reactions, but recently introduced a new plan whereby the best seats (don't know if it's for all showings, or just popular times, or just popular movies) - i.e. in the middle of the theater - are reserved for their subscription members - those who pay...
AMC Movie Theaters have been trying to copy the airlines with seat charges. Last year they tried to charge more for better seats. They quickly ended that due to negative reactions, but recently introduced a new plan whereby the best seats (don't know if it's for all showings, or just popular times, or just popular movies) - i.e. in the middle of the theater - are reserved for their subscription members - those who pay $20+ per month for the membership. As long as other theater chains don't copy this, AMC won't be getting my business.
It's true to say that BA has charged for seat selection for a long time, however what's not the same is that at least in economy (I've never flown business, so can't be sure), BA does allow you to choose your seats when you check in 24 hours before departure from the seats that remain. I've just this week booked a long haul Lufthansa flight, only to find that I'll be randomly allocated a seat...
It's true to say that BA has charged for seat selection for a long time, however what's not the same is that at least in economy (I've never flown business, so can't be sure), BA does allow you to choose your seats when you check in 24 hours before departure from the seats that remain. I've just this week booked a long haul Lufthansa flight, only to find that I'll be randomly allocated a seat at check if I don't pay the hundreds of pounds to select seats on all legs, and will still need to pay if I want to change the randomly allocated seats! Such a rip off! OK, I should've checked before booking if I really cared, but BA is objectively a more customer friendly system in that respect.
Also, another way that BA wins (which I did take the trouble to check beforehand), when travelling with an infant <2 years old on BA, you get free seat assignment anyway from the moment of booking, so you can be sure to travel at least in some degree of chosen comfort; not on Lufthansa! No guarantee we'll even be seated together according to the disclaimer when trying to select seats. Poor form.
Unfortunate timing: I just looked at a booking in business class this past weekend and reviewed the seat map. There were no reservation charges. Unfortunately for me, I did not pull the trigger to complete the reservation. It's a poor trend to monetize the premium cabins.
I'm confused. Are these fees exclusive to advanced seat reservations, or will pax also have to pay for selecting the seats during OLCI?
They Admit their seats are uncomfortably absurd , when they Joyfully charge 170 more for a moderately more comfortable seat .
"Just say no" to seat fees in business class.
Depends. BA charges to reserve seats in J but that can be seen as a perk for Elites. If you are BA Gold or Silver then seat selection is free. So it basically gives their better customers more choice of seats.
In BA First, seat selection is always free for everyone.
Reminds me of countries bordering on a strait , which charge fees to oil ships , and blockade it to others .
The airlines like to fleece the customers , for hundreds and hundreds .
The airlines like to fleece the customers , for hundreds and hundreds .
The airlines like to fleece the customers , for hundreds and hundreds .
I know that LH is not the first airline to charge a seat reservation fee in business class (both BA and Qatar do) but I still don't like it. OTOH, is it really different from AC, UA, DL, etc., offering "basic" business class fares? I guess I am just not a fan of any of this.
Of course, mandatory seat reservation fees have been a "feature" of European trains for decades. Back in the 1980s,...
I know that LH is not the first airline to charge a seat reservation fee in business class (both BA and Qatar do) but I still don't like it. OTOH, is it really different from AC, UA, DL, etc., offering "basic" business class fares? I guess I am just not a fan of any of this.
Of course, mandatory seat reservation fees have been a "feature" of European trains for decades. Back in the 1980s, the fee was the rough equivalent of $1 US (5 francs in France, for example). Those fees have risen dramatically over the years but not to the level of what airlines are getting. Still, maybe European airlines think this is OK because railroads do it. I tend to look at it differently.
As a non-American I need guidance in the proper usage of "Yowzers!"
As an American, so do I! I am uncertain why that's even there. It seems recent.
As a non-English speaking non-U.S. American, so do I!
Ben did a whole post on the new changes, including the "Yowzers!" button: https://onemileatatime.com/news/major-positive-omaat-changes-community/
Why complain? Just don't fly them. I stopped about a dozen years ago and haven't looked back.
"Why complain?" Lee, this can't be your first time on the internet or in a comment section...
President Trump will sort this out. Greatest President ever.
Introducing Advance Arrival Extra! Passengers have shared that on-time arrival and careful adherence to promised schedules are essential to the travel experience. Acting on this customer feedback, we are pleased to introduce Advance Arrival Extra! for those wishing to take advantage of early gate arrival. If a flight arrives at the gate prior to the promised arrival time, passengers wishing to immediately debark despite the schedule disruption may do so for a fee of $50...
Introducing Advance Arrival Extra! Passengers have shared that on-time arrival and careful adherence to promised schedules are essential to the travel experience. Acting on this customer feedback, we are pleased to introduce Advance Arrival Extra! for those wishing to take advantage of early gate arrival. If a flight arrives at the gate prior to the promised arrival time, passengers wishing to immediately debark despite the schedule disruption may do so for a fee of $50 payable through our innovative app. Those who prefer to follow the agreed upon schedule may remain comfortably seated until the promised arrival time. We are proud to offer this unique service in response to our customers’ stated preferences for on time arrivals!
Hahaha
Airlines can add seat fees all they want, and I still won't be paying them. This is nonsense.
Well, you might be paying them if the concept continues to spread to other airlines. The airline industry is notorious for various races to the bottom.
I can live witj the "worst" seat in business class. There is minimal difference between these seats, and people are stupid to pay these fees. Same food, sams lie flat seats, same carryon, same eye shades, same movies, The rest is all a perception that one seat is somehow "better" than another. Generally, that just isn't true. This is the latest scam against stupid people.
@Gene, agree if you are traveling alone but sometimes you need to sit next to or at least close to someone like a child or an elderly parent so they are the ones getting screwed by the fee x number of passengers.
Let the child be someone else's problem and then blame the airline for separating you.
I prefer the seat closer to the aisle - easier to get out (and not that coffin feel). When 2 of us travel - I prefer the two seats in the middle section - with the higher celing - you can stand out and then just walk from your seat.
But I want 7 different types of seats to choose from. As a discerning customer, I’ve gotten used to having all these choices when travelling LH.
PS: If anyone from LH is reading this, I’m being sarcastic. Just clarifying for Germans out there who may not catch it and could take what I wrote seriously.
100% Bavarian here (German tot hose who don't know, that Bavaria is a state in Germany)
. . . simply avoid ANY Lufthansa-Group airline and you will be perfectly fine and no need to worry, that your sarcasm might not be understood!
WORKS for me (since 2017), since this airline group would kill to see any competitor disappear! . . . with a little help from insiders or even the corrupt Christian Government...
100% Bavarian here (German tot hose who don't know, that Bavaria is a state in Germany)
. . . simply avoid ANY Lufthansa-Group airline and you will be perfectly fine and no need to worry, that your sarcasm might not be understood!
WORKS for me (since 2017), since this airline group would kill to see any competitor disappear! . . . with a little help from insiders or even the corrupt Christian Government in that Country!
You should try too, i bet there is at least 7 options (for air travel) compared to any Lufthansa trip you might take, so you have your 7 to chose from again! ;-)
I'm dead serious by the way. I mean it.
I don't care if you all are trying to sleep! I paid €170 for this window shade, and it stays up!
:-) :-)
The German economy is in a dire state but didn't think it was this bad. Pretty soon we will be paying for seat belts, watching movies on the IFE, and probably even the food.
What is the problem here? Well, many airlines, including British Airways, have been charging over 100 pounds for just a standard seat reservation in long-haul business class, and this has been going on for years.
Sure, but is BA really the best example here? Most business-class travelers won't care about an extra £100. Why not just include it in the fare and let J-class passengers choose their seats? This feels like a disappointing cash grab for minimal gain.
SIMPLE:
. . . just avoid flying ANY LH-Group airline at all! Works 100% perfect for me and i'm based at one of their hub ports, but no problem finding other (better and non gangster airline) solutions.
If flying on miles, avoiding German departures helps too, crazy taxes!
They should charge for assignments in middle pairs of the old business class, call it "Footsie Friends" seats for how easy it is to play Footsie with your seatmate.