This spring, Lufthansa launched its new Allegris first class, initially available on select Munich-based Airbus A350-900s. I’ve had the chance to fly the product, and it’s no doubt a massive improvement over Lufthansa’s old first class. However, there are also some quirks.
Along those lines, aeroTELEGRAPH reports on how a representative for Lufthansa flight attendants has written a letter expressing frustration with the new Allegris first class, in terms of both design and staffing. They have some valid points…
Lufthansa flight attendants point out Allegris design flaws
As I’ve covered extensively, Lufthansa’s new Allegris first class includes a double suite in the center, which just doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me (especially factoring in current pricing), given there’s a single TV, a single tray table, and there’s less storage space than in the individual suites.
Lufthansa’s flight attendants have also noticed the strange execution of this seat, explaining:
“Couples rarely have the same sleep patterns or movie preferences. Instead of an exclusive, comfortable atmosphere, it creates a feeling of confinement and pressure – no trace of a premium experience.”
Ouch! Flight attendants also see design flaws beyond that, like the lack of any storage space for first class service items. For example, the first class bedding actually has to be stored in the overhead compartments in the first row of business class. So the flight attendant representative questions how the development process failed to consider this basic reality.
All their points are 100% accurate, so what can one really say? The only issue is that there’s not much Lufthansa can do to reverse course here, since it’s not like Lufthansa is going to ditch its Allegris first class product (never mind that it’s now also coming to the SWISS fleet, under the SWISS Senses branding).
Lufthansa flight attendants not happy about reduced staffing
While flight attendants aren’t happy about the design flaws, there’s something that they’re even less fond of, and that’s reduced staffing.
The old Lufthansa first class had two flight attendants for up to eight passengers, while the new Allegris first class has one flight attendant for up to four passengers. You might think “well that’s the same ratio, so what’s the problem?”
The reality is that there’s a bit more nuance to that. When there are two flight attendants, one works the galley, while one works the aisle, so there’s an easier division of responsibility. During meal times, it’s really difficult to have a single flight attendant working both the galley and aisle, especially if you’re trying to provide a personalized experience that’s attentive, while not feeling rushed.
Lufthansa’s plan all along has been to staff the Allegris first class cabin with just one flight attendant, but during a temporary introduction phase, the airline had two flight attendants. With that now being back down to one flight attendant, flight attendants aren’t happy:
“The removal of the flight attendant not only represents a clear decline in service quality, but also once again reveals significant weaknesses in strategic planning and product design. This will massively reduce the time spent with guests – especially in first class. And this is happening at a time when Allegris, a new seating product requiring explanation, is being introduced.”
“It’s not just about jobs, but about the future of a product that aspires to be among the world’s best. This is precisely why the removal of a flight attendant is not only a quantitative problem, but above all a qualitative one.”
Total staffing on the plane has been reduced from 12 flight attendants to 11 flight attendants. In fairness, the A350-900 has gone from 293 seats to 267 seats, though with the plane’s previous configuration, there also wasn’t first class.
I see both sides on this topic. On the one hand, the union is absolutely correct, which is that having only one flight attendant working both the aisle and galley makes it really difficult to provide great service. I also see this from the perspective of Lufthansa management — the economics of having two flight attendants taking care of so few passengers is difficult to justify.
I should also mention that Air France La Premiere first class has four seats, and is also staffed with one flight attendant. In situations where the cabin is full, you definitely feel that staffing could be better. However, Air France does sometimes have a second flight attendant come up and help, when available.
Bottom line
A representative for Lufthansa flight attendants has expressed frustration about the new Allegris first class product. For one, flight attendants seem to be noticing the impractical design of the double suite, plus some other design flaws, like the lack of storage for first class bedding.
Beyond that, flight attendants don’t like how staffing has been reduced, as it’s hard for one flight attendant to provide attentive service for the entire cabin, while working both the galley and aisle.
What do you make of this feedback from Lufthansa flight attendants?
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