Lufthansa is in the process of introducing its new Allegris product concept, including a new first class suite and new business class seat. I mean, at least that’s what the airline claims, even if it was announced six years ago, and still not a single plane has these cabins.
As it turns out, the Allegris concept won’t just be available in the air, but also on the ground.
In this post:
Lufthansa plans to redesign airport lounges
The Lufthansa Lounge Newark Airport (EWR) recently closed for renovation. What’s interesting is that this isn’t just any renovation, but rather this lounge will be the prototype for Lufthansa’s lounge design going forward. The lounge is expected to reopen as of the summer of 2024, and it will even be expanded, so this represents quite a project.
While exact details about what will be changing are limited, here’s what we’re told we can expect:
- The goal is to serve the needs of guests more individually, since passengers are looking for different things; some just finished a business meeting and are tired, some are on their honeymoon and are in a celebratory mood, etc.
- The goal is to break the lounge into more distinct zones, depending on whether you want to work, eat, have a drink, or just relax
- The lounge will be getting a la carte dining for first class passengers, which is otherwise only available at a very limited number of outstations
- While the lounge will have distinct Lufthansa design elements, the goal is to add more local flair to outstation lounges; for example, the lounge will be getting a New York-themed bar
It remains to be seen with what timeline other lounges will be redesigned. As far as lounges in Germany go, the plan is for lounges in Munich to be the first to get the Allegris treatment, though we’ll see when that happens.
I’m looking forward to these lounge changes!
I’m happy to see that Lufthansa is making changes to its lounge concept. The reality is that currently Lufthansa’s lounges are consistent to a fault. While they’re perfectly serviceable, they have no charm or local flair, and you really could be anywhere in the world.
So when Lufthansa redesigns its lounges, it sounds like we’ll see more of a focus on local design elements, as well as distinct zones. That’s great news.
I still wouldn’t get excited about these lounges, especially at outstations. Lounge crowding is just such an issue nowadays, and Lufthansa lounges at outstations are typically packed prior to departure. When a lounge is consistently at capacity, it’s hard to get too excited, no matter how nice the lounge is otherwise.
Bottom line
Lufthansa is planning to refresh its lounges with the new Allegris concept. Details remain limited as of now, though the idea is that lounges have a bit more local flair, and also have more distinct zones, depending on what passengers are looking for.
The Lufthansa Lounge Newark will open in the summer of 2024, and will be the first lounge with the new Allegris concept. Given the pace at which Lufthansa has introduced Allegris, I imagine the second lounge will likely open in 2039.
What do you make of Lufthansa’s plans to refresh lounges?
What's their solution for club access while they are closed? I suppose if you're flying in business you'd have to take the shuttle to Terminal C for Polaris Lounge?
They should just abandon this whole Allegris farce------Pronto!
maybe less reporting on things that may or. may not happen in my lifetime and more "click to add lede" (as all today's newsletter items all read?) :)
The goal is to serve the needs of guests more individually, since passengers are looking for different things; some just finished a business meeting and are tired, some are on their honeymoon and are in a celebratory mood, etc.
The goal is to break the lounge into more distinct zones, depending on whether you want to work, eat, have a drink, or just relax
Generic bs as always for allegris
Give up Allegris. This brand is already trashed.
Can't wait to visit this lounge when it opens in Winter 2030!
Its nice that my descendants will be able to enjoy a lounge that looks a little less like a hospital after my passing
Fine, they are a bit dull. But I frankly don't mind them being "a bit dull" when I know what I'm going to get and am perfectly satisfied with what they have to offer. Fix the Allegris seat issue first before starting some other new project, eesh.
I am still amused that at the LH lounge at MXP they served "Macedonian fruit salad." (it was just melon, pineapple, and grapes)
You just perfectly described LH - dull but reliable. Also a 'Macedonia di Frutta' is what the Italians call a fruit salad. If you asked them for an insalata di frutta (literal translation) you would get a very blank look
Came for the Lufthansa shade in the comments.
Was not disappointed.
So you were never in doubt of the Lufthansa shade? ;)
I know you've never been a fan of the Lufthansa lounge aesthetic, but I like that it's distinct to them. AA/DL/UA for example all have (or will have) premium lounges that look very nice, but are rather generic style and aren't indicative of the in-plane product. Lufthansa's lounges reflected its first class aesthetic with similar materials and style. I'd say Cathay Pacific is the only other airline with such a distinct lounge aesthetic.
Based on...
I know you've never been a fan of the Lufthansa lounge aesthetic, but I like that it's distinct to them. AA/DL/UA for example all have (or will have) premium lounges that look very nice, but are rather generic style and aren't indicative of the in-plane product. Lufthansa's lounges reflected its first class aesthetic with similar materials and style. I'd say Cathay Pacific is the only other airline with such a distinct lounge aesthetic.
Based on Allegris First schema, I'm expecting the lounges to darken up a bit with navy blue, slatted wood panels on the walls, and metal accents.
I find Polaris lounges very distinctive - UA goes all in on the navy and dark grey that's actually quite nice.
I expect to see at least 7 different seat types, of course with the most comfortable seats requiring some additional payment.
In the first class lounge, expect to find only couple seats. Of course a la carte dining always applies to two people seated together; no different meal choices are allowed and people sitting alone will not be served.
Once the first lounges are about to open (around 2035 after multiple delays at...
I expect to see at least 7 different seat types, of course with the most comfortable seats requiring some additional payment.
In the first class lounge, expect to find only couple seats. Of course a la carte dining always applies to two people seated together; no different meal choices are allowed and people sitting alone will not be served.
Once the first lounges are about to open (around 2035 after multiple delays at the seat and table manufacturers), expect lufthansa to discover that the allegris lounge only fits into some of their lounges, while they need to find a new concept for their lounges in FRA and MUC.
If they’re announcing it now, then it should launch by… 2032 or so.
"I’m happy to see that Lufthansa is making changes to its lounge concept. The reality is that currently Lufthansa’s lounges are consistent to a fault. While they’re perfectly serviceable, they have no charm or local flair, and you really could be anywhere in the world."
From my perspective, the fact that the design of LH lounges is very consistent around the network is a "feature," not a "bug." You generally know what you're going to...
"I’m happy to see that Lufthansa is making changes to its lounge concept. The reality is that currently Lufthansa’s lounges are consistent to a fault. While they’re perfectly serviceable, they have no charm or local flair, and you really could be anywhere in the world."
From my perspective, the fact that the design of LH lounges is very consistent around the network is a "feature," not a "bug." You generally know what you're going to get and even where you're going to find it. When people go to airport lounges, they're generally looking for comfort for a short period of time away from the chaos of airport terminals, not an evening's entertainment and the latest trend.
It's fine to have decorative elements that reflect the local city, and maybe some local food influences, but they should keep the core of the lounge experience consistent. The lounge should be a preliminary to the experience on board the aircraft.
Agree with this. I, too, appreciate the consistency. One only needs to read the r/Delta subreddit to see innumerable discussions on which Sky Club is best at whichever airport, and which is a disgusting, overcrowded hole. If you're a frequent DL flyer, than you probably already know. If you're a free agent, however, it's more than likely you just want to get off the plane and head to the closest lounge without worrying that it's...
Agree with this. I, too, appreciate the consistency. One only needs to read the r/Delta subreddit to see innumerable discussions on which Sky Club is best at whichever airport, and which is a disgusting, overcrowded hole. If you're a frequent DL flyer, than you probably already know. If you're a free agent, however, it's more than likely you just want to get off the plane and head to the closest lounge without worrying that it's going to be a shitty dumpster fire of a lounge while a brand-spanking-new and better one is just a aerotrain ride away.
I agree with all of this. I like the consistency and knowing what you are going to get at LH's lounges. I do think local ideas like a "New York themed bar", or "French Champagne and cheese kiosk" within a lounge are a good idea, but the core should remain consistent.
Not disagreeing with your perspective, but your take is addressed in the first bullet point: "The goal is to serve the needs of guests more individually, since passengers are looking for different things; some just finished a business meeting and are tired, some are on their honeymoon and are in a celebratory mood, etc."
You may be looking for comfort for a short period, but other people may want individuality (not projecting my own desires...
Not disagreeing with your perspective, but your take is addressed in the first bullet point: "The goal is to serve the needs of guests more individually, since passengers are looking for different things; some just finished a business meeting and are tired, some are on their honeymoon and are in a celebratory mood, etc."
You may be looking for comfort for a short period, but other people may want individuality (not projecting my own desires here). So perhaps the new lounges will have areas with the same old consistent vibe that you will be drawn to, whilst other areas will have local flair or other unique elements.