Lufthansa is in the process of rolling out its new long haul cabin concept, known as Allegris. This includes a new business class product (being installed on newly delivered Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s), as well as a new first class product (being installed on newly delivered Airbus A350s).
Lufthansa’s rollout of its new premium cabins has been rather challenging, to put it mildly. The airline announced these products in 2017, and the first plane started flying with new cabins around seven years later. Specifically, Lufthansa Allegris business class debuted as of May 2024, on newly delivered aircraft, which fly specific routes.
Several weeks ago, Lufthansa took delivery of its very first jet featuring the new Allegris first class cabins. Up until now, the airline hasn’t actually been selling that cabin, though, and has instead been seating high-tier elite members in first class. There’s now an interesting update, as the airline has moved forward the timeline with which it’s selling first class. We’re now just weeks from an official launch, so let’s cover all the details.
Basics of the new Lufthansa Allegris first class
To start with the basics, Lufthansa’s new Allegris first class is found on select Airbus A350-900s. For the first time, Lufthansa is introducing suites in first class, offering ceiling-high walls and closable doors. The cabin consists of just three suites, with one being a double suite.
The two window seats are pretty typical of what you’d expect from a first class suite, with features like a large dining table and buddy seat, large entertainment screens, bluetooth connectivity, a personal wardrobe, individual temperature controls, and more.
On top of that, there’s a double suite in the middle of the cabin, marketed as “Suite Plus.” It has all the same amenities as the other suites, except it consists of two seats right next to one another (almost like a loveseat), and can be converted into a double bed. Furthermore, the seat has a 42″ television.
Lufthansa Allegris first class launch date & routes
Lufthansa has now started selling its A350 Allegris first class product for several routes, and the launch is happening sooner than initially planned. Lufthans Allegris A350 first class is available as of the following dates on the following routes:
- As of January 27, 2025, on LH766/767 between Munich (MUC) and Mumbai (BOM)
- As of January 28, 2025, on LH765/765 between Munich (MUC) and Bangalore (BLR)
- As of January 28, 2025, on LH410/411 between Munich (MUC) and New York (JFK)
- As of February 22, 2025, on LH434/435 between Munich (MUC) and Chicago (ORD)
- As of March 30, 2025, on LH458/459 between Munich (MUC) and San Francisco (SFO)
For those curious about the logistics of how these seats are being sold:
- Lufthansa is selling at most three first class seats in the cabin, so the maximum inventory you’ll see for this plane is “F3” (presumably if two people book together and select the double suite, one additional seat could be made available)
- Lufthansa has two first class fare classes — “F” is the more expensive fare class and “A” is the cheaper fare class — a vast majority of Allegris A350 flights have only the full fare “F” inventory, and not the discounted “A” inventory, which isn’t much of a surprise (there’s more “A” inventory on India routes than US routes)
So you can expect that flights in the new Allegris first class will be more expensive most of the time, given the massive reduction in inventory. Historically Lufthansa has had eight first class seats per aircraft, so this represents a 63% reduction in capacity.
How Lufthansa is charging for the Allegris double suite
Let’s talk briefly about how Lufthansa is assigning the awkward double suite in the center of the cabin. As you’d expect, first class passengers can assign one of the window seats — 1A or 1K — at no extra cost.
First class passengers can also pay extra to reserve the center double suite, even if traveling alone. The cost to assign that suite ranges from €1,900 to €2,900, depending on the length of the flight. On the Chicago route, the cost is €2,400.
Note that this price premium only applies if you’re a single traveler. If you’re traveling with someone and want to assign the suite together, you should just book two seats, and then you can contact Lufthansa to book the double suite at no extra cost (which doesn’t seem like a terribly efficient process).
Honestly, though, this makes little sense to me. If I were traveling as a pair in Allegris first class, I just wouldn’t assign seats, and I’d hope that I end up with a first class seat and the double suite. This just doesn’t seem very well thought out.
Lufthansa Allegris first class awards & upgrades
While we’ll see how this evolves, reports so far suggest that Lufthansa is completely banning awards and upgrades in its new Allegris first class. Lufthansa’s top tier HON Circle members have reportedly been told that it’s not possible to even waitlist an upgrade or award for a flight operated by the Allegris first class.
It’s possible that Lufthansa tries to pull this off as a permanent policy, or it’s possible that this is just for the introductory phase. This certainly seems a bit punitive. Like, I’m not at all surprised that there almost certainly won’t be any partner awards for the new Allegris first class, given the tiny cabin.
However, you’d think that there might be some waitlisted upgrades or awards for HON Circle members, given the value those customers have to the airline. I’m curious if that changes over time.
My take on Lufthansa’s Allegris first class strategy
As before, I’m skeptical about Lufthansa’s new first class product. While the window seats look perfectly nice, the double suite in the center makes no sense whatsoever.
Sure, the concept of having a space for two people to fly together sounds great, but it doesn’t look spacious at all, and offers limited flexibility in terms of one person being able to sleep while the other person stays up. There’s not even an armrest between the two seats.
Furthermore, the upsell for this center suite is beyond ridiculous. Paying €1,900 to €2,900 for the privilege of having a bit more space and not even having a window is something that I don’t see many people (even the super rich) doing. It’s just not worth it.
So I’m curious how this all works out. If I were traveling with someone, I’d still rather have two window seats rather than one double suite. I’d be willing to bet good money that that center suite will most often just have someone upgraded to it for free, since I imagine the cabin will almost always be sold out.
Lufthansa is definitely taking a bit of a radical approach here. I can of course understand the idea of having a smaller first class cabin where most seats are sold. However, between primarily only having full fare first class available, plus restricting upgrades and awards for all, I’m curious what the occupancy in the cabin ends up being like.
Bottom line
Lufthansa has now put Allegris first class route on sale for travel as of late January 2025. The initial routes will be from Munich to Mumbai, Bangalore, New York, Chicago, and San Francisco.
Lufthansa is selling at most three seats in the cabin, and on top of that, is generally only selling fares in the very highest fare bucket. For single travelers looking to book the double suite, the airline is charging anywhere from €1,900 to €2,900 for that, on top of the ticket cost. Furthermore, there will be no upgrades and awards, at least for now.
Personally I don’t see this double suite concept ending very well, though I’m happy to at least see this product finally becoming a reality.
What do you make of the introduction of Lufthansa’s new Allegris first class?
Membership is free and takes no more information than commenting as a guest. Earn status points for good contributions, and see fewer ads as your status grows.