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.
In this post:
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?
Unfortunately, I suffer from claustrophobia and as a result I do not like the "dilbert" cubicles. I much prefer the open cabin with a degree of seclusion that most airlines have been offering.
I am intending to celebrate my 70th birthday this year by flying Lufthansa on B747 8i in First Class from LHR-FRA-LAX and return as I travel to Hawaii for the Holidays. I am told the 747 8i will not get the...
Unfortunately, I suffer from claustrophobia and as a result I do not like the "dilbert" cubicles. I much prefer the open cabin with a degree of seclusion that most airlines have been offering.
I am intending to celebrate my 70th birthday this year by flying Lufthansa on B747 8i in First Class from LHR-FRA-LAX and return as I travel to Hawaii for the Holidays. I am told the 747 8i will not get the new suites this year so I am greatly relieved.
It may be a Calvinistic streak but I wonder what people get up to that they need to be locked away....
“Lufthansa is completely banning awards and upgrades in its new Allegris first class”
Not true. I’m booked on MUC-BLR in J and am being offered an upgrade to F for EUR 1060.
Not a chance would I do this with my partner — we've been married for 13 years and I *cherish* my alone time on a plane. ;)
But in all seriousness, I don't imagine a lot of couples wanting to put up with the hassle here. I DO see this becoming nicknamed the "Kiddo Klub," as this is going to be an ideal set-up for parents with kids too young to travel in their own seat. Cue the no-kids-in-first folks, cause NC headphones and earplugs WILL be required. haha
I’m not sure how much private these suites are. But won’t be surprised if couples on their honeymoon prefer the middle suite. They won’t be doing a lot of sleeping or IFE watching on their journey. other than that I don’t see anybody wanting to spend a whole bunch of time in this suite with somebody else.
what is “punitive” about an airline selling out a premium cabin with fewer seats?
Ben, you are writing “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”
This is incorrect. If two passengers are travelling together and intend to book the suite, only one of them requires the full F fare ticket and for the other person an “individual offer” will be made by the hotline. Again, not exactly very efficient…
Ok this makes WAY more sense (not that it makes commercial sense...) - because who in their right mind would pay two full F fares, and then choose to squeeze into a single seat??
I'd still rather have two, full, separate seats if I can afford First class in the first place but the fact that an individual offer is paid to share the seat makes more sense if they hope to ever sell it in that fashion.
What's the source for this information?
OMG, LH has outdone itself on this one. If even the experienced travellers aren't entirely sure about this new F confusion, how can a regular customer get a grip on it? It was helpful reading this thread though, thanks.
Now I got concerned about the usefulness of my upgrade vouchers...
Ben, I'm not sure you're getting the monetization of the middle seat(s) right.
Yeah, the price of reserving the middle seat is punitive. But this is what European companies sometimes do if they don't really want to sell you something.
Their plan is to sell this seat to couples using special pricing. Apparently, LH mentioned some numbers to HON circle members. The price for a couple going for these middle seats is supposed to be...
Ben, I'm not sure you're getting the monetization of the middle seat(s) right.
Yeah, the price of reserving the middle seat is punitive. But this is what European companies sometimes do if they don't really want to sell you something.
Their plan is to sell this seat to couples using special pricing. Apparently, LH mentioned some numbers to HON circle members. The price for a couple going for these middle seats is supposed to be significantly lower than buying two single F tickets!
The oddity comes from something different in my estimation. The problem is they are incapable of feeding the special couple's pricing into the GDS. For now, you have to call Lufthansa to buy and reserve these seats. I assume, eventually, they will have a clean solution for people booking online through direct LH channels.
Even when travelling with my partner, I’d vastly prefer two J seats to the F centre suite. Will be much more comfortable and likely to be cheaper than any discounted F price LH will offer.
But then again, the Allegris J layout is so messed up that there are few good options for people travelling as a couple.
If you anyways want to fly C but could afford F, the C suites should be perfect for you, don’t get why it’s messed up for couples, C suites are in your case awesome
They could've gone the Qantas way and create 1x1x1 and call it a day, this must be the most ridiculous and pretencious release in aviation history, and their Allegris business already looks oudated, with no doors and those plastic materials, it look scheaer than Polaris, at least Emirates just put a basic business seat from the market and launched it without all that pomp and fanfare.
When Air France and Cathay launched their new first...
They could've gone the Qantas way and create 1x1x1 and call it a day, this must be the most ridiculous and pretencious release in aviation history, and their Allegris business already looks oudated, with no doors and those plastic materials, it look scheaer than Polaris, at least Emirates just put a basic business seat from the market and launched it without all that pomp and fanfare.
When Air France and Cathay launched their new first cabins, Lufthansa and Swiss' will look already 10 years behind.
I get that the logistics here seem a bit wonky. But the middle suite would certainly be what I would prefer if traveling with my wife, especially on a night flight. We’d be very happy with this set up. Lack of individual entertainment systems might get old though during a day flight.
Imagine not having direct aisle in first class LOL
Lufthansa Allegris is not only non-existent across 99% of its fleet, it's also a massive step backwards.
It doesn't look spacious at all. Allegris more like Regress.
Only someone with a big ego or who really values a large bed will pay for the center suite. Or maybe a couple wanting a larger bed to f*ck or a larger table to have dinner together but still be able to sleep properly ?
The best move assuming 3 F seats are booked and 2 of them are a couple is to wait for the single passenger to assign their seat, bet it would...
Only someone with a big ego or who really values a large bed will pay for the center suite. Or maybe a couple wanting a larger bed to f*ck or a larger table to have dinner together but still be able to sleep properly ?
The best move assuming 3 F seats are booked and 2 of them are a couple is to wait for the single passenger to assign their seat, bet it would be a window seat and then access the center suite for free + a window seat. The center suite is cute as a dinner cubicle but that's it.
The stupidity is a lone passenger will most often want to assign 1A as it's a prestigious number so the couple will be "separated" as the suite opens to the left of the plane.
Honestly not a great experience. I believe Emirates did it better as the center seat opens to the right of the plane, giving more options for couples to chat from their respective suites. But then Emirates does try to convince you that the windowless center seat is better. And they even have "windows"....
Beyond the other flaws in this whole setup, having to call LH up to assign yourself the double suite seems a bit ridiculous when that’s how the suite is *supposed* to be used.
Expecting two full priced F tickets for two people in that middle suite is bananas. One ticket plus the up charge (as suggested by another poster) would be plausible, given just the one tv and one bed. Otherwise, absolutely not.
Like many commenting here, I have traveled at the front of the plane for the last 30 years. The double suite simply holds no appeal. If the person close to the door is sleeping, how do you get over them? Cute concept. Zero practicality. Call me old school, but I’d rather be in 1a and 1k on a 747-8
Ugh, what a clusterfk of an idea. Even when I'm traveling with my husband I don't want to be stuck watching his inflight entertainment choices, when all I use it for is the route map. Climbing over him to get out of the 'suite' is a minor inconvenience, but if we were 20 years older and less mobile it might be a deal-breaker. Like you said, this is a cute idea that's totally impractical for...
Ugh, what a clusterfk of an idea. Even when I'm traveling with my husband I don't want to be stuck watching his inflight entertainment choices, when all I use it for is the route map. Climbing over him to get out of the 'suite' is a minor inconvenience, but if we were 20 years older and less mobile it might be a deal-breaker. Like you said, this is a cute idea that's totally impractical for anyone but a single traveler. At least Etihad's 'Residence' has a separate bedroom to retreat to.
That is correct, the Residence does have two separate rooms. However, the double bed is only a French bed, hence only one side easily accessible.
In my experience the SQ A380, offers a much better ‘double bed’ solution. Seats 1A and 2A plus 1F and 2F, are separate suites, however, lowering the central partition between the beds add intimacy. It has worked well on our Far Eastern flights.
Im asking me if the person in charge off this new business and first class seat generation is still in his/her job position? Is the most ridiculous seats somebody made them.
Absolutely horrendous
And their rollout is the most ridiculous in-advance announcement ever in aviation history, and this blog buys on this kind of stupid stuff, just create the fricking thing in silence and launch it once it's made and ready to install, in a few words: shut the f- up and get to work b-, flaunt some s- when you accomplish something in life Lufthansa.
LH should sell the middle suite at fare + 2400EUR regardless of whether it's one or two people. That might actually incentivize a couple to take it.
That’s EUR 2400 one-way, EUR 4800 round trip. Would not be even remotely worth it. I’d much rather buy two J tickets where each traveller has a proper seat to themselves. This is such a poorly thought out product it blows my mind. Only a German could have conceived of something like this.
Like other commenters below, one finds that the centre pair of seats to be most unappealing for a couple. LH have certainly missed a trick with this design approach by not providing isle access from both sides of the ‘double bed’.
The French bed was not popular with European caravan or motorhome buyers last century.
"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."
And then these two passengers will be able to enjoy 1 suite plus 1 "living room" at the price of "just" 2 suites. Otherwise, whoever pays 2 full fares and accepts the middle suite is simply being ripped off by LH.
I don't think you would end up with a suite and the double suite, not if F is fully booked with 4 people. If you are travelling with someone and both are in the same PNR while the other two pax are sole travellers, the probability is greater that LH would assign the two sole pax to the two window seats and assign the couple, the double suite.
But how will they know it's a couple and that the unfortunate traveller who has paid a fortune to fly in F (e.g. because they're obese) won't end up sharing a bed with their friend/father/cousin/mother-in-law?
Exactly my thought, they cannot simply force all 2 pairs of passengers under the same PNR to use the middle suite unless they explicitly request it.
Why would it be a force? I'm confused... Isn't it usually the case that two pax in the same PNR want to/ expect to sit together? If seats are available, airline systems generally would reserve the two seats together for two people in a PNR.
That is a heck of an assumption. What if you are a generous guy flying your Mom back to the old country? Would you like to share a cubicle with her?
Then again, maybe don’t answer that question
How would LH know that you are flying with your mom unless you had placed a SSR note that you were and did not want to sit next to her? Outside of that, if you and your mom were flying in any cabin and your PNR comprised you and your mom and you did not select your seats (as Ben claims he would not), if the seats were available, it is a great probability that the seating algorithms would assign you seats together- as is currently the case globally.
LH will only sell 3 seats in First Class. Only if someone calls the hotline to reserve the Suite Plus for 2 pax, another seat will become available. No one will be forced to sit in the middle suite with someone else.
This sentence doesn’t make sense.
“ 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.”
Either the cabin is sold out or someone gets upgraded for free. It cannot be both at the same time.
“Sold out” as in three sears sold. At which point someone is upgraded to the double suite for free.
Not sure what you disagree with there?
There are two window seats + 1 XL center seat. If the cabin is sold out, then that means 3 seats are sold (2 window seats + XL center seat). So someone is going to be upgraded from business class sitting cheek to cheek with the paid First class stranger in the center who bought that seat?
No, one of the first class people will be upgraded from the single suite, presumably based on status.
As daft as LH are acting, i don’t think they’re going to put a total stranger in a double bed with you.
You're missing the important part: how will someone be moved into the 1 center XL suite if the cabin is sold out? Someone is in that center suite, so how can another person be "upgraded" into it when it is occupied?
@David - I think what Ben intended to say is that if a couple traveling on the same ticket book both window seats and the center XL suite remains unsold (which is where he...
You're missing the important part: how will someone be moved into the 1 center XL suite if the cabin is sold out? Someone is in that center suite, so how can another person be "upgraded" into it when it is occupied?
@David - I think what Ben intended to say is that if a couple traveling on the same ticket book both window seats and the center XL suite remains unsold (which is where he erroneously said the cabin is sold out, it is not sold out at this point because the center seat is available / unsold), they may be given (forced?) the option to "upgrade" to this center seat instead of occupying two single window seats.
No, i think you're missing it. Lufthansa sell three seats as standard.
Upon buying a ticket, you can assign a single suite for free or pay extra to assign the double suite.
Two people can buy tickets and call up to assign the double suite to them, increasing F capacity to 4.
If no one pays extra to assign the double suite, and no couples take it, then LH will just have to upgrade...
No, i think you're missing it. Lufthansa sell three seats as standard.
Upon buying a ticket, you can assign a single suite for free or pay extra to assign the double suite.
Two people can buy tickets and call up to assign the double suite to them, increasing F capacity to 4.
If no one pays extra to assign the double suite, and no couples take it, then LH will just have to upgrade an unassigned single F ticket to the double suite… for free.
Ben is referring to that third case, which will probably be quite common.
I've had bad brain fog the past couple days and finally pieced it together. Thank you for your patience in explaining... I was missing a fundamental part: there is an up-charge to pick the center double suite no matter what. So if 3 people buy standard First Class tickets (cabin is sold out) and do not assign seats, then 1 of those people will be automatically assigned that seat in the end with no charge,...
I've had bad brain fog the past couple days and finally pieced it together. Thank you for your patience in explaining... I was missing a fundamental part: there is an up-charge to pick the center double suite no matter what. So if 3 people buy standard First Class tickets (cabin is sold out) and do not assign seats, then 1 of those people will be automatically assigned that seat in the end with no charge, thus being "upgraded".
Once again - I appreciate the polite internet discourse :)
Is this an actual reduction in systemwide F capacity though, or are those seats actually additional to whatever they're flying from FRA? If the latter, this could actually improve availability of A/O class on the FRA routes for quite some time.
This is exactly what I was thinking/wondering—e.g. there will now be 11 daily seats in LH F from SFO vs. previously only 8 to FRA, gotta be a good thing right?
that is as long as 747 800 is still in service. what i get is that the jumbo will eventually be replaced by the new 777, which might have 3 or 6 F seats. the main point here is: still good for all who buy full fare tickets, bad news for all the customers who must book in C, sit on millions of miles or e vouchers, and can basically shove them up to where...
that is as long as 747 800 is still in service. what i get is that the jumbo will eventually be replaced by the new 777, which might have 3 or 6 F seats. the main point here is: still good for all who buy full fare tickets, bad news for all the customers who must book in C, sit on millions of miles or e vouchers, and can basically shove them up to where the sun doesn’t shine. it’s all about the money, fair enough, but with that LH destroys the miles and more illusion—good for the competition
The days of trusty ol' Lufthansa F awards between US & Europe look like they're going away. I guess our only hope is that Lufthansa's epically incompetent leadership continues to mismanage the rollout and it ends up taking them another 7 years to complete the shift from the old F to the new F.
Suite Plus is not remotely appealing for an adult couple. But it is perfect for a parent flying with a young child who will disturb the other first-class passengers.
I am not looking forward to 11hrs of Peppa Pig on route to SFO … also my son sleeps a lot more than me. So, I guess even traveling with him I‘d want for him to have his own suite - and if it‘s just for sleeping.
Nice assessment and unfortunately most likely gloomily accurate.