Impressions and Details from the New Lufthansa Allegris Cabin

Lufthansa is currently touring Germany with the new Allegris cabin to showcase it to travel agencies and business partners. The cabin was announced at the end of February, and it is set to be introduced on the first aircraft by the end of 2023.

Although our time was limited to 30 minutes for all four classes, we took the opportunity to gather some impressions and details from each of the four travel classes:

Cabin

In addition to new seats, a new lighting system will be installed on all long-haul aircraft, which will simulate the daily rhythm at the destination through the colour of the light (known as Human Centric Lighting) to prevent jet lag.

First Class

The First Class exhibit showcased the First Class Suite, which is expected to have two suites on board the Airbus A350, each accommodating two passengers. In addition to the two seats that have no separation but can be adjusted individually, there is also a bench opposite them, allowing four people to comfortably sit together.

The seat, as well as the lighting and entertainment system of the suite, can be controlled via two personal tablets. In addition to wireless noise-cancelling headphones, passengers will also have the option to connect their own headphones to the entertainment system via Bluetooth. Since the suite is planned to be installed in the middle of the aircraft, there will be no direct view outside. Therefore, the outside camera of the respective aircraft will be displayed on the screen.

The suite door closes almost up to the ceiling, providing excellent privacy. It is designed with dark blue felt, which is also used in other parts of the suite.

For sleeping, the seats can be reclined fully, and passengers will receive an additional mattress on the sleeping surface from the crew. The seat firmness can be adjusted in the pelvic area for side sleepers.

Business Class

Lufthansa will undoubtedly make the biggest leap in the Business Class. As already known, there will be seven different seating options. The exhibit at the roadshow showcased the Business Suite, which will have a door and likely provide the most space. According to Lufthansa, they aim to fulfil the individual needs of all travellers during the flight, since each passenger has different requirements.

Just like in First Class, each passenger will be provided with a tablet in addition to their own entertainment system. This allows passengers to control many functions at their seats and stay informed about the current flight progress. Additionally, a wireless charging spot for smartphones is provided on the partition between the seats for each passenger. USB ports are also available.

The numerous adjustable features of the seat are particularly notable. While not all functions were available in the mock-up, the Business Class will also offer an option for side sleepers.

Unfortunately, no details were disclosed regarding how Lufthansa plans to allocate seats and the additional charges for the different seating options. Our assumption is that, except for the “standard” seat, an additional fee in the form of a seat reservation charge will apply to the other six options. Those who do not wish to pay extra will likely be able to choose a seat from the remaining available options during check-in, as is already the case with Swiss.

Premium Economy Class

The biggest change in the Premium Economy Class will be the shell seats. Unlike the current Premium Economy, the recline will not be achieved by simply leaning back the seat, but by moving the seat forward. This way, the passenger does not disturb the person behind them, but it reduces their legroom when in the reclined position. Subjectively, the recline did not seem as significant as in the current Premium Economy Class. The seat design is already used by Swiss, and Travel-Dealz author Felix has already reviewed the Swiss Premium Economy.

Additionally, each seat will have a footrest. Currently, this is only available in the first row and possibly at the emergency exit. Passengers can conveniently charge their smartphones wirelessly in a tray under the armrest. USB ports and a 110V power outlet will also be provided.

At the end of the armrest, there will still be a cocktail table, which was also a nice feature in the previous Premium Economy.

Economy Class

In the new Allegris cabin, passengers can look forward to First, Business, and Premium Economy Class. However, those flying in Economy Class may have less anticipation. Lufthansa continues its trend of offering even less comfort.

The seat backs are extremely thin, resembling those of a short-haul aircraft rather than a comfortable seat for up to 13 hours of flight time. At least the headrest can still be adjusted and folded for sleeping.

Lufthansa could have done without the armrests altogether. They are so narrow that engaging in an armrest battle with the person next to you is not worth it. After just 1–2 minutes of sitting, it was already enough. Such limited armrest space is simply uncomfortable.

Only one row of Economy Class was set up in the truck during the roadshow, located behind the Premium Economy Class. The legroom should be similar to that of a legroom seat, which offers about 7 cm more legroom. For my height of 1.80 m, it was already quite tight. Additionally, when the seat is reclined, it also moves slightly forward to increase the recline, further reducing legroom.

Conclusion

Lufthansa will undoubtedly be competitive again in the First and Business Class with the Allegris cabin. However, in economy class, passengers may have to accept further reductions and prepare for (even) less seating comfort.

Although Lufthansa’s staff tried to answer all our questions, there are still many details that remain undisclosed, and they will keep us occupied in the coming months until the actual inaugural flight.