Economy Light: Lufthansa Group Cuts Free Seat Selection at Check-in – Now Also for Long-Haul Flights

Lufthansa is constantly finding new ways to generate additional revenue. This includes cutting back on services, which used to be standard. Until recently, checking in early guaranteed the free choice of almost any available seat. Two years ago, this option was removed: those booking the Economy Light fare within Europe would receive an assigned seat and had to pay for any changes.

Now, this unpopular rule is being expanded further. Starting August 13, it will also apply to all long-haul flights with Lufthansa, Swiss, and Austrian. Passengers who booked the Economy Light fare will be assigned a seat by the system at check-in. If they are not satisfied with their assigned seat, they will need to pay at least €28 for a change. Free seat selection at check-in is only available starting from the Economy Basic fare (which includes baggage).

Upon inquiry, Lufthansa confirmed that the check-in date is relevant. Thus, existing bookings with departures after August 12 are also affected.

In a message to distribution partners, the change is explained as follows:

Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, and SWISS passengers will automatically be assigned a seat in all travel classes during online check-in. From August 13, 2024, changing the seat category during online check-in will only be possible for a fee. The fee amount corresponds to the fee for seat reservations (ASR). The selection of a Classic Seat remains free during online check-in (except for the Economy Light fare).

For passengers who booked the lowest Economy Light fare, changing the assigned seat within a seat category will continue to incur a fee. Instead of a route-dependent fixed amount, the fee will now depend on the chosen seat category and will also apply to long-haul flights. This applies to all flights operated by Austrian Airlines (OS), Lufthansa (LH), SWISS (LX), and Lufthansa City Airlines (VL).

Only frequent flyers with Senator or HON Circle status can select seats for free during check-in in the future. Lufthansa also emphasizes that families with children, group travellers, and travellers on the same booking will be seated together, with the daunting addition of “whenever possible”. Additionally, there is a new differentiation in fees for various seat categories (a seat with more legroom will cost extra).

The Trend Towards Basic Economy

Even within the Star Alliance, there are currently significant differences regarding seat selection. The confusion began in 2018 with the introduction of Light fares across the Atlantic without checked baggage. United Airlines quickly transitioned this to Basic Economy with numerous restrictions. Even status holders cannot choose their seat for free, but have to pay for it.

Air Canada also announced a similar change this year, going even further. Even in the Economy (Standard) fare, seat selection would only be possible for a fee. However, the introduction was temporarily suspended after sizeable negative feedback. It seems only a matter of time before it becomes a reality.

Now, Lufthansa is following suit. Those who have a choice should avoid Star Alliance’s Light fares if possible. Other airlines like KLM and Air France still offer free seat selection at check-in. However, it remains to be seen how long this will last.

Conclusion

The once proud Deutsche Lufthansa is cutting more and more services. After customer satisfaction recently hit new lows, a quality offensive was actually announced, along with the new Allegris seats. The latest change doesn’t really fit with this.

Slowly, we’ve reached the point where there are no services left to cut. Only large carry-on luggage and in-flight meals on long-haul flights remain. Without a frequent flyer status, it is no longer enjoyable to be onboard a plane.

Translated by Ditmar

Cover Picture: Ditmar Lange