Lufthansa has revealed more details of the cabin products that form its “Allegris” programme, The seats showcased include a massive double suite in First class, and seven(!) different options for business class seating, all within the same aircraft and basic seating product. Besides the brand new First and Business class, there’s also new but less-revolutionary seats in Premium Economy and Economy.
In this post, I’ll recap a bit of background on “Allegris”, and also look at the details of the First Class suites. The renderings look impressive, and the headline double suite is certainly eye-catching and intriguing.
What is “Allegris”?
Before going into the details of each cabin product, a little background on “Allegris”. Lufthansa first announced plans for a revamp of its cabin experience back in October 2022, under the project name “Allegris”. Lufthansa touts “Allegris” as a “completely new travel experience”. Each travel class will see new products, and Lufthansa pitches them as “unparalleled in the market thanks to its seating variety”. To deliver “Allegris” and other product and service improvements, Lufthansa is committing to investing 2.5 billion Euros up to 2025.
New Lufthansa First Class
Lufthansa will introduce fully-enclosed suites to First Class, including a jumbo-sized double suite. This double suite has been dubbed “First Class Suite Plus”, which is quite a mouthful. This double suite will be in the middle. All suites will feature full-height walls, meaning total privacy for passengers. Combined with the private wardrobe in each suite, passengers will now be able to change in the suites. Call it a first world problem, but I personally never liked the inconvenience of having to change in the lavatory, so this a real positive for passenger experience.
The suites will also have heated and cooled seats, much like many cars have nowadays. I assume there won’t be a subscription fee for the heated seats though! Tech-wise, passengers will be able to connect their personal devices to the inflight entertainment via Bluetooth. The IFE monitors span nearly the full width of the almost one-meter wide suite.
The headline highlight of the new First Class is undoubtedly the double suite. This concept is targeted at couples travelling together, offering two seats together in one suite, with the seat converting into a double bed. Each seat can be individually controlled I believe, so the couple don’t necessarily have to share the same seating position at all times. There will be individual seatbelts too of course, for safety reasons.
The factory-fresh A350s to be delivered from 2024 will be the first aircraft to be fitted with the “Allegris” First Class Suite and Suite Plus. There were be 3 suites in total, 2 window single suites and the middle double. That’s a total of 4 passengers max in First.
My thoughts on the new First Class
Firstly, I do think the First Class suites look great. Elegant and luxurious in a typical understated way. The blue is signature Lufthansa, I feel it makes the ambience darker and creates a more somber mood, partially offset by the brighter walls above the blue and the wood finishes.
Practicality concerns
The double suite is quite a smart way of creating a double bed and private travel experience for couples, without the real estate requirements of Etihad’s A380 Residence, or the complexity of Singapore Airline’s 2017 A380 Suite. However personally, I’d much prefer to have separate seats even with when travelling with a partner. I very much like having my own armrest on both sides, which the double suite doesn’t have an armrest between the seats. (It wouldn’t truly be a double suite otherwise I guess?)
Furthermore, how would the IFE monitor work? Would the couple have to agree on a programme to watch? I can’t imagine how many arguments might start mid-air in that case! From the rendering, it appears to be a single display. I doubt the angle is big enough for a dual view monitor to be effective, and split screen wouldn’t solve the problem either. Maybe it’s just me, but I much prefer to be able to watch what I want, whenever I want, when travelling.
How will Lufthansa sell the Suite Plus?
I also have questions on inventory management and booking process for First Class will work with the Suite Plus in play. Will Lufthansa sell 3 or 4 seats? They can’t quite sell 4 outright, since 4 individuals won’t work. But what if the two window suites are taken, will a search for 2 travellers throw up no results? It’d be daft to hold the Suite Plus back as well, in the hopes a couple will book it eventually.
Could they sell the Suite Plus with a premium for a solo traveller? That certainly sounds an option. One way this could work is to make the “standard” Suite and Suite Plus distinct booking classes. All these questions point to complications backend, so I hope Lufthansa has a solid plan and IT systems in place to handle this once “Allegris” rolls out in 2024. So many questions, so few answers at this point.
No more First redemptions, especially through partners?
In addition to those booking concerns, with only 3 suites on each A350, I can imagine it’ll be next to or totally impossible to redeem miles for this First Class. Even if it were possible, I wouldn’t be surprised if Lufthansa restricted it to just Miles & More members, or just HON Circle and Senator members even. As is, it’s challenging enough with partner programmes usually only getting access to First redemptions around two weeks before departure (though glitches do happen). Fingers crossed Lufthansa will still allow partner redemptions, but with just 3 suites, it’s going to be tough regardless.
I’ve flown Lufthansa current First Class – found on their A380s, 787s and A340-600s – and I have to say the seat was nice, but slightly outdated and lagging behind its competitors. The “Allegris” First Class Suite is undoubtedly a massive step up.
On the whole, the suites look good and the double suite concept is intriguing. However, the double suite raises a lot of questions on practicality.
Which aircraft will get the new products?
The First class suites will first be fitted to A350-900s scheduled for delivery in 2024. In future, the 777-9 will also get “Allegris”, whenever they eventually get delivered. Lufthansa has also mentioned that the 747-8s will be refitted with the new “Allegris” products. There’s no word on whether the A380s will be refitted as well. We’re probably at least a year away from seeing the “Allegris” First Class Suite and Suite Plus take to the skies commercially.
Conclusion
Lufthansa has revealed details of its “Allegris” cabin products. These include a First Class double suite, seven different seating options in Business Class, including a so-called Business Class Suite in the first row. Premium Economy and Economy get some minor upgrades too.
The new First Class looks good and I’d love to give it a try one day. Unfortunately, I suspect using miles, particularly from outside Miles & More, won’t possible for the new First Class. The Suite Plus is an interesting proposition, but I foresee a some challenges over selling them, and also practical concerns over comfort. The new First Class will debut on newbuild A350s from 2024.
Featured image credit: Lufthansa