Lufthansa Allegris: How the New Lufthansa Business Class Performs - A Review

There has been talk of a facelift to Lufthansa's cabin design for long-haul flights for a long time - but is the new in-flight product called Lufthansa Allegris really a significant innovation? I had the chance to test the new cabin features in Business Class on the route from Munich to Vancouver. And indeed: There was much to discover.

Particularly in Business Class, the innovations stand out: The seats are no longer arranged in identical rows, but instead are partially offset and mostly shielded from the aisle with half-height partitions.

The gray wave design, reminiscent of the corrugated metal of the Junkers JU-52 from the 1930s, is history - the subtle Lufthansa color scheme of gray and light blue now appears much more harmonious. Combined with the noticeably better cabin lighting on board the long-haul Airbus A350, it creates a calm, pleasant atmosphere.

Lufthansa Allegris aims to better meet the individual needs of modern travelers, and particularly the Business Class caters to the desires of different types of passengers: Unlike the old cabin setup, there are now five different seat models to choose from.

In Business Class, you can choose from five different seat types:

Also, the old 2-2-2 seating has been replaced by a 1-2-1 configuration; now all window seats have direct access to the aisle, and you no longer have to climb over your neighbor for every bathroom trip if you're sitting by the window.

From April 2025, all seat types except the Classic Seat will be available for an additional fee. Exceptions are made for status customers such as Senators or HON Circle Members. I was very satisfied with my Privacy Seat and was able to enjoy the flight from Munich to Vancouver from takeoff to landing.

I had managed to snag a so-called 'Business Class Privacy Seat' at my window seat, and it truly felt like there was more privacy. Even on long-haul flights, I always prefer to sit by the window, and with this seat, I had the absolute best view across nearly three windows as well as distance from the aisle and the rest of the cabin, making me feel like I was in a cozy cocoon without being cramped.

Additional details such as seat heating that can also cool when necessary, the sharp 27-inch monitor, and the improved lying area provide even more comfort. The entire seat electronics are controlled via a perfectly fitted tablet - no more messing with remote controls on annoying retracting cables.

There are plenty of surfaces and storage options for small carry-on luggage, and they are well thought out. I was particularly pleased to have wireless charging for my phone within perfect reach - finally, no more cable mess.

The amenity kit includes the usual goodies needed for a Business Class trip: eye mask, socks, toothbrush, and skincare products from L'Occitane - along with a small welcome flyer in the new Business Class. My amenity kit was a special hard-shell edition.

There are also updates in the in-flight program and entertainment: In the new Allegris cabin, the screens are slightly larger, and the entertainment system is conveniently controlled via touchscreen. For the in-flight program, you can choose from a large selection of current movies, classic films, and series. Individual episodes of popular podcasts and current music albums are also available for your listening pleasure.

The good intention to consider individual customer wishes is precisely the crucial point of Lufthansa Allegris, especially in Business Class. While the seats in Premium Economy Class and Economy Class were also upgraded, the seats in Business Class are so different that many travelers may find it challenging to reserve their desired seat on a fully booked flight.

Except for the two combinable Allegris mini-suites in the front row of Business Class, there is no seat combination genuinely meant for couples or two traveling together. It becomes difficult for families with children as the partitions can only be lowered in the 2-suites in Row 1. Otherwise, the rigid partitions complicate a shared travel experience for more than two persons. However, for solo travelers, the new Allegris cabin is in most cases an upgrade.

All Lufthansa flights and partner flights of Star Alliance are handled at Munich Airport in Terminal 2. With a Business Class ticket, you can also use the appropriate counters for check-in and the separate fast lanes at security.

In general, the pathways at Munich Airport, despite its size, are relatively easy to navigate; the security check is as efficient as it is friendly.

For me, a relaxed flight begins long before departure. I love the atmosphere at airports, and especially in Munich, there are numerous shopping opportunities and spacious dining areas, such as the marketplace in the satellite terminal at Gates K and L, that provide plenty of chances to get into travel mode.

Frequent flyers with the appropriate status with Lufthansa or a Star Alliance partner can also enjoy the slightly more exclusive atmosphere of the Lufthansa lounges. Here, too, a Business Class ticket pays off: With it, you can access the lounge even without frequent flyer status and enjoy amenities such as lounge chairs, an extensive buffet, or freshly mixed cocktails with a view of the airport apron.

Allegris is a service for long-haul flights. All newly delivered Airbus A350s and all Boeing 787s from spring 2024 onward will gradually be equipped with the new Allegris cabin for long-haul travel. Due to operational circumstances, it may happen that the aircraft is switched. Therefore, if the old cabin version appears in your booking, it may change by the time of departure.

In Premium Economy Class and Economy Class, you can also look forward to a brand new cabin design and modern features such as wireless charging options (Premium Economy) or separate tablet holders (Economy Class).

The Business Class seats differ as already described, while in Premium Economy Class and Economy Class all seats are the same. On websites like Seatguru, you can see which seats are more or less recommended, for example, because they are close to the restrooms or the galley.

There are often bargains for long-haul flights in Business Class! You can best compare prices in each travel class directly in the Lufthansa app or at lufthansa.com.

If you have already booked an Economy ticket, depending on booking availability, you can also bid for an upgrade to Premium Economy Class or Business Class. You can place the corresponding bid in the booking overview or in the app.

It is also worthwhile to collect miles through the Lufthansa frequent flyer program Miles&More and exchange them for an upgrade depending on availability.

In the Allegris cabin, Lufthansa offers the same extensive in-flight menu as in regular Business Class. A warm, multi-course menu is served at the beginning of the flight, as well as shortly before landing in Vancouver. Only in the Business Class suites are the meals elevated: An expanded selection of beverages and an extra amuse-bouche further enhance the culinary experience.

This trip was made possible by the kind support of Lufthansa.