Allegris Lufthansa Airlines Business Class Review: MUC-YVR

Lufthansa’s business-class cabins have long been behind the times. This finally changes with the introduction of their revolutionary Allegris cabin. For years, passengers endured outdated configurations with limited privacy in 2-2-2 and 2-4-2 seating arrangements. Now, the Allegris Lufthansa cabin represents a leap forward, meticulously designed to prioritize comfort and modernity.

Having recently flown one of the inaugural Lufthansa Allegris routes from Munich to Vancouver, I was captivated by the remarkable upgrades in cabin design and seating. However, while the hard product exceeded expectations, the service left much to be desired—revealing a gap between promise and delivery. Join me as I dive into this review of Lufthansa’s Allegris business class, exploring the innovative features of the seats while candidly discussing the service experience.

What is the Lufthansa Allegris?

Before diving into this Lufthansa Allegris business class review, let’s cover what Allegris is.

Lufthansa Allegris is the airline’s latest premium cabin product, designed to elevate the passenger experience with enhanced comfort, advanced technology, and superior service. Unveiled in 2017 as part of Lufthansa’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality air travel, Allegris promised state-of-the-art seating that offers more space, privacy, and customizable settings for optimal relaxation. The all-new business-class seats transform into fully flat beds equipped with personal screens, ample storage, and direct aisle access.

Additionally, Allegris introduces upgraded in-flight entertainment options, refined dining experiences, and improved overall cabin aesthetics, aiming to set a new standard in luxury air travel.

Allegris Business Class Seats

A truly unique design to the Algeria cabin is that there is a variety of seating options, providing something for every type of business class traveler.

All Allegris seats feature flat beds and direct aisle access. The cabin configuration alternates between 1-2-1 and 1-1-1, providing varied seating arrangements to suit different preferences. The walls in the new business class are at least 114 cm (about 45 inches) high, ensuring enhanced privacy.

All seats convert into a two-meter bed and are equipped with a large personal television, wireless charging, USB-C charging, noise-canceling headphones, and Bluetooth connectivity for personal devices like PCs, tablets, smartphones, or headphones.

Lufthansa aims to cater to diverse passenger needs with seven different types of business class seating options, although some of the premium offerings come at an extra cost. These seating types include:

• Double seats: Inside seats in the last row can be converted into a double bed.

• Bulkhead suites: Seats in the first row with doors for added privacy.
• Extra space seats: Solo center “throne” seats provide additional room ideal for getting work done.
• Classic business class seats: Window seats closer to the aisles and the other center seat pairs.

• Window seats: Seats tucked closest to the windows for additional privacy.
• Seats with extra-long beds: Beds measuring 2.2 meters.
• Seats with privacy and an infant carrier: Located by the windows in the last row of the cabin.

Which is the best Allegris Business Class Seat?

The most desired seats in Lufthansa Allegris business class have to be the suites, outward for solo travelers and inward for couples. On top of all the bells and whistles that all Allegris seats come with, the suites are the most private, including latching doors and higher walls. They also have a ton more storage in the suite and a coat rack just outside. They are bulkhead seats found in rows one and eight.

If the suites aren’t available for your booking, the next best Allegris seats are the center double seats for traveling couples (last row for the double bed) or the outward window seats for solo travelers. These are also very private, especially compared to the “classic” aisle-side seats along the windows. Finally, the center throne seats (Extra Space Seat) in rows 3, 5, 9, and 11 offer the most desk space and are very private as well. This is what I ended up booking.

Lufthansa Allegris Routes

The inaugural Allegris flight took place on May 1st, 2024 in an A350-900 between Munich and Vancouver under flight numbers LH476 and LH477. Since then, a Munich and Toronto route has been added under flight numbers LH494 & LH495.

As of posting this Allegris review, First Class cabins are not in service or expected until early 2025. The remaining announced routes are as follows for 2024 onwards:

North America:

• Chicago (ORD): Expected from July.
• Montreal: Expected from July.
• Toronto (YYZ)
• Vancouver (YVR)
• San Francisco: Expected from August.

Asia:

• Bengaluru: Expected from November.
• Shanghai: Expected from August.

Africa:

• Cape Town: Expected from November.

My Lufthansa Allegris Business Class Booking

Although I booked my Allegris Lufthansa business class flight as part of an around-the-world Aeroplan ticket, it wasn’t in my original plan.

Reward availability for Allegris Lufthansa has been scarce, with only single seats appearing sporadically and quickly being snatched up. Keeping a close watch, I managed to grab a last-minute seat, changing my original redemption ticket from Bangkok to Vancouver via London (Thai Airways First Class) to New York (United Business), then Toronto, and finally home to Vancouver on Air Canada. The new route was much better: London to Munich, then Munich to Vancouver in Allegris, allowing me to try out this new product and get home quicker and more comfortably without multiple connections.

In total, my first-class ticket (Bangkok to London) and business-class ticket from London to Munich and Vancouver cost me just 150,000 Aeroplan points, $425 in taxes and fees, and a $100 change fee. This change fee was well worth it for the better flight home and superior business-class product.

To see how I pieced it all together along with my outbound flight from Vancouver to Taipei (where I ate all the things) through Sydney and Singapore, I suggest reading the full breakdown of my around-the-world Aeroplan itinerary.

My Lufthansa Allegris Business Class Ground Experience

My ground experience in this Allegris business class review began after arriving on a Lufthansa A320 business class flight from London Heathrow.

I comfortably settled into the Munich Lufthansa business class lounge beside my gate with two hours to spare. From the lounge, I had a clear view of my plane, which was convenient and added to the anticipation of the journey.

I’ve visited this lounge before—check out my full review here—but highlights from this visit included a delightful German spread featuring pretzels, leberkäse, sauerkraut, baked asparagus, and German beer. The mini snack bar with a variety of candies was also a crowd-pleaser.

Lufthansa a350 Business Class Boarding

Boarding for this Allegris Lufthansa business class flight was smooth and uneventful, exactly as it should be. Unlike my experience with the somewhat chaotic boarding process for the Lufthansa A320 business class departing from London Heathrow, the boarding here was orderly and efficient. Credit to the Germans for their impeccable queue management.

My Allegris Throne Business Class Seat

As my Allegris Lufthansa booking was made on short notice, my seating options were limited. This has been a recurring theme on this trip, as my seats on Singapore’s A380 business class and EVA Air 777–300 ER business class were also less than ideal.

The only available options for my Lufthansa booking were center and “classic” window seats on the aisle side. Initially, I opted for the window seat, but then I noticed one of the throne seats was labeled as having extra room for work on the Lufthansa website. Although I prefer a window seat, I intended to finish some work on this flight, such as writing this review, so I chose the center throne seat in 11F. Watching the detailed explanation video on Lufthansa’s website got me excited about my selection. However, there were a few quirks I noticed once I got to my seat.

Cons of the Allegris Throne Business Class Seat

First, despite the seat’s large size, the concealed storage is limited compared to other seats. There is a very large cubby with a sleek sliding door where the headphones are stored, but it is not large enough to conceal a laptop. There is also a literature pocket next to it; however, it too is not big enough to stow a laptop.

There is a ton of space on the desk area to the left, but nothing to prevent your laptop or other items from sliding around. Additionally, I assume you wouldn’t be able to keep items there during takeoff and landing.

The explainer video made the desk area seem like a usable space where you could sit facing forward. However, in reality, you have to twist awkwardly to use it. I ended up storing my blanket, pillow, and notebooks there, which was a letdown. Last, there also isn’t a power plug on the extra desk space side which, again, seems like a miss.

Overall, while the throne seat had its quirks and limitations for a space meant for working, it still provided a comfortable and functional workspace, making it a reasonable choice for this flight.

Pros of the Allegris Throne Business Class Seat

Now, with these oddities out of the way, let me share what I liked about my Allegris Throne business class seat, which is a lot.

The Seat

Initially, I didn’t find the seat overly comfortable, but it became fantastic once I made some adjustments. You can customize the lumbar support and seat position using the console screen or the tablet, making it softer or firmer according to your preference. One standout feature is the ability to heat or cool your seat, which is more practical than the massage functions on business class seats like those on Air Canada’s 777 or 787, which are largely gimmicky.

This heating and cooling feature works exceptionally well—I used the heating several times durring the flight and turned on the cooling when I got too warm. It really is a great feature.

The Screen

Massive, like ridiculous for how close you are, it’s crisp and responsive, 18 viewable inches which looks larger than what’s in the window seats.

Inflight Entertainment Extras

On top of a massive screen, the inflight entertainment system has some tricks up its sleeve. The ability to pair your own Bluetooth headset is a welcome addition. No need to use a Bluetooth adaptor to pair my AirPod Pros.

You can also pair your own device, which allows you to control the inflight entertainment with your phone. This is a little redundant with the tablet at your seat, but an interesting feature.

Flight Cameras

Not having a window seat wasn’t an issue for me on this flight, thanks to the four external cameras available. I took full advantage of them throughout the journey. The large HD screen allowed me to enjoy stunning views from various angles, making it feel like I had a window seat with the plane’s view always in the background.

The Table

The table at the throne seat is much larger and sturdier than those on the window side. It’s a single, solid piece that pops out and can move forward or back, providing a stable and spacious surface for working. Unlike folding tables, it slides smoothly towards you, making it incredibly convenient for getting work done.

Storage and Power

Lastly, although I would like a spot to put my laptop like the other seats, the storage cubby is ample and includes thoughtful features such as a place to hang headphones and glasses.

Other well-thought-out additions include wireless charging, USB-C ports, and a cooling fan next to the tablet.

Lufthansa Allegris Service and Amenities

Service on this Allegris Lufthansa business class flight began with a welcome drink selection of sparkling wine, water, or a signature drink of Avionic Apéritif, accompanied by a small bag of nuts. Interestingly, hot towel service didn’t happen until we reached cruising altitude when drink and meal orders were taken.

One oddity and disappointment was a stain left on my seat’s side table and a dent. When I pointed the stain out and requested a wet cloth, the flight attendant handed me a wet towel package rather than cleaning it herself. The benefit of the doubt, she could have assumed I caused it; however, this was before departure and before any meal or drink service as we had just boarded.

After takeoff, I wanted to stay awake to start adjusting to the time zones. Despite rarely using the call button, it took several minutes for someone to arrive when I did. However, the attendant who responded was exceptionally kind, offering to make me a double espresso personally. She was also genuinely interested in my feedback about the new seat and the product. That said, when my coffee arrived, the cup had a noticeable chip in it—another surprising oversight.

Another service oddity was the inconsistency with tablecloths. Although others had one, my table needed one during the first meal service. For the second meal, a tablecloth was provided. This inconsistency highlighted a lack of attention to detail in the service. Additionally, instead of just clearing my appetizer plate, the entire tray, which still had bread, some fantastic butter, and salt and pepper shakers, was taken away. While not a significant problem, it was an unusual experience and not something I’ve encountered before.

Lufthansa Allegris Business Class Amenities

On my Allegris Lufthansa flight, the seat came thoughtfully equipped with a pillow and blanket, adding to the comfort of the journey. The amenity kit, presented in a hard case, added a touch of luxury and exclusivity, making it feel more special than the typical soft-sided versions. Additionally, passengers received a special edition tote bag for the Allegris flight, something that is practical and I will use.

The amenity kit contained all the essentials: a toothbrush with toothpaste, an eye mask, earplugs, moisturizer, and headphone covers for extra cleanliness, ensuring a pleasant and well-prepared travel experience. The eye mask quality was a bit questionable with a thread hanging out, The same goes for the headphone covers, although this may have been as designed as once you pull it, the two covers separate.

Lufthansa a350 new Business Class Lavatories

During my flight to Vancouver, there were no significant wait times for the lavatories, suggesting that the setup can effectively handle average demand.

The lavatories feature wood accents and a large cushioned seat cover. They are well-equipped with various amenities to enhance passenger comfort. These include mouthwash, eye masks, earplugs, and combs, all available for use. These thoughtful touches help passengers maintain their hygiene and arrive at their destination feeling refreshed.

Inflight Entertainment and Wi-Fi on Allegris Business Class

The Allegris Business Class in-flight entertainment system is designed to cater to a range of preferences, but the experience can differ notably depending on your seat. Passengers in the suites and throne seats are treated to impressive 27″ (68 cm) screens, which are among the largest available in any business class. These screens provide a premium viewing experience, with sharp 4K resolution that enhances the visual quality of movies and TV shows.

In contrast, other business class seats come with 18″ (45 cm) screens. While these screens also offer 4K resolution, their smaller size may feel less immersive compared to the larger screens in the premium seats. Despite this, the content quality remains high, with a diverse selection of over 300 movies and numerous TV series available. However, the game selection is relatively limited, which might disappoint some passengers.

A unique feature of the Allegris entertainment system is the availability of external cameras. Airbus has installed five cameras offering various perspectives, including forward, downward, and side views from the tail fin. As mentioned, I absolutely loved this feature since I was without a window. The only downside is that it’s not possible to view the camera feed and the flight map simultaneously, a feature that could have enhanced the multi-screen experience.

While helpful, the tablet provided in Allegris Business Class has limitations. Designed only for portrait mode, it feels cumbersome compared to modern tablets. Moreover, transferring content from the tablet to the main screen can be challenging, and re-pairing the devices each time you switch between them can be inconvenient. I found the tablets on Emirates 777-200 business class far superior.

One innovative aspect is the ability to control the main screen via a smartphone using the onboard Wi-Fi, a practical feature especially for those seated in the suites where reaching the screen can be challenging.

Additionally, while the headphones provided by AEG are adequate, they fall short in noise cancellation and sound quality. Fortunately, passengers can pair their Bluetooth headphones with the entertainment system for a better audio experience. Again, no need for an IFE Bluetooth adapter here.

Wifi

The Wi-Fi service, branded as Lufthansa FlyNet, is available for €25 for the entire flight. However, the actual performance can be disappointing. Promised speeds of 4 Mbit/s often drop to under 1 Mbit/s, with occasional complete outages. This makes tasks like uploading images impractical, although basic activities like checking emails and browsing simple websites are possible, albeit with significant delays. I did not find the service useful and only tested it out sporadically through the flight rather than use it to get any work done.

In summary, the Allegris Business Class offers a robust in-flight entertainment system with some unique features, but it also has areas that could benefit from refinement. The Wi-Fi service, while available, often falls short of expectations; however, this is a common issue no matter the airline, so we can’t fault Lufthansa exclusively.

Lufthansa Allegris Food and Drink

The meal service on this Lufthansa Allegris business class flight was largely impressive. Dinner was served shortly after takeoff, followed by a lighter meal before landing in Vancouver. Their menu is extensive, with a nice write-up on the cooks behind the creations.

For dinner, the options were white asparagus and veal with a hollandaise sauce, steamed halibut in champagne sauce, or an orecchiette pasta. I chose the veal as my main and a smoked char appetizer, one of the best dishes I have had on this trip. That is saying a lot, as I experienced eight business class flights on seven different carriers, so the competition was stiff. The char was perfectly seasoned and beautifully presented, making it a standout dish.

Unfortunately, the main course didn’t live up to the same standard. While the flavors were decent, the presentation could have been better, and the veal was overcooked. It was a bit disappointing, especially after such a fantastic appetizer. Also, interestingly, it is the same dish I had on my Lufthansa a350 business class review several years ago. Looks like the menu is also due for a refresh 😉

For dessert, I had some port and a nicely presented salted caramel tart, which was very good. This was followed by some equally good chocolates.

Prior to landing in Vancouver, a lighter meal was served. I went with the smoked duck which was fantastic. It was paired with a pretzel, and I washed it down with a German kolsch, which rounded out the meal nicely and made me feel less guilty about only connecting through Germany.,

Despite these minor setbacks, the overall meal service was commendable, showcasing Lufthansa’s commitment to providing a high-quality dining experience in their new Allegris business class.

Allegris Lufthansa – Excellent Hard Product with Room for Improvement

Reflecting on my experience with Allegris Lufthansa Business Class, it’s clear that the hard product represents a significant leap forward for Lufthansa. The throne seat, in particular, stood out for its practicality and ample workspace, allowing me to accomplish a substantial amount of work during the flight as I had planned. The cabin’s design and amenities, such as the large HD screens and versatile seating configurations, contribute to a premium travel experience.

However, the service aspect left something to be desired, with inconsistencies that detracted from an otherwise exceptional journey. Despite these shortcomings, the overall impression is positive, highlighting Lufthansa’s dedication to enhancing comfort and functionality in their business class offerings.

What say you?
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For more luxury travel reviews from business class and beyond see HERE.