Lufthansa has recently broadened its business class seat selection charges to encompass its revamped Airbus A380s, coinciding with the roll-out of the Allegris business class. This update includes fees for particular seating choices, such as the Privacy Seats and Extra Long Bed Seats, on long-haul journeys. The Privacy Seats, positioned nearest to the windows, and the Extra Long Bed Seats, which are bulkhead window seats equipped with larger ottomans, now attract fees of up to €170 per sector. Nonetheless, Miles & More HON Circle and Senator members, along with those on Business Flex fares, can assign Privacy Seats at no cost, while HON Circle members may also assign Extra Long Bed Seats for free, with the exception of Business Light fares.
This initiative is in line with a wider trend among European airlines, where fees for seat selection in business class are increasingly prevalent. While the extension of seat charges is typically viewed unfavorably, Lufthansa’s strategy of charging exclusively for the more sought-after seats, rather than levying fees on all seats, is regarded as somewhat more palatable in comparison to other carriers. Despite the backlash, this change exemplifies the industry’s shift towards monetizing seating choices.