After flying business class across five continents, I’ve developed a strict personal benchmark for what makes a premium cabin “worth it.” Some airlines nail it. Others fall flat. Lufthansa’s Business Class, especially on intercontinental routes, lands somewhere in the middle, a product that offers comfort and consistency but often lacks the innovation and luxury found in its global competitors.
I’ve flown Lufthansa Business Class on both the Boeing 747-8 and Airbus A350 between Frankfurt, Munich, Washington D.C., and Singapore. In this review, I’ll walk you through the cabin, seat quality, service, entertainment, meals, and where Lufthansa excels, and where it clearly needs improvement.
If you’re considering paying cash or miles for a Lufthansa Business Class ticket, this is what you need to know before booking.
How does the seat and cabin design compare?
This is where Lufthansa’s Business Class shows both strength and weakness. The biggest challenge: inconsistency.
Widebody Aircraft Seating Configurations:
| Aircraft Type | Configuration | Notable Details |
| Boeing 747-8 | 2-2-2 (main deck) / 2-2 (upper deck) | Lie-flat; good privacy upstairs |
| Airbus A350-900 | 2-2-2002 | Lie-flat; more modern; lacks direct aisle access for all |
| Airbus A340-600 | 2-2-2002 | Older seat design; outdated entertainment |
| Boeing 787-9 | 1-2-2001 | New Allegris seat with doors (as of 2024) |
The legacy 2-2-2 layout means not all seats have direct aisle access, which is below modern premium cabin standards. If you’re seated by the window, you’ll need to climb over your neighbor. The seat itself is comfortable and fully flat, but doesn’t offer much privacy unless you’re on the upper deck of a 747.
The new Allegris Business Class, launched in 2023 on select A350s and 787s, is a game-changer, 1-2-1 layout, sliding doors, wireless charging, and large IFE screens. But as of mid-2025, it’s only available on a small portion of Lufthansa’s fleet.
I’ve flown both versions. On the 747-8 upper deck, the seat is quieter and slightly more private than the main deck. But make no mistake: Lufthansa’s legacy seat is behind the curve. The Allegris seat, however, is finally competitive with Qatar’s Qsuite or Air France’s new business cabin.
In-Flight Service and Crew
Lufthansa crews are known for being efficient and professional, but don’t expect over-the-top hospitality. On most of my flights, the crew was punctual, precise, and warm, but rarely personal. They maintain a European service standard: attentive without being overly familiar.
Typical Service Routine:
- Pre-departure beverage (sparkling wine or juice)
- Menu and wine list handed out before taxi
- Multi-course meal service after takeoff
- Mid-flight snack or light meal depending on duration
- Pre-arrival breakfast or refreshment service
The crew proactively offered drink refills, checked on passengers mid-flight, and adjusted the timing for passengers requesting sleep-first.
Meals and Dining Experience
Lufthansa Business Class Meal Highlights:
- Starters: Smoked salmon, beetroot tartare, or mozzarella with pesto
- Mains: Beef tenderloin, vegetarian risotto, or Asian chicken curry
- Dessert: Mousse cakes, fresh fruit, or cheese plates
- Wines: Curated German and European wines, with labels rotated seasonally
While the presentation is good and the portion sizes are generous, the overall food quality is inconsistent. On my FRA–JFK flight, the beef was perfectly cooked and flavorful. On another FRA–SIN route, the pasta was overdone and bland.
The bread basket and dessert service remain Lufthansa’s strong points. Their pretzel rolls and German sweets feel uniquely local and authentic.
Amenity Kits and Bedding
Lufthansa provides a branded amenity kit in a reusable pouch. It typically includes:
- Eye mask, socks, and dental kit
- Ear plugs and face moisturizer
- Pen and comb (varies by route)
Bedding includes:
- Thick pillow
- Full-size duvet
- Mattress pad on longer overnight routes
I found the bedding to be adequate, but not luxurious. Airlines like Air France, Qatar, and even Delta offer more premium-feeling linens and thicker mattress toppers.
In-Flight Entertainment and Wi-Fi
Each seat comes with a personal screen, 15 inches on older aircraft and 17+ inches on Allegris seats.
IFE System:
- 100+ movies and shows in multiple languages
- Live TV on select aircraft
- Noise-canceling headphones provided (mid-quality)
- Touchscreen + remote navigation
Connectivity:
- FlyNet Wi-Fi available on all long-haul aircraft
- Price: ~$25 for full-flight access
- Speeds are usable for email and messaging, but inconsistent for streaming
Tip: Bring your own device loaded with content just in case. On some A340 flights, the system was glitchy and had to be reset mid-flight.
Lounge Access and Ground Experience
Business class passengers receive access to Lufthansa Business Lounges at Frankfurt and Munich, and partner lounges at outstations. While functional, these lounges are not as premium as Flagship, Polaris, or Al Mourjan lounges.
FRA & MUC Lounges:
- Buffet with German and continental options
- Self-serve drinks, including beer and wine
- Business stations, showers, and relaxation zones
- Priority boarding lanes from lounge exits (select gates)
If you’re departing from Munich, try the Lufthansa Senator Lounge (accessible for Star Alliance Gold). It’s larger and has better views and amenities than the Business Lounge.
How does Lufthansa Business Class compare to competitors?
Here’s a snapshot comparing Lufthansa Business to similar long-haul offerings:
| Airline | Seat Layout | IFE Quality | Lounge Access | Bedding & Amenities |
| Lufthansa | 2-2-2 (mostly) | Average | Yes | Strong |
| Qatar Airways Qsuite | 1-2-1 (with door) | Excellent | Yes | Excellent |
| Emirates | 2-3-2 (777) / 1-2-1 (A380) | Very Good | Yes | Very Good |
| United Polaris | 1-2-2001 | Very Good | Yes | Very Good |
| Singapore Airlines | 1-2-2001 | Excellent | Yes | Excellent |
Compared to U.S. carriers, Lufthansa holds up well. Compared to top Asian and Middle Eastern carriers, it falls short in innovation and privacy.
What Does Lufthansa Business Class Cost?
Typical Round-Trip Prices (Long-Haul):
- New York to Frankfurt: $3,200–$5,200
- Los Angeles to Munich: $3,500–$6,000
- Chicago to Zurich via Frankfurt: $2,800–$4,700
Using Miles:
- Miles & More: 56,000–112,000 miles one-way in Business
- United MileagePlus (Star Alliance partner): 70,000 miles + taxes
- Avianca LifeMiles: Often the best redemption deals for under 65,000 miles one-way
Upgrades from Economy to Business using miles can be costly and don’t always offer value unless you’re a status holder.
Is Lufthansa Business Class worth the price?
It depends. If you’re flying on an aircraft with the Allegris product or seated in the upper deck of a 747-8, the experience feels modern and premium. If you’re on a 2-2-2 configuration A340 or A350, it feels dated for the price point.
When it’s worth it:
- Flying overnight flights to Europe where sleep matters
- Booking with Miles & More miles or partner award charts
- Part of a work trip where rest and priority services are key
- On Allegris-equipped flights or upper deck 747-8 rows
When it’s not:
- Short-haul within Europe (same seats as Economy)
- Daytime flights where sleep isn’t a priority
- Older aircraft with outdated IFE and poor privacy
I often use United MileagePlus, Avianca LifeMiles, or Air Canada Aeroplan to book Lufthansa Business at a good redemption rate. Cash fares are sometimes high, $3,000–$5,000 roundtrip, but there are sweet spots during promotions and low season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lufthansa Business Class have lie-flat beds?
Yes, on all long-haul aircraft.
Is Wi-Fi included in Business Class?
No, it’s available for purchase via FlyNet.
Are all Lufthansa Business Class seats the same?
No. Cabin configuration varies by aircraft. The new Allegris suites offer more privacy.
Can I access the lounge with a Business Class ticket?
Yes, on all routes.
Does Lufthansa Business Class have direct aisle access?
Only in the newest Allegris configuration and the 747-8 upper deck window seats.