Lufthansa’s swanky new jets featuring its all-new first-class cabin — complete with a suite for two passengers — are finally getting set to touch down in the U.S.
Later this month, the German flag carrier will deploy its all-new Allegris cabins on three U.S. routes for the first time, with more to come between now and late summer.
A milestone that’s been years in the making, TPG got a first look at the new upscale aircraft interior last spring when Lufthansa inaugurated its Allegris cabin with a nonstop flight from Munich to Vancouver.
It was impressive, to be sure. It featured a whopping seven seat types in the business-class cabin as well as an all-new take on premium economy and coach.
However, the aircraft at the time lacked the three truly state-of-the-art, first-class suites at the front end of the plane. And, until now, no U.S. cities have enjoyed regular nonstop service on jets sporting the upgraded onboard experience.
That’s about to change, though.
Lufthansa launches US Allegris service
Starting March 30, Lufthansa will fly its Allegris-equipped Airbus A350-900 with nonstop service between Munich International Airport (MUC) and three U.S. airports: Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD), San Diego International Airport (SAN) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
Then, next month, the New York City region will see the Allegris product for the first time — albeit without first class — when a three-cabin Lufthansa A350 kicks off service from MUC to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
Lufthansa first announced this cabin in the late 2010s to significant fanfare, but it encountered a myriad of delays in bringing Allegris to market. This is the latest milestone in the cabin deployment process.
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While the business, premium economy and economy experience on Lufthansa’s new A350s is undoubtedly an upgrade over its legacy hard product, the airline’s nicest first-class cabin to date will certainly steal the show.
Allegris first class takes flight
The Allegris first-class experience includes two individual suites and a spacious “suite plus” capable of hosting two passengers, thanks to lie-flat seats that form a double bed.
The ultra-premium quarters sport floor-to-ceiling dividing walls with lockable doors and a 43-inch entertainment screen inside, which the airline said will “define a new standard of comfort and individuality.”
Adding ambience and practicality, Allegris first-class passengers will have access to a personal wardrobe for changing and storage. Plus, individual lamps offer an alternative to standard aircraft lighting.
“We are completely reinventing the Lufthansa First Class travel experience with Allegris and making it even more exclusive,” Lufthansa CEO Jens Ritter said in a statement Wednesday.
More Allegris in more cities
More cities around the world will see the Allegris product in the not-so-distant future.
As of last month, the airline was flying nine A350-900s featuring the new cabin. Eight feature the first-class product.
Later this year, Lufthansa will begin retrofitting its existing airplanes with the updated Allegris interior. Retrofits will begin later this year on the Boeing 747-8, an aircraft that flies to more than a half dozen U.S. airports.
In the meantime, Lufthansa already has its sights on another American airport for the Allegris-equipped A350: Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), beginning in August.
Can you transfer credit card points to Lufthansa?
Travelers hoping to use points to score a seat on an Allegris jet — whether in the main cabin or in one of the enticing suites upfront — have a few options. While Lufthansa’s Miles & More loyalty program doesn’t accept transfers from major U.S. credit card programs, you may be able to score a Lufthansa award seat via a Star Alliance partner program like United Airlines MileagePlus, Air Canada Aeroplan or Singapore KrisFlyer.
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