Lufthansa Upgrades Cabin Design, Services, Offers New ‘Dream’ Destinations

As part of its ongoing efforts based on customer feedback to enhance passengers’ travel experience, Lufthansa announced at this year’s ITB in Berlin last week, the modernization of cabin design, the introduction of new onboard services, an innovative pricing concept and the expansion of its long-haul network to include Tampa, Cancun, Panama, Male and Mauritius.

“In 2015, our customers will experience the best Lufthansa there has ever been… We are on the right track to becoming the first, Western 5-star airline, and day for day we offer the quality that other airlines can only speak of,” said Jens Bischof, the company’s chief commercial officer.

Under the upgrade, each travel class will have state-of-the-art seats. FlyNet broadband Internet service will be available on board all long-haul flights via a Wi-Fi network. In addition, there is onboard access to FlyNet online portal, offering the latest news, and to Sport24 live TV.

Since 2011, Lufthansa has invested approximately 1.5 billion euros in the upgrade. Around 39,000 seats have been replaced, modified or fitted on the carrier’s long-haul aircraft.

In terms of pricing, economy class passengers will be able to choose from three different fare options, deciding which services they would like to use and pay for. The three new fare options will be introduced in Economy Class for flights within Europe as of autumn 2015.

Light fare: best-value option for passengers travelling with hand baggage who do not wish to check in any luggage nor make use of any of the rebooking and refund options.

Classic fare: passengers can take one piece of luggage free of charge and can reserve their preferred seat as soon as they make their booking.

Flex fare: includes the possibility to rebook at no charge and, if necessary, obtain a refund for a fee. In addition, travellers will be able to take an earlier flight on the day of their booking in future without being required to pay a surcharge for what may be a more expensive booking category.

All Lufthansa passengers will still receive a free drink and snack service on board with all fare options.

In the meantime, “Business Class Restaurant Service” on long-haul flights is modeled on the culinary experience provided by high-class restaurants: tables will be set individually, while meals and drinks will be brought directly from the galley to passengers individually.

Lufthansa also announced its partnership with Panamanian airline and Star Alliance member Copa Airlines. Lufthansa customers will now be able to reach over 50 further destinations in Central and South America as well as the Caribbean.

Photo source: Lufthansa