Lufthansa’s new Allegris cabin — with its swanky 2-person, first-class suite — is headed to the US this spring
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.
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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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.