Lufthansa Will Charge for Some Biz Class Perks on Its 777X Aircraft
Lufthansa has revealed its newest business class product, which will let passengers choose perks or upgrades they want to pay for, the Australian Business Traveler reports. The new model for the cabin will be rolled out on the airline's Boeing 777-9 aircraft, expected to be delivered in 2020.
Unlike the new Emirates "Basic" Business class, which restricts features like lounge access from passengers, Lufthansa is not offering a discounted product. The airline says it will instead provide the same business class staples as before while allowing travelers to select additional options on top of their fare.
While all passengers will still enjoy access to business lounges and inflight meals, they'll soon have the option to pay more for extras like a larger bed, extra desk space or additional privacy.
Lufthansa spokesman Harry Hohmeister said that customers' tastes for peaceful flights and the desire to customize their experiences are the key reasons for the change. "It's really this privacy which is 'premium,' or what is defining 'premium' in these days: so too is individualism, and this is a trend to which the answer is our new business class concept," he said.
À la carte choices aren't the only update coming on the new 777. Lufthansa's new planes will have aisle access for all seats in biz with a new alternating 1-2-1 and 1-1-1 seating layout. The new seating arrangement will also offer all business passengers additional privacy. Of course, those "throne" seats in the middle row will now cost you extra.
Hohmeister reassured fliers that if they don't want to pay extra, they can expect the same product.
"It's not unbundling, it's upgrading," he said, describing the new price structure. He added that passengers can expect the base fare for biz tickets to remain comparable to their current product.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.