Lufthansa New A350 Allegris First Class Criticized by Crew Over Design

4 godzin temu

COLOGNE- Lufthansa (LH) has introduced its new Allegris First Class on select Airbus A350-900 flights from Munich Airport (MUC). While the airline highlights this as a major upgrade, some of its own flight attendants are openly criticizing the product.

Concerns center on design flaws and reduced staffing, which crew members argue diminish the premium experience. According to OMAAT, a representative for Lufthansa flight attendants voiced these issues in a detailed letter to management.

Lufthansa Allegris First Class Criticized

Lufthansa’s Allegris first class was designed with flexibility in mind, including a double suite in the center of the cabin alongside individual suites.

On paper, the double suite was marketed as an exclusive option for couples traveling together, but flight attendants argue that the design misses the mark. The shared entertainment system, single tray table, and limited storage space reduce comfort rather than enhance it.

Crew members point out that couples rarely align on sleep schedules, dining preferences, or entertainment choices. Instead of fostering intimacy, the setup often creates discomfort and inconvenience.

In their view, this contradicts Lufthansa’s stated goal of providing a truly premium environment.

Another pressing issue highlighted is the lack of adequate storage. First class bedding, for example, must be stored in the overhead bins of the business class cabin, as no dedicated compartments were included in the first class layout.

This not only complicates the work of flight attendants but also disrupts the seamless service passengers expect in a top-tier cabin.

Staffing Challenges in First Class Service

Beyond design concerns, Lufthansa flight attendants have expressed frustration about reduced staffing levels in the new Allegris cabin.

Under the old first-class model, two flight attendants were responsible for up to 8 passengers, dividing duties between aisle service and galley operations. In the new configuration, a single flight attendant is tasked with managing both roles for up to four passengers.

While the ratio appears unchanged, the practical impact is significant. During meal service, for example, balancing kitchen duties with direct guest interaction can compromise attentiveness.

Flight attendants warn that this staffing model diminishes the personalized experience essential to first class, particularly when introducing a new product that requires explanation and guest orientation.

The union representative emphasized that this is not just about job numbers but about the overall quality of service.

With only one dedicated crew member, passengers may experience delays or reduced interaction at the very moment Lufthansa is positioning Allegris as a flagship product.

Comparison With Other Airlines

Lufthansa is not alone in facing these challenges. Air France’s La Première cabin, which also seats four passengers, typically assigns one dedicated flight attendant.

However, Air France often supplements staffing when possible, allowing for more flexibility and ensuring a smoother service experience.

Lufthansa’s rigid staffing model leaves less room to adapt during high demand flights, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of the Allegris product.

The airline has also reduced overall crew numbers on its Airbus A350-900s, from 12 to 11 flight attendants, while lowering the aircraft’s seating capacity from 293 to 267.

Though this may seem proportionate from a business perspective, critics argue that the introduction of a premium cabin justifies maintaining higher service levels.

Lufthansa’s Premium Strategy

Lufthansa introduced Allegris with the goal of positioning itself among the world’s leading premium airlines, especially as it competes with carriers like Emirates (EK), Qatar Airways (QR), and Singapore Airlines (SQ).

However, the issues raised by flight attendants highlight potential gaps between marketing and execution.

The success of a premium cabin depends not only on seat design but also on service delivery. If flight attendants are limited by poor layout choices and staffing constraints, the passenger experience will inevitably suffer.

For travelers paying a premium price, the perception of cutbacks in comfort and service could harm Lufthansa’s reputation in the long run.