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Lufthansa Economy vs Premium Economy

Lufthansa Economy vs Premium Economy
Latest posts by Candis Pope (see all)

If there are two airfare classes that I’m most familiar with, it’s Economy and Premium Economy. When I’m traveling, I like to save money, so I don’t always opt for First Class. Lufthansa is one of the air carriers that I love to fly with. Over the years, I’ve gotten pretty familiar with what it’s like to fly with them—in almost every fare class. So, in this article, I’ll deep dive into Lufthansa Economy vs. Premium Economy options. If you’re ready to get into this, just keep reading

My Ultimate Pick

If I had to choose between Lufthansa’s Economy or Premium Economy airfare option, I’d have to go with Premium Economy. I love that I can get some of the same perks as Business Class, without breaking the bank. Of course, it’s not the same as being in Business Class, but I definitely get extra amenities that I wouldn’t get in Basic Economy. Not to mention, it’s not that expensive, so it’s definitely worth the additional expense. I find that I am comfortable and relaxed when I fly Premium Economy.

Main Differences between Lufthansa Economy vs Premium Economy

  • Premium Economy provides a welcome drink, Economy does not.
  • Premium Economy offers more legroom, Economy does not. 
  • Premium Economy comes with complimentary bottled water, Economy does not.

The Primary Features of Lufthansa’s Economy Class

Lufthansa’s Economy class is perfect for those who want to travel in comfort without breaking the bank. With spacious seats and plenty of legroom, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your flight. And with a variety of entertainment options available, you’ll never be bored on a Lufthansa flight. In most cases, I fly Economy. Depending on where I’m flying and the length of the flight, I can deal with the “basics” of Economy, if it means I’ll save money.

Baggage Allowance

The Lufthansa baggage allowance for Economy class is as follows:

  • One carry-on bag, measuring no more than 8 inches x 11 inches x 18 inches
  • One personal item, such as a laptop computer or purse
  • Checked baggage allowance will vary depending on your ticket type and destination.

For more information, you’ll have to reference the Lufthansa Baggage Allowance page.

Seat Selection

Lufthansa offers a variety of seat options in Economy class, so you can choose the type of seat that best suits your needs. If you’re looking for extra legroom, you can choose a seat with more space. For instance, when I want more legroom without paying too much money, I choose a seat located in the exit row.

Entertainment

Lufthansa’s Economy class offers a variety of entertainment options to keep you entertained during your flight. You can watch TV shows and movies, listen to music, or play video games. If you’re flying on a long-haul flight, you’ll also have the option to rent movies and TV shows to watch on your personal device.

Food and Drink

Lufthansa offers a variety of food and drink options for Economy class passengers. Depending on the length of your flight, you’ll be served one or more meals. Meals are included in the price of your ticket, and you’ll have the option to purchase alcoholic beverages. I liked Lufthansa’s food. I was surprised because I thought it would be subpar.

lufthansa crew

Pros

  • Inexpensive Prices

I’ve gotten great deals with Lufthansa Economy. Sometimes I budget travel, and when I do, it’s very important to me to get a good deal on my flight. I’ve found that Lufthansa offers competitive prices without skimping on quality or service.

  • Good Customer Service

Lufthansa also has excellent customer service. I’ve had to call customer service a few times, and each time, the representative was polite and helpful.

  • Spacious

In my opinion, Lufthansa’s Economy Seating is spacious. When I fly with certain airlines, I feel cramped. But for the price that I pay for an Economy ticket, I can appreciate that Lufthansa gives me a little “breathing room”.

Cons

  • Baggage Calculator

I don’t like that Lufthansa’s baggage rules are hidden. You have to use their baggage calculator to figure out if you’ll get free baggage. While the calculator is simple to use, I don’t like the guesswork involved. I might take a flight and receive free bags, then the next time I fly with them, the baggage allowance may be different.

Lufthansa’s Premium Economy

This is an option for those who want to travel with a little more comfort and a few more amenities.  I really like this option a lot. It’s the best of both worlds for me. I can get a first-class experience for half the price.

Baggage

The Lufthansa baggage allowance for Premium Economy class is as follows:

  • Two carry-on bags, measuring no more than 8 inches x 11 inches x 18 inches
  • One personal item, such as a laptop computer or purse
  • Checked baggage allowance will vary depending on your ticket type and destination. For more information, you’ll have to reference the Lufthansa Baggage Allowance page.

Seat Selection

In Premium Economy, you’ll have the option to choose from a variety of seats. Choosing a Premium Economy seat isn’t as complicated as it is in Economy because the seats are all spacious.

Entertainment

The entertainment options in Premium Economy are the same as those in Economy class. You can watch TV shows and movies, listen to music, or play games. If you’re flying on a long-haul flight, you’ll also have the option to rent movies and TV shows to watch on your personal device.

Food and Drink

The food and drink options in Premium Economy are almost the same as those in Economy class. Depending on the length of your flight, you’ll be served one or more meals. Meals are included in the price of your ticket, and you’ll have the option to purchase alcoholic beverages. The main difference is that in Premium Economy, you’ll be served on fine china tableware, and you’re given a welcome drink.

lufthansa flight

Pros

  • Complimentary Bottled Water

I’m not sure about anyone else, but I’m usually thirsty by the time I get on my flight. Plus, I like to stay hydrated while in the air. Therefore, receiving a complimentary bottle of water is great. When I feel thirsty, I can drink water without having to wait until the food and beverage service begins.

  • Travel Kit

The travel kit that Lufthansa provides is always a plus for me. It comes with ear plugs, eye shades, lotion, and more. There’s no better feeling than having access to essentials that help to get you through a flight. Plus, I hate digging around in all of my bags to find everything that I need. The kit they provide makes it easy for me to access everything in one place.

  • Inexpensive

Although Premium Economy costs more than regular Economy, it’s still affordable. I can fly with all of the amenities that I want without having to spend a fortune.

  • Better Seats

The seats in Premium Economy are definitely better than those in Economy. They’re more comfortable and there’s more legroom. If I’m going to be on a long flight, I want to be as comfortable as possible.  I don’t want to feel like I’m crammed into a seat.

Cons

  • Only available on certain flights

Premium Economy is only available for long-haul flights. So, if you’re hoping to have a luxury experience on a short trip, you may not get it.

lufthansa passanger

Other Alternatives to Consider

British Airways

British Airways

British Airways is another air carrier that I like to use when flying through Europe. Their Premium Economy is a class above regular economy and offers amenities such as larger seats, increased legroom, and enhanced food and drink service. The cost of a premium economy ticket is usually only marginally more expensive than a regular economy ticket, making it a great option for budget-minded travelers. 

American Airlines

american airlines

American Airlines offers a premium economy product on select international flights. Passengers in premium economy receive increased legroom, wider seats, and other amenities. American Airlines’ premium economy product is available on select international flights. I really like having this option. It gives me the extra comfort that I need without costing too much money. I usually opt for American Airlines when I fly to Germany from the USA.

Eurowings

eurowings

Eurowings offers a premium economy product on many of its long-haul flights. The product is similar to what is offered by other airlines, with a few extra perks.

Passengers are provided preferred seating, lounge access, mileage credits, and more. What I really like about Eurowings is that they offer three types of Premium Economy, which includes Premium Economy Basic, Premium Economy Basic Plus, and Premium Economy Flex. So, you can upgrade your upgrade!

FAQs about Economy vs Premium Economy

Question: Is Premium Economy the same as Business Class?

Answer: Not quite. Premium Economy is a separate cabin class, but it offers amenities that are similar to those in Business Class, such as wider seats and more legroom. However, the perks aren’t as extensive. It’s Premium Economy, as the name implies. It’s a good option for those who want a little more comfort during their flight.

Question: How much more is Premium Economy than Basic Economy?

Answer: Well, pricing depends on the airline. But in general, Premium Economy tickets cost about 30%-50% more than basic economy tickets.

Question: Is Lufthansa’s Premium Economy airfare worth it?

Answer: I believe so! From my experience, Lufthansa does a great job with its premium economy product. The seats are comfortable, and the service is attentive. I would say it’s definitely worth the extra cost.

lufthansa plane

My Closing Thoughts

I like Lufthansa, so I think Premium Economy and Basic Economy are great. However, I do feel that Premium Economy is the way to go. If you’re taking an extended flight, it’s worth it to get the upgrade. The one thing that I noticed is that I feel like I get my money’s worth when I fly Premium Economy. I don’t feel cheated in any way. It’s fantastic! 

Did this article help you? I sure hope so. Happy traveling!

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