Lufthansa’s Premium Economy on Airbus A330
Flying long haul in Business Class can be up to five times more than Economy. Many airlines these days offer a compromise in Premium Economy, which can be up to 70% cheaper than a Business Class fare. You get a slightly wider seat than in economy, about 6-7 inches more leg room, with more recline, a smaller cabin positioned between Business Class and Economy, and double the baggage allowance. Anything extra you get varies from airline to airline.
Having once flown in rather disappointing British Airways World Traveller Plus (their Premium Economy), my next few flights in this class was with Lufthansa.
Amenity kits
My route was from Frankfurt to Bahrain and back, and each time I was able to select my seat at no extra cost. The Airbus A330 seating is a 2x3x2 layout and had plenty of leg room. The seats looked new and felt very comfortable with adjustable headrest, footrest, and a little ‘table top’ in front of the armrest, to sit your drink in. Tucked into the back of the seat in front, was a water bottle and menu, and on the side of the seat a basic amenity kit. There were different styles of amenity kits, one denim purse type, and another which opened up to a cloth shopping bag. Each seat also had a small pillow and blanket. Flight attendants came around distributing headphones, which came with foam covers.
Once the seat was in the recline position and the footrest out, it was possible to have a short nap. The seat back touch screen IFE monitor was very easy to operate and had a good selection of movies, both old and new. Being a six and a half hour flight (plus a 45 minute stop in Riyadh), I was able on each occasion to sit back and watch a whole movie without falling asleep!
No sooner had I settled in my seat a soft drink of Orange juice was served in a plastic glass. Once airborne, and the seat belt signs were off, the bar service was opened and complimentary drink was served. On the daylight flights, soon after, lunch followed. The menu contained a full bar service and two choices for the entree. On one of my flights I selected ‘lemon chicken’ which was delicious. On another, it was ‘scrambled eggs with tandoori breast of chicken’ which seemed a rather odd combination, and was bland and not spicy as I had expected. Wine was served together with the meal, with refills.
Note that the food on both premium and economy are the same, except that in PE it was served on china tableware. A light snack was also given out an hour or so prior to landing. On the return flights, which was usually late night, the service started with drinks and a sandwich. About 90 minutes before arrival in Frankfurt, a hot breakfast was served consisting of omelette, cold cuts and fruit items.
Non- alcoholic welcome drink
On-board dining
On-board dining - Lemon Chicken
I usually select a window seat, and on my first flight it had its disadvantage - stepping out to use the toilet was difficult, especially if the passenger in the front had his seat fully reclining and my neighboring passenger having to get off his seat to let me out. Since then I have a been lucky to get the window seat in the first row.
I was impressed that all my flights also left on time. The crew although polite and efficient, were non-engaging, despite on all the flights, the PE cabin was only half full. In this aspect I feel that Lufthansa lacks that charm and hospitality you can experience in many Far Eastern and Asian airlines.
However, I have thoroughly enjoyed flying with Lufthansa, and PE is a good upgrade over economy. Prices are competitive compared to some other carriers. One other added bonus is that you can have access to any Business Class Lounge at Frankfurt for 25 Euros (price correct in March 2020).
