Review of Lufthansa’s Allegris FIRST CLASS from Munich to New York (JFK) » Travel-Dealz.com

When we flew the inaugural Allegris cabin flight to Toronto on May 2, 2024, there was no first class on board. Due to some certification issues, the first Allegris-equipped aircraft were only delivered with a three-class configuration.

In November 2024, the first Lufthansa Airbus A350 featuring the Allegris First Class cabin took off for India. Since then, Allegris First Class has been operating in regular service. Initially, only Bengaluru and Mumbai were served with the full cabin, but since January 13, 2025, New York JFK has become the third destination. In this Allegris First Class review, we’ll take you along on one of the first flights of Allegris First to New York. Additional destinations featuring the Allegris First Class will be added starting with the summer schedule.

The new first class can only be booked in advance for flights starting January 28, 2025. Until January 27, 2025, one passenger per flight is offered a free upgrade. During this introductory phase, occasional issues may arise. We’ll discuss the extent to which this occurred on this flight later in the review.

Flight Details

Here are the obligatory flight details:

• Flight: LH410 Munich MUC – New York JFK
• Seat: 1A
• Aircraft: D-AIXW (delivered October 2024)
• Scheduled Departure: 12:50 PM
• Scheduled Arrival: 3:40 PM
• Block Time: 8h 50min
• Date: January 19, 2025

Booking

Since there is no guaranteed first-class availability or upgrade during the introductory phase, we had to be flexible and book flights based on availability. As noted earlier, Lufthansa assisted us in securing a seat. The prerequisite for an upgrade was holding a valid business class ticket for the flight.

Given the short booking window—just one day before departure—prices for a paid business class ticket were astronomical, exceeding €6,500 for a round trip. Therefore, we opted for a business class mileage ticket in the Flex Plus fare, costing 155,000 miles and €150 in surcharges. Otherwise, the surcharges for North American flights would have been over €1,000 plus 112,000 miles.

The complete itinerary included the following flights:

• Berlin – Munich: Lufthansa Business Class (Airbus A320)
• Munich – New York (JFK): Lufthansa Allegris First Class (Airbus A350)
• New York (JFK) – Munich: Lufthansa Allegris First Class (Airbus A350)
• Munich – Berlin: Lufthansa Business Class (Airbus A320)

This review focuses solely on the Munich to New York segment. We will cover the return flight and the Suite Plus experience in a separate review.

Check-In

Our review begins in Munich at Terminal 2. Last year, Lufthansa introduced a new check-in area for First Class passengers, HON Circle Members, Senators, and Star Alliance Gold status holders. It is located to the right of the security checkpoint, clearly marked and highlighted by a red guide strip on the floor.

There are four check-in counters in total, one of which is specifically reserved for first-class passengers and HON Circle Members. When I arrived at the first-class check-in area in the morning, no other guests were present. If I had been travelling with checked luggage, I could have handed it over immediately.

Directly across from the check-in counters is the fast lane, which also includes a dedicated access point for HON Circle and first-class passengers. It’s rare for a queue to form here. With prior registration via the Lufthansa or Star Alliance app, passengers can use Star Alliance Biometrics for contactless access.

The fast lane is equipped with CT scanners, enabling a quick security check without needing to unpack items. Overall, I found the check-in process very efficient. However, there are more stylish first-class check-in experiences offered by airlines like Qatar Airways or Singapore Airlines, where access is far more exclusive.

Lounge in Munich

As the first class lounge in the main terminal (G/H gates) was under renovation at the time of my flight, I had to take the underground “shuttle train” to the satellite terminal (J/K/L gates). The train runs every 2 minutes, so I reached the first class lounge near the K/L gates, opposite gate K11, less than 10 minutes after entering the airport. This lounge is located just beyond the business and Senator lounges, which are also available to first class travellers as alternatives.

Signage led me to an elevator, which brought me to the top floor of the satellite terminal. Upon entering, my passport was taken at the lounge’s dedicated passport control and held until I exited the lounge. After a brief tour of the lounge, I settled into one of its many seating areas. Located on the sixth floor, the lounge offers a fantastic view of the rear tarmac.

Each seating area has small snacks like fruit, chocolates, or other sweets. Within 10 seconds of sitting down, a lounge staff member approached me to ask if I wanted anything to eat or drink. The cappuccino and still water I ordered arrived shortly after. About 30 minutes later, I moved to the restaurant area.

As I hadn’t had much breakfast, I ordered two fried eggs with sausages and bacon, followed by some fruit from the extensive buffet. Both were excellent, and the schnitzel I ordered shortly before leaving the lounge was also delicious, though I found it slightly too greasy. Between meals, I took the opportunity to enjoy a bath and requested one of Lufthansa’s iconic rubber ducks.

The lounge entrance is separated from the non-Schengen area by a glass sliding door. Passport control right behind it was quick and straightforward, taking only a few seconds. I then took a second elevator down to the 5th floor, where the L gates are located.

Boarding

I left the lounge 25 minutes before the official boarding time, since my last-minute booking and split itinerary resulted in an SSSS (Secondary Security Screening Selection) on my boarding pass. The additional screening turned out to be a simple security check, where I had to remove my shoes. Surprisingly, no further checks or questions were conducted.

At the gate, after a brief wait, I was invited to try the new Allegris first class. This was a thoughtful touch, especially with the personalized note included, which showed a genuine appreciation for passengers. I observed the same procedure for a HON Circle Member on the simultaneous flight to Bengaluru, suggesting this is the current standard during the introductory phase. However, this will be discontinued once the free upgrades end and the Allegris window suites are officially available for purchase.

As the only passenger in boarding group 1, I was allowed to board with the pre-boarding guests. Boarding was conducted through both doors, which had the downside of half the business class passengers walking past my suite during boarding.

Upon entering the aircraft, I was warmly greeted with a glass of champagne and salted macadamia nuts. The amenity kit, pyjamas, menu cards, and slippers were promptly brought to me, and both the flight attendant and purser personally introduced themselves.

Cabin

The Lufthansa Allegris first class in the Airbus A350-900 offers up to four seats, consisting of two window suites on the sides and one double suite in the middle. The double suite can accommodate two people, but given that not every flight will have a pair travelling together, there are often just three seats occupied. This layout creates the following seating arrangement: 1–(1/1)–1.

The Allegris first class is separated from the galley and business class by a relatively thin curtain. The first aisle provides access to both the window suite (1A) and the Suite Plus (1D/1E), while the second aisle leads only to the window suite (1K), making this suite the most private.

Overall, I find the design of the first-class cabin far more appealing than that of the Allegris business class. While the seat is also blue, the rest of the business class cabin features a rather dull grey colour scheme. In contrast, the Allegris first-class suites use natural wood tones combined with bronze and marble-like finishes, creating a much more elegant and stylish atmosphere.

The restroom for the first class is located in the galley area in front of the cabin. Although it is not as spacious as those of other first-class products, it is fully equipped with all the essentials. As in the Allegris business class restroom, the toilet seat lid is padded.

After takeoff, a variety of amenities are made available, including creams, lotions, razors with shaving cream, deodorant, and fabric hand towels, although these are unfortunately single-use only. The lotions and creams from August Bader are particularly noteworthy, as they belong to the premium price segment and reflect the high standards of a first-class experience.

The Window Suite

The highlight of the new Allegris first class is undoubtedly the seat. The previous Lufthansa first-class seat was often criticized for its lack of privacy and outdated screen, though its sleeping comfort was generally praised. Let’s explore how the new seat addresses these criticisms and whether it still delivers excellent sleep comfort.

Although the new Lufthansa First Class is fundamentally different from its predecessor, two key features remain: the ottoman and the iconic rose that has become a signature element of Lufthansa’s First Class.

Seat Features

Lufthansa has incorporated some innovative features in the Allegris business class, many of which have also been implemented in the first class, e.g. the seat is fully adjustable via a tablet. In addition to heating and cooling options, you can adjust the seat and ottoman more precisely, as well as control the electronic shades, all through the tablet.

Basic functions, like the preset seat positions, recline, and lighting controls, can also be managed via quick-access buttons on the left armrest. These include four preset positions, the “Do Not Disturb” function, and a flight attendant call button.

Each Allegris First Class seat also features an individually adjustable air vent, which can be directed and adjusted for intensity. It works similarly to the air vent in the Allegris Business Suite.

Another thoughtful feature is a hidden water bottle holder behind the three-level adjustable lamp, making it easy to stay hydrated during the lie-flat or sleep phase without needing to call a flight attendant.

The lighting system includes a variety of sources, such as ambient lights above the windows and screen, small spotlights along the side storage area, and a reading lamp. These can be controlled via the tablet or quick-access buttons.

The window shades are fully adjustable with two levels of darkness, allowing you to block out sunlight without losing all-natural light.

Storage and Workspace

In my opinion, there can never be enough storage space for a seat. Too often, I’ve had to place items I needed during the flight in the overhead bins because the seat itself didn’t offer enough or suitable storage options. In the Allegris window suite, there are three main storage options, along with an additional compartment behind the suite, accessible only from the aisle, making it less convenient to keep an eye on.

The first storage option is the wardrobe located on the right-hand side. It is not only suitable for jackets or blazers but also for slimmer or longer items, as it extends deeper than its opening. This makes it the only sensible option for storing items like a laptop or larger electronic devices.

The ottoman serves as the second and likely largest storage option within the suite. I was able to store my carry-on suitcase here without any issues. However, it’s generally recommended to store the suitcase in the aisle storage compartment, especially if you also have a backpack or similar item. Lufthansa allows two large carry-on items with a first-class ticket, and you’re less likely to need your suitcase compared to a backpack. It’s worth noting that electronic devices should not be stored in the ottoman, as the ottomans cannot be opened when the seat is in the reclined position.

There is also a smaller storage compartment, primarily intended for documents, phones, or cables, especially as it features both a USB-A and USB-C port. The latter supports charging at up to 60 watts. The same applies to the USB-C port in the open compartment next to the armrest, designed for headphone storage. This compartment also includes a 230-volt power outlet.

Part of the elongated shelf on the suite’s left-hand side includes an option for wireless charging. For the rest of the shelf, a white marble imitation was chosen for weight-saving reasons, which, in my opinion, complements the suite’s style well. However, it’s important to note that this shelf cannot be used permanently, at least while the table beneath it is in use.

Speaking of the table, it thoroughly impressed me. Measuring approximately 60 × 70 cm, it is large enough to comfortably accommodate a meal for two. Its stability also makes it ideal for working or writing reviews.

Privacy

When it comes to privacy, previous Lufthansa first-class customers often had to compromise, unless seated in seats 1A or 1K on the Boeing 747-8. Enclosed suites are now available in many first and even business-class products offered by various airlines, including the Lufthansa Business Suite. The key difference here lies in the height of the doors and walls.

While the suites in the Allegris first class do not extend to the ceiling, they feature sufficiently high walls to ensure adequate privacy. The ceiling-mounted door tracks give the window suites a height of 1.90 m, effectively preventing both flight attendants and passengers from peeking in from above. The only legally mandated openings are the door handles, positioned at a height of 1.40 m, preventing casual glances into the suite when walking by.

Another topic of discussion regarding privacy is the suite doors. These are only a few millimetres thick and somewhat reminiscent of curtains. However, I found this solution to be a positive one overall. The fabric choice contributes to noise insulation without sacrificing space. Personally, I much prefer this to the current Swiss first-class design, where a closed door results in facing the wardrobe, detracting from the “room design’s” sense of tranquillity. Thanks to magnetic strips on both door panels, the doors remain seamlessly closed yet are easy to open.

If you wish not to be disturbed, you can activate a small moon symbol on the suite’s exterior using the quick-access buttons on the side of the seat. This feature also works when changing before landing, ensuring privacy during such moments.

Seat Comfort

Especially during daytime flights, seat comfort is as important as privacy. The numerous adjustment options mentioned earlier significantly contribute to maintaining comfort throughout the flight. However, due to the seat’s width of 90 cm, Lufthansa faced a challenge that, in my opinion, was only moderately well-addressed.

As seen in the picture, there are two seatbelts: a three-point belt for takeoff and a second belt for cruising altitude. The second belt is necessary because the three-point belt would reduce the effective seat width to 60 cm or even 50 cm, making it difficult to use the table properly. However, I found the unused three-point belt somewhat bothersome, as it couldn’t be stowed away effectively and sometimes got in the way.

Since a second person can sit on the ottoman during the flight with a separate seatbelt, a quick note on that: While the comfort doesn’t match that of the suite’s main seat, the angle of the cushion beneath the screen can be adjusted slightly, allowing for reasonable comfort during a shared meal. Alternatively, you can use a blanket or the numerous pillows available to make it cosier.

Sleep Comfort

On nighttime flights, sleep comfort is paramount. Given that this was a strength of Lufthansa’s previous first class, I approached this aspect with high expectations. The bed can be prepared by a flight attendant upon request, allowing you to change into the Porsche Design sleepwear (in collaboration with Van Laack) in the meantime.

Thanks to the suite’s high walls, it was pleasantly quiet and dark, even when lights were on in other suites. Despite the blinds in the neighbouring window suite being open and light coming from the middle suite, my space remained comfortably dim.

The bed includes a mattress, a large blanket, and three different pillows. Although I initially worried about feeling the unused three-point belt, this was not an issue. With a sleeping surface over 2.1 m × 0.9 m, I had plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy a restful nap.

While I could have been woken upon request, I set my own alarm to enjoy the flight to its fullest. Overall, the window suite is a top-tier product in terms of seating. It offers ample space, modern technology, extensive customization options, and excellent sleep comfort.

Food & Drink

In addition to the seat, catering plays a crucial role in ensuring a satisfied customer upon arrival. Below, I’ll detail the dining options available on my Allegris first-class flight to New York. Spoiler: Although I could theoretically have tried everything as the sole first-class passenger, it was simply too much, so I focused on select dishes.

Upon reaching my seat, I was handed two A4-sized menus: one for food and one for beverages. In general, meals can be ordered at various times, though the default setup includes a lunch service after takeoff, followed by a menu for meal options during the flight (referred to as dinner).

Lunch

I opted to start my lunch 1.5 hours after takeoff with a small amuse-bouche: seared salmon trout accompanied by peas, vanilla, and snow peas. This was paired with another glass of 2004 Pommery Cuvée Louise Champagne.

Next came the legendary service trolley featuring appetizers and the caviar service. While the trolley was more striking in the older, more open first-class cabin, I was impressed by the presentation. The caviar was served traditionally with a chilled glass of vodka. However, it would have been even better if they had provided a mother-of-pearl spoon (or, in this case, any spoon at all). In the future, blinis are expected to return to the service, but on both of my flights, only toast was offered.

The appetizers are designed so that each guest can enjoy all three options, along with the caviar service and salad. Naturally, I took full advantage of this and sampled everything. Warm bread with olive oil and butter was served alongside. For the salad, I chose a buttermilk dressing, which, like the salad and other appetizers, was very enjoyable.

As a middle course, I was served a creamy cauliflower soup with fennel and pomegranate seeds. While the soup was served hot, it was the least impressive dish for me, possibly due to my personal aversion to cream-based soups. I would have preferred a clear soup instead.

One of the four main course options was braised veal cheeks with pak choi, pumpkin, carrot, and truffle ravioli. Although the veal cheek was not tender enough to cut with just a fork, it was still soft, flavorful, and complemented well by the sauce and sides. Everything was served warm and well-prepared, though the presentation could have been slightly more elegant—something airlines from the Gulf region tend to excel at.

For dessert, the service trolley was brought out again, this time featuring the cheese selection and two dessert options. The size and presentation of the cheese selection were particularly impressive. I also appreciated that the different cheeses were clearly labelled, making it easier to choose.

By this point, I was so full that I couldn’t indulge as much as I would have liked. Even if I had been starving, I doubt I could have made a dent in the amount of food offered on that trolley.

Snacks

Unlike the business class, the Lufthansa Allegris first class does not feature a snack bar to visit between services. This is because you can order food at any time with the press of a button, meaning there’s no need to leave your seat. After lunch, the flight attendant brought around a box of chocolates and offered me a selection. I chose one of each type to enjoy over the course of the flight.

Additionally, I was served one of the Allegris Business Suite snacks, which I was already familiar with from previous Allegris flights. I could have ordered other items from the business class menu at any time if I had wanted to.

Dinner

The dinner was served approximately 1.5 hours before landing, starting with two Wiener schnitzels accompanied by potato rösti and a bouquet of vegetables. Although the schnitzels, in terms of taste and presentation, couldn’t quite match those served in the first-class lounge in Munich, they and the sides were delicious. A selection of bread was also offered, and I opted for a pretzel with butter.

Afterwards, I enjoyed one of the main courses from lunch, which I had reserved earlier. The roasted guinea fowl breast with thyme jus, leeks, and pearl barley risotto was flavorful, even though the risotto fell short of the creamy consistency one typically expects. However, the jus and meat were excellent.

For dessert, I also chose something from the lunch menu. Since I hadn’t been able to finish the hazelnut tart with pear compote earlier, I ordered it as the grand finale of the meal, accompanied by a small selection of fresh fruits (though the portion was rather modest). The hazelnut tart with the pear compote was delicious and a fitting conclusion to the culinary experience.

Overall, a bit more attention to detail during the meal service would have been appreciated. For instance, the attentive flight attendant always ensured that the Lufthansa logo on the tablecloth faced the passenger, but this level of precision could have extended to other aspects, such as serving glasses or setting the table. While such details don’t affect the quality of the food, they demonstrate an eye for detail that is standard—and expected—in this (price) class with other airlines.

Drinks

As a Lufthansa Allegris First Class passenger, one benefits from an extensive beverage menu. However, it feels less refined compared to other airlines. While the champagne served was very good, I was surprised not to see the vintage Dom Pérignon that had been announced a few months earlier. The spirits selection, though decent, lacked exclusivity; other airlines often feature rare liquors worth several hundred euros, while the Allegris First offering felt somewhat uninspired.

I also missed cocktails on the drinks menu, e.g. Singapore Airlines offers a variety of cocktails even on short- and medium-haul business-class flights, not to mention Emirates’ onboard bar. Additionally, there were no non-alcoholic alternatives to wine or champagne on the menu. While it would have been easy to request the fruit secco available in the business suites, I had higher expectations for a first-class-specific selection of beverages.

Service

The service was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the flight. Upon boarding, I was greeted by name and attended to promptly whenever I needed anything. The service was relaxed and personable rather than distant, which I personally prefer, though it might not suit everyone’s taste.

As this was the lead flight attendant’s first time in the Allegris first-class cabin, we took the opportunity to explore the seats and their functions together. This gave me an interesting insight into a flight attendant’s perspective when dealing with a new product.

The meal service went smoothly, without the teething problems I had experienced with the Allegris business class in the past. I was regularly checked on and frequently offered refills or suggestions for additional options. Being the only passenger in first class on this flight undoubtedly elevated the experience, but the crew assured me that even with a full cabin, the service would remain highly personal and attentive, thanks to a second flight attendant assigned to first class.

In-Flight Entertainment

The in-flight entertainment (IFE) in the previous first-class product was of interest only for the flight map due to its poor resolution and small screens. With the introduction of the new Allegris business class, the upgraded IFE system in first class was already somewhat familiar to me. The new 4K screens, available in both the window suites and Suite Plus, are sufficiently large and provide a great viewing experience for movies or external camera feeds.

The movie selection is extensive, though smaller than that of Singapore Airlines or Emirates, offering options across various genres to cater to all tastes. The touch-sensitive monitors and tablets have the same interface. However, in Suite Plus, if two passengers occupy the space, they must share the main screen and agree on a single movie.

Unfortunately, some issues persist with the IFE system. The absence of a traditional controller means one must either pair their smartphone via Bluetooth (each time, which can be cumbersome) or unbuckle to use the touchscreen directly.

This limitation is particularly frustrating when trying to access camera views during taxi, takeoff, or landing—times when passengers are required to remain seated.

Additionally, the Bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones are innovative but not without flaws. After a pause of 1–2 minutes, the headphones had to be reconnected to resume watching. While wired headphone jacks are available, no cables were provided. On both flights, the headphones were collected before descent, preventing me from finishing my movie during the remaining flight time.

Wi-Fi

In today’s world, reliable in-flight internet is essential, especially for business travellers who need to work during flights. First class passengers on Lufthansa benefit from complimentary internet access for the entire flight.

Unfortunately, the connectivity on this flight left much to be desired. There were significant disruptions that required a full restart of the Wi-Fi system. While the 4.5 Mbps speed afterwards was adequate for basic tasks, the overall experience was far from satisfactory.

Extras play a crucial role in making a First Class experience truly memorable. One standout was the amenity kit, which impressed me with its contents and presentation.

On my flight to New York, I received one of the limited-edition aluminium cases from Lufthansa’s Aluminum Collection, of which only 2,000 were produced. A similar amenity kit would cost €79 in the worldshop. The contents, including four different high-quality creams and lotions, exceeded my expectations.

The slippers were another highlight. Available in various sizes, they were comfortable and featured a thick sole, making them particularly practical.

After the flight, a representative greeted HON Circle and first-class passengers with a sign at the gate. Initially, I hoped this might help expedite immigration, but the sign merely directed passengers to meet the representative at baggage claim. Since I had no checked luggage, I didn’t find out what further assistance might have been offered.

Conclusion

In my view, Lufthansa has achieved a quantum leap in its first-class offering compared to its previous product. The airline has retained key strengths such as personalized service and a comfortable bed while introducing significant improvements in privacy and cabin design. The nearly cabin-high walls and doors provide a level of privacy comparable to Emirates’ Game Changer first class and other top-tier products.

The window suites’ spaciousness and modern design were particularly impressive. While the IFE system’s functionality still needs refinement, and the catering could benefit from better presentation and more exclusive drink options, these issues didn’t overshadow the excellent and personal service.

Here’s a quick summary of the pros and cons:

Thank you!

This independent review of the Allegris First Class window suite was made possible thanks to Lufthansa’s support. I’d also like to thank the friendly and excellent cabin crew for making the flight special.

A big thank you to the Travel-Dealz community for their enthusiastic participation on Instagram and ongoing support. None of this would have been possible without you!

Translated by Ditmar

Cover Picture: Jan Niklas