Lufthansa has been working on a service concept with the codename FOX for two years. Now, the airline has announced further details. The revised onboard service is set to launch on May 6 in economy class, premium economy, and business class. Several improvements have already been introduced in first class since the end of March.
The improvements in detail are as follows:
- First class (since March 29):
- New tableware
- New breakfast options, including caviar
- New cocktails, long drinks, mocktails, and champagne
- Choice between a standard main course and a “tasting menu”
- Choice of cosmetic products in addition to the amenity kit
- Business class:
- New tableware
- Higher-quality menus (e.g., side dishes and meat are now heated separately)
- More breakfast choices, with pre-ordering available shortly after takeoff
- New Grandma’s cake service featuring classics like “Donauwelle” and eggnog
- Second meal on-demand, allowing passengers to choose their dining time
- Premium economy class:
- New tableware
- Appetizers “on a business class level”
- Choice of three hot dishes
- Also features the new cake service
- Expanded beverage service
- Slippers are now provided
- Economy class:
- New tableware
- 3 instead of 2 hot meal choices (on flights over 10 hours)
- Small amenity kit including items like a sleep mask and earplugs
- Printed menu cards
Assessment
In their press release, Lufthansa stated:
“Our goal is clear: we want to be the number one premium airline in Europe.”
This is an ambitious goal, but a significant gap remains between claim and reality. While travelers can look forward to a few onboard extras, services have been cut elsewhere. For example, it was only a few weeks ago that Lufthansa introduced new Light fares, which removed free seat selection in business class and reduced the checked baggage allowance in both premium economy and business class.
Case in point: a frequent flyer with Senator status was previously able to select the highly-regarded throne window seats for free when flying in Allegris business class. Now, they are either assigned a (lesser) seat at check-in or must pay a surcharge of around €100 per direction for the usual inclusive benefits. For that same price, they could buy 112 portions of cake at a german supermarket.
We don’t want to simply talk down these improvements; in principle, they are certainly welcome. This also applies to economy class, which is increasingly overlooked by airlines. However, a premium concept surely involves more than just what happens between boarding and arrival at the destination.
Source: Lufthansa Press Release & AeroTelegraph