European airline to launch ‘business class style’ economy seats without the cost
PLANE seats are hardly comfy at the best of times, but one airline is rolling out business class style seats in its economy cabin.
There are plenty of ways airlines can get customers to pay extra for their flights, be it through luggage fees, priority boarding or other crafty methods.
Another way airlines entice passengers to part with their cash is through seat upgrades.
While most airlines are seemingly doing all they can to make economy class seats the last place a passenger would want to sit, Lufthansa appears to be bucking that trend.
According to online travel magazine, Lifestyle Asia, the German airline is set to introduce business class style seats to its premium economy passengers.
The airline’s new Allegris cabins will be rolled out on A350 and 787 aircrafts later this year.
When the new seats are introduced, premium economy passengers can expect hardshell seat backs, additional legroom, a fold-out leg rest, a coat hook and a cocktail table (which is hidden inside an armrest).
The hardshell seat backs are designed to let passengers recline their seats without causing discomfort to anyone seated behind.
Other added perks include USB charging ports, noise-cancelling headphones and a 15.6-inch screen featuring Bluetooth connectivity.
Because the business class style seats are being rolled out in premium economy cabins, it means holidaymakers will be able to travel like a business class passenger without the hefty price tag.
This isn’t the only upgrade the German airline is introducing to its fleet.
Last year, aircraft manufacturer Airbus revealed a re-imagined design for their overhead lockers.
Instead of a small cramped overhead bin, passengers will have access to a large luggage compartment that their bags will be able to stand up vertically in, allowing much more to be stored in the cabin.
The new bins, known as “Airspace L Bins“, could completely prevent any arguments about overhead luggage space.
Last year, Lufthansa announced it would be the first airline to fit the L Bins, which will be in all of their A320s from January 2025.
Earlier this week, the German airline was forced to scrap as many as 90 per cent of its flights due to a 35-hour strike.
Flights from two London airports were affected, as well as others originally scheduled to take off from Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and Newcastle.
Lufthansa isn’t the only airline introducing brand-new features inside its cabin.
Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines has introduced special seats that give everyone the option to play their audio out loud into the cabin.
The controversial new seats have been created by French company Devialet, with speakers built into the headrest of each passenger’s seat.
This allows passengers to choose to listen to the plane’s entertainment system, without having to use headphones.
Aeroplane interiors company Safran, who teamed up with Devialet to create the seats, insist that the audio will only be heard by the person using it – and will not disturb other people on the flight.
Meanwhile, these are the golden rules for avoiding arguments during flights.
And this etiquette expert revealed when you should never recline your seat.