German Engineering

Lufthansa sets a high bar with its new—and long awaited—Allegris cabin

- ANDREAS SPAETH

AFTER YEARS OF eager anticipation and numerous delays stemming from certification challenges, supply chain disruptions and the intricacies of modern aircraft manufacturing, Lufthansa’s Allegris First Class has finally taken to the skies and landed in the U.S. for the first time. Unveiled in 2017 with promises of transforming the premium cabin experience, this innovative suite design faced several challenges. However, in November, passengers on select routes to India were among the first to experience this pinnacle of German in-flight luxury. I was fortunate to be on the inaugural Allegris First Class flight to North America, traveling onboard one of the airline's newest Airbus A350-900s.

Check-In

Lufthansa’s First Class check-in area at Munich Airport's Terminal 2 is designed for seamless efficiency. A faux red carpet leads the way, and a dedicated security checkpoint ensured a swift and effortless passage. With my boarding pass saved on my phone, I was through in minutes, encountering almost no one along the way.

Boarding

As this flight's sole First Class passenger, I was granted priority boarding. Stepping onto the factory-fresh Airbus A350 was a breeze—no crowds, no delays, just a smooth transition from the jet bridge to my suite.

The Seat