The future of travel is bright! (image courtesy of Lufthansa)

Lufthansa’s Premium Economy

Earlier in March, Lufthansa did a roadshow for their new premium economy product in Singapore. This gave some of the general public an opportunity to experience the seat, while also possibly comparing it with the airline’s economy class offering, before its official debut on the Frankfurt-to-Singapore A380 daily service from 23 April 2015.

The virtual cabin’s last stop was at Singapore Changi Airport’s Terminal 2, which is where Lufthansa operates out of. Situated in the transit area, this gave travellers a similar chance of trying-out the seat — and it was here where I got my up, close and personal…

Comfort

There’s noticeably more padding with these seats than what’s found on its economy class brethren, a difference that many frequent Lufthansa flyers will certainly notice and (possibly) appreciate. But it’s the increased personal space — leg room, seat width, and (most importantly) shoulder room — that gives passengers the extra wiggle-room, ultimately translating into greater body freedom. A foldable headrest can be set and adjusted to provide the preferred comfort(able) position.

The front-row seats for Lufthansa’s premium economy. Notice the leg rest and stow-away LCD touch-screen. (image courtesy of Lufthansa)

There’s also personal armrests for each seat, meaning no reason to elbow-fight with your seat buddy. A solid, stowaway table makes for great working space or dining experience, and helped by a small-but-well-sized cocktail table for drinks. For personal effects up to the size of a iPad/tablet, they can be placed in the extra storage area on the side of the seat.

Leg rests (front row only) and foot rests (all other rows) are also available if your legs can’t get comfortable.

Space

Overall, the increased sense of space is noticeable. The greater in-seat space is very much welcomed. More legroom meant less-constriction — but attempts to do a toilet run, if you’re not seated next to the aisle, can still be slightly challenging if the person in front has reclined the seat all the way back.

Try and get comfy! (image courtesy of Lufthansa)

Lufthansa’s economy (YCL) and premium economy (PEY), when quantified:

Seat pitch:
YCL: 31" → PEY: 38"
(7" more legroom)

Seat width (armrest-to-armrest):
YCL: 17–18" → PEY: 18–19"
(1" more)

Seat shoulder width (end-to-end):
YCL: 19–20.5" → PEY: 23–24.5"
(4" more)

Recline:
YCL: 6"/121° → PEY: 8"/130°
(2"/9° more)

Aesthetics

Typically Lufthansa, the seats are finished in a grey-tone fabric that’s comfortable to the touch. The armrests have a faux leathery finishing, taking on the darkest tone of grey in the overall colour scheme, and topped off with the brown strap that borders the extra storage area.

Just. Grey. (image courtesy of Lufthansa)

Its neutral colour scheme may not scream of much wow. But I believe it sets a relaxed mood, which can be helpful for long(er) flights.

Complements

As part of the Lufthansa premium economy experience, you get, inflight:

• An in-flight entertainment system with a bigger, touch-enabled screen (9" screen for front row seats; 11/12" for all other seats — yay?)
• Personal power socket — as opposed to possibly sharing one between two in economy (plus there’s also USB charging for your other more-mobile devices!)
• An amenity kit (containing earplugs, eye shade, socks, toothbrush-n-paste, wet towelette — and, more importantly, the reusable zip-pouch!)
• Choice of in-flight means served on china tableware
• On-board welcome drink
• Guaranteed bottled water (there is a dedicated slot for this!)

A very reusable zip-pouch after you’re done with the amenities. (image courtesy of Lufthansa)

…and entitlements, for buying a slightly-more-premium ticket:

• Two bags of up to 23 kilograms each (as opposed to just the one in standard economy)
• Access, with a fee, to Lufthansa Business Lounge (EUR 25 / USD 35; available at airports throughout Germany and in selected cities around the world) and Lufthansa Welcome Lounge (EUR 50 / USD 70; Frankfurt only)

Deployment and rollout

Actually, Lufthansa’s premium economy product was announced over a year ago (5 March 2014, at ITB 2014 in Berlin), and began its commercial service on 1 December 2014. With the various aircraft in the German carrier’s fleet already housing this cabin, the remaining are to be retrofitted by late northern (hemisphere) summer of this year.

Some of the airline’s destinations that have been premium economy enabled include Bangalore, Buenos Aires, Chicago, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Beijing, São Paolo, Seoul, Tokyo Haneda and Washington D.C. — with Singapore being added to that list on 23 April.

More leg room. More space to wiggle. More recline. (image courtesy of Lufthansa)

Final thoughts

Like all cabin products, the jury is out indefinitely until a proper sitting can be completed. Only an end-to-end experience in the air, for at least eight to ten hours, can offer the fullest picture.

For someone who can sleep in economy class, I believe the experience will be a bit of a treat. The increased space will be very welcoming, raising both comfort and tolerance levels (after being seated for endless hours in a confined space!) And of course, there’s the hospitality and meal service to look forward to as well.

My thanks to Lufthansa for their invitation to the unveiling at
Singapore Changi Airport.

Kinny tweets aviation, social media and technology on Twitter.