This Lufthansa Economy Class flight review from Frankfurt to Los Angeles is the final installment of my trip to Morocco with G Adventures. No benefits or perks are provided for economy class passengers but Star Alliance Gold members are granted access to the Lufthansa Senator and Business Class Lounges. The Lufthansa Senator Lounge in Concourse Z is my favorite of all the Lufthansa lounges (minus the First Class Lounge/Terminal) and is always worth a visit before any departure. The lounge is spacious and offers the best food options and amenities for passengers. You can read my full review of the Lufthansa Senator Lounges here.
Lufthansa Economy Class, Frankfurt to Los Angeles Boeing 747-8
Flight: LH450
Aircraft: Boeing 747-8
Frankfurt (FRA) to Los Angeles (LAX)
Depart: 2:15 PM on Sunday
Arrive: 4:40 PM same day
Duration: 11hrs 25 mins
Seat: 19D Economy Class
I left the Lufthansa Senator Lounge about 10 minutes prior to boarding time and made my way to gate Z69. Boarding had not been called yet but people were already lining up in their respective lanes. I snapped a few pictures of the beautiful lady and then got in line with the other business class/Star Alliance Gold passengers. Boarding for our 2:05 PM flight began at approximately 1:30 PM. First class passengers boarded through door 1L and everyone else boarded through door 2L.
Unlike the other aircraft in their fleet, Lufthansa’s Boeing 747-8s are configured a little unconventionally. First class is naturally located at the very front, followed by business class. However, aft of the business class cabin, there is a small economy class cabin located in front of the premium economy class cabin. The mini-economy class cabin is very private with just four rows of seats in a 3-4-3 layout and protected by bulkhead walls.
Aft of the mini-economy class cabin, there is a larger cabin with both premium economy and economy class seating. As you can see from my pictures below, the forward economy class cabin is separated by two walls, whereas the premium economy class passengers share the same cabin with the economy class passengers. There is only a “floating divider” to separate the two sections but it’s fairly nominal.
This premium economy class cabin doesn’t seem very premium, does it? I mean, why even bother with the floating dividers?
Lufthansa charges for advance seat assignments outside of 23 hours prior to departure time. If you can pick your seats ahead of time, I would definitely pick seats in the mini-economy class cabin over the main cabin. This cabin was quieter, offered more privacy and had less foot traffic than the main cabin. These economy class seats provided 17.3 inches of width and 31 inches of pitch. I’m not gonna lie. It was kind of a tight fit.
Each seat was equipped with a personal in-flight entertainment system, overhead reading lamp, coat hook and an electrical outlet underneath the seat (1 per 2 seats). Unfortunately, there were no USB ports or personal air vents outfitted on this aircraft. The IFE controls were located on the armrests, which I found incredibly annoying as my elbow kept pressing the call button or changing entertainment channels.
Entertainment-wise, the Lufthansa World entertainment system was loaded with a decent selection of Hollywood, European and Indian/Bollywood movies, TV shows, video games and music entertainment. Additionally, you can watch live TV (CNN, Euro news and sports) or zone out with the flight map and aircraft camera. The entertainment provided wasn’t the most robust collection but it kept me entertained enough for the 11-hour flight.
On this flight, I was seated in seat 19D, an aisle seat located in the center of the forward economy class cabin. I did not pay to select my seat in advance. Waiting at my seat were a pillow, blanket and a set of cheap plastic headphones.
The overhead bins were large and spacious but the seatback pockets were rather disappointing. You will have a hard time securing anything larger than a small MacBook Air or tablet in the seatback pocket.
As the final passengers were boarded, the Captain came on the PA to make his welcome announcements. He welcomed us on-board, advised us of a slight delay and provided us with our estimated flight path and time. We then pushed back from the gate and made our way to the runway for our flight to Los Angeles.
Once we reached our cruising altitude, the seatbelt signs were turned off and the crew prepared for our meal service. A flight attendant came by with hot towels to freshen up, followed by a beverage service and a package of salted pretzels.
I’m a big fan of these bi-fold trays and cupholders. They allow you to securely hold a drink in place without having to fold out your entire tray table.
Approximately 45 minutes into the flight, the flight attendants came down the aisle with our main meal. No menu cards were handed out and no further description of the dishes was provided other than “chicken or pasta.” Having enjoyed the chicken dish on my outbound flight, I ordered the same again.
The chicken was served with polenta and vegetables, along with a side salad, bread roll, and a strawberry cake dessert. Lufthansa has really stepped up their catering and this chicken dish was fairly tasty. The chicken was tender and had a nice flavor to it. Good job, Lufty!
Service-wise, this economy class crew was completely different than my outbound crew. The meal service was quick and efficient and they came around several times to refill drinks. They were friendly and attentive and also walked the cabin several times mid-flight with trays of water and juice.
After my tray was collected, I checked out the lavatories to see if they were any different than other aircraft. They weren’t.
However, I did find this very odd looking “door.” Can someone tell me what this is?? From the front, it looks like a lavatory door but it’s clearly not.
WiFi was provided on this flight and it was decently priced. I paid for the flight pass and used it for a majority of the flight. Speeds were decent for working and surfing the internet and service was only unavailable once (that I noticed) somewhere over the Northwestern Passages.
After a quick pass of the duty-free cart, the cabin lights were dimmed and the window shades were asked to be lowered. I wasn’t tired at all so I did some work on my laptop, watched a couple of movies and surfed the Internet for a bit. Comfort-wise, these seats were not bad. They were a little tight in the shoulders but did offer a nice recline of approximately 4 inches. The adjustable headrest was great in supporting my head but a footrest would have made the flight significantly more comfortable.
In case you were wondering, the forward economy class cabin is located directly over the wings. If you enjoy a good window view, just know that you’re gonna get all wing, all day.
Whereas, the view from a little further back is much better.
In between meals, water, juice, candy and leftover bread were available for self-service in the galleys. And about halfway through the flight, a “snack” service was provided. It was less of a snack and more of a beverage service with candy, which was already provided in the galleys. It wasn’t anything more than what you could have gotten yourself.
About two hours prior to our arrival into Los Angeles, the cabin lights were turned on and a second dinner was served. This time, there was a beef or pasta option. I went with the beef, which was served with mashed potatoes and vegetables, a bread roll and a caramel flan dessert. The beef wasn’t the best but it wasn’t bad either.
Lufthansa Economy Class Bottom Line
Overall, this was a better than average flight experience with Lufthansa Economy Class. The forward, mini-economy class cabin provided a quieter and more private economy class experience and the food wasn’t half bad. The service was attentive and the in-flight entertainment had enough entertainment to keep me occupied the entire flight. Other than the tight seating, I really didn’t have any complaints about this flight.
Have you guys flown Lufthansa Economy Class lately? If so, please share your expereinces with us in the comments section below. Thanks for reading!
The other reviews in this series include:
- Lufthansa A340 Economy Class, Los Angeles to Frankfurt
- Lufthansa Senator Lounge, Frankfurt
- Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport
- Lufthansa Boeing 747-8 Economy Class, Frankfurt to Los Angeles
Lufthansa Economy Class at a Glance
Lufthansa economy class is the German carrier’s standard long-haul cabin, available across a fleet of wide-body aircraft including the Boeing 747-8, Boeing 787-9, and Airbus A350-900. On intercontinental routes, the product includes complimentary multi-course meals and full beverage service, personal seatback entertainment, and paid FlyNet Wi-Fi. For travelers comparing it to a US or low-cost carrier, the gap in service level is significant: hot meals, wine, and beer come with the ticket on every long-haul flight.
The cabin spans three fare tiers. Economy Light is a carry-on-only, non-changeable fare that can undercut competitors on sticker price. Economy Classic adds one checked bag up to 23 kg and allows rebooking for a fee. Economy Flex adds full refundability and unlimited free changes, which makes it the option for uncertain itineraries. Whichever fare is booked, every passenger sits in the same seat with the same service; the difference is purely in flexibility and baggage.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Airline | Lufthansa |
| Aircraft reviewed | Boeing 747-8 |
| Route | Frankfurt (FRA) to Los Angeles (LAX), flight LH450 |
| Seat (reviewed) | 19D (aisle, forward mini-economy cabin) |
| Seat width | 17.3 inches (this aircraft); Lufthansa cites over 40 cm across long-haul fleet |
| Seat pitch | 31 inches |
| Recline | Approximately 4 inches |
| Configuration (747-8) | 3-4-3 |
| Flight duration | 11 hours 25 minutes |
| Meals included | Yes, complimentary on all long-haul flights |
| Wi-Fi | FlyNet (paid); free messaging on long-haul as of June 2025 |
| In-flight entertainment | Personal seatback screen, Lufthansa World system |
| Power (reviewed aircraft) | One outlet per two seats; no USB on this aircraft |
| Carry-on allowance | One bag up to 8 kg (55 x 40 x 23 cm) plus one personal item |
| Checked bag (Classic/Flex) | One bag up to 23 kg included; Economy Light: none |
Baggage and Booking: What to Know Before You Fly Lufthansa Economy
Lufthansa structures its long-haul economy fares into three tiers, and the differences matter most before departure rather than during the flight. Economy Light is the airline’s no-frills option: one carry-on up to 8 kg (55 x 40 x 23 cm) and one small personal item (maximum 30 x 40 x 10 cm), no checked bag, and no changes or refunds. It is the fare type to book only when plans are fixed and packing is light. Economy Classic steps up to include one checked bag up to 23 kg and allows rebooking for a fee. Economy Flex adds full refundability and unlimited free date changes, which makes it the better pick for business travel or unpredictable schedules.
Advance seat selection on Lufthansa is not free outside of the 23-hour check-in window. Fees depend on route length and seat position and can run from roughly $14 to $42 or more per seat. Passengers who wait until online check-in opens may find decent seats still available, but on popular transatlantic routes the forward and exit-row seats tend to go quickly to those who pay ahead. On the 747-8 specifically, the forward mini-economy cabin in rows 16 through 20 fills up fast because travelers familiar with the layout understand it is the quieter section of the cabin.
Miles & More is Lufthansa’s frequent flyer program, part of the Star Alliance ecosystem. Economy tickets earn miles based on the booking class, and Star Alliance Gold members retain lounge access even in economy, which materially changes the airport experience on a long connection. Travelers holding Gold status through any Star Alliance carrier can access the Lufthansa Senator Lounge in Frankfurt before an intercontinental departure.
Lufthansa Economy Pros and Cons
Lufthansa economy earns its above-average reputation primarily through service consistency and the inclusion of full meals on every long-haul flight. The carrier’s catering genuinely stands apart from US network carriers, which have stripped long-haul economy meals to snack-box territory. Against European or Asian competitors, Lufthansa’s product is solid but not exceptional on hard product, and the legroom on the 747-8 is tighter than on newer aircraft like the 787-9.
- Complimentary multi-course meals and full drinks on every long-haul flight, including a second service on longer routes
- Attentive, efficient German cabin crew with a consistent service reputation across routes
- Personal seatback IFE with a broad film library, live TV, and tail camera on the 747-8
- Forward 747-8 mini-economy cabin offers unusual quiet and privacy for an economy seat
- Free messaging on all long-haul flights as of June 2025, with full FlyNet Wi-Fi available for purchase
- Star Alliance Gold lounge access in economy for eligible frequent flyers
- Tight 31-inch pitch and 17.3-inch width on the 747-8 feel snug on an 11-plus-hour flight
- No footrest, no personal air vents, no USB on the reviewed Boeing 747-8
- Armrest-mounted IFE controls that can accidentally trigger the call button
- Paid advance seat selection outside the 23-hour check-in window
- Economy Light fare carries no checked baggage and no flexibility at all
- Over-wing window seats in the forward cabin have an all-wing view with no ground scenery
The New Lufthansa Allegris Economy Cabin
Lufthansa’s Allegris program is the airline’s generational cabin refresh, and economy class is part of it. Allegris economy brings a new seat design with a personal 13.3-inch IFE screen in 4K quality, Bluetooth connectivity for wireless headphones, and a USB power supply at every seat. That last point alone is a meaningful upgrade over the older 747-8 configuration, which provides one power outlet shared between two seats and no USB at all.
Allegris is currently rolling out on the Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A350-900. As of mid-2026, Allegris-equipped aircraft operate on routes primarily out of Frankfurt and Munich to destinations across North America, Asia, and South America, including New York (JFK and Newark), Chicago, Toronto, Miami, Tokyo, Shanghai, Bogota, and Rio de Janeiro, among others. The A350-900 fleet is further along in the rollout than the 787-9. Not every frequency on a given route uses an Allegris aircraft, so travelers specifically seeking the new cabin should confirm the equipment at booking and check again closer to departure.
The reviewed 747-8 product on the Frankfurt to Los Angeles route predates Allegris entirely. That aircraft type is being retired from some routes as newer planes arrive. Passengers flying the LAX route should check the current equipment schedule at booking, since aircraft assignments can change as the fleet modernizes.
Is Lufthansa Economy Worth It?
Lufthansa economy is a better-than-average long-haul economy cabin for travelers who value genuine inflight meals, reliable service, and Star Alliance connectivity. The hard product on the aging 747-8 is unremarkable: 31-inch pitch and 17.3-inch width are competitive with peers but not generous on an 11-hour crossing. What elevates the experience is the soft product: complimentary full meals, wine and beer included, a second service, attentive crew, and a consistent delivery that US carriers rarely match in economy.
The forward mini-economy cabin on the 747-8 is the hidden advantage for passengers who do their homework. Four rows, two bulkhead walls, and noticeably less foot traffic make it a meaningful upgrade over the main economy cabin without costing a cent more than knowing to look for seats in rows 16 through 20. Tall travelers and anyone planning to sleep across the Pacific should still weigh the step up to Lufthansa business class, where pitch and flat-bed capability are in a different category.
For travelers comparing Lufthansa to other transatlantic carriers, the airline sits solidly in the upper tier of economy products when measured on service and catering, and on the lower end when measured on legroom and hard-product innovation. With Allegris economy now landing on the 787-9 and A350-900 with bigger screens, Bluetooth audio, and per-seat USB, the hardware gap is closing. Booking a Lufthansa economy ticket on a newer aircraft type will deliver a noticeably more current product than the one reviewed here, and the service standard that made this flight worth recommending in 2018 has not changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lufthansa economy class good?
Lufthansa long-haul economy is generally considered above average for a European carrier. The cabin earns its reputation through complimentary full meals and beverages on every intercontinental flight, attentive German cabin crews, and a consistent service standard. The main limitation is legroom: 31-inch seat pitch on the Boeing 747-8 is competitive but not generous on a transatlantic or transpacific flight.
How much legroom does Lufthansa economy have?
On the Boeing 747-8, economy seats offer 31 inches of seat pitch and approximately 17.3 inches of width. Seats recline roughly 4 inches. Lufthansa cites a long-haul economy seat width of over 40 centimeters across its fleet. On the newer Allegris-equipped aircraft, the seat design has been updated, though pitch figures are comparable.
Are meals free in Lufthansa economy class?
Yes, on all long-haul intercontinental flights. Lufthansa includes a complimentary multi-course meal service with hot entrees, a salad, dessert, and bread, plus a full range of soft drinks, wine, and beer at no extra charge. Longer flights include a second meal service. On short and medium-haul European routes, Lufthansa uses a paid buy-on-board model called Onboard Delights; meals are not complimentary on those flights.
Does Lufthansa economy have Wi-Fi?
Yes. Lufthansa’s FlyNet system is available on long-haul aircraft. As of June 2025, free messaging (including WhatsApp and similar apps) is available to all passengers on long-haul flights with a Miles & More or Lufthansa Group Travel ID login. Full internet access requires a paid pass; Lufthansa lists pricing in euros, starting at roughly EUR 15 for a two-hour pass or EUR 25 for a full-flight pass (or equivalent in miles), with prices varying by demand.
Can I bring a carry-on bag in Lufthansa economy?
All Lufthansa economy fares, including Economy Light, allow one carry-on bag up to 8 kg with maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 23 cm, plus one personal item (such as a laptop bag or handbag) up to 30 x 40 x 10 cm. Economy Light does not include a checked bag. Economy Classic and Flex include one checked bag up to 23 kg.
What is Lufthansa Allegris economy class?
Allegris is Lufthansa’s new cabin program, rolling out across its Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A350-900 long-haul fleet. Allegris economy features a redesigned seat with a 13.3-inch 4K IFE screen, Bluetooth audio support for wireless headphones, and a USB power supply at every seat. As of mid-2026, the cabin is available on selected routes from Frankfurt and Munich; not every frequency on a given route uses an Allegris aircraft, so it is worth confirming equipment at booking.
How do I pick the best seat in Lufthansa economy on the Boeing 747-8?
On the 747-8, the forward mini-economy cabin in approximately rows 16 through 20 is the quietest and most private section of the economy cabin. It is enclosed by bulkhead walls on both ends and sees less foot traffic than the larger main cabin. The trade-off is that window seats in this section sit directly over the wings with a limited view. Lufthansa charges for advance seat selection outside 23 hours prior to departure, so securing a preferred seat early requires a fee; waiting until check-in opens may still yield decent options on less heavily booked flights.