Passengers flying in Lufthansa’s economy cabins can now get a taste of the business class experience, as the airline trials its lie-flat economy product on its Frankfurt-Sao Paulo route.
‘Sleeper’s Row’ consists of a row of three to four seats in economy class, which passengers can book to use as a lie-flat bed – an enticing offer during a time of social distancing.
Travellers will also be entitled to priority boarding and will receive a business class kit containing pillows, blanket and a topper.
The offer is available until mid-December on flights LH 506/507 and costs €220 for three seats, and an additional €40 for four seats. There is a limited number of ‘Sleeper’s Row’ available per flight, and the airline states that they will “be occupied by the sequence of passengers that show interest to our ground staff”.
Tickets must be purchased at the airport, during check-in or at the boarding gate.
Air New Zealand introduced a similar concept earlier this year, unveiling its “Economy Skynest” at its Hangar 22 innovation centre in Auckland. The airline proposed six full-length lie-flat sleeping pods for the economy class cabin, each of which would include a full-size pillow, sheets and blanket, ear plugs along with privacy curtains and lighting designed for sleep.
While the Skynest is not yet in service, the airline does offer an ‘Economy Skycouch’ product on its B777 and B787-9 aircraft. This consists of a row of economy seats which convert into a couch after take-off.
