Lufthansa is to phase out its first class "seat and a bed" concept.
The German airline introduced the popular product, in which first class passengers are provided with a seat and an adjacent bed to rest or sleep between meals or when travelling overnight, on ten of its B747-400s four years ago (see news, March 2011).
First class is located on the aircraft's upper deck with accommodation for just eight passengers configured 1-1.
Readers who were able to sample the product rated it as one of their finest travel experiences.
But sadly Lufthansa is now removing this novel product, reports runwaygirlnetwork.com, as it refurbishes its longstanding B747-400s for one last time before retirement.
The carrier is also taking the opportunity to install new business and premium economy seating.
But business class passengers may not be happy if they are allocated a seat in the main body of the aircraft, because at a time when rival carriers are adopting spacious four and six-abreast business cabins, Lufthansa continues with seven-across (2-3-2) seating in the main section of the cabin.
This is all the more ironic when you consider that, on its newer B747-8s, Lufthansa has adopted the more spacious six-across (2-2-2) configuration.
However, on the B747-400 Lufthansa has placed a small number of business seats in the nose of the aircraft. So opt for one of these if you require a little more sideways space.
Premium economy will be eight-across (2-4-2) which is similar to other major carriers. while economy class remains at 10-across (3-4-3) and that is an industry standard for the B747.
Alex McWhirter
