Lufthansa A380 Retrofitted Business Class Review Details
- Route: Munich (MUC) to Washington Dulles (IAD)
- Flight Number: LH 414
- Aircraft: Airbus A380-800 (with newly refurbished business class)
- Scheduled Departure Time: 4:20 PM (Munich)
- Scheduled Arrival Time: 7:25 PM (Washington Dulles)
- Seat Numbers: 24K and 28K
Lufthansa’s A380 Retrofit Review Introduction
I’ve always enjoyed flying the A380 as there’s something about the sheer scale of the plane that never gets old. I’ve avoided Lufthansa’s version of this plane for years because of its infamously outdated and exposed 2-2-2 business class configuration that you can see pictured below. When Lufthansa began retrofitting its A380 fleet with a brand new business class seat earlier this year, I couldn’t wait to try it.
Recently, I reviewed Lufthansa Allegris, which is the airline’s next generation first and business class on select A350 and 787 aircraft. I had a mixed review of the Allegris cabin, but interestingly, Lufthansa will not be installing this product on the A380. This is likely due to the A380 having different cabin sizes than its other aircraft.
Instead, Lufthansa is retrofitting the A380 business class cabin with an off the shelf product – the Thompson Vantage XL seat in a 1-2-1 configuration. This seat has some strengths and weaknesses compared to the Allegris seat which I’ll discuss further in the review. For now, know it’s at least a major improvement to the old 2-2-2 seating arrangement.
Do note that not every A380 has this new cabin yet. The retrofit is happening in stages, with each aircraft taking about six weeks in the factory. Lufthansa aims to complete retrofitting all of its A380 aircraft by mid 2027. If you’re booking a Lufthansa A380 flight in hopes of flying the new business class seat, be sure to check the seat map beforehand to ensure you are not booking the old 2-2-2 layout.
Lufthansa A380 New Business Class Seat Map
Lufthansa’s refurbished A380 retains its business class cabin on the upper deck and is located behind first class. Oddly, the first class cabin hasn’t been updated at all, so while the first class seat offers more space, just about everything else in the business class cabin is more modern.
As pictured below, the A380 new business class cabin is in a 1-2-1 configuration and split between two sections. The seats do alternate between being closer and further away from the aisle, so preferably book the seat less exposed to the aisle for greater privacy.
Rows 10 and 24 offer some additional space due to the bulkhead. 24K and 24A are the best seats in my opinion. These seats are further from the aisle compared to bulkhead window seats in the row 10.
In terms of cost, Lufthansa is offering free seat selection on the new A380 business class until mid September. As of September 15th, 2026, you’ll unfortunately be charged a premium for the more private seats closer to the windows. In this example, it’s a $200 up-charge per seat. Interestingly, the up-charge isn’t higher for the bulkhead window seats (classified as “Extra Long Bed”), so I’d snag that if it’s available.
The center seats and the aisle seats further from the window can be selected free of charge.
Lufthansa A380 New Business Class Seat Review
Taking a look at the Thompson Vantage XL on Lufthansa’s A380, you’ll find a similar color scheme to the Allegris cabin, but overall, the seat delivers less features. Both seats offer adequate lighting options, a glasses holder, tactile seat adjustment controls, and a 4K entertainment display. The Allegris seat does include an additional tablet for adjusting additional seat options such as seat firmness and heating/cooling. I can’t say I really missed having that on the A380.
In terms of tech, the refurbished A380 offers a universal outlet, USB-A/USB-C ports, and Bluetooth audio along with the same pair of decent noise cancelling headphones provided on Allegris. Allegris seats do offer wireless device charging that’s not present on the A380.
Below the charging ports is a modern inflight entertainment remote and a small mirror.
For privacy, Lufthansa’s new A380 business class seat is nothing special. While it’s a massive improvement compared to the old 2-2-2 seat, you won’t find any doors and I found the privacy partitions to be a bit lower and smaller than what you’ll find on the standard Allegris seats.
As previously mentioned, the seats alternate between being closer and further away from the aisle making about half the seats more exposed to noise and traffic. While not the end of the world, I do think Lufthansa is below average compared to its peers across the Atlantic in not offering a privacy door.
One area the A380 window seats really shine in is increased storage capacity. As with many other airlines, Lufthansa has storage bins next to the window seats on the A380. These are really convenient whether you want to store bedding, shoes, a small bag, etc. without having to reach for the overhead bins.
Lufthansa’s Amazing A380 Business Class Bulkhead Seat
If you can snag one, I’d recommend sitting in one of the bulkhead seats on the A380. The bulkhead seats come with a much more spacious footwell, plus a dedicated enclosed storage compartment for a carry-on bag. Below is a comparison of the footwell area for seat 24K versus a non bulkhead window seat 28K. In my opinion, I think the larger footwell makes a considerable difference in being comfortable while you sleep vs having to position your legs and feet to fit a more confined space.
It was also awesome having easy access to my backpack during the flight without feeling like it was in the way. Combine this storage compartment with the bins along the window, I think this is by far the most storage I’ve had on a business class flight.
Another highlight of the 24A bulkhead seat is that you have access to a whopping 3 windows.
As is typical with bulkhead seating, you will find yourself closer to the galley and lavatory. You may find the increased foot traffic and galley noise/lighting to be a bit bothersome. Since this was a daytime flight from Europe to the US, it wasn’t much of a problem for me, but it’s something to consider if you are flying a red-eye.
Overall, the new business class seat on the A380 is a major upgrade for Lufthansa passengers but nothing revolutionary. Compared to Allegris, there are some seat features missing but none of which make a big difference in my opinion. After mid September, Lufthansa will be charging a premium to sit in a more private seat further away from the aisle. If you are going to pay a $200 fee for a seat assignment, I’d go for the 24A or 24K on the A380 especially if it’s a daytime flight.
If you are looking for the best Lufthansa business class seat possible, keep in mind Allegris also offers an Extra Space Seat and a Business Suite option. Both cost more than $200 but you may prefer these seats more than anything the A380 has available.
Lufthansa’s 100-Year Anniversary Amenity Kit
2026 marks Lufthansa’s 100th anniversary, and the amenity kit reflects it — a uniquely designed two-tone kit with an embossed “100” logo that I think avgeeks in particular will appreciate.
Inside, you’ll find the usual essentials — eye mask, earplugs, hand cream, lip balm, a refreshing towel, and a mint.
Elevated Catering Under Lufthansa’s New “FOX” Onboard Experience
Lufthansa recently rolled out FOX (Future Onboard Experience), a major overhaul of its onboard service across all four cabins, timed to the airline’s 100th anniversary. Having now flown it, I can say the food felt noticeably more elevated than what I’ve had on Lufthansa in the past, with several new appetizer and pre-arrival options (although not all dishes were executed well).
Shortly after departure, I started with a glass of white wine alongside an amuse bouche.
For an appetizer, I was served a tasty halibut plate alongside a small salad and choice of bread. Noticeably the pretzel bread was no longer on offer that I typically like to order. Not sure if this was a one off or a new norm going forward.
My partner was not a fan of her smashed potato appetizer. Between the first couple of courses, we also thought there was a bit too many “cream” textured items on offer. For example, my partner had arugula cream cheese, truffled artichoke cream, buttermilk mousse, sour cream, and horseradish cream between the Amuse Bouche and appetizer. I think Lufthansa could vary its food textures better.
For the mains, my partner and I found both the beef and the salmon to be quite flavorful and well executed.
We were both not fans of the strawberry basil tartlet which seemed overly complicated and didn’t taste that great. I think Lufthansa could have gone with something simpler here, like a straightforward slice of cake or an ice cream sundae, and it would have landed better.
One change I really appreciated – Lufthansa now lets you choose when you’d like your pre-arrival meal served, rather than defaulting to the standard 90 minutes before landing through its “Sky Selection” menu items. I appreciate the flexibility to choose when you’d like your pre-arrival meal. This may only be offered on daytime flights out of Germany as I have yet to see it on red-eye flights out the US.
From the Sky Selection menu, I tried the poke bowl but unfortunately it was a miss for me — the rice didn’t taste very fresh and the accompanying macarons weren’t very good either.
On the other hand, my partner really enjoyed the currywurst snack — a simple, comforting option that worked much better.
Overall, I’m happy that Lufthansa has finally refreshed its onboard menu that was getting stale over the years. I appreciate that they want the menu to feel elevated, but I’d rather them offer more simple dishes of which they executed better than the more ambitious ones.
Lufthansa A380 New Business Class Review – Pilot Debrief
Lufthansa has made a massive improvement to its A380 business class experience compared to its older 2-2-2 configuration. If you are willing to pay a premium, seats 24A and 24K offer additional legroom and storage space that are worthwhile.
Catering was a mixed bag too but that can be said from many airlines across the Atlantic. While I wouldn’t actively avoid Lufthansa, I do think the A380 seat and Allegris seat are bit behind the competition in not offering privacy doors while also charging a premium for more private seats further away from the aisle. British Airways, Air France, and US based airlines are all rolling out seats with privacy doors and don’t charge a premium for such privacy (although you might be charged an advanced seat assignment fee depending on your fare).
