Germany's Lufthansa bets on booming Indian outbound travel with ultra-luxury first-class suites

Lufthansa is launching its Allegris cabin overhaul to offer ultra-luxury flying experiences on routes connecting India with global hubs, including Mumbai and Bangalore. The upgrade features enclosed first-class suites, premium business-class optio...

By ET Online | Mar 28, 2025, 12.14 PM IST

As international travel from India surges, Lufthansa is gearing up to offer ultra-luxury flying experiences to its passengers. The German airline is rolling out its Allegris cabin overhaul, a €2.5 billion ($2.7 billion) investment that introduces high-end first-class suites and exclusive business-class seating.

Lufthansa has confirmed that the Allegris luxury upgrades will soon be available on flights connecting India with global hubs. Routes to Mumbai and Bangalore are set to receive the new first-class and business-class configurations in the coming months. Currently, Allegris-equipped aircraft operate on routes from Munich to Shanghai, Chicago, and San Francisco, with further expansion planned.

A first-class return ticket from Munich to Shanghai ranges between €7,400 and €9,250, making it one of the most premium offerings in the market. With the addition of Indian routes, Lufthansa aims to tap into the growing demand for ultra-luxury travel, positioning itself as a leading choice for high-net-worth travelers flying to and from India.

Ultra-luxury First Class suites

For the first time, Lufthansa is offering enclosed first-class suites with floor-to-ceiling walls and closable doors, enhancing privacy and exclusivity. The three-suite configuration includes two individual suites and a double-occupancy “Suite Plus.”

First-Class Suites: Each suite features a 1-meter-wide seat, a 32-inch 4K screen, individual climate control, a personal wardrobe, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Suite Plus: Designed for two passengers, this suite offers a 4.6-foot-wide double bed, a 43-inch entertainment screen, and fine-dining capabilities. Solo travelers can reserve the entire suite for an additional €1,900 to €2,900, depending on the route.

Premium Business Class enhancements

Lufthansa’s Allegris business class also introduces seven seat variations, catering to individual preferences. High-end business-class options include:

First-row suites: More spacious and private, with additional storage and exclusive amenities. Upcharges range from €400 to €600.
Throne seats: Center-positioned with extra workspace, ideal for business travelers. Fees vary from €130 to €230.
Extra-long bed: A 2.2-meter (7 feet, 2 inches) extended bed for added comfort, costing €100 to €170.
Window seats: Alternating layouts offering either aisle or full-window positioning, priced between €100 and €170.

India bets

Lufthansa is also strengthening its European connectivity for Indian travelers by offering seamless transfers to key leisure destinations, including Paris, Zurich, and Vienna. The airline is looking to capitalize on the strong demand for premium travel to Europe, especially among affluent Indian tourists and corporate travelers.

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), international passenger traffic from India grew by over 20% in 2023, with premium travel demand rising sharply. A significant portion of this growth is attributed to Indian travelers increasingly choosing European destinations for leisure and business. Data from the European Travel Commission (ETC) shows that Indian tourist arrivals in Europe grew by 25% year-on-year, with Germany, France, and Switzerland among the most preferred destinations.

Schengen Visa Guide: Step-by-step help to make your Europe holiday-planning easier

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What is a Schengen Visa?
- A short-stay visa that allows travel across 27 European countries
- Valid for tourism, business, visiting family, or transit
- Maximum stay: 90 days within 180 days

Why do Indians need a Schengen Visa?
- No visa-free access to Schengen Zone for Indian passport holders
- A single visa grants entry to all Schengen member states
- Needed for multiple European destinations in one trip

Schengen Visa vs. National Visa
- Schengen Visa (Type C): Short-term stay, valid for up to 90 days
- National Visa (Type D): Long-term stay, for work, study, or residence