Amenity Kits and Bedding: A Look at the Soft Product

Lufthansa and Air France offer contrasting approaches to premium cabin soft products, with Air France focusing on sensory French luxury through its Sofitel MY BED partnership and Clarins skincare, while Lufthansa delivers functional German precision with its newly introduced 2026 BABOR skincare collaboration and modular Allegris bedding. Choosing between them depends on whether you value Sofitel's cloud-like sleep surface or the customizable, scientifically backed wellness of Lufthansa's newly launched Project FOX.

• Air France Sleep Superiority: Air France’s partnership with Sofitel MY BED provides a custom-notched, luxury mattress pad on all long-haul flights as of late 2025.
• Lufthansa Skincare Revolution: Launched in May 2026 under "Project FOX", Lufthansa features BABOR skincare products in its business class kits, replacing its long-standing Porsche Design partnerships.
• Sustainability Focus: Air France uses more than 90% recycled materials in its stylish amenity kits featuring the classic winged seahorse logo.
• Product Customization: Lufthansa First Class offers bespoke skincare menus where travelers select personalized products, a trend rolling out to Business Class passengers looking for tailored wellness.

What is the difference between hard and soft products in business class?

The distinction between hard and soft products is critical when evaluating any premium airline ticket. The hard product refers to the structural, permanent elements of the aircraft cabin, including seat dimensions, aisle access, storage space, and the entertainment system. These features are expensive to change and typically remain in service for a decade or more.

Conversely, the soft product comprises everything that can be easily removed, consumed, or refreshed during a flight. This category includes the meals, alcoholic beverages, bedding, pillows, slippers, and amenity kits provided to passengers. These details can be updated rapidly by airlines to match current trends or passenger feedback.

While a spacious seat ensures your physical comfort, the soft product is what creates a truly premium atmosphere. A superb seat with scratchy blankets and a minimalist amenity kit can quickly ruin an overnight flight. Comparing these two European giants highlights how differently airlines approach passenger comfort, making the Lufthansa vs Air France Business Class debate the ultimate battle of luxury philosophies.

How do Lufthansa and Air France amenity kits compare?

Amenity kits are highly prized by frequent flyers as collectible items and practical travel companions. Both airlines have recently overhauled their offerings to align with modern passenger expectations, focusing heavily on sustainability and premium skincare.

What is inside the new Lufthansa BABOR kit?

In late March 2026, Lufthansa launched "Project FOX" (Future Onboard Experience) to drastically elevate its onboard premium amenities. As part of this rollout, the airline officially phased out its legacy Porsche Design kits in favor of German professional skincare brand BABOR.

In Business Class, passengers receive a refreshed kit featuring selected products from BABOR's "Soul & Body" line. This includes a high-quality hand cream and a nourishing lip balm designed to combat dry cabin air.

The kit itself is presented in a modern, reusable case, with special editions matching the design language of the new Allegris cabins. The outer shells are crafted from durable textiles, with select premium routes offering miniature aluminum cases inspired by Lufthansa’s classic travel gear.

What is inside the Air France Clarins kit?

Air France takes a distinctly fashion-forward and environmentally conscious approach to its comfort kits. Each Business Class passenger receives an elegant pouch made from over 90% recycled materials.

The exterior of the kit features the airline's historic emblem—the winged seahorse—embossed on a background of classic French navy blue, white, and red. Inside, the airline collaborates with Clarins, one of France's most iconic beauty brands.

The kit contains two flagship Clarins products: the "Beauty Flash Balm" tightening lotion and the "Hydra-Essentiel" moisturizing matte gel. In addition to these premium cosmetics, passengers find a bamboo toothbrush, Buccotherm toothpaste, socks, an eye mask, earplugs, and a branded pen.

Head-to-Head: Amenity Kit Features

• Lufthansa Skincare: Focuses on professional, science-backed skin recovery with BABOR.
• Air France Skincare: Emphasizes botanical, plant-based luxury hydration with Clarins.
• Lufthansa Eco-Friendliness: Transitioning toward modular, reusable containers and reduced packaging.
• Air France Eco-Friendliness: Exceptional use of 90% recycled plastics and sustainable bamboo tools.

Which airline offers a better sleep experience and bedding?

For many travelers, the ultimate test of an overnight long-haul flight is how deeply they can sleep. This is where bedding quality and mattress integration become incredibly critical.

How does the Sofitel MY BED partnership transform Air France?

In July 2025, Air France introduced a game-changing addition to its Business Class cabins: a custom mattress pad designed in partnership with Sofitel. This collaboration brings the legendary "Sofitel MY BED" hotel sleep experience to the skies.

The grey mattress pad is engineered with specific notches that slip easily over the headrest and seat belt buckles of any aircraft type. Whether you are flying on a Boeing 777-300ER, an Airbus A350, or an A330, the pad fits perfectly to smooth out the gaps between seat cushions.

Combined with a thick, plush duvet, a substantial pillow, and soft slippers, this setup creates an exceptionally cozy sleeping cocoon. It dramatically improves sleep quality on overnight routes, making it one of the absolute best sleep systems in the sky.

How does Lufthansa’s Allegris bedding compare?

Lufthansa has responded to the sleep challenge by completely redesigning its bedding textiles to match its new cabins. The new textiles are color-coordinated with the blue and beige tones of the cabin interior.

Business Class travelers receive a high-quality, temperature-regulating duvet that prevents overheating during the flight. Lufthansa also provides a large, supportive pillow and a mattress topper on long-haul routes.

The mattress topper is thick and comfortable, though it lacks the custom-notched, snug fit of the Sofitel pad. However, when placed on top of the physical seat structures, the bedding performs beautifully. The way these soft products lay over the seats depends heavily on whether you are sleeping on the new Allegris seat vs Air France's reverse herringbone configuration, with the latter offering a slightly more consistent sleep surface.

How do their First Class soft products scale up?

If you are looking for the absolute peak of luxury, both airlines offer world-class First Class experiences where the soft products are elevated to art forms. Here, personalization and bespoke services take center stage.

Lufthansa’s customizable First Class wellness

Under the 2026 Project FOX program, Lufthansa has introduced an industry-first personalized skincare menu for First Class passengers. Instead of receiving a generic, pre-packed bag, you can tailor your wellness experience directly from your seat.

The cabin crew presents a dedicated menu featuring high-end DOCTOR BABOR products, such as the famous Collagen Peptide Booster Cream. You can select specific items based on your skin type, including revitalizing eye zone patches and rich night creams.

These custom selections are delivered directly to your suite alongside a classic, high-end Lufthansa amenity case. This level of customization ensures that your skin remains fully hydrated and refreshed throughout your journey.

Air France’s La Première haute couture

Air France’s La Première cabin is widely regarded as one of the most exclusive travel experiences in the world. Its soft product is designed to mimic a high-fashion Parisian boutique.

Passengers are presented with an elegant, leather-style gift box that has won numerous international design awards. The box is styled in pearl grey and Air France red, featuring the embossed winged seahorse.

Inside, Air France partners with Sisley, a pioneer in phyto-cosmetology. The kit contains five top-tier Sisley products, including intensive hydration booster serums and restorative hand creams. It is an incredibly indulgent offering that feels more like a luxury retail purchase than an airline amenity.

How does the soft product affect the rest of the journey?

The soft product is not just about sleeping and skincare; it also includes the culinary and lounge experiences. These elements work together to build a unified sensory journey from the airport to your final destination.

Onboard Gastronomy as a Soft Product

Your culinary experience on board is a vital extension of the airline's soft product philosophy. Air France leverages its French heritage by offering menus designed by Michelin-starred chefs, accompanied by a curated wine list.

Lufthansa, meanwhile, has introduced a highly flexible "dine-on-demand" service for its Business Class passengers as part of its 2026 updates. You can explore how these culinary styles compare by reading about the Lufthansa and Air France menus explored in detail.

The Ground Experience and Lounges

The premium soft product experience starts long before you board the plane. Both carriers offer exceptional ground services, including dedicated spas and relaxation zones in their hubs.

At Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Air France Business Class passengers can enjoy complimentary Clarins spa treatments, while Lufthansa offers high-end shower suites and quiet rooms in Frankfurt. To understand how these ground experiences stack up, look at our comprehensive guide to the lounge experience in Frankfurt and Paris.

Which airline offers a better deal for points?

Deciding which airline to fly often comes down to the cost of booking. Both carriers have excellent award availability, but their loyalty programs operate under very different rules.

Air France’s Flying Blue program is a transfer partner of almost every major credit card issuer, making it highly accessible. Lufthansa’s Miles & More program is harder to earn points with, but it offers exclusive access to first-class cabins.

To see which airline provides the most value for your frequent flyer miles, check out our analysis of the better deal for points for transatlantic routes.

To experience these premium soft products firsthand, check your credit card portal for Flying Blue or Miles & More transfer bonuses today and book your next long-haul adventure.