The New Allegris Seat vs Air France's Reverse Herringbone

Lufthansa’s new Allegris seat offers highly customized technology and unique seating varieties like heating/cooling and shoulder-sink zones, while Air France’s reverse herringbone suite delivers superior, consistent cabin layout predictability and sliding privacy doors at no extra cost. Ultimately, choose Air France if you want a reliable, door-enclosed cabin experience, or opt for Lufthansa Allegris if you want to tailor-make your seat features and do not mind navigating complex upcharge fees.

• Lufthansa Allegris Advantage: Highly customizable seats featuring active heating/cooling, shoulder-sink zones, and extra-long 2.2-meter beds.
• Air France Advantage: Predictable 1-2-1 layout with sliding privacy doors, Bluetooth audio, and 4K screens at every single seat without additional seat selection fees.
• The Controversy: Lufthansa monetizes up to seven different seat sub-types in the same Business Class cabin, whereas Air France offers an identical top-tier product to all passengers.
• Technology Focus: Both offer wireless charging and Bluetooth connectivity, but Air France excels in consistency, while Lufthansa wins in physical ergonomics.

Which business class seat offers better overall comfort?

The physical comfort of your business class seat can make or break a transatlantic flight. Lufthansa’s Allegris seat introduces unprecedented ergonomic innovation to commercial aviation. Its most notable feature is the shoulder sink-in technology, which provides a flexible cavity in the seat cushion allowing side sleepers’ shoulders to drop comfortably, keeping the spine straight. Additionally, the Allegris seats feature individual heating and cooling ventilation built directly into the cushion, giving passengers absolute control over their microclimate.

Air France’s reverse herringbone configuration, featuring the state-of-the-art Safran Versa seat, focuses on consistent premium comfort. The seat cushion uses high-density, soft ergonomic foam that adapts seamlessly to the passenger's body shape. In bed mode, it converts into a fully flat 2-meter (78-inch) bed with a plush duvet and pillow.

To understand how these hard products translate to the broader airline experiences, read our lufthansa vs air france business class comparison. If physical customizability is your top priority, Lufthansa wins. However, if you prefer reliable cushioning without navigating a complex menu of seat types, Air France holds the upper hand.

How does Lufthansa Allegris compare in privacy and cabin layout?

Layout consistency is where these premium cabins diverge most dramatically. Air France utilizes a standard 1-2-1 reverse herringbone configuration across its entire refitted Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A350 fleets. This layout ensures every passenger enjoys direct aisle access and is angled away from traffic. Every Safran Versa seat is also equipped with a 45-inch-high sliding door, allowing travelers to create a fully enclosed personal sanctuary.

In contrast, the Lufthansa Allegris layout on their Airbus A350-900 is highly fragmented, alternating between 1-2-1 and 1-1-1 patterns. This means your level of privacy depends entirely on which specific seat you select. While front-row "Business Suites" offer high walls and fully closing doors, the standard "Classic" seats are open to the aisle with minor privacy shields. This lack of uniformity means you must study the seat map carefully before booking to avoid an exposed aisle seat.

What are the technology and in-flight entertainment differences?

Modern travelers require fast, intuitive tech integration, and both airlines have upgraded their systems significantly. The Lufthansa Allegris seat is a powerhouse of digital control, featuring a 10-inch tablet at every seat to manage lighting, seat positions, and temperature. All seats are equipped with 4K screens, starting at 17 inches for standard seats and reaching 27 inches in front-row suites. Bluetooth audio, wireless device charging, and USB-C ports are standard throughout the Allegris cabin.

Air France matches this technical prowess with its latest Safran Versa suites. Every passenger enjoys a 17.3-inch 4K screen paired with noise-cancelling headphones. The entertainment system is highly responsive, offering over 1,500 hours of movies and TV shows. Like Allegris, Air France provides wireless charging, USB ports, and seamless Bluetooth audio pairing so you can use your own wireless earbuds.

Here is a direct technical comparison between the cabins:

• Screen Resolution: Both offer ultra-crisp 4K high-definition displays.
• Screen Size: Lufthansa varies from 17 to 27 inches; Air France is consistent at 17.3 inches.
• Seat Control: Lufthansa uses a removable tablet; Air France uses a built-in remote.
• Device Charging: Both provide wireless charging pads and USB-C outlets.

Why is Lufthansa's seat selection strategy causing controversy?

The primary drawback of the Lufthansa Allegris experience is its highly monetized seat-assignment model. Lufthansa has divided its single Business Class cabin into up to seven distinct pricing categories. If you purchase a standard business class ticket, you are assigned a "Classic" seat, which lacks the standout features of other models. To secure an "Extra Space" throne, an "Extra Long Bed," or a "Privacy" window seat, you must pay an additional fee ranging from €50 to over €350 per segment.

Air France, on the other hand, maintains a traditional and passenger-friendly approach. When flying on their refitted aircraft, every business class passenger receives the exact same high-quality Safran Versa suite. There are no upcharges for sliding doors, extra legroom, or window alignment. This straightforward pricing model eliminates seat-selection gambling and ensures a uniform standard of luxury.

Which airline provides a superior soft product and onboard experience?

The hard product is only half the battle; culinary offerings, bedding, and lounge services complete the premium journey. Air France is globally renowned for culinary excellence, collaborating with Michelin-starred chefs. Explore these exquisite dining options in our guide to gastronomy and menus. Lufthansa has also upgraded its dining with the Allegris launch, focusing on fresh, seasonal German and international dishes, though it occasionally struggles to match the artistic flair of French culinary presentation.

When it comes to sleep accessories, both airlines deliver exceptional quality. For a deep dive into the blankets, pillows, and travel kits provided, check out our review of amenity kits and bedding. Lufthansa’s Allegris bedding includes a high-density mattress topper and an insulated, breathable duvet. Air France counters with a beautifully textured, hypoallergenic duvet and a classic French-styled amenity kit filled with premium Clarins skincare products.

Ground services also play a crucial role in the overall travel experience, especially during long transits. Read our detailed comparison of the lounge experience to see how Lufthansa’s massive Senator Lounges stack up against Air France’s ultra-chic terminal lounges. Air France lounges generally win praise for serene spa treatments and Parisian bistro-style dining, while Lufthansa excels in functional efficiency and spaciousness.

How do you book these seats using points and miles?

Booking these premium cabins with loyalty points requires different strategic paths. Lufthansa is a Star Alliance member, meaning you can book Allegris seats using Lifemiles or Air Canada Aeroplan. However, Lufthansa heavily restricts partner award space for the brand-new Allegris cabins, reserving them for its own Miles & More members.

Air France belongs to SkyTeam, and their business class suites are highly accessible using Flying Blue miles. Flying Blue dynamically prices its awards, but frequent promo awards can drop transatlantic tickets to as low as 50,000 miles. For a detailed breakdown of which carrier offers the best redemption value, consult our analysis of transatlantic point value. Generally, Air France provides far more consistent award availability and lower overall mileage costs for North American travelers.

What are the pros and cons of Lufthansa Allegris?

To help you make a swift decision, here is a breakdown of the advantages and drawbacks of Lufthansa’s new cabin concept.

Pros:

• Unrivaled Seat Ergonomics: Active heating/cooling and shoulder-sink zones are revolutionary for physical comfort.
• Variety of Options: Travelers can select a seat tailored perfectly to their specific needs.
• Cutting-Edge Technology: The 10-inch tablet controller and massive 27-inch suite screens offer an industry-leading tech experience.

Cons:

• Confusing Monetization: Paying extra for specific seat types within the same cabin feels penalizing.
• Inconsistent Privacy: Standard seats lack sliding doors and feel significantly more exposed than front-row suites.

What are the pros and cons of Air France's Reverse Herringbone?

Let us look at how the French flagship product compares in terms of daily usability and value.

Pros:

• Guaranteed Sliding Doors: Every seat features a sliding door, ensuring excellent privacy for all passengers.
• Complete Consistency: Every row offers the exact same high-end Safran Versa suite.
• Outstanding Tech Integration: Wireless charging and effortless Bluetooth connectivity are integrated seamlessly.

Cons:

• Less Microclimate Control: There are no active cooling or heating functions in the seat cushion.
• Slightly Smaller Footwells: The angled nature of reverse herringbone seats can make the footwell feel somewhat restrictive.

What is the final verdict for transatlantic travellers?

Your choice between Lufthansa Allegris and Air France’s reverse herringbone comes down to whether you value cutting-edge customization or stress-free consistency. If you suffer from back pain or sleep hot, the advanced ergonomic customizability of Lufthansa Allegris is absolutely worth the effort and potential seat-selection fee. However, if you want a guaranteed private suite with a sliding door, world-class French dining, and a predictable, stress-free booking experience, Air France is the superior choice. Ready to plan your next journey? Book your business class ticket today and experience these revolutionary cabins firsthand.