Lufthansa introduces its new fare concept for Europe

Lufthansa (Frankfurt) today issued its anticipated announcement on its on-going refinement of its travel options in Europe:

Effective July 28, 2015, Lufthansa is introducing a new price concept for flights in Europe. The new Economy Class fare options “Light”, “Classic” and “Flex” shall apply from October 1, 2015, for domestic and European flights and will offer different services depending on the price. For example, within Economy Class, passengers can select services according to their individual wishes. The booked fare can be complemented with additional services by individually adding further options.

Jens Bischof, Member of the Lufthansa German Airlines Board and Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, said: “It is the wish of many customers to only pay for the services they actually make use of. With this new fare concept, we are doing just that. In the future, given this flexibility, every passenger will be able to individually create a tailor-made flight with the various service components that we are offering. The price options, Light, Classic and Flex, are more transparent and allow customers in Economy Class a selection of fare options within Europe.”

The new fare concept is being introduced during the course of the Lufthansa sales strategy realignment. The various fare options differentiate themselves in the areas of free luggage, seat reservations, as well as rebooking and cancellations options. The choice will now consist of a fully flexible Business Class fare and three new Economy Class fares.

In addition to the actual flight itself, all of the fare options include one piece of hand luggage, snacks and drinks on board, a reserved seat at check-in from 23 hours before take-off, as well as Award, Status and Select Miles. The fare options and services included are presented transparently. For bookings in Economy Class, all three fare options are always available. Thus, different option packages can be combined on an outward and return flight. Additional services, such as seats with more legroom or an upgrade to Business Class, can be booked separately at any time, even after ticket purchase.

The new Europe fares of Lufthansa at a glance (click to expand):

The new fares at a glance (click to expand):

Economy Light

The new Light fare will, from 1 October, be the most economical option for those traveling only with hand luggage and not in need of any ticket flexibility. Jens Bischof said: “To date, about a third of our passengers travelling within Europe only take hand luggage”. The Light fare can be booked from only 89 Euro for a return flight. No rebooking or refund is possible with this option. If desired, customers can additionally book a piece of luggage (from 15 Euro for the outbound and return flight respectively) or book a seat (from 10 Euro per flight) at any time between booking and start of the journey.

Economy Classic

The Classic fare includes the opportunity to check-in a piece of luggage of up to 23 kg. This option also offers a new, additional opportunity for many passengers to secure their desired seat, free-of-charge, at booking. Finally, the Classic fare is more flexible than the Light fare because it can be rebooked to another flight on the original connection for a fee. The Classic fare can be booked from 129 Euro for a return flight.

Economy Flex

The Flex fare is focused principally on passengers that require more flexibility in their travel planning. In addition to the free seat reservation, the Flex fare offers the opportunity to rebook the flight at no extra cost or change the itinerary. If the originally planned booking class is no longer available, it is possible that an extra payment is necessary. In this fare option, frequent fliers will get an additional 50 per cent of Premium Miles credited in the framework of a Miles & More promotion. The extra cost of the Flex fare as compared to the Classic fare is between 60 and 160 Euro, depending on route.

Business Class

Besides the three Economy fares, there continues to be a Business Class fare which includes all the usual services and conveniences of this travel class, such as access to the lounge, increased luggage allowance of 2 x 32 kg, seat reservation and an open seat next to it, and priority boarding. The novelty is the full flexibility in rebooking and cancellation. Thus, in the new price concept, all Business Class fares will be re-bookable without a fee and refundable free-of-charge. If the originally planned booking class is no longer available, an extra charge may be necessary under certain circumstances. The Business Class fare is the premium offer and especially suitable for business customers and discerning leisure travelers. The Business Class fare is available from only 399 Euro for a return flight.

Lufthansa is introducing the new fare concept together with Austrian Airlines.

Swiss has already used the new concept since the end of June.

Brussels Airlines introduced a fare concept with various options in 2014. The fare concept for long-haul flight tickets remains unchanged.