When I first saw the photos of Lufthansa’s new Allegris First Class, I knew straight away that I would do everything I could to fly with them. In November 2025, I finally managed to organise a business trip to Japan that included a flight on the new Allegris.

On the outbound leg, I flew in the old configuration on a Boeing 747-8, and on the return leg in the brand-new Allegris First Class on an Airbus A350-900.

• Route: Tokyo Haneda (HND) –Munich (MUC)
• Flight time: 13 hours 50 minutes
• Seat: 1A
• Aircraft: Airbus A350-900, D-AIXU

Check first-class fares on lufthansa.com

Search for the cheapest First Class fares and Allegris routes

Lufthansa is a member of Star Alliance; my main loyalty programme for earning miles is Miles + Bonus from Greece’s Aegean Airlines.

Although it is possible to book Lufthansa First Class flights through this programme, availability is limited to the old cabin layout and does not extend to the new Allegris First Class, where there are only 3–4 seats on the aircraft.

It wouldn’t make sense to book just a one-way flight using miles, as one-way First Class fares are not usually better value than return flights.

Therefore, I had no choice but to buy a return flight with cash.

By the end of 2025, only part of the fleet of Airbus A350-900s based in Munich will be fitted with the new Allegris seats.

• 💡 On which routes does Allegris First operate?

At the same time, however, I want to make the most of the iconic First Class Terminal in Frankfurt and compare the old and new First Class, so I’m looking for one flight via Frankfurt and one via Munich.

I eventually settled on Tokyo, which is a long enough flight for me to enjoy first class, and it also suited me to visit Japan on business and update a few travel guides on our website.

After a long search and considering various combinations, I opted for a return flight from Cairo to Tokyo, with the plan to try out the old first class on the outward journey and the new Allegris on the return.

The ticket from Cairo was by far the cheapest – I paid 5 200 eur. I booked the flights directly on the airline’s website, lufthansa.com.

The cheapest flights from Prague and the surrounding area would cost around 10 000 eur, and the cheapest direct flights from European airports were from Oslo and Lisbon, at prices around 7 000 eur.

Connecting flights to Cairo and back home

The first-class ticket also included connecting flights in business class, as there is no first class on regional aircraft. You can find reviews of these flights via the links below:

• Lufthansa Business Class, Airbus A320neo, MUC-CAI

I also booked a separate flight to Rome in ITA Airways’ fantastic-looking new business class!

Check-in and personalised assistance through all security checks

As I have two large suitcases, I have to go to the check-in desk. Unfortunately, Lufthansa doesn’t have self-service check-in kiosks at Haneda Airport, so I have to wait until check-in opens.

Check-in doesn’t start until 2.5 hours before departure, which is unusually late for a long-haul flight.

The check-in itself goes absolutely smoothly. There’s a separate counter for First Class passengers, and immediately after check-in, a personal agent takes me through the security check designated for airport staff and guides me through the passport control lane reserved for diplomats, all the way to the lounge.

The entire journey through the airport, from check-in to the lounge, therefore takes less than 10 minutes.

The ANA Suite lounge and boarding

Lufthansa First Class passengers have access to the ANA Suite lounge, which is undoubtedly one of the best in the world.

The lounge is very spacious, with a superb view of the apron and a large number of booths modelled on the first-class seats found on Japanese airline ANA’s aircraft.

The breakfast selection is a little limited, but that doesn’t bother me, as I already know from my flight from Frankfurt to Japan that the First Class service on board Lufthansa is more than adequate.

Boarding begins with a slight delay of about 15 minutes and is strictly organised into boarding groups.

Passengers in wheelchairs and families with very young children in pushchairs are the first to board, followed by First Class passengers.

The Allegris Suite with a door and complete privacy

The First Class cabin on the Airbus A350-900 cannot really be called a separate cabin, although it is separated from Business Class by a curtain as standard.

However, there are only three seats in First Class – or rather four, as the Suite is more spacious and can accommodate two passengers (a feature particularly popular with couples).

There is therefore only one row of seats.

I’m in Suite 1A.

The seat is separated from the aisle by a door that extends from the floor almost to the ceiling, creating a feeling of complete privacy!

And what does the seat itself look like?

The seat is about 10 cm wider than in the old First Class – it measures 89 cm (35''). There’s plenty of legroom.

Seat positioning and controls

You can easily recline the seat yourself at any time to practically any position, right down to a fully horizontal position lie-flat .

The controls are simple and intuitive, operated via touch-sensitive buttons on the left armrest or via the tablet located on the right.

A wide bed and comfortable bed linen

We’re flying eastwards from Japan to Frankfurt via Alaska and the North Pole, so the flight takes almost 14 hours.

Shortly after lunch, I head to the toilet to change into my pyjamas. In the meantime, a helpful flight attendant prepares my bed (you can recline your seat yourself at the touch of a button, but the sheets and blanket are stored in compartments accessible only to the crew).

Thanks to the seat being almost 90 cm wide , the bed is just as wide, which is brilliant.

The bed is exactly 2 metres long.

The mattress isn’t very thick, but it’s comfortable, and the duvet and pillow are absolutely brilliant.

About halfway through the flight, I happen to wake up just north of the Arctic Circle, and outside the windows a divine celestial spectacle in the form of the Northern Lights is unfolding.

This is the very first time in my life that I’ve seen the Northern Lights!

Storage space in the suite

Compared to the seats in the old First Class, there’s slightly less storage space. However, there’s still a relatively ample amount.

There is a small lockable compartment in the left-hand armrest. It can hold items such as a mobile phone, a charger, a boarding pass, a passport and other small items.

The largest storage space is hidden beneath the footrest. It can easily accommodate a rucksack, a small suitcase and, of course, shoes.

To the right of the screen and right next to the door, you’ll find a wardrobe where you can hang a jacket, coat and other clothes on a hanger. The wardrobe is quite deep, so it can hold quite a lot of things.

If you have bulkier luggage, the crew will stow it for you in a larger cupboard in the galley.

Unlike the old first class, Allegris First Class has no overhead bins for hand luggage at all.

Food and drink during the flight

The in-flight service is the same in both the old and new Allegris First Class, differing only depending on whether you’re on a night or day flight.

My flight from Tokyo to Frankfurt departs shortly after 10 am and arrives on the same day at 5 pm.

Welcome drink and printed menu

First up is a welcome drink, olives, nuts and a warm, damp napkin.

You can choose any drink available on board; I opt for the traditional champagne.

Even before take-off, all passengers are given a printed menu and a very comprehensive wine list.

Unlimited drinks at any time during the flight

You can ask for any drink or light snack, such as biscuits and crackers, at any time.

Even before the main meal, I treat myself to my favourite Lufthansa signature cocktail – the Avionic.

Halfway through the flight, whilst on my way to the loo, the cabin crew give me a small packet of savoury crackers.

The tray table is huge and heavy, and the cabin crew will always fold it out for you. However, if you wish, you can fold it out yourself. The tray table is located in one of the compartments beneath the windows.

Starter and caviar service

Even before the main course is served, caviar is brought out – in a way, Lufthansa First Class’s signature product. The caviar service is simply a household name with this airline, known to all regular travellers and aviation enthusiasts alike.

After that, I’m served an amuse-bouche in the form of a delicious dim sum dumpling.

The starter is very fresh, colourful, light and delicious! I like the presentation, and compared to the service in Business Class, there’s more food and it’s much more varied.

Main course

Before the meal, I’ll have some lovely pumpkin and ginger soup.

For the main course, I choose fish – pan-fried salmon with potatoes and tagliatelle. As is usual with Lufthansa, the presentation and plating don’t look particularly appetising, but the food is tasty and, above all, light. Exactly as I’d imagine it on a long-haul flight.

Dessert

The caramel chocolate cake isn’t exactly thrilling, but it certainly doesn’t disappoint either. A pretty good choice.

Mid-flight snack

Just before bedtime, the cabin crew give me a basket of sweets and savoury biscuits, which are available in the galley throughout the flight.

What a lovely touch – I’ve got these snacks right at my fingertips, right next to my seat.

I won’t be having them tonight, but they’ll come in handy with my cappuccino when I wake up!

Dinner

A light meal before landing will serve as dinner, as we’re landing in Munich at around 5 pm.

I opt for a healthier, lighter dinner, as I’m still planning to pop into the lounge, and I’m absolutely delighted.

So it isn’t quite so healthy, I treat myself to a chocolate dessert after breakfast.

Finally, just before landing, we’re given the traditional box containing four hazelnut chocolate hearts.

Amenity-kit and other amenities

The seat is fitted with an exceptionally comfortable cushion and a blanket, which you can use at any time during the flight. For sleeping, the crew will also provide you with another blanket and bed linen.

Of course, there are also extremely comfortable slippers, which I’m keeping as a souvenir.

Shortly after take-off, I’m also offered pyjamas – available in three sizes: M, L and XL.

In the compartment next to your seat, you’ll find the following items:

• Noise-cancelling headphones for the IFE (though you can use your own headphones, which you can connect to the screen via Bluetooth)
• 0.5-litre still water
• Amenity-kit, which includes:
  • a toothbrush + a small tube of toothpaste
  • wet wipe
  • earplugs
  • eye mask
  • socks
  • Augustinus Bader cosmetics – deer tallow lip balm, hand cream
  • comb
  • shoe horn

In the toilets reserved exclusively for first-class passengers, you are free to help yourself to bottles of mouthwash, wet wipes or hand creams.

In-flight services and a first-class crew

The crew were a key factor in making for a wonderful experience.

I’d heard quite mixed reviews from various sources about Lufthansa’s cabin crew in premium classes, but I can’t fault them at all.

The cabin crew created a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere on board whilst maintaining absolute professionalism. I didn’t have to ask them for anything at all. The crew always came over of their own accord when they saw that I wanted, for example, to make the bed or, conversely, to clear the table.

Excellent and absolutely flawless service!

I had exactly the same impression of the crew during my first First Class flight from Europe to Japan.

In-flight entertainment system

The 4K-resolution screen is large, and it can be controlled either via the touchscreen on the screen itself (though it’s quite far from the seat) or using a remote control.

Standard Allegris First Class seats feature a 32-inch monitor.

There is a wide selection of films and TV series; I particularly appreciate the very broad range of European cinema on offer.

Wi-Fi

First-class passengers have free internet access throughout the flight – unlike business-class passengers.

Before take-off, you will always be given a card with a code, which you enter when logging into the Fly Net network.

You can use the code multiple times on several devices.

Internet access is only available once the aircraft has reached cruising altitude, and reception may be poor, for example, when flying over polar regions. As most of our flight was over northern Canada, the internet was only available for about 3 hours after take-off and then for approximately 2.5 hours before landing.

Conclusion: elegant and the best First Class in Europe

I came away from the flight with a very positive impression.

The service and facilities on board are, I’d say, average by First Class standards, perhaps slightly above average. Airlines from the Middle East or South-East Asia simply offer service that’s a notch better.

The Allegris seats are spacious and, thanks to the doors, completely separated from the rest of the aircraft. The sense of privacy is therefore absolutely perfect.

The design is rather austere in a German style, but very elegant in my view! Of course, the new Air France La Premiere may be more stylish in design, but it lacks a door or a floor-to-ceiling partition, which is absolutely essential for me in First Class.

I also rate the ground services – in the form of a private escort from check-in to the lounge – very highly.

Of all four European airlines, Allegri’s First Class is probably the best, or rather on a par (or very similar) to the new Swiss Senses First Class offered by Swiss.

Pros

• ✅ A private suite with sliding doors that separate the seat from the aisle
• ✅ A very comfortable bed and excellent bed linen
• ✅ A professional yet friendly crew – impeccable service
• ✅ Personal assistance from check-in through security
• ✅ Relatively good value for money compared to other first-class services
• ✅ Caviar service

Cons

• ❌ The shared First Class cabin is small (there is only one row of seats)
• ❌ You cannot book Allegris First Class using miles
• ❌ Less storage space than in the old First Class

Similar connecting flights usually go via Lufthansa’s main hubs – Munich (MUC)and Frankfurt (FRA)– and you can find our detailed airport guides for these here.

Check first class fares on lufthansa.com

Take a look at our other reviews of business and first class.

My other experiences from this trip

The first-class flights were part of a business trip to Japan, about which I’ve written several guides, reviews and blog posts.

Travel guides:

• Top attractions: what to see in Tokyo
• How to find your way around the Tokyo Metro
• Kyoto – the most beautiful temples and shrines
• Things to do in Kobe
• Money, prices and card payments in Japan

Hotels:

• 🏨 Tomariya Ueno Capsule Hotel in Tokyo
• 🏨 APA Hotel Ginza Shintomicho Ekimae Kita: review of a standard 3* hotel in Tokyo
• 🏨 Hotel Indigo Shibuya: review of a premium hotel overlooking the Shibuya Crossing
• 🏨 Ibis Styles Kyoto Shijo: review of a very affordable Accor hotel in the centre of Kyoto