Lufthansa First Class: Current Award Distribution Situation

Current Situation of Lufthansa's First Class Awards

Recently, many readers have reached out to inquire about Lufthansa's discontinuation of first class seats for partner programs. This is particularly relevant to me as I plan for an upcoming trip, so I’m quite interested in the current situation. As of the beginning of this month, Lufthansa has completely halted the distribution of first class seats for affiliate programs. Here’s what you need to know about booking first class tickets through partner programs and the current landscape.

Challenges in Redeeming Awards

Over the years, redeeming miles from partner flights for first class on Lufthansa has become increasingly challenging. I’ve been tracking this trend for the past 15 years, and it’s clear that things have changed significantly. For instance, Lufthansa used to have as many as 16 first class seats on the upper deck of their Boeing 747-400s, but that number has drastically decreased.

When booking first class through Lufthansa's Miles & More program, members can secure seats as soon as the flight schedule opens. However, for those using miles from partner programs, Lufthansa imposes many strict restrictions.

Booking Time Limitations

Historically, you could redeem miles to book first class tickets up to 15 days before departure. However, starting in early 2024, this window has shrunk significantly, and Lufthansa now only opens first class availability for partner programs within three days of the flight. This truly complicates planning for those wanting to organize their trips in advance.

To search for first class seats, you can use the tool Seats.aero, which helps track award ticket availability. This tool is useful but also highlights that finding award tickets is becoming easier, leading airlines to impose more restrictions on these tickets.

Reasons Behind the Current Situation

As of June 1, 2026, Lufthansa has completely stopped providing first class seats for partner programs, regardless of the flight route or destination within Germany. This situation raises many questions about whether this is a policy shift for Lufthansa.

Future Prospects

With the rollout of Lufthansa's new Allegris cabins, particularly with first class now having only about three seats, the chances of booking first class through partner programs may continue to diminish. We also see Lufthansa shifting to a dynamic pricing model, and in the future, first class ticket prices could increase significantly.

Although the current situation appears bleak, it cannot be denied that the aviation industry is evolving. Many new flying opportunities have emerged, and while there are fewer first class seats available, there are still plenty of ways for travelers to enjoy high-quality airline services.

Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers

If you plan to fly with Lufthansa, there are a few important details to keep in mind. First, a visa for Germany is necessary for Vietnamese citizens, and you need to plan ahead to prepare your application. Flying from the two largest airports, Tan Son Nhat (SGN) or Noi Bai (HAN), can save you time and costs. The price for a first class ticket from Vietnam to Europe typically ranges from 40 million to 70 million VND, depending on when you book.

The ideal time to book first class tickets is during the fall or spring when fares tend to be more stable. Additionally, if you intend to use miles from partner programs, be well-prepared to secure a first class seat while opportunities still exist.

I hope this article helps you better understand the current situation of Lufthansa's first class awards and that positive changes will come soon.

Article referenced and edited from source: One Mile at a Time