Upgrading your flight to Business Class can transform your travel experience, providing added comfort, perks, and convenience. Here's a guide to upgrading Lufthansa Group flights, including Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines, from Economy or Premium Economy to Business Class.
Why Upgrade Your Flight?
Upgrading your flight offers a range of benefits:
- Superior seating with extra legroom and privacy.
- Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling.
- Access to business class lounges for upgraded segments.
- Enhanced in-flight dining and beverages.
Steps to Upgrade Your Flight
- Check Availability:
Verify if the necessary flights can be upgraded. For the best value, focus on upgrading international segments. If you wish to upgrade both domestic and international flights, ensure P-class availability for the package. - Find the Right Fare:
Locate the lowest Economy or Premium Economy fare class that supports upgrades. Keep in mind that upgrade eligibility varies depending on the original fare class. - Calculate Upgrade Costs:
Use the airline's published upgrade fare chart to estimate costs. Pricing depends on the fare class and whether you're upgrading Economy or Premium Economy. - Confirm Upgrade Details:
Once you confirm availability, ensure the cost aligns with expectations. Collect all passenger details and proceed with the upgrade request. - Finalize the Process:
Once the upgrade cost is confirmed, complete the payment and finalize your booking. Be aware of refund and change policies before committing.
Key Considerations
- Refund Policy:
Upgrade fees are non-refundable even if the original ticket is refundable. It's essential to be clear about this before proceeding. - Baggage Allowance:
The baggage allowance remains the same as the original fare. For instance, Economy Light fares, even when upgraded, do not include checked luggage. Ensure you check the baggage allowance and purchase additional luggage if required. - Lounge Access:
Lounge access is available only for upgraded segments. - Seat Assignment:
Complimentary seat selection is available only for upgraded segments. Other segments may incur additional fees for seat selection. - PNR Splits:
If not all passengers in a booking require upgrades, the Passenger Name Record (PNR) must be split before the upgrade request.
Examples of Cost Savings
Upgrading can provide excellent value compared to purchasing a full Business Class ticket:
- Example 1:
Economy (S+W): $1,169
Upgrade Cost: $980 + $950
Total Cost: $3,099
Published Business Class Fare: $5,079 - Example 2:
Premium Economy (N): $1,765
Upgrade Cost: $680 + $680
Total Cost: $3,125
Published Business Class Fare: $6,055
Upgrade Options & Pricing
Lufthansa Group allows upgrades across several classes:
- Economy to Business Class
- Premium Economy to Business Class
- Business to First Class