Lufthansa is tightening the screws further and is now removing the seat reservation benefit from Economy Light fares on intercontinental flights, even for Senator & HON Circle members.
This unfortunately continues the downward spiral of Lufthansa as a premium airline, when even their top-tier frequent flyers now have to pay for seat reservations on low fares – is there really any difference from a budget carrier?
This is the third time now that Lufthansa has announced devaluations and cutbacks for customers, and nobody really knows where this ends or where the company is trying to go, but it won’t help to promote loyalty, that’s for sure.
The change currently applies to tickets in the “Economy Light” fare category on long-haul flights. Previously, passengers with Senator or HON Circle status were able to reserve seats including premium options with extra legroom, such as emergency exits without a premium surcharge, regardless of the fare booked.
This is now changing, and to continue enjoying this benefit, SEN/HON members must now book at least the “Economy Comfort” fare, which carries an additional charge of up to US$100 extra per segment.
Complimentary seat selection remains available for Economy Class, Premium Economy Class, and Business Class fares on intercontinental flights, with one exception: the ” Eco Light” fares.
For Premium Economy Light and Business Light fares, seat selection already incurs a charge. Starting with bookings made on or after October 27, 2026, this will also apply to the Economy Light fare.
This policy applies to all flights operated by Air Dolomiti, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Discover Airlines, ITA Airways, Lufthansa, Lufthansa City, and SWISS.
I previously covered the first two waves of Lufthansa and Miles&More cutting down on benefits for customers, and their greed apparently knows no end:
More Cutbacks: Lufthansa Introduces No Carry-On BASIC Fares, Starting Next Week
Lufthansa always derived its reputation from treating customers reasonably well, being reliable, and offering a safe product in terms of proper technical standards and pilot training, but with all these cutbacks, is the once-valued German brand just becoming another budget airline on a global scale?
It’s hard to justify premium pricing anymore when the customer is being nickel-and-dimed at every given opportunity, and let’s not start with Lufthansa Miles&More. Why even bother to go for Senator or HON Status if they won’t even confer a free seat assignment and make you pay for a higher fare category!?
Conclusion
When you book Lufthansa flights as Senator or HON starting October 27th, you’ll want to avoid the LIGHT fares being introduced, as they come with punitive ticket conditions. You might also want to pay attention to the baggage allowance, as it might no longer include a carry-on bag.
I don’t like this option at all. A full-service airline that is now squeezing the lemon to the last drop even for their highest-tier loyalty members. That is something unbecoming of a full-service carrier, and when you’re already going to the bottom of the barrel, then why not just fly the lowest-priced budget carrier? What is next, eliminating lounge access on these Light/Basic fares for Senators and HON Circle members?
Pretty sure we’re not very far from that anymore. Have you reached your breaking point yet?