Lufthansa ends free service. News. Lufthansa is making more changes that passengers might not like. Starting in mid-August 2024, a service that used to be free will now cost money. This change will also apply to Lufthansa’s partner airlines, like Swiss and Austrian Airlines. However, frequent travellers and families or groups booking seats together won’t have to pay.
Lufthansa ends free service
Starting from August 13, 2024, Lufthansa will no longer offer free seat selection during check-in for long-haul flights. This change, which previously affected only the cheapest fare (Economy Light) on long-haul flights, had already been applied to short- and medium-haul flights.
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The new rule extends to Lufthansa’s partner airlines, Swiss and Austrian Airlines. Passengers booking the “Economy Light” fare will have their seat automatically assigned at check-in. If the assigned seat doesn’t meet their preferences, they will need to pay a fee starting at 28 euros to change it. However, frequent flyers with high status, such as senators, will still be able to choose their seats for free, according to reports from CHIP.de.
There are exceptions
Lufthansa assures that families with children, groups, and people with joint reservations will still be seated together “where possible.” This measure aims to prevent families from being separated or groups from being seated far apart.
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The decision to eliminate free seat selection is part of Lufthansa’s effort to cut costs and improve financial stability. The new rule applies to all passengers checking in after August 12, 2024, regardless of when they booked their flight