How to Select Seats on Lufthansa Flights

How to Select Seats on Lufthansa Flights

You can select your seats on Lufthansa flights online, typically starting from the moment you book your ticket up to 72 hours before departure, with availability and fees varying based on your fare type and when you make the selection. For most Economy Light and Economy Classic fares, seat selection is complimentary 23 hours before departure, while Business and First Class passengers enjoy free selection at the time of booking.

Securing the perfect seat on a Lufthansa flight can significantly enhance your travel experience, whether you prioritize extra legroom, a window view, or proximity to the lavatories. Lufthansa offers several options for seat selection, catering to different passenger needs and fare types. Understanding the process, timing, and potential costs is key to making the most of your journey.

When Can You Select Your Seat with Lufthansa?

The window for seat selection with Lufthansa varies considerably depending on the fare class you've purchased and whether you are a Miles & More member. Generally, the process begins at the time of booking for premium cabins like Business and First Class. For Economy fares, the timeline is more nuanced:

• Economy Light & Economy Classic: Seat selection is usually free of charge starting 23 hours before departure up until check-in closes. Before this 23-hour window, you may have the option to select a seat for a fee.
• Economy Flex: Passengers holding an Economy Flex ticket often have the benefit of complimentary seat selection from the time of booking.
• Premium Economy, Business Class, and First Class: Passengers in these higher fare classes can typically select their seats at no additional cost from the moment their booking is confirmed.
• Miles & More Members: Status members of Lufthansa's frequent flyer program, Miles & More, often enjoy enhanced benefits, including earlier free seat selection, depending on their membership tier.

It's always advisable to check your specific booking details or the Lufthansa website for the most accurate information regarding your fare and the exact timeframe for seat selection.

How to Select Your Seat Online

The most convenient way to select your seat is through Lufthansa's online platform. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Access Your Booking: Visit the Lufthansa website and navigate to the “My Bookings” or “Manage Booking” section. You will typically need your booking reference number (PNR) and your last name to log in.
2. View Flight Details: Once you have accessed your booking, you will see a summary of your flight details. Look for an option related to “Seat Selection,” “Manage Seats,” or similar.
3. Interactive Seat Map: You will be presented with an interactive seat map of your aircraft. Different seat types might be colour-coded to indicate their availability, price, and features (e.g., extra legroom, aisle, window).
4. Choose Your Seat: Click on your preferred available seat. If there is a fee associated with that particular seat, the cost will be clearly displayed.
5. Confirm and Pay (if applicable): If you choose a paid seat, you will be prompted to proceed to payment. Once payment is confirmed, your seat selection will be updated in your booking.
6. Save Changes: Ensure you save all changes to your booking. You should receive a confirmation email detailing your selected seat.

If you're having trouble accessing your booking or selecting a seat online, Lufthansa's customer service can assist you. For travellers who frequently fly with Lufthansa or other Star Alliance partners, using a tool like theflightagent.app can help you track price changes and manage your bookings efficiently, potentially alerting you to better fares or options.

What About Seats with Extra Legroom or Other Preferences?

Lufthansa offers various types of seats to cater to passenger preferences, often with associated fees:

• Extra Legroom Seats: These are typically located in the front rows of the cabin or in emergency exit rows, offering significantly more space for your legs. They are highly sought after and usually come with a premium price tag.
• Window and Aisle Seats: These are standard preferences for many travellers. Window seats offer a view, while aisle seats provide easier access to get up and move around. Availability for these can be limited, especially during peak travel times.
• Seats at the Front/Back: Some passengers prefer to sit closer to the front for quicker deplaning, while others might opt for the back for a potentially quieter experience or easier access to restrooms.
• Seats with No Middle Passenger: In some configurations, especially on long-haul flights, Lufthansa may offer the option to book adjacent seats to ensure a middle seat remains empty, providing more personal space. This service is usually available for an additional fee.

The cost of these preferred seats varies based on the route, aircraft type, and the specific seat's location. Prices are usually displayed clearly on the seat map during the selection process.

Can You Change or Cancel a Seat Selection?

Yes, you can generally change or cancel your seat selection with Lufthansa, but the conditions depend on your fare and when you make the change. If you paid for your seat selection, you might be eligible for a refund if:

• Your flight schedule is significantly changed by Lufthansa.
• Your flight is cancelled by Lufthansa.
• You are involuntarily moved to a different seat by Lufthansa.
• You upgrade your ticket to a higher fare class that includes free seat selection (e.g., from Economy to Business Class).

If you wish to change your selected seat to another one, you can usually do so through the “Manage Booking” portal, provided the new seat is available and meets the same or higher fare conditions. If you opt for a cheaper seat, you may not receive a refund for the difference. If you cancel a paid seat selection without a valid reason or without a change in flight circumstances, you may forfeit the amount paid.

For cancellations or changes, it’s best to access your booking online. If you are unable to do so, contact Lufthansa customer service. Refunds for paid seat selections are typically processed after the flight has departed, or in some cases, immediately upon cancellation, depending on Lufthansa's policy.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I don't select a seat before check-in? If you don't select a seat in advance, Lufthansa will assign you a seat free of charge during the online check-in process, which opens 23 hours before departure. You may not get your preferred seat, and it might be in a less desirable location.

Can I select seats for my infant? Yes, you can select seats for infants. For infants occupying a separate seat (requiring an infant seat), you can select an appropriate seat. For lap infants, you can usually select a seat next to the accompanying adult. Specific rules may apply, so it's best to confirm with Lufthansa.

Are there fees for selecting seats on all Lufthansa flights? No, fees for seat selection are not applicable to all Lufthansa flights. Passengers in Premium Economy, Business Class, and First Class, as well as certain Economy fare types like Economy Flex, can typically select seats for free at the time of booking. Miles & More status members also often benefit from free advance seat selection.

How do I know if my seat selection was successful? After completing the seat selection process and payment (if applicable), you should receive a confirmation email from Lufthansa detailing your chosen seat. You can also verify your selection by logging back into your booking management on the Lufthansa website.