German flag carrier Lufthansa has decided it will unbundle its premium and business class fares with the introduction of Premium Economy Light and Business Class Light. From March 17, according to Travel-Dealz, both new fare offerings will be available and will see reduced baggage allowances, a cost for seat selection, the introduction of higher change fees, and some refunds will not be possible. These airfares are set to be introduced across Lufthansa, Swiss International Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Discover Airlines and Brussels Airlines.

This decision has sparked outrage for some frequent fliers, who are used to these elite perks being included. From March, the new fares will be introduced on routes to and from Europe to Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and South America. Some regions remain excluded, which include North America, Japan, Singapore, China, Malaysia, and Australia.

These Changes Mean A Cost To Reserve Your Seat

Credit: Jonathan E. Hendry | Simple Flying

Seat reservation fees will now apply for travelers when booking a Light fare, including those who are HON Circle Members, Senators or hold Star Alliance Gold. This is a change from previous policy, where passengers with sufficient status enjoyed free seat selection, including in the exit row. From March, those even with the highest of status will incur the cost of seat selection if booking the cheaper unbundled fare.

Baggage allowances will also drop, with the Business Class Light offering a single piece of 70 lbs (32kg), a move away from the previous two pieces of the same weight. The allowance for those in Premium Economy Light will also drop to one piece at 50lbs (23kg). Carry-on baggage allowances remain unchanged at 17 lbs (8kg).

Lufthansa would not be the first airline to decide to unbundle its premium and business class fares, with the likes of Finnair also offering a Business Lite fare, which excludes lounge access or checked-in baggage. Other major airlines like KLM and Qatar Airways have also stripped back some fares to exclude complimentary lounge access.

A Deep Dive Into The New Light Fares

Credit: Lufthansa

The new long-haul fares from March 17 will roll out to most regions except those stipulated above. It remains unclear as yet whether the cost of the airfares will drop but it has set Reddit alight with frequent fliers taking to the social media platform to vent their frustration at the decision.

Airlines at times have to make commerical decisions to adapt to market conditions. This decision to add Light fares to its offering would be expected to help it appeal to all budget types, and given its extensive network it remains a popular airline of choice for those traveling to and from Europe and beyond. Below are the details of the major changes coming to Premium and Business Class Light:

With the substantial network of flights operated by Lufthansa, the airline will capture a large market of travelers and loyal Star Alliance frequent flier members. The question, however, will remain if the Light fares and their lack of usual inclusions will spark interest, and if the difference in airfares makes them appealing for travelers.

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Comparing Lufthansa To Finnair With Their Premium Cabin Light Fares

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Both leading European airlines, Finnair and Lufthansa (Group), will offer Business Class and Premium Economy Class Light fares this summer season and beyond. Both Lufthansa (Allegris) and Finnair (AirLounge) offer lie-flat seats, but their light fares are vastly different.

For Finnair, its Lite fares exclude lounge access, checked baggage, and seat selection, whereas Lufthansa will retain some checked baggage and carry-on but charge travelers a fee for reserving seats onboard.

Once you’re onboard the aircraft, the offering will be largely the same, with complimentary meals, drinks, and seatback entertainment.