Lufthansa, one of the largest airlines in Europe, is trialing a new offer that allows economy passengers to enjoy several adjacent seats, enabling them to lie down and sleep comfortably without incurring the cost associated with business class. This innovative product, known as ‘Sleeper’s Row’, is available for a limited time on flights between Germany and Brazil. Passengers who pay for this upgrade are provided with priority boarding along with a seat topper, blanket, and pillow typically used in business class for an enhanced travel experience.
Moreover, Lufthansa’s initiative serves as a clever strategy to recover some of the revenue lost due to the coronavirus pandemic, during a time when airports have observed a significant decline in traveler numbers. The Sleeper’s Row experience is particularly appealing to travelers seeking greater distance and comfort during their flights.
Furthermore, Lufthansa is not the only airline providing enhanced experiences in economy class. For instance, Air New Zealand has offered a product called Skycouch since 2011, featuring a row of three economy class seats that can be converted into a flat, flexible surface. Earlier this year, the airline introduced a new economy-cabin design with sleep pods and full-length beds that could be featured on future flights. Additionally, aircraft manufacturers and start-ups are exploring innovative ways to improve the economy travel experience while ensuring safety, including double-decker seat-bed combinations unveiled by Zephyr Aerospace last June.
The cost for Sleeper’s Row is €220 for three seats, or €260 for four seats, in addition to the standard flight fare. Importantly, this offer can only be acquired at the airport during check-in or at the boarding gate and is valid exclusively on flights between Frankfurt, Germany, and São Paulo, Brazil, until mid-December. Consequently, the offer operates on a first-come-first-served basis, so travelers should plan accordingly.
