Review: Lufthansa A350 – Business Class (Ex-Philippines Airlines)

Since the end of April 2022, Lufthansa has deployed Airbus A350s configured differently from the rest of its fleet (read my review of Lufthansa’s A350 business class).

Typically, Lufthansa’s Airbus A350s are configured as 2-2-2 in business class. This means that people sitting on the window side do not have direct access to the aisle. This allows Lufthansa to have a dense cabin:

• 48 seats in business class
• 21 seats in premium economy
• 224 seats in economy

This cabin is not up to the level of what Air Canada, Air France and Swiss offer on transatlantic flights:

But on the few newly deployed A350s, the configuration is 1-2-1: each passenger has access to the aisle and a much more comfortable individual space.

• 30 seats in business class
• 24 seats in premium economy
• 241 seats in economy

This is the standard for business class travel.

As you can see, there are 18 fewer seats in business class, which allows Lufthansa to meet the “Leisure” demand, which is currently much higher than the “Business” demand.

Actually, four Airbus A350 have been acquired from Philippine Airlines. During the spring of 2022, they were positioned on flights from Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver to Munich. I was able to take one of these flights with Audrey.

This Montreal-Munich-Nice flight costs 70,000 Aeroplan points and $128 in taxes in business class:

I used my TD^® Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card to take advantage of the insurance benefits and accelerated earning rate with Air Canada.

Check out this page for the best Aeroplan credit card offers. For example, this offer allows you to earn up to 50,000 Aeroplan points for free in the first-year!

From Montreal, when travelling in business class on a Star Alliance airline like Lufthansa, you can access Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounge.

However, before this flight, I preferred to go to the Air France Lounge which was much less crowded (and it was located closer to the boarding gate).

To access the Air France Lounge with Audrey, I used my Business Platinum Card^® from American Express (unlimited access for the Cardmember and one guest).

At boarding time, many passengers were present at the gate, a sign that the transatlantic flight activity has resumed! The Airbus A350 for this flight is named “Munich.”

Upon entering the aircraft, we find a cabin already well filled. What strikes me immediately is a sense of space thanks to the lack of luggage storage bins above the center seats.

Here is a picture of the empty cabin (provided by Lufthansa):

If you are travelling alone, I obviously recommend a window seat. Choose the odd-numbered seats to be more isolated from the aisle.

When travelling as a couple or a family, the central seats are ideal.

And you will benefit from a generous “height under ceiling” with the absence of luggage bins:

Of the two passengers, one will be more exposed to the aisle as you can see on these three photos (even/odd rows):

The seat offered by Lufthansa on this A350 is comfortable. All electrical settings are available, as well as a firmness adjustment function.

This is the Vantage XL seat from Thompson Aero. This is obviously a flat bed seat.

A large storage area is offered with all the controls for the seat and TV. As well as an outlet for your electrical accessories.

Here’s an overview of the available legroom when sitted:

And in the lying position:

Unlike other Lufthansa configurations (and Air Canada on its A330s), I found the space to be quite large, allowing me to sleep on my side (something almost impossible on Air Canada).

As for the entertainment screen, it is touch-sensitive, with a suitable format but with a glass that reflects a lot:

It is possible to use the remote control or even synchronize your smartphone to control the screen.

A welcome kit (or rather a “collectible” bag) and a bottle of water are distributed. This bag will be reused to get the bread!

There are the bare necessities inside.

The menu is also delivered:

Shortly after take-off, champagne and hot cashews are served.

For the meal, I chose:

• Eggplant parmigiana, marinated artichokes, bocconcini with cheese
• Snapper fish fillet, maple and cranberry teriyaki sauce, steamed bok choy, carrot, cherry tomato, topped with sesame rice.
• Chocolate truffle cake

The meal was good without being excellent. As for the service, the crew was visibly rushed (to the point of spilling my entire glass of water on me/my seat). 🙁

Small tour by the toilets to brush the teeth:

I’ve seen bigger bathrooms in business class. And I think the baby changing table is pretty small (thankfully I’m past that stage) 🙂

After answering a few emails and messages on the facebook group (thanks to the free Boingo Wi-Fi earned with the HSBC World Elite^® Mastercard^®), I head to my bed, about 5 hours from landing!

After a 4 hour of semi-deep sleep (somewhat hampered by the surgical mask), I wake up to have breakfast as we finish our Atlantic crossing.

I chose the continental formula with Blini Bread with cream cheese, salmon and capers for breakfast.

We arrived in Munich with a 20-minute delay.

If you can choose your plane to cross the Atlantic in business class on Lufthansa: without hesitation, I advise you to select this A350. The 1-2-1 configuration allows for more comfortable seating and a less crowded cabin.

If you can’t avoid the 2-2-2 configuration, try to travel on Air Canada or Swiss, for example.