NEW Lufthansa Premium Economy

We gathered some detailed information about the differences between Economy, Economy Plus and Premium Economy, so you can make an informed decision when buying your next airline tickets.

The Nonstop Travel Team was invited to an exclusive pre-launch event here in Los Angeles to experience the new class of service personally and hands on.

We believe that for the extra money you spend to fly Premium Economy, you are getting a lot in return. Especially when traveling with an extra suitcase, the upgrade almost pays for itself.

Here are the main advantages:

• More personal space: New Seat with up to 50% more space
• More baggage: Two bags, each weighing up to 23kg
• More delight: Meals served on china tableware
• More to look forward to: On board welcome drink
• More entertainment: Larger 11 - 12 inch screen
• More relaxation: Amenity bag with useful travel accessories
• More refreshment: Individual water bottle at your seat
• More exclusivity: Access to selected Lufthansa lounges for a fee

Please visit our website: www.nonstoptravel.net or call our office at (800) 949-6362 for discounted consolidator airfare on Lufthansa's Premium Economy.

Here are our FAQ - Frequently asked questions answered for you:

General

What is the difference between ‘Economy Plus’ and ‘Premium Economy’?

‘Economy Plus' offers passengers more legroom, but has the same seat as in Economy Class. It is often not considered to be a separate travel class and distinct product but rather as a special zone within Economy Class.

Premium Economy Class, in contrast, offers passengers an improved, larger seat – both in terms of a greater seat pitch and a wider seat. In addition, passengers are offered extra service elements, such as a higher free baggage allowance and an enhanced in-flight service. Premium Economy Class is regarded as a separate travel class on Lufthansa flights.

Check-in and baggage

What is the position with excess baggage charges in Premium Economy Class? 

The free baggage allowance in Premium Economy Class is two bags each up to 23 kg. The charges for excess baggage correspond to those for Economy Class.

 

Are Premium Economy Class passengers allowed to check in at the Business Class counters or are there special Premium Economy Class check-in counters?

No, there are no special check-in counters. Premium Economy Class passengers can use the check-in options for Economy Class passengers or those corresponding to their Miles & More status.

Lounge access

Are Premium Economy Class passengers allowed to use the Lufthansa Lounges?

Yes, Premium Economy Class customers can use almost all Lufthansa Business Lounges for a fee of 25 euros or 35 US dollars. Access to the Lufthansa Welcome Lounge in Frankfurt is also possible for a fee of 50 euros or 70 US dollars. For HON Circle Members, Senators and Frequent Travelers lounge access is free of charge.

Can lounge access be purchased in advance?

No. Access to the lounge must be purchased directly at the airport – depending on the location either at the Lufthansa ticket counter or in the lounge itself.

Do passengers have to pay for every individual lounge access or is the lounge voucher they purchase valid for their entire journey?

Customers must pay separately to use the Lufthansa Business Lounges and the Lufthansa Welcome Lounge at each airport.

Product and service details

Are there leg-rests at the seats?

The first row of seats in Premium Economy Class will be equipped with leg-rests. All seats will have footrests.

Will a USB port and a power outlet be available at each seat in Premium Economy Class?

Yes, each seat in Premium Economy Class will be equipped with both a USB port and a power outlet.

How great is the angle of the backrest recline?

The angle of backrest recline for the Premium Economy Class seat is 130° in full recline and 112° in the upright position (in comparison with Economy Class: 121° in full recline, 106° upright).

Can the central console be folded up?

No, the central console in Premium Economy Class cannot be folded up, it is a fixed part of the seat.

The Premium Economy Class seat in detail

Do the meals in Premium Economy Class differ from the ones in Economy Class?

Yes, compared to Economy Class, the meals will be upgraded and served on china tableware.

Is the in-flight entertainment program in Premium Economy Class the same as in Economy Class?

The content of the entertainment program on board is identical in all travel classes. The Premium Economy Class monitor, however, is significantly larger than an Economy Class monitor although slightly smaller than that in Business Class.

(1) Seating area up to 3 cm wider

(2) Adjustable backrest which reclines far back (130°)

(3) Generous seat pitch (97 cm / + 17 cm)

(4) Footrests from the second row or leg-rests with integrated footrests in the front row

(5) Always a separate armrest

(6) Adjustable headrest and wings for comfortable support during sleep

(7) Ergonomic seat and back cushions for optimal comfort

(8) Foldout table in the armrest

(9) Plenty of storage space for personal items

(10) Each passenger sits no more than one seat away from the aisle

(11) Separate power outlet at the seat

Availability

Is there a summary with the Premium Economy Class start dates for individual destinations?

The Boeing 747-8s will be the first part of the fleet to be equipped with the new seats and will be available from this December. From the end of January 2015 we expect the first retrofitted A340-600s to take off from Munich; from the end of April the A380s will already be flying from Frankfurt with Premium Economy Class. The retrofitting of Lufthansa’s more than 100 long- haul aircraft should be completed by late summer 2015.

The destination summary in detail:

From 10 December 2014 on the Boeing 747-8 from Frankfurt to:

• Chicago
• Los Angeles
• Washington, D.C.

From 22 April 2015 on the Airbus A380 from Frankfurt to:

• Houston
• Miami
• New York
• San Francisco

From 12 May 2015 on the Airbus A340 from Munich to:

• Los Angeles
• San Francisco

Travel Packing Tip - Packing Guide

Packing can be a challenge for many people so we surveyed our travel experts here in the office and compiled our very own list of unique packing tips. We hope these suggestions help you and your clients travel lighter on future trips.

1. Make a list and lay out your suitcase - This is a sure fire way to not forget anything. If you start your list the week before travel, you have time to add things as they come to mind. Laying out your suitcase several days before you start packing allows you to drop items into the suitcase as you see them around the house. Doing an audit before you begin packing is crucial to ensure that you don't end up bringing non-essential items.

2. Plan your outfits - If you're not hiking a mountain, you don't need hiking boots. Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, you will often have an idea of what activities you need to prepare for. Go through each day and plan your ensemble based on your schedule; clothes can always be shuffled around or supplemented if plans change. This is an easy way to make sure that you don't return home with clothes that you never wore.

3. Prepare with layers - Traveling to several destinations, or during times when weather patterns are fluctuating, can be tricky. By planning multiple layers you can adapt your clothing throughout the day or as weather changes.

4. Limit your shoes, and don't bring new ones - Shoes take up a lot of space. Try to pick just a couple pairs of shoes that can take you through multiple outfits, and stay away from anything too flashy. It is less likely that someone will notice that you are repeating footwear if you're not wearing ruby slippers. Also, don't bring new shoes on vacation. Most likely you will only get to wear them once before they start hurting your feet and then they are only taking up valuable real estate in your suitcase.

5. Use carry on size toiletries - Packing only the essential cosmetics and toiletries can significantly cut down on luggage. Full size shampoos and conditioners can be bulky or messy, and you don't need a six month supply of moisturizer or shaving cream. Try bringing sample sizes or invest in bottles that fit the carry on requirements. These can be found at most drug stores and are inexpensive and reusable.

6. When in doubt, leave it at home - If there is only a chance you will need it, don't bring it. This sounds basic, but it's a mistake many make. Remember, the worst case scenario is you end up needing an item you didn't bring - don't forget that there are stores in almost any destination you will be traveling to. This is also a fantastic way to shed those last few items that won't fit in your suitcase. More often than not, you won't miss them!

Hotel Regent, Berlin

Property Review by Yvonne Malka (yvonne@nonstoptravel.net)

January 2014

I just stayed at the REGENT Berlin and it left me speechless. Everything, really everything was great to a T. The location is superb. Its right by the Gendarmenmarkt and in my opinion the best location in Berlin. 

The Regent is right around the corner from an U Bahn station and within walking distance to many of the amazing sights. 

When you enter the hotel, everyone greets you with a smile. Everyone is ueber nice and it doesn't feel fake. The lobby is a dream and you feel the history and richness in every step through the hotel. They serve breakfast, lunch, offer a tea time and a very exclusive dinner at their restaurant Fischer's Fritz. This was the first 2 star restaurant in Berlin and they kept that for 7 straight years. A great tip is their lunch, even for non hotel guests, because the evening dinner is somewhat formal. They have one of the only 5 Lobster Press in the world at Fischers Fritz. The other one is in a museum in France and 2 in Belgium (forgot where the 5th one is). They press only the female lobster table side and the juice is supposed to be to die for. The restaurant also caters to food allergies, just let them know 24 hrs before arrival and the kitchen will be well aware of it. (This was probably the best gluten free breakfast I had in ages).

The rooms are very nice and the superior and deluxe rooms come in either a creme color or light orange color. The bathrooms are amazing, marble floors, beautiful mirror doors and nice amenities from l'occitane. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the Regent also caters nicely to kids/families. My son enjoyed his kids size bathrobe, toothbrush/toothpaste for kids, along with Weleda kids products, sponges, organic soaps for the kids. They also put a teddy bear in the room to take home. The rooms have everything a business traveler needs as well, including free WiFi. Our clients can also rent free DVDs at the front desk. Some of the rooms do have a step out balcony, some don't. Just request them if you know your client would appreciate that. 

Their executive suites are a nice size and sometimes with our Signature upgrades from the deluxe rooms, well worth looking into. 

Their presidential suites have AMAZING views and are just beautiful. I left ueber happy and can recommend this beautiful hotel without a doubt in my mind.

Hotel Regent Berlin

Charlottenstraße 49, 10117 Berlin, Germany

Rates from Euro 340/night

Special Amenities through Nonstop Travel:

· Full Breakfast for 2 daily

· One Food & Beverage Credit of Euro 50 per room/stay

· Welcome Gift

The following amenities are subject to availability at time of reservation:

· Upgrade at Time of Reservation

· Early check-in

· Late check-out

More Info about this Property