Lufthansa Seat Selection Fee: What It Costs and How to Choose the Best Seat

When flying with Lufthansa, choosing the right seat can make all the difference in your in-flight experience. But what many travelers don't realize until the checkout stage is that Lufthansa often charges for selecting certain seats. Understanding the Lufthansa seat selection fee is important so you can plan your budget and choose the best option for comfort, convenience, and value.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Lufthansa seat selection fee, including when it applies, how much it costs, what your options are, and tips for saving money when booking your next flight.

Why Lufthansa Charges a Seat Selection Fee

As part of the airline industry’s move toward unbundled pricing, Lufthansa, like many global carriers, now charges additional fees for services that were once included in the ticket price. This includes checked baggage, onboard meals (in some classes), and — for many passengers — seat selection.

The Lufthansa seat selection fee allows passengers to choose their preferred seat in advance, such as a window or aisle, extra legroom seats, or seats located near the front of the cabin for faster exit. While some seats are still complimentary depending on your fare type or frequent flyer status, most passengers will encounter a fee during the booking process if they want to secure a specific seat before check-in.

When Does the Lufthansa Seat Selection Fee Apply?

The Lufthansa seat selection fee typically applies to passengers traveling in Economy Class or Premium Economy Class, particularly those booking the more affordable fare types. Here's a breakdown of when you can expect to pay:

• Economy Class – Light Fare: Always subject to a seat selection fee if chosen in advance.

• Economy Class – Classic and Flex Fares: Standard seat selection may be free, but preferred seats (front rows, exit rows) will come with a fee.

• Premium Economy Class: Often includes free standard seat selection, but extra legroom or preferred seats still carry a fee.

• Business and First Class: Seat selection is generally free of charge in all fare types.

Passengers who don’t pay for seat selection can still choose from the remaining available seats for free at check-in, which opens 23 hours before departure.

How Much Is the Lufthansa Seat Selection Fee?

The Lufthansa seat selection fee varies based on several factors:

• Route: Short-haul flights typically have lower fees than long-haul international routes.

• Seat Type: Exit row and preferred seats cost more than standard ones.

• Cabin Class: Premium Economy and Economy fees differ.

• Booking Class and Status: Some fare types and loyalty tiers may waive the fee.

Here is a general estimate:

• Standard Seat (Short-Haul): €12–€25 per person, per flight

• Preferred Seat (Front of Cabin): €20–€35

• Extra Legroom (Exit Row): €30–€100+

• Premium Economy Preferred Seat: €30–€50

These fees are per flight segment, so for round-trips or connecting flights, they can add up quickly.

How to Avoid the Lufthansa Seat Selection Fee

While some form of fee is difficult to avoid entirely if you're particular about where you sit, there are a few strategies to minimize or skip the Lufthansa seat selection fee:

1. Book a Higher Fare Class: Flex or Classic fares in Economy often include free standard seat selection.

2. Check in Early: If you’re flexible, wait until online check-in opens 23 hours before departure to choose from remaining free seats.

3. Use Frequent Flyer Status: Lufthansa’s Miles & More members with higher status tiers often enjoy waived or reduced seat fees.

4. Consider Travel Time: For short-haul flights, paying extra for seat selection may not be worth it unless you have specific needs.

5. Bundle Offers: Some promotional fares or packages include seat selection at no extra charge.

Being strategic about your booking can save you from paying unnecessarily high fees.

Seat Options Affected by the Lufthansa Seat Selection Fee

Different seat types come with different levels of comfort and pricing. Here's a quick overview of the options and their typical fee structure:

1. Standard Seats

These are the basic aisle, middle, or window seats located throughout the cabin. In some fares, they are free; in others, they incur a modest fee.

2. Preferred Seats

Located near the front of the cabin, these seats offer quicker boarding and disembarkation. These usually carry a higher fee than standard seats.

3. Extra Legroom Seats

Often located at exit rows, these seats provide significantly more space and are ideal for tall passengers or those wanting more comfort on long-haul flights. These are the most expensive among economy seat choices.

4. Bulkhead Seats

These seats are located behind a wall or partition and may offer more legroom, though they can also have fixed armrests or be near baby bassinets.

Selecting the right seat can dramatically improve your flight experience, especially on long international routes.

Is Paying the Lufthansa Seat Selection Fee Worth It?

Whether or not paying the Lufthansa seat selection fee is worth it depends on your preferences and the length of your flight. For short flights under two hours, many passengers find it unnecessary. However, on longer journeys — especially overnight flights — the benefits of extra space, preferred positioning, and peace of mind may be worth the added cost.

For families or groups traveling together, selecting seats in advance ensures everyone sits together. For solo travelers, securing a window or aisle seat can make the journey more enjoyable.

Ultimately, the value of paying the fee is subjective — but having the option offers flexibility for those who want it.