When booking a long-haul flight, travellers often look for a cabin that offers both comfort and value, and that’s exactly what Airbus A340-300 Lufthansa Premium Economy provides. Lufthansa is one of the few airlines still flying the Airbus A340-300, a quad-jet with a stable and spacious design.
For those seeking more than Economy but not quite ready to splurge on Business Class, Premium Economy is the ideal middle ground.
Here’s a snapshot of some of the details of the Airbus A340-300 Premium Economy experience, including seat configurations, what to expect on board, and tips for a smooth journey.
Lufthansa’s Airbus A340-300 Configuration
The Lufthansa Airbus A340-300 has a total of 279 seats, divided into three classes:
- 30 Business Class seats
- 28 Premium Economy seats
- 221 Economy Class seats
In Premium Economy, you’ll enjoy extra space and upgraded amenities compared to regular economy. Unlike the Lufthansa Aircraft Type 747-8 which has a 2-4-2 layout, the 2-3-2 seat layout on this aircraft provides wider seats, more legroom, and greater recline.
It’s a fantastic middle ground between the more expensive Business Class and Economy seating, giving you added comfort without breaking the bank.
Seat Details: Windowless Seats and Bassinet Location
If you’re planning to book a seat in Premium Economy, there are a few things you should know:
- Row 14 is the last row in Premium Economy. One thing to keep in mind when selecting seats is the position of Row 14. While this is the last row in the Premium Economy cabin, the seats at 14A and 14K are windowless. It’s always a good idea to check the seat map carefully when booking, as having a window view can enhance the overall experience, especially for those who enjoy watching takeoffs and landings.
- Seat 10G is a bassinet seat, which means it’s often reserved for passengers flying with infants. If you’re traveling with a baby, this seat can be a lifesaver as it provides a designated space for a bassinet.
Experience in Lufthansa Premium Economy
Premium Economy passengers on the Airbus A340-300 enjoy more generous legroom with a 38-inch seat pitch, a wider seat compared to Economy, and a better recline for enhanced relaxation. Each seat comes with its own 11.7-inch personal entertainment screen, giving passengers access to a variety of movies, TV shows, and music during the flight. Each seat is equipped with a USB port & Universal A/C Socket for charging your devices.
If you’re planning to pack for this long-haul journey check out my Ultimate Packing List which includes things you may not have thought about.
One of the best things about Premium Economy is the upgraded dining experience. The quality of food is noticeably better than what you’d get in Economy. You’ll also appreciate the extra baggage allowance, which makes it easier to pack light while still carrying everything you need. For more tips on maximizing your luggage space, you can check out our guide on how to pack light.
Why the Airbus A340-300?
The Airbus A340-300 is a unique aircraft in today’s aviation landscape because it’s a four-engine plane. Although many airlines have retired their quad-jets in favour of twin-engine planes, Lufthansa continues to operate the A340-300, offering passengers a sense of nostalgia and a smoother ride over long distances.
The Premium Economy cabin on this aircraft is particularly appealing for long-haul routes where comfort is key. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, (or even bleisure) the Airbus A340-300 Lufthansa Premium Economy cabin provides just the right balance of comfort and affordability.
The Seat Map and Choosing the Best Seat
When selecting a seat in Premium Economy, take a look at the overall Lufthansa Airbus A340-300 seat map. This will help you avoid windowless rows like Row 14 and pick the most desirable spots.
Families traveling with children might also consider Seat 10G, the bassinet seat, which can make flying with kids more manageable. Flying with kids can be a challenge, but with the right preparation, including securing the best seats, your trip can be a lot smoother. If you’re unsure what to bring for your little ones, check out our article on traveling with kids for some helpful tips.
Solo travellers might find that Premium Economy offers just the right balance of comfort and privacy. For those who struggle with solo travel anxiety, choosing the right seat can help ease any concerns and ensure a more peaceful journey. In fact the cabin is so much smaller than economy, that reaching out for cabin crew can give a sense of security. Bathrooms are also within reach and so is the galley.
Making the Most of Your Lufthansa Experience
Flying Premium Economy on the Airbus A340-300 means you’re in for a much better experience than Economy, with upgraded meals, more space, and priority boarding. For those planning future trips, you might also want to explore routes operated by the Lufthansa Airbus A340-600, another great aircraft that Lufthansa continues to use on long-haul journeys. Both the A340-300 and A340-600 offer comfortable seating arrangements, but there are slight differences in the seat map, so it’s always worth checking.
The Quad-Jet Advantage
One of the unique aspects of flying on the Airbus A340-300 is its quad-jet configuration, which many aviation enthusiasts appreciate. The extra engines provide a sense of security and stability on long-haul flights, and they give the aircraft a distinctive feel that’s harder to find in today’s modern twin-engine jets. For those who are passionate about aviation, flying in Premium Economy on this aircraft is an experience in itself.
Finally, if you’re a frequent traveller, you may want to explore ways to upgrade your travel experience. Many Lufthansa flyers use frequent flyer miles to secure upgrades to Business Class. Learning how to travel free in Business and First Class can be a game changer, turning your Premium Economy flight into a luxury experience at little to no additional cost.
Summing Up
The Airbus A340-300 Lufthansa Premium Economy cabin offers a fantastic way to travel on long-haul flights, giving passengers more space, better meals, and overall enhanced comfort compared to Economy. Passengers will appreciate the spacious seating, upgraded amenities, and the unique experience of flying on a quad-jet aircraft. By carefully selecting your seat and preparing ahead of time, your journey in Lufthansa Premium Economy can be both comfortable and enjoyable.
