Lufthansa Removes Free Seat Selection for Elite Members in Economy Light

Lufthansa Group is removing the free advance seat reservation benefit for Miles & More Senators and HON Circle Members travelling on Economy Light fares for long-haul flights. This change applies to all bookings made from 27 October 2026.

Previously, these top-tier status holders could select a seat without charge even when booking the airline's most restrictive Economy Class fare on intercontinental routes. Under the new policy, passengers in these categories who wish to reserve a specific seat in advance will be required to pay a fee. Free automatic seat assignment at online check-in will still be available.

This restriction extends a policy already in place for Premium Economy Light and Business Light long-haul fares, where free seat reservations for Senators and HON Circle Members were previously removed. The official Miles & More Senator and HON Circle benefits pages have been updated to reflect this change, explicitly excluding Economy Light, Premium Economy Light, and Business Light on long-haul flights from complimentary seat selection.

The policy applies to flights operated by Air Dolomiti, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Discover Airlines, ITA Airways, Lufthansa, Lufthansa City, and SWISS. Certain seat types, such as Lufthansa Allegris products Extra Long Bed, Business Class Suite, and Suite Plus, remain exempt from free seat reservation even in higher fare classes.

Source: Miles&More

Opinion

Another elite benefit bites the dust. While Economy Light is the lowest fare, the ability for top-tier members to secure a preferred seat on long-haul flights was a genuine perk. This change is a clear devaluation for loyal customers, forcing them to either pay extra or forgo a guaranteed seat choice. It highlights a trend of airline programs chipping away at status benefits, making the highest tiers incrementally less rewarding.