The Lufthansa Group has expanded its fee structure to long-haul routes, requiring passengers in many economy and premium economy fares to pay if they wish to swap an assigned seat at check-in. The policy took effect on 1 July and covers Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Discover Airlines.
The charges apply to tariffs including Economy Comfort, Economy Comfort Plus, and Economy Green, along with their premium economy equivalents. Passengers holding Flex tickets, pre-reserved seats, or Senator and HON Circle frequent-flyer status are exempt. The airlines said families with children and groups travelling together will still be seated together where possible.
Swiss, which introduced its own long-haul seat-change fee on 30 June, prices the charge at up to 52 Swiss francs for a standard economy seat, varying by route, departure point, and booking time.