Lufthansa is rolling out its new Allegris product across all classes of service on their brand new A350s aircraft, and I had the privilege of being chosen just before departure to experience the Allegris First Class Suite on flight LH 411 from JFK to Munich Friday night January 24.
If the goal was to create an oasis of peace and tranquility—a space that feels like lounging in your living room at home, almost forgetting you’re on an aircraft—Lufthansa deserves a 10+ for its efforts. The new First Class cabin features just one row with four seats: two single window seats and a middle pair designed for two passengers traveling together. The middle seats can transform into a double bed, making them ideal for couples. Every seat includes an ottoman, which doubles as a seat for a dining companion, should you wish to share a meal. The extra wide seat is equipped with seat heating and cooling function. Here is my space as I made myself comfortably at home.
Masterpiece of German elegance
The cabin’s design is a masterpiece of German minimalist elegance. High-quality finishes like fine wood and marble lend a sense of luxury, while the suite doors ensure total privacy when closed. The main entertainment screen is large and vivid, but there’s also a smaller touchscreen to the passenger’s right for controlling seat adjustments, lighting, and entertainment options. The attention to detail is unmistakable, from the thoughtful layout to the intuitive controls. Smart details such as the individually adjustable lighting and the 10-inch tablet for controlling all seating, lighting and entertainment functions make your trip unforgettable. There is even a personal wardrobe with a large mirror – so that one can change clothes undisturbed in your own four walls. I especially liked the large storage place directly under the ottoman.
Upon boarding at JFK, I was greeted with a glass of Louise champagne, setting the tone for what would be a serene journey. After a light dinner which started with Caviar service , I changed into Lufthansa pajamas and F class slippers, reclined my seat into a full bed complete with a soft, cotton sheet covered mattress softener, a large, lightweight and extremely comfortable duvet and two soft pillows. The Porsche Design pajamas allow for extra comfort during flight.
The Allegris First Class product was several years in the making. The seat offers several adjustable positions, seamlessly transitioning from upright for dining to fully flat for sleeping. The combination of comfort, functionality, and aesthetic excellence makes this cabin truly exceptional. As someone who has flown continuously with Lufthansa for 38 years, I can confidently say that this is a product flyers will appreciate, no matter the class they choose. The flight from JFK to Munich was just over six hours, and for the first time, I found myself wishing the journey had been longer. The Allegris experience has that effect—it leaves you wanting more.
Our workshop deals with the two big revolutions facing editors
For me, it is imperative that editors approach content creation thinking in terms of mobile first.
Mobile first involves the type of transformation where all content is prepared thinking from small to large platform. Thinking small platform does not mean that the reporter conceptualizing a story for mobile consumption should not think BIG. So, plan from small to large, but think big in terms of the story content and the visual assets that go with it.
While mobile first is still elusive to so many newsrooms around the planet, here we are, in 2024, faced with an even bigger challenge not just knocking at our doors, but already IN: Artificial Intelligence.
Transformation and a change of mentality to face these challenges is the first step. Training and education to tackle them with a sense of focus and direction is essential.
That’s where our Garcia Media workshops come in
Our Garcia Media Mobile Storytelling workshops introduce your editorial team to the way we write, edit and design for mobile platforms. This one-day program includes a presentation and a hands-on workshop. We’ve added a new segment about AI for content creation.
Newsrooms around the planet have gone mobile-first after a Garcia Media workshop!
Our Garcia Media Mobile Storytelling workshops are proven to introduce your editorial team to the way we write, edit and design for mobile platforms. It is a one-day program that involves a presentation (where I summarize my Columbia University class content), and follow it with a hands on workshop.
For details, to customize, and to book: mario@garciamedia.com
Media predictions for 2024
Every year, Harvard University’s Nieman Lab publishes what selected media people predict for journalism in the following years. You can find my own prediction here;
https://www.niemanlab.org/2023/12/ai-takes-center-stage/
Start writing or type / to choose a block
How we use AI
Honored to be mentioned here:
https://www.newsroomrobots.com/p/how-10-news-industry-leaders-use
Order my AI book here:
https://thaneandprose.com/…/preorder-ai-what-to-expect…
Here is a chance to pre-order my new book about Artificial Intelligence and content creation. The first 25 copies sold will be signed! Order here:
https://thaneandprose.com/…/preorder-ai-what-to-expect…
Reviews for AI book:
Did you read The Story yet?
I urge you to consult my latest book, The Story, a trilogy full of tips and explanations about mobile storytelling, which represents the latest genre for journalists to explore. See information below:
The full trilogy of The Story now available–3 books to guide you through a mobile first strategy. Whether you’re a reporter, editor, designer, publisher, corporate communicator, The Story is for you! https://amazon
Volume 1: Transformation
https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-story-volume-i/id1480169411
Volume Two: Storytelling
https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-story-volume-ii/id1484581220
Volume Three: Design
https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-story-volume-iii/id1497049918
Order the print edition of The Story, from Amazon, here:
TheMarioBlog post #3398