Key tips: Verify your aircraft type and seating chart prior to using points and miles for redemption

When arranging your upcoming points and miles redemption through your preferred airline program, it's essential to check the aircraft model and seat layout, as this can be as vital as securing an excellent redemption rate and schedule.

This is important because seating configurations on the aircraft for your flight can vary significantly, even among the same airline and aircraft model. Taking the time to understand the seat layout can help you choose the best option available and avoid any unexpected issues when you board.

Consider Lufthansa, which can be easily booked with partner miles such as Air Canada Aeroplan points and United MileagePlus miles, starting at just 60,000 miles in business class to Europe.

Lufthansa is currently updating its business-class seating arrangements, featuring a 2-2-2 setup on Airbus A330, A340, and A350 aircraft (and either 2-2 or 2-3-2 on the Boeing 747, depending on your seat location). This layout offers limited privacy, no direct aisle access for those in window seats, and inadequate storage space.

The new Allegris product represents a significant upgrade. It offers multiple seating configurations, direct aisle access, along with exceptional privacy and storage solutions.

How can you ensure you book the new seats instead of the old ones? Currently, Lufthansa only features the new seats on flights to select North American destinations from its Munich Airport (MUC) hub, including:

• Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

The Allegris seats are currently installed only on select A350 aircraft, so it's wise to verify your flight details if you're aiming for the best experience. However, even within Lufthansa's A350 fleet, some planes feature the new Allegris seats while others do not — which is why checking the seat map before booking is advisable. You can utilize a resource like ExpertFlyer (ExpertFlyer is a subsidiary of TPG's parent company, Red Ventures) to confirm this information.

For instance, when looking up flights from San Francisco to Munich on December 3, 2024, this particular journey is set to be operated by an Airbus A350-900 equipped with older seating in a 2-2-2 arrangement.

Conversely, this same flight, scheduled to depart just a few days earlier on November 30 on the same aircraft type, displays a different seat configuration, showcasing the new staggered 1-2-1 seating — this would be a significantly better use of your points and miles.

In conclusion

Verifying the aircraft and seat type for your upcoming flight is a smart move to ensure you're getting the best value for your points and miles, avoiding any unpleasant surprises when you finally board that eagerly awaited flight.

While the variations in economy class seating are minimal, the differences in business and first class can be quite significant.

It's important to keep in mind that last-minute changes to aircraft and equipment can and do happen, sometimes with no recourse. Always check the seat map during online check-in (or at the airport) to see if it differs from what you initially viewed when booking your ticket. If your seat number has changed without your permission, this might indicate a change in seat type. This way, you’ll know what to expect once you’re on board.