Germany's flagship airline, Lufthansa earned this sought-after rating based on the quality of service and hard product benefits, both on the ground and in the air. It makes sense then, that a business class upgrade gets you an even better experience, both at the airport and on board their aircraft.

Whether a Lufthansa upgrade is worth it depends on the price and the specific aircraft. Lufthansa's Premium Economy is generally seen as a solid value for long-haul flights, offering significantly more legroom and better meals (served on china) for a moderate fee (starting around $400/400€). Upgrading to Business Class is a much bigger leap; on their newer 787s and A350s, you get a lie-flat bed and direct aisle access, which is highly worth it for an overnight flight to Europe. However, on their older planes, the 2-2-2 seating layout in Business can feel dated. In 2026, many savvy travelers use "bid-to-upgrade" auctions or wait until the 24-hour check-in window to snag a "last-minute" cash upgrade, which is often 30-50% cheaper than the standard fare difference. If you are exhausted or have a tight connection, the lounge access included with a Business upgrade is often the deciding factor.