This Airline Has a ‘Sleeper Row’ so You Can Lie Flat in Economy

Jetting off to your favorite destination sounds like a blast, and once you arrive, it usually is. However, that middle bit of travel can sometimes be a real pain. And if you’re sitting in economy on any modern commercial airline, we mean that literally. As Popular Science reported, major airlines, including American, Delta, Southwest, and United, have all seen their seats shrink, losing between 2 and 5 inches of legroom and about 2 inches of seat width since the 1980s. Budget airlines are even worse off, with carriers like Spirit allowing for just 28 inches of leg room. 

If you’re looking for more space, the only option seems to be ponying up major cash for a business class, lie-flat experience. But before you shell out a large sum for a ticket, know there is one more solution to try: Lufthansa’s Sleeper Row. 

In 2021, the carrier quietly rolled out its Sleeper Row, which allows travelers to book an entire row in economy for a more comfortable in-flight experience.

“Lufthansa Sleeper’s Row gives you a whole row of three or four seats in economy class on long-haul flights,” the airline explains on its website. “After pre-boarding, once on board, you will be given your Sleeper’s Row set, comprising a thin mattress plus a business class-quality blanket and pillow. You can lie down, stretch out, and enjoy the extra space for the entire duration of your flight.” 

There is one catch: These seats are only available on flights with a duration of about 11 hours or more. But that’s ideal if you’re looking to snooze. The other big caveat is you cannot book the experience in advance. Travelers can only reserve the Sleeper Row directly when checking in or shortly before departure at the gate, as they are subject to seat availability. 

However, this isn’t the only way to get a little luxury in economy on Lufthansa. The airline also offers a Free Neighbor Seat, allowing travelers to book the seat next to them on continental and intercontinental routes.

Of course, you can splurge, and on Lufthansa, it may be worth it as the carrier upgraded its first-class experience in 2025, including an all-new cabin interior for long-haul flights. 

“We are completely reinventing the Lufthansa first-class travel experience with Allegris and making it even more exclusive,” Jens Ritter, chief executive officer of Lufthansa Airlines, shared in a statement at the time. “Our new first class, with its unique suites, defines the concept of privacy like never before and is unrivaled worldwide. We are also investing in exclusivity and comfort on the ground by completely redesigning our first-class check-in areas and lounges in Munich and Frankfurt.”

But, hey, getting to stretch out your legs in economy sure does feel grand, too.