Reaction to the new Lufthansa A320neo layout, including two more rows of seats and a version of the Space-Flex galley/lav combo, has been impressively loud and negative.

While the forward half of the plane offers a smidgen more space for business class passengers, the back of the fuselage – where the SpaceFlex kit makes its mark – sees the opposite effect. Reduced pitch, limited overhead bin space and no windows in the last row create a confluence of #PaxEx pain.

Comparing the Lufthansa A320neo layout to the prior layout shows the crunch passengers can expect at the rear of the plane.

Indeed, some of the grief the Lufthansa A320neo layout is getting stems from the personal space being more cramped than the ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs) it is competing against. But what is there to be done? The saving grace is that it is being operated on truly short-haul routes.

Photo at top: Lufthansa management take delivery of the carrier’s first A320neo. Image courtesy: Airbus