Carfield From United States of America, joined Dec 2003, 1733 posts, RR: 9 Posted (6 months 2 weeks 5 days 1 hour ago) and read 14859 times:
Thanksgiving Lufthansa First Class Trip Report
It is time for another Lufthansa first class trip report during Thanksgiving, where premium fares usually go down. The first class fares this year are not that great with Lufthansa and the only flights with significant discounts are operated by United. Lufthansa flights are still discounted but not as much. I have decided to go ahead with flying LH F this year since I am able to come up with an itinerary that allows me to fly both the A380 and Boeing 747-8. I know that Lufthansa first class has been discussed extensively, and I hope it is not very repetitive. To some extent, Lufthansa First Class is definitely a top-notch product and the service in the air is personable yet efficient. My only complaint is the lack of a choice of first class lounges in the non-Schegen areas, especially when you are doing international connecting flights in Frankfurt and you don’t want to bother with immigration. The only first class lounge within the non-Schegen area is located near Gate B22. I am just disappointed that there is no first class lounge located at the new A Plus Pier. Given the large USA operation, I expect one at the Z Concourse. But LH offers a private car transfer from the Non-schegen B lounge to the A concourse (Z gates) for USA departures.
Anyway I am thrilled to finally fly my first Lufthansa’s A380 flight (My seventh A380 operator – still need Malaysia and Thai) and my first Boeing 747-8 flight. Both feature the new generation of first class seats/suites.
November 23, 2012
LH 455 SFO-FRA Lv1515 Arr1120+1 Airbus A380-800 D-AIMI “Berlin”
In terms of routing, the current LH A380 USA destinations are Houston, Miami and San Francisco, and given my origin is Los Angeles, SFO makes the most sense with a reasonable departure time despite my concern about SFO and its on time performance. For the return, it is relatively simple as the only current 747-8 USA destination is Washington DC Dulles (LAX soon), but I have to say that I drag flying through this airport and United’s crowded and tired-looking Concourse C and D. I used Lufthansa.com to book the ticket and it was very easy to use and I was able to pick my seats on LH flights with no issues. For the flights on United, I just entered my LH confirmation number and was able to access my flights and select my seats on United’s website. There were a number of occasions with schedule changes on United flights, but Lufthansa did a good job in keep me posted but I have to reselect my seat on the new United flight every times.
Check-in:
I checked in using one of the self-service kiosks at the United terminal at LAX, and was able to print out all the boarding passes including Lufthansa segments, and I did not need to scan my passport again since I had already entered all my information on line. Good IT integration between LH and UA! Since I had lots of time at SFO and security was not too busy, I decided to go to the Lufthansa check-in counters and got real Lufthansa boarding passes and the famous LH First envelope.
Busy day at SFO International Terminal
With the A380 operations, Lufthansa uses both aisles 4 and 5. Aisle 4 is dedicated to premium passengers, and Aisle 5 for economy passengers. The agent was very friendly and he reprinted my boarding passes with on questions asked and even made some small talks. Efficient and friendly – trademark Lufthansa performance and impressive for an outstation.
Security line was surprisingly light, as most Asian flights have left and the crowd for the European flights has yet to arrive. Priority line was opened and I was able to get through security with little issues. My first stop was actually the gate, as I wanted to take pictures of the plane, as it taxied into the gate after landing. Gate 101 is at the end of the concourse, and photography is difficult due to the way the plane is park and the “dotted” windows.
Gate 101 is the designated A380 gate here in SFO, and Lufthansa boards all its premium passengers in the upper level with a separate entrance, and the economy passengers in the lower level, the main gate area. I did not take any pictures of the lower level gate area, as there was a Singapore Airlines boarding next door and the area has yet to be fully set up.
Here is the premium entrance:
Beautiful day here at SFO, while it was actually foggy in Southern California
I finally spotted the arrival of D-AIMI from Frankfurt and it arrived slightly ahead of schedule. A good start to my trip and knowing Lufthansa, this flight would indeed be on time.
Dotted window
Nose of D-AIMI
A380 is a beautiful plane and its huge size always amazes you.
As a Lufthansa First Class passenger, I have access to the Global First Lounge and of course, it is very nice compared to the United Club. The receptionist is a good-looking boy today and he is very professional and friendly. He reminded me that Lufthansa would send a rep to the lounge to escort all F passengers to the gate. The lounge was relatively quiet, as most Asian flights have left by now. The food selection is impressive and I love the mushroom soup offering today.
Here is the buffet selection:
Two interesting planes
N178UA heading to Hong Kong
Carfield From United States of America, joined Dec 2003, 1733 posts, RR: 9 Reply 1, posted (6 months 2 weeks 5 days 1 hour ago) and read 14864 times:
Boarding:
At 2:35pm, Lufthansa passengers to Frankfurt were paged and the escort had already arrived to pick us up. There were three passengers at the F lounge and one of the passengers (going to Zurich) made some small talks with me. It was a short walk towards gate 101 and boarding had already commenced in the main cabin, but premium cabin had yet to start. The escorts made sure that three of us boarded first. Some business class passengers were not too happy but the agent politely pointed out that they were first class passengers.
The purser was ready and immediately welcomed three of us and my seat this segment was 2A, and the friendly Turkish (male) F/A immediately pointed out that there was a locker for my roller on suitcases and jackets. It was a very good design and you can lock it too. The first class lockers are larger on the A380s than Boeing 747-8s, but there was no overhead and side storage bins in A380s. There are large overhead bins for Boeing 747-8s.
My seat 2A
The A380 first cabin was spacious and yet felt very cozy, as there were only two rows of seats in a four abreast arrangement. Today’s flight was three quarter full with two empty seats (both middle). Since I boarded last, there were not many chances for a nice cabin shot. So only a few shots:
Here are some of the features of the new first class seat:
The famous tail camera – D-AIMI still at gate
As usual, two F/As were assigned to the F cabin, and the female F/A was in charge of most of the front line duties, while the Turk F/A was working behind the scene (galley duties). They actually coordinated very well and the service was superb from the beginning to the end. A pre-takeoff beverage was offered, and the F/A immediately proposed champagne, which I could not resist. A bowl of macadamia nuts was also offered.
Door was closed early at 3:05pm and with little activity on this post-Thanksgiving day, we pushed back at 3:10pm, and then we slowly taxied towards R/W28R. We took off at 3:31pm and it was a beautiful day
Flying time was ten hours and twelve minutes. The routing took us towards Vallejo and Yuba City, as we reached 36,000 feet and then further to 37,000feet. Then we flew in a Northeastern course towards Cardston, Brooks, Lochgilphead, and Hudson Bay. We then climbed to 39,000feet before reaching Greenland. We finally reached the European coast by passing Glasgow, Newacastle, and Wallsend. Finally we climbed to 41,000feet and then passed Amseterdam, Arnhem, Duisburg, Wuppertal and then Frankfurt.
The purser introduced herself after takeoff to each first class passenger, and I was addressed by my last name throughout the flight (It did not happen on the return flight). She was very friendly and I already knew that it would be a nice flight, as the purser always set the tone of the flight. Surprisingly she asked if I was a Turk, as she noted my Turkish Airlines’ frequent flyer number. It was a nice conversation and she continued to make her round around the F cabin. Beverage service then commenced with an amuse bouche. Tonight’s selection is a smoked salmon with salmon roe and cream cheese on a cucumber cup. My choice of beverage was a glass of the Austrian white wine - 2011 Kremser Kogl Gruner Veltliner DAC, Weingut Forstreiter, Osterreich.
Carfield From United States of America, joined Dec 2003, 1733 posts, RR: 9 Reply 2, posted (6 months 2 weeks 5 days 1 hour ago) and read 14864 times:
November to December 2012
First Class Wine List
Champagne
1999 Cuvee Louise, Champagne Pommery, Frankreich
Monthly Proposal
2008 Don Maximiano, Founders Reserve, Errazuriz, Chile
White Wines
2011 Pechstein Riesling GroBes Gewachs, Weingut Reichsrat von Buhl, Deutschland
2008 Horse Heaven Hills Chardonnay, Columbia Crest, USA
2011 Kremser Kogl Gruner Veltliner DAC, Weingut Forstreiter, Osterreich
Red Wines
2006 Chateau Laroze, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe, Frankreich
2006 Callabriga Douro, Sogrape Vinhos, Villa Nova da Gaia, Portugal
Dessert Wine
2009 Riesling – Chardonnay Eiswein, Weingut Bender, Deutschland
Monthly Proposal
Brandy Renacimiento Solera Gran Reserva, Spain
Here is the dinner menu:
USA to Frankfurt
Chef: Toni Robertson, Mandarin Oriental New York
(LH 455 San Francisco to Frankfurt)
Menu
Choice of Hors d’oeuvres
Caviar with the traditional Garnishes
Nantucket Scallop with Ham and Split Pea Puree
Seared Beef Tataki with green Papaya and Peanut Sauce
Beet Ravioli stuffed with creamy Goat Cheese and toasted Pistachios
Salad
Seasonal Salad with dried yellow Tomatoes and green Bell Pepper Julienne presented with delicious Dressing
Choice of Main Courses
Tenderloin of Beef with Sweet Potato Hash and Ginger Plum Chutney
Poached Lobster Tail and Claw in Saffron Reduction with simmered Mushrooms and Butternut Squash
Semolina Potato Cake with Tomato Cream Sauce and fresh Vegetable Ragout
Braised Chicken Breast with Tamarind Sesame Glace, Quinoa fried Rice and Bok Choy
Selection of Cheese and Dessert
Sage Derby, Parmesan, Gruyère, Cambozola and Humboldt Fog Cheese garnished with Grapes
Warm Chocolate Cake with Yogurt Ice Cream
Crème Caramel
A glass of dessert wine - 2009 Riesling – Chardonnay Eiswein, Weingut Bender, Deutschland
After dinner, I changed into the pajama and requested the turndown service. The bed was very comfortable and I had a good four hours sleep. Here is the bed (please note that the divider was raised too):
Before I forgot, one of the highlights and advantages of the first class cabin on Lufhansa A380 was the bathroom, which was huge. Of course I snapped some pictures:
The only airline with a standup urinal:
Breakfast service began at midnight PST and the service began with orange juice and hot towel:
Breakfast
Cold and hot Specialty
Fresh Orange Juice
Fresh Fruit
Yogurt with dried fruit, Cereal Granola Mix, Cornflakes and Milk
Smoked Salmon, Turkey Pastrami, Roast Beef Deli Style, grilled Chicken Breast, Emmental, Cheddar and Brie Cheese
Scrambled Eggs freshly prepared upon your Request with Bacon or Chives
Cboice of breakfast pastries – plain bagel, croissants, blueberry muffins, toasts, brown bread, and multigrain rolls
Carfield From United States of America, joined Dec 2003, 1733 posts, RR: 9 Reply 3, posted (6 months 2 weeks 5 days 1 hour ago) and read 14853 times:
Descent soon began at 10:09am Frankfurt local time, and we were slowed down by the ATC, but nothing too major. We were still at least thirty minutes ahead of schedule. We landed on R/W25L at 10:43am, thirty-seven minutes ahead of schedule, which meant our gate was not ready yet. We slowly taxied around the tarmac, which resulted in the following pictures – it was a chilly but beautiful day at Frankfurt.
Our gate, A54
We finally parked ate gate A54 at 10:59am, and it was interesting that the jetway was attached to the upper deck door first. The main deck doors were not attached till we began to deplane.
D-AIMI at Frankfurt
I have traveled through Frankfurt Main Airport many times but have to yet to understand the transit experience. Something was always different and I was naïve enough to think that Lufthansa will have a first class lounge here in the non-Schegen area, but the Senator lounge attendant told me that the F lounge at Concourse A was outside of immigration. But she was kind enough to note that my onward flight to Manchester flight would depart from Concourse B and there was a non-Schegen first class lounge there. So I headed over to Concourse B, which required many ups and downs through tunnels, and finally a train ride to the B Concourse. Thankfully I had five hours but for future transit passengers, you need to pad at least two hours transit time. Of course the next hurdle was the security checkpoint at Concourse B, and yes there was a fast lane, but things were also going slowly there. The attendant was having a bad day and was barking at various passengers. Of course some of these seasoned travelers were not the quiet types, but thankfully most of the connecting passengers were not German speakers. But FRA port and Lufthansa staffs need to work on the manners of the security staffs and most of the travelers were already confused by the complicated transit procedures and came off from long haul flights, so your agents needed to remember that they were also customer service representatives. If I rate the TSA agents at SFO friendlier than FRA, it really speaks volume on how poor my transit experiences are at Frankfurt. The return was better but the security lines were long for both priority and regular lanes. After all these hurdles, I finally arrive at this sanctuary – First Class Lounge Concourse B.
Entrance
The first class lounge was relatively small compared to the first class terminal but the design was similar with the FCT with a general seating area, business stations (five cubicles), restaurant, two dayrooms, a spa, toilets and five showers. It was similar to the first class lounge at the Schegen Concourse A.
General seating area
The Bar
Business Cubicle
The Restaurant
Plane spotting at the lounge – there is one giant advantage of staying at a non-FCT first class lounge – able to look at planes!
Carfield From United States of America, joined Dec 2003, 1733 posts, RR: 9 Reply 4, posted (6 months 2 weeks 5 days 1 hour ago) and read 14853 times:
I am not going to say much about my intra-European flights. Lufthansa is fairly standard on these flights, but I am not sure if I really like the new cold meals. The meals are definitely on the small side and the breakfast offerings are worst than their late afternoon offerings. I felt that if BA can offer a hot breakfast Panini on a 40 minutes flight from Manchester to Gatwick in Y, Lufthansa should offer at least s small egg dish for breakfast in business class. Anyway, the return flight to Frankfurt went fine and I arrived early at FRA. This time I know where to go. The attendant tried to make me going to the Z gates and told me that they had first class lounges at Concourse Z, which was not true. So never listen to those security staffs! I headed straight to the first class lounge at concourse B. The security line was long and it took thirty minutes to go through and yes, I was talking about the fast lane. Once I entered the lounge, the agent immediately told me that I was qualified for the private transfer to the gate, which was much appreciated. Most of the staffs remembered me from a few days ago and the service was superb.
Morning Refreshment
November 26, 2012
LH 418 FRA-IAD Lv1235 Arr1525 Boeing 747-8 D-ABYF “Saxony-Anhalt”
The ride from the lounge to the gate was nice, and I shared the ride with a fellow. Of course I could no longer take good pictures of the cabin, as most passengers had boarded. First class was 100% full and both F/As were a bit rushed. Pre-takeoff beverage was offered immediately but no Macadamia nuts were offered today.
Some cabin and seat shots prior to takeoff
My seat 1K
As expected, the cabin features the “next generation” interior with the updated overhead bins and overhead panels. There is no individual air nozzle.
First class lockers:
First class bar area and there is wine glasses storage underneath the bar – smart use of space
Nose closets for first class beddings
Door was closed at 12:28pm at gate Z52. We pushed back at 12:43pm.
Reflection of D-ABYF through the new A Plus Concourse
We finally took off at 1:02pm from R/W25C. The routing took us towards Cologne, Weert, and Valkenswaard, and climbed to 32,000feet. We passed Rotterdam, the Hague, Alfrod, Retherham/Sheffield, Manchester, Winston, and Formby, as we climbed to 34,000feet. Then we passed Drogheda, Drumod and Mallaranny, and climbed to 35,000feet, and then 36,000feet as we crossed the Atlantic Ocean. We passed Havre-Saint-Pierre, Anticostai Islands, Edmunston, Bennington, Newburgh, Reading, Lancaster, York, Frederick, Fairfax, and then into Dulles.
Breaking through the thick cloud layer
Seat 1A
Prior to discussing the flights, let explore the new first class suites of the Boeing 747-8s. They are basically the same as the A380 but the seats are narrower on the Boeing 747-8s (at least it feels narrower). However the basic features are the same.
New streamlined and enlarged seat console – lots of spaces for amuse bouche/nuts and glasses and cups
Magazine/literature pocket – definitely larger on the A380 – for those who read the UK “Airliner World,” I can fit it nicely on the literature pocket on my A380 to FRA, but I have to put it sideways on the Boeing 747-8s. Same with the LH giant size menu and wine list!
New giant personal TV and vase for rose
Windows with two levels of blinds – I will demonstrate here with a series of pictures. On the A380s, I don’t have control over them, but the Boeing 747-8 allows me to control the blinds. The button is more user friendly.
Seat Control Console – for control of the entertainment system
Seat Control Panel – to adjust the seat
Side storage bins – same as A380s, but A380s are wider – but this may have to do with Row 1.
First one for headset and small items like mobile phones
Second one for slightly larger items
Ottoman for laptops and shoes
Personal light
Seat 1K – close-up of seat
Life vest
Power outlet consoles – double universal power outlets/USB port/Ethernet/
Carfield From United States of America, joined Dec 2003, 1733 posts, RR: 9 Reply 5, posted (6 months 2 weeks 5 days 1 hour ago) and read 14839 times:
Over Continental Europe – before meal and beverage services to start
Amuse bouche with a glass of red wine - 2006 Chateau Laroze, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe, Frankreich
Today’s feature - Smoked Salmon Trout on Apple and Horseradish Jelly, sweet Mustard cream and cucumber
Hot towel
Over the Netherland Coast
Menu by Chef – Joachim Wissler
Choice of Appetizers
Caviar with the traditional Garnishes
King Prawn Confit in Curry and Yogurt Dip
Chinese Cabbage “Kimchi” - Savory Mango Salad
Cecina de Vacuno
Potato Herb Salad - Chestnut and Celery Confit - Pumpkin Seed Oil
Cottage Cheese Tartare with Pumpernickel
Sweet and sour marinated Yellow Beetroot
Salad and Soup
Baby Leaf Salad with Chanterelle Mushrooms, Cucumber and Cherry Tomatoes presented with your Choice of Tomato and Tarragon or Orange and Mustard Dressing
Black Salsify Cream with toasted Sunflower Seeds flavored with San Mauro Olive Oil
Choice of Main Courses
Beef Shoulder braised in Cabernet Sauvignon
French Beans - Rosemary Potatoes - caramelized Pearl Onions
Filet of Char in Sauce Verjus du Perigord
Green Asparagus Crêpe – Leaf Spinach
Wild Mushroom Goulash with Mini Dumpling
Braised Savoy Cabbage - shaved Mountain Cheese
Lufthansa Classics
Free Range Goose flavored with four Spices
Orange Sauce Joachim Wissler
Red Cabbage - Potato Dumplings
Selection of Cheese and Dessert
Fourme d’Ambert, Livarot, Pecorino, Saint-Nectaire and ashed Goat Cheese
Dried Fruit Chutney, red Grapes, Walnuts, Cucumber and Carrots
Dark Chocolate Crémeux with fresh Raspberries
Semolina and Nougat Dumplings
Spiced Plums flavored with Plum Brandy
Tonka Bean Ice Cream
LH 400,402,408,410,418,422,428,430,436,442,444 11/12-12/12
Pralines after dinner
Digestive Johnnie Walker Blue Label
I actually prefer the dinner from SFO to FRA over this particular lunch menu. The appetizers are a bit too interesting for my “lack of sophistication” palette. My favorite dish is the king prawn confit and I could barely finish the other two starters. The soup was interesting and I appreciate Lufthansa offering a soup course. I chose the Roast Goose as my main course and I was not disappointed. The chocolate mousse dessert was definitely the highlight. The service was also a little bit off today especially Lufthansa F/As basically were flawless in terms of meal executions. There was a twenty-five to thirty minutes wait after the soup/salad course. I had a feeling that something was not working in the galley. The F/A was very apologetic but thankfully it was a daytime flight. Everyone was relaxed. After dinner, I went to the toilet to change into my pajama and of course, here is the detailed bathroom shot. The bathroom is of course smaller than Airbus A380 but it is still functional and well designed.
(Note no real towels are used on Boeing 747-8s – only paper towels)
Carfield From United States of America, joined Dec 2003, 1733 posts, RR: 9 Reply 6, posted (6 months 2 weeks 5 days 1 hour ago) and read 14839 times:
The snack service was offered about 100 minutes prior to arrival!
Hot towel again
Snack trolley
Snack Time
Cold and hot specialties
Canapé with Wild salmon, Walnut canapé with marinated salmon
Ciabatta with Bavaria blu cheese and sandwich with Bresaola, shaved Parmesan cheese and Cole slaw
Tyrolean Goulash Soup served in a bread bowl
Dessert
Hazelnut and Carrot cake, Mini Stollen Pastry, Chocolate Cup filled with baked apple cream
Fresh Fruit
LH 400,402,408,410,418,422,428,430,436,442,444 11/12-12/12
Over Northeastern USA
Hot Peppermint tea
Descent began at 2:30pm EST and after vectoring a bit over the DC area, we finally received our clearance to land around 3:06pm.
Passing IAD
We landed on R/W1R at 3:16pm and taxing time was minimal and parked at Gate B45 at 3:22pm. Unfortunately, an Austrian Airlines’ Boeing 767-300ER OE-LAE had arrived fifteen minutes prior to us and since both airplanes share the same mobile lounges dock, the scene at the gate was simply chaotic. The LH agents also insisted on seeing the baggage receipts for all connecting passengers, which added more times. I really wish IAD could do something about it. The immigration hall for connecting passengers was filled with people, and I am forever thankful to Global Entry. With no check-in luggage, I was through that mess within five minutes. However, there were more waits at the TSA checkpoint. Well the arrival experience was typically IAD and the post-Thanksgiving day just added more chaos. Most European tourists were more confused as they were not aware of the post-Thanksgiving rush.
In conclusion, Lufthansa, despites its lackluster business and economy class, has a superb first class product. The ground experience can be better especially for transit passengers at FRA. Anyway, its first class inflight service is very consistent, and the pursers and flight attendants put much effort in making the travel experiences better. There were ample choices of various courses of meals, and I like the snack trolley for the westbound flight to the USA. The inflight entertainment system, which I did not discuss much, was okay, as they are on demand, but the amount of contents are still lacking, compared to Singapore Airlines’ KrisWorld, Emirates, Qatar Airways, United, and Cathay Pacific. Cameras with outside views are available on both new airplanes – A380 and Boeing 747-8. Honestly both A380 and Boeing 747-8 are beautiful new airplanes, and of course, A380 is a bit quieter and the F cabin feels more spacious and the seats are wider with more storage spaces. However, I actually prefer the older Boeing 747-400s with the separate first class seat and a “real” bed.
jetblueguy22 From United States of America, joined Nov 2007, 2053 posts, RR: 1 Reply 7, posted (6 months 2 weeks 4 days 21 hours ago) and read 14218 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW FORUM MODERATOR
Fantastic TR! I just have a few questions if you don't mind! Were those shaving razors in the F bathroom? Can't believe they'd actually have those! Also if you plugged into the Ethernet do they charge you an arm and a leg? I can't imagine the data is overly cheap!
Blue
Professor Foltz: You push down on that yoke, the houses get bigger, you pull back on the yoke, the houses get bigger.
Carfield From United States of America, joined Dec 2003, 1733 posts, RR: 9 Reply 8, posted (6 months 2 weeks 4 days 19 hours ago) and read 13966 times:
Excellent idea. Why don't more airlines have these? Some of the newer Chinese bullet trains have them.
Quoting Carfield (Thread starter): Thankfully I had five hours but for future transit passengers, you need to pad at least two hours transit time.
I hate transiting in FRA...takes hours, and is very poorly laid out
Quoting jetblueguy22 (Reply 7): Were those shaving razors in the F bathroom? Can't believe they'd actually have those!
Quite a few airlines hand out razors either onboard or in the lounge after security. You can't do much damage with them, much like the cutlery. If I was going to find a weapon onboard, I'd probably use a bottle of champagne....much more effective than a 1 inch razor
Carfield From United States of America, joined Dec 2003, 1733 posts, RR: 9 Reply 13, posted (6 months 1 week 5 days 19 hours ago) and read 9111 times:
Quoting GVAJFKflyer (Reply 12): One question for you about the 747-8: how do seats 1A / 1K compare to seats 2A / 2K?
It looks like seat 1A is quite close to seat 1K: is it an annoyanceI if you travel alone?
On the other hand, from your photos, it looks like they park the snack trolley near seats 2A / 2K, which could also be annoying.
I honestly have no idea... the flight was full so I did not get to test the seat. They looked pretty similar. The nose felt a bit more spacious on the 747-8 than on 747-400s.
Yes it is close, but not to the point to be an annoyance. There is a divider that can be raised after takeoff...
The F/A had to go back to the galley to grab beverages and soup for some passengers, so I just took the opportunity to snap a few shots of the trolley. The trolley was only there for a few minutes.
thegivenone From Austria, joined Jan 2008, 141 posts, RR: 0 Reply 14, posted (6 months 1 week 3 days 12 hours ago) and read 8050 times:
Thanks Carfiled for the fantastic report!
I will never get tired of reading LH First Class reports – I read vicariously through these and am anxiously saving my miles for a trip in this fantastic cabin.
I am surprised to hear that there is no FC lounge at the Z/A+ Gates.
Lufthansa747 From Philippines, joined May 1999, 3180 posts, RR: 46 Reply 15, posted (6 months 1 week 2 days 16 hours ago) and read 7452 times:
Excellent report as usual Carfield. The food ex-SFO indeed looks delicious. I agree even Z to A transit is a monster, no lines for me but it's still a mess. I just flew D-AIMG and AIMI, the crew was really nice both ways even in Y, a notch above usual.
D-AIMI LH779 SIN-FRA go-around in serious winds topped the go-around experiences for me nicely, man that thing was shaking like there's no tomorrow. And I thought CX's B-KPO was quite the rollercoaster in a MNL typhoon already!
planiac787 From India, joined May 2012, 225 posts, RR: 0 Reply 16, posted (5 months 1 week 1 day 7 hours ago) and read 4034 times:
Good trip report. I am uploading my tr with the lufthansa next gen business class seat... first class is obviously fantastic but i think in terms of service lufthansa should step up there act in the j cabin. Did not really have the best of it..
cheers and good job
Pradat
Be the change you want to see in the world- M.K.Gandhi
ba319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8276 posts, RR: 56 Reply 17, posted (5 months 1 week 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 3785 times:
Hi Carfield,
Great report and pictures, as usual, many thanks for posting.
Quoting Carfield (Thread starter): There were a number of occasions with schedule changes on United flights, but Lufthansa did a good job in keep me posted but I have to reselect my seat on the new United flight every times.
- Interesting you needed to reselect your seats, were there aircraft changes that resulted in this?
Quoting Carfield (Thread starter): The food selection is impressive and I love the mushroom soup offering today
- Indeed for a US carrier this is pretty good.
Quoting Carfield (Thread starter): one of the highlights and advantages of the first class cabin on Lufhansa A380 was the bathroom, which was huge
- Wow, you could hold a meeting in there! - Love the urinal, what a great idea.
Quoting Carfield (Thread starter): I have traveled through Frankfurt Main Airport many times but have to yet to understand the transit experience. Something was always different and I was naïve enough to think that Lufthansa will have a first class lounge here in the non-Schegen area, but the Senator lounge attendant told me that the F lounge at Concourse A was outside of immigration. But she was kind enough to note that my onward flight to Manchester flight would depart from Concourse B and there was a non-Schegen first class lounge there. So I headed over to Concourse B, which required many ups and downs through tunnels, and finally a train ride to the B Concourse. Thankfully I had five hours but for future transit passengers, you need to pad at least two hours transit time. Of course the next hurdle was the security checkpoint at Concourse B, and yes there was a fast lane, but things were also going slowly there. The attendant was having a bad day and was barking at various passengers. Of course some of these seasoned travelers were not the quiet types, but thankfully most of the connecting passengers were not German speakers. But FRA port and Lufthansa staffs need to work on the manners of the security staffs and most of the travelers were already confused by the complicated transit procedures and came off from long haul flights, so your agents needed to remember that they were also customer service representatives. If I rate the TSA agents at SFO friendlier than FRA, it really speaks volume on how poor my transit experiences are at Frankfurt.
- I hate connecting through FRA, such a mess every time.
Quoting Carfield (Thread starter): Plane spotting at the lounge – there is one giant advantage of staying at a non-FCT first class lounge – able to look at planes!
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