planiac787 From India, joined May 2012, 225 posts, RR: 0 Posted (5 months 1 week 2 days 9 hours ago) and read 16414 times:
Greetings fellow A.netters.
Its been a long time since I posted a tr. I did travel a few domestic destinations but am still debating if I should or not write on domestic flights.What do you guys feel about this?
Anyways back to the topic in hand.
It was time for me to head back to college. After a very long break I needed to get back on top of the horse.
Now while looking for good economy class seats i stumbled upon a good deal by lufthansa. Usually round tickets to/from india to the united states is around 2000usd and business class is anywhere between 3800usd to 5300usd. So while looking on various websites I found a perfect one stop flight from New Delhi to Atlanta from 3000 dollars. After much debate with my father he agreed and I was all set to fly lufthansa's new business class product on there new 747-8i. LH 761 would be taking me from delhi to frankfurt and LH 444 would take me from Frankfurt to Atlanta.
DAY OF DEPARTURE.
I had an early morning flight on the 3rd of January which meant I should leave my house at 12 30 am.
Within 20 minutes we were turning into Indira Gandhi International airport.
CHECK IN.
I was actually allowed to check in through the first class counter since business class already had people waiting.
The normal robotic stuff followed and my baggages were through checked in to atlanta. I was given the lounge invitation and asked to clear immigration and security.
Here are some pics of the check in.
Immigrations
FIDS
Plenty of Duty free shopping here at IGI's Terminal 3
Security was done in 10 minutes and I was on my way to the Lufthansa lounge. Now I never knew lufthansa had a dedicated lounge. The lounge was also used by Austrian and Swiss. The lounge was pretty neat with hot and cold selection of food. Plenty of alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages and plenty of comfortable chairs. To be honest I found the lounge to be huge. Never seen a lounge this big in an Indian airport before. Lufthansa has always said that India is a very important market to them. So they are living up to their words. Here are pics.
Yum!
Boarding was announced at 2 15 for the 3 am flight.I met a friend at the airport and started catching up with him so decided to go a little late to the boarding area.
The reason for my delay! LOL
The gate allocated to us today was gate 9. A 20 minute walk from the duty free area.
Here are some pics on the way
Ahh the first view of the 747-8i
Walking down.
I had chosen a seat on the upper deck because I had been on it.Yes I had flown the 747 multiple times but was always on the lower deck. So I was really really excited.
My seat for the next 8 hours!
So the first impression of the cabin was that it was still in great condition.I was greeted by the purser and I went and settled into my seat.The seat to mine was vacant so I was pretty happy.
Champagne,OJ and Water were offered to me and I went for a glass of Champagne.
Some shots from my seat
Amenity Kit
Mood lighting
So after a very long taxi we approached the run way at 3 45 am.
Flight Number: LH 761
From: Indira Gandhi International Airport
To: Franfurt Am Airport
Flying time: 8 hours 5 minutes
J class load: 60%
Y class load: 85%
F class load: Unknown
Flight Registration: D-ABYD
Scheduled Departure time: 3 AM
Actual Departure time: 3 45 AM
Scheduled Arrival Time : 7 20 AM
Actual Arrival Time: 7 35 AM
After 45 minutes into the flight the crew sprung into action with the beverage service. Menus were distributed and orders were taken.Some pics of the menu
I chose the Asian Vegetarian Dish. Now usually flights to/from India should have more choice as a lot of vegetarian people travel on the flight but we were only offered one choice.
The food was nothing great , just Ok. Also the portions served were very small for J class. But they did plenty of bread runs so I filled my stomach with bread. I was expecting much more on the food department but I was slightly let down.
IFE
The lufthansa Ife has come indeed come a long way from the time when there was no AVOD.
The screen is a decent 15" and the selection was pretty decent.But I would say united is kicking there ass on that department. Even in there y class there is much more option. But still the selection offered is good for a 8 hour flight.
Some big bang theory
After the meal service I went off to sleep for around 4 hours. Now for the new seats. Yes they are lie flat and a good improvement over the old J seat lufthansa still has on most of it s fleet. But still the seat does have some flaws. The angle on the foot rest makes it uncomfortable because of the lack of space one gets.
Good seats to work on but not the best to sleep.SQ,EK,UNITED,9W and so many more have better J class seats than them.
Breakfast was served 1 hour prior to landing. Again not the best meal I have had on a flight. Just Ok.
Moving Map
Safety Card
Be the change you want to see in the world- M.K.Gandhi
planiac787 From India, joined May 2012, 225 posts, RR: 0 Reply 1, posted (5 months 1 week 2 days 9 hours ago) and read 16597 times:
First Look of Frankfurt
Look whose greeting us today! The 787
Austrian Airlines in Vintage Colors!
Sister Aircraft
Parked right next to her
The crew on this flight were good. Nothing extra ordinary. Just the usual robotic stuff. Did smile though.I was allowed to see the cockpit and here are the pics
Pilot rest area (Pretty neat)
The Engines
Final Look
Wow! Look at the number of Jumbos here
Re cleared security at frankfurt and went straight to the lounge. Once again great lounge! Huge for sure. Decent selection of food but I did not have anything cause I was full from the earlier flight and wanted to keep space for my next flight.
Views from the lufthansa lounge at frankfurt
Pics of the lounge
Advertising India in Franfurt. #WINNING
First look of the A333 taking me across the pond.
BOARDING
People travelling with small children , Families and Disabled people were asked to board first. Surprisingly there was not a dedicated boarding for first and business class passengers. A separate line , yes but all the passengers were allowed to board together.
Pics of my seat 3A
Plenty Of united flights
TG Super Jumbo
Flight Number: LH 444
From: FrankFurt Am Airport
To: Atlanta Hartsfield Airport
Flying time: 10 hours 15 minutes
J class load: 95%
Y class load: 95%
F class load: 45%
Flight Registration: D-AIKN
Scheduled Departure time: 11 20 AM
Actual Departure time: 11 35 AM
Scheduled Arrival Time : 3 45 PM
Actual Arrival Time: 3 45 PM
After a timely pushback and departure we were flying high into the clear sky. It looked like the perfect day to be flying.
30 minutes into the flight the crew started there work.Beverages were offered and I went for champagne. It was served it a packet of nuts. Now these nuts were probably the best nuts I have ever had. The problem was that neither they were hot nor were they served in a bowl. Lufthansa should seriously change this service.What say you a netters?
My asian vegetarian startet
The main course
Cheese Platter
Food on this flight was slightly better than the food on the other flight but still was not the best. Multiple bread and beverage runs were made and I must say the bread were warm and delicious.Two thumbs up for this.
The IFE on this aircraft was bad to sum it up. Small screens,bad selection and horrible display.I went to sleep around 2 hours into the flight was woke up after 4 hours. Took a few pics of the seat.
on full recline
Rest Position
Landing Position
The seat is nothing great. It is angled lie flat so not too comfortable for sleeping. I still managed a few hours but not the best sleep.The seat is comfortable for resting and stretching out but not for sleeping.
Some where over Quebec
Be the change you want to see in the world- M.K.Gandhi
planiac787 From India, joined May 2012, 225 posts, RR: 0 Reply 2, posted (5 months 1 week 2 days 9 hours ago) and read 16531 times:
Moving Map
About 2 hours prior to arrival A snack was served. Nothing really to write about.
Over the great smoky mountains
Some airport I could not recognize
First view of the Atlanta skyline
Hello Atlanta!
A great landing and we were back in atlanta georgia! Quickly went through immigration and customs , got my bags and was off to the hotel
Ratings
LH 761
Check in : 7 ( Quick and efficient but lacks warmth)
Aircraft: 9 ( Immaculate Condition , Very Clean)
Seat : 7 ( Comfortable with certain flaws)
IFE: 7.5 ( Decent Selection , Good screen)
Food: 6 ( need to improve both on quality and quantity)
Service: 7 ( Pretty Robotic but still ok)
Lounge: 9 ( Very good lounge)
Total
53/70 (Around 73%)
LH 444
Aircraft: 7 (Old Aircraft Showing some signs of Aging)
Seat: 6 ( Atleast change them into the new product)
IFE: 4 ( Needs to improve)
Food: 6.5 ( Needs Improvement)
Service: 7.5 (Decent)
Lounge:9 ( Very good lounge)
Total
40/60 (Around 67.5%)
Thanks for reading! Comments and Questions always welcomed
IrishAyes From United States of America, joined Jan 2008, 1770 posts, RR: 5 Reply 3, posted (5 months 1 week 2 days 9 hours ago) and read 16310 times:
Hi Pradat,
Happy New Year, thank you for the TR, I needed a break on this Friday afternoon to read something that did not make my head spin at work. I have always been curious to see how the Lufthansa product has evolved over the years and after reading this, suffice to say that I don't think I'll be giving them my business again soon. To me, it seems like they cut corners a bit too much for my liking.
For starters, unimpressed by the fact that the seat on the 748-i weren't to your standards. I also agree that the UA IFE (which is moreso a credit to pmCO) is vastly superior to anything that a European carrier offers. Then again, LH has indeed come a long way from the days when there was NO ife on their long-haul flights.
I'm very curious as to why Lufthansa has adopted a new strategy with their JCL catering by only offering the Asian-Vegetarian meal as a pre-ordered item. The quantity in your pictures does indeed look small; unfortunately, it was the same on SWISS J from DEL to ZRH
Nice to see the planes all over FRA. It seems like everyone has lounge access these days haha.
Thanks again and good luck this semester at Georgia Tech!
planiac787 From India, joined May 2012, 225 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (5 months 1 week 2 days 9 hours ago) and read 16263 times:
A very happy new year to you too my friend!
How are you doing? Hope all is well!
Well I feel lufthansa is one of the smartest airlines in the business right now. Yes they do but corners but they are still doing well in these tough economic times. Every one has a different experience on there flights and I was not that lucky to get great service however they were not too bad. They need to work on specific things but I feel they can be right in the top with some minor changes. If you get a good deal with lh I say go for it. You might have a better flight than me!
Cheers!
Pradat
P.S. - They really need to serve more food
Be the change you want to see in the world- M.K.Gandhi
debonair From Germany, joined Jan 2004, 2114 posts, RR: 4 Reply 6, posted (5 months 1 week 2 days 3 hours ago) and read 15574 times:
Nice TR!
Quoting planiac787 (Thread starter): I chose the Asian Vegetarian Dish. Now usually flights to/from India should have more choice as a lot of vegetarian people travel on the flight but we were only offered one choice.
Quoting IrishAyes (Reply 3): I'm very curious as to why Lufthansa has adopted a new strategy with their JCL catering by only offering the Asian-Vegetarian meal as a pre-ordered item.
Lufthansa is offering a wider choice of lovely Indian dishes, but these have to be pre-booked with Lufthansa. Reason for this: passengers from India can have now Indian meals all the way to their final destination (also FRA to USA).
Have a look on their web-page:
Hindu meal No beef and veal, prepared and spiced Indian style (available only in First and Business Class)
planiac787 From India, joined May 2012, 225 posts, RR: 0 Reply 7, posted (5 months 1 week 1 day 16 hours ago) and read 14412 times:
Quoting tb727 (Reply 5): That would be Gainesville, GA KGVL.
Thanks man appreciate the help.
Quoting debonair (Reply 6): Lufthansa is offering a wider choice of lovely Indian dishes, but these have to be pre-booked with Lufthansa. Reason for this: passengers from India can have now Indian meals all the way to their final destination (also FRA to USA).
Yes I am aware of this rule but I still feel they need to have some more on board options. Cause I like the surprise and suspense of what they might serve on board , so having some variety might help , after all variety is the spice of life
Thanks for commenting.
Cheers
Pradat
Be the change you want to see in the world- M.K.Gandhi
CF-CPI From Canada, joined Nov 2000, 855 posts, RR: 0 Reply 9, posted (5 months 1 week 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 14310 times:
Pradat, thank you for this comprehensive report. The 7478 is still such a novelty. I noticed that the J seat pairs seem to be angled so that you would be turned towards your neighbor. This might be great if you were traveling with an acquaintance, but I wonder how comfy I would be with a complete stranger. From the pics, it seems you had the seat next to you vacant, which was nice I am sure.
I am surprised at the meals. They seem OK enough, but in J, I would have expected more refinement. And nuts in their foil package? Really!
planiac787 From India, joined May 2012, 225 posts, RR: 0 Reply 10, posted (5 months 1 week 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 14229 times:
Yes The 748 is a beautiful aircraft and an engineering marvel.But coming back to lufthansas J product.The problem with the seat is that even if you are travelling with an acquaintance your feet might keep touching theirs if you are a wrest less sleeper like me. I like to toss and turn and thus it causes discomfort to the other passenger. I would die of embarrassment if it is a stranger. Even there is a divider from keeping you go onto the other side , there is just not enough space to move your feet which makes it uncomfortable.
Quoting CF-CPI (Reply 9): Pradat, thank you for this comprehensive report. The 7478 is still such a novelty. I noticed that the J seat pairs seem to be angled so that you would be turned towards your neighbor. This might be great if you were traveling with an acquaintance, but I wonder how comfy I would be with a complete stranger. From the pics, it seems you had the seat next to you vacant, which was nice I am sure.
I am surprised at the meals. They seem OK enough, but in J, I would have expected more refinement. And nuts in their foil package? Really!
And yes there meals need to bigger and better.
And it was outrageous to see nuts being served in a fol package.Lufthansa needs to change this service
Thanks for commenting.
Cheers
Pradat.
Be the change you want to see in the world- M.K.Gandhi
rahulrahul From United States of America, joined Jun 2012, 138 posts, RR: 0 Reply 11, posted (5 months 1 week 1 day 11 hours ago) and read 13929 times:
Hey! Nice Report! I like the new LH Business Class. Nice to see the 747-8i in DEL. Heard that it is coming to BLR soon.
planiac787 From India, joined May 2012, 225 posts, RR: 0 Reply 14, posted (5 months 1 week 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 13650 times:
Yes this is the new and improved Terminal 3 opened in 2010. Its a state of the art terminal with all possible modern facilities! Thanks for the comment
Cheers
Pradat
Be the change you want to see in the world- M.K.Gandhi
planiac787 From India, joined May 2012, 225 posts, RR: 0 Reply 17, posted (5 months 6 days 19 hours ago) and read 12515 times:
I was wondering if I should start writing trip reports on my domestic travels?
I usually prefer writing about long haul flights but is there big readership for short haul too?
Any comments?
Pradat
Be the change you want to see in the world- M.K.Gandhi
na From Germany, joined Dec 1999, 9710 posts, RR: 10 Reply 18, posted (5 months 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 12224 times:
Thanks for the report. Interestingly I was on the DEL-FRA route as well, on exactly the same plane, and just one row behind your seat - just 5 days before you!
Quoting planiac787 (Reply 10): Yes The 748 is a beautiful aircraft and an engineering marvel. But coming back to lufthansas J product.The problem with the seat is that even if you are travelling with an acquaintance your feet might keep touching theirs if you are a wrest less sleeper like me.
I didnt see that problem even if I had no seat neighbour. The divider could be a bit bigger though and should be removable if you have no one sitting next too you. The only real letdown of the new LH seats I could find were the reading lights which are more search lights annoying the row in front of you rather then useful for reading. Otherwise I would say that I concur with most you said. Sadly you didnt say much of the plane itself, which I found much superior to anything but the A380. And the intimate and unique upper deck and nose compartments are superior to anything that could be found on even the most luxurious 777.
Quoting bobloblaw (Reply 8):
Nice bare feet there..........That's what I want to see when I buy a $5000 J class ticket. Oooohhhh.....A second segment of bare feet.
I hate it if people in planes are barefoot, sorry. That shows no style at all, and imho is not even suitable of Economy class. This is not your private flat, my dear, so keep your private habits to your home!
Quoting planiac787 (Reply 10): And yes there meals need to bigger and better.
And it was outrageous to see nuts being served in a fol package.Lufthansa needs to change this service
Couldnt really find anything to complain. Food could be better on LH, right, but thats no reason for me to choose an airline. On a night flight I cant eat much anyway. To complain about nuts in a package is a bit snobbish I must say.
Great screen and much on offer, but the movie selection I found rather poor. Not a single recent blockbuster and a lot of stuff that has been shown on TV already several times.
derwentwater747 From United States of America, joined Apr 2012, 9 posts, RR: 0 Reply 19, posted (5 months 6 days 4 hours ago) and read 11882 times:
I assume they provide socks in the amenity kit? Why not put the socks on? It goes up my rear when I see bare feet in a cabin. Especially on a brand new 8i.
Nimish From India, joined Feb 2005, 3087 posts, RR: 9 Reply 20, posted (5 months 5 days 21 hours ago) and read 11719 times:
Nice report Plainiac - thanks for posting. The $3K fare - was that one-way or return (both legs in J)? If it was for a return fare - then that's great value...
Definitely feel free to post domestic reports as well.
About those who feel odd seeing bare feet - not sure I understand the concern? You see bare hands, thighs (when wearing shorts/skirts) etc. etc. all the time and probably on J as well.
Perhaps it's a cultural thing, but with the heat in India - flip-flops/ sandals are very common and not considered odd. At my work place here in India - we have numerous folks who come in with flip-flops/ sandals and take them off while at their desk. I would be concerned too if folks were going barefoot to the loos/ galleys, but is it really odd while lying down/relaxing on your seat?
na From Germany, joined Dec 1999, 9710 posts, RR: 10 Reply 21, posted (5 months 5 days 21 hours ago) and read 11701 times:
Quoting Nimish (Reply 20): Perhaps it's a cultural thing, but with the heat in India - flip-flops/ sandals are very common and not considered odd.
Its not odd in India, but when I left Delhi it was 10 degrees and Indians were shivering in thick jackets at the entrance of the airport. And the LH 748I was perfectly airconditioned, not so hot as often the case. To be barefoot in public places when its not hot I dont understand. Especially as LH provides socks in J-Class.
Nimish From India, joined Feb 2005, 3087 posts, RR: 9 Reply 22, posted (5 months 5 days 19 hours ago) and read 11587 times:
Quoting na (Reply 21): To be barefoot in public places when its not hot I dont understand. Especially as LH provides socks in J-Class.
I guess it's a cultural thing then. It's exceedingly common to see folks barefoot in India - not just the poor who can't afford footwear, but even well to do, "with-it" folks. For instance on the train - once you're lying down on your berth, you are typically barefoot. No one notices nor is it considered odd. In the Indian context, you'd wear the pair of socks supplied by LH if you were feeling cold, or you found the floor unhygienic, not because of embarrassment of being seen bare feet.
planiac787 From India, joined May 2012, 225 posts, RR: 0 Reply 23, posted (5 months 5 days 17 hours ago) and read 11519 times:
Quoting na (Reply 18): Thanks for the report. Interestingly I was on the DEL-FRA route as well, on exactly the same plane, and just one row behind your seat - just 5 days before you!
Thanks and thats pretty cool.
Quoting na (Reply 18): I didnt see that problem even if I had no seat neighbour. The divider could be a bit bigger though and should be removable if you have no one sitting next too you. The only real letdown of the new LH seats I could find were the reading lights which are more search lights annoying the row in front of you rather then useful for reading. Otherwise I would say that I concur with most you said. Sadly you didnt say much of the plane itself, which I found much superior to anything but the A380. And the intimate and unique upper deck and nose compartments are superior to anything that could be found on even the most luxurious 777.
Well I toss and turn a lot when I am sleeping thus my feet kept crashing into the divider so it got annoying after a while.
Thus I was not satisfied with the angled seating.Yes I agree with you on the lighting i felt that too.Now talking about the upper deck , I felt I was on a small private jet because of the amount of privacy.. so basically loved it.. Sorry forgot to mention it in the report.
Quoting na (Reply 18): I hate it if people in planes are barefoot, sorry. That shows no style at all, and imho is not even suitable of Economy class. This is not your private flat, my dear, so keep your private habits to your home!
Quoting derwentwater747 (Reply 19): I assume they provide socks in the amenity kit? Why not put the socks on? It goes up my rear when I see bare feet in a cabin. Especially on a brand new 8i.
Quoting na (Reply 21): Its not odd in India, but when I left Delhi it was 10 degrees and Indians were shivering in thick jackets at the entrance of the airport. And the LH 748I was perfectly airconditioned, not so hot as often the case. To be barefoot in public places when its not hot I dont understand. Especially as LH provides socks in J-Class.
Ok guys lets stop this debate right here. I was not trying to showcase my barefeet but I was trying to show off lufthansa's product. I am "sorry" if my feat got on the way and I feel this is a personal and cultural choice. I have bought a J class ticket and I have every right to be comfortable in my flight. I would not really care of what people sitting near me think. I do not wish to offend any of you , but this is just how I fly
Quoting Nimish (Reply 20):
Nice report Plainiac - thanks for posting. The $3K fare - was that one-way or return (both legs in J)? If it was for a return fare - then that's great value...
Definitely feel free to post domestic reports as well.
About those who feel odd seeing bare feet - not sure I understand the concern? You see bare hands, thighs (when wearing shorts/skirts) etc. etc. all the time and probably on J as well.
Perhaps it's a cultural thing, but with the heat in India - flip-flops/ sandals are very common and not considered odd. At my work place here in India - we have numerous folks who come in with flip-flops/ sandals and take them off while at their desk. I would be concerned too if folks were going barefoot to the loos/ galleys, but is it really odd while lying down/relaxing on your seat?
Hi nimish
Thanks for your comment. Yes it was a round trip ticket I got for 3k dollars. I was pretty happy with the deal.
I think I am going to start on my domestic reports soon. And again being bare feet or not is a personal choice. I find it to be ok and wont be offended if any one near decides to go ahead with it. Of course if the feet have foul odor it would be a problem but otherwise its A ok!
Quoting na (Reply 18): To complain about nuts in a package is a bit snobbish I must say.
And my complaint for nuts in a bag is not snobbish according to me because when I write a trip report I also compare the airlines. When you see other airlines J service , you see that one usually gets served warm nuts in a bowl with the beverage. It s a good service which in my opinion lufthansa should also impose.Not trying to be snobbish at all mate.
Cheers and thanks for the comments
Pradat
[Edited 2013-01-15 07:12:39]
Be the change you want to see in the world- M.K.Gandhi
Cricket From India, joined Aug 2005, 2943 posts, RR: 7 Reply 24, posted (5 months 4 days 3 hours ago) and read 11090 times:
Wow, $3K for a return fare in J-Class is incredibly good value from anywhere in the US. Have never flown LH trans-atlantic though, but lets see maybe this year.
Nice report!
planiac787 From India, joined May 2012, 225 posts, RR: 0 Reply 26, posted (5 months 3 days 14 hours ago) and read 10822 times:
Quoting Cricket (Reply 24): Wow, $3K for a return fare in J-Class is incredibly good value from anywhere in the US. Have never flown LH trans-atlantic though, but lets see maybe this year.
Nice report!
Thanks Cricket!
Lufthansa has a decent on board product and the fra airport is pretty good..
So if you do get a good deal with them I say you go for it.
The ticket i got for 3000 dollars was actually on orbitz.com
The same ticket on the lh website was for 4200 usd.
So check the out the website I just mentioned.
na From Germany, joined Dec 1999, 9710 posts, RR: 10 Reply 27, posted (5 months 2 days 22 hours ago) and read 10655 times:
Quoting planiac787 (Reply 26): The ticket i got for 3000 dollars was actually on orbitz.com
The same ticket on the lh website was for 4200 usd.
How long in advance did you book your ticket? My FRA-India "triangle" return ticket was more than 4200 Euros, about 5500 $, booked just a few days in advance. In miles flown my employer paid more than twice as you then.
Quoting planiac787 (Reply 26): Again I was not trying to offend any one but I would rather be comfortable , all other things would come in second.
I am sure you didnt want to offend anyone. Its a minor thing anyway. But I would recommend socks the next time. Its more internationally tolerated without being less comfortable at all
planiac787 From India, joined May 2012, 225 posts, RR: 0 Reply 28, posted (5 months 2 days 18 hours ago) and read 10531 times:
Quoting na (Reply 27): How long in advance did you book your ticket? My FRA-India "triangle" return ticket was more than 4200 Euros, about 5500 $, booked just a few days in advance. In miles flown my employer paid more than twice as you then.
Believe it or not i got my ticket booked only 20 days in advance to the travel date. I felt i got really lucky but then my friend booked new delhi- new york for 2500 dollars business class 10 days before his travel and another friend got a Del-Lhr-Phl ticket for the same price as me on Ba 2 weeks before his travel date.(He also got upgraded at the airport to first :P)
I dont know if some fair was going on but looks like every one got good deals and it was december the peak travel time..
Surprising I know.
Pradat
Be the change you want to see in the world- M.K.Gandhi
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6219 posts, RR: 79 Reply 30, posted (5 months 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 10064 times:
Hi Pradat,
very interesting report about your LH experience. Great to see you managed to get on the 748. I've just booked a flight on that bird, cannot wait to try it!
The food presentation is indeed a bit disappointing, but I think quantity is okay. Bad to hear about the robotic service. I have only had good LH crews in the last few years.
Quoting planiac787 (Thread starter): I did travel a few domestic destinations but am still debating if I should or not write on domestic flights.What do you guys feel about this?
Of course you should! Reports about domestic flights in India don't show up here very often.
Quoting planiac787 (Thread starter): After much debate with my father he agreed and I was all set to fly lufthansa's new business class product on there new 747-8i.
You negotiated well!
Quoting planiac787 (Thread starter): I had chosen a seat on the upper deck because I had been on it.Yes I had flown the 747 multiple times but was always on the lower deck. So I was really really excited.
I can understand that! I flew on the upper deck for the first time on a JAL 744D in 2007 - it was mostly empty, was a great flight.
Yes, and FRA will remain a 747 hub for a long time, fortunately.
Quoting planiac787 (Thread starter): The problem was that neither they were hot nor were they served in a bowl. Lufthansa should seriously change this service.What say you a netters?
It's nice to get nuts in a bowl, but I certainly don't need them hot. Btw - I didn't get them in a bowl in Swiss' J class either. Here's the report, btw:
ba319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8278 posts, RR: 56 Reply 31, posted (5 months 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 9971 times:
Hi Pradat,
Nice read and pictures, thanks for sharing with us.
Quoting planiac787 (Thread starter): I did travel a few domestic destinations but am still debating if I should or not write on domestic flights.What do you guys feel about this?
- I think you should, not too many of these posted these days.
Quoting planiac787 (Thread starter): The food was nothing great , just Ok. Also the portions served were very small for J class. But they did plenty of bread runs so I filled my stomach with bread. I was expecting much more on the food department but I was slightly let down.
- From the picture the portions look pretty decent.
Quoting planiac787 (Thread starter): 0 minutes into the flight the crew started there work.Beverages were offered and I went for champagne. It was served it a packet of nuts. Now these nuts were probably the best nuts I have ever had. The problem was that neither they were hot nor were they served in a bowl. Lufthansa should seriously change this service.What say you a netters?
- Nut's being served in a bag in JCL is no biggie really, I don't have a problem with it.
Overall looks like LH did a pretty reasonable job of getting you from A to B, nothing that will set the world alight but a good honest service, that's a good thing these days.
Not wishing to bring up the whole bare foot thing again but for my $0.02, for me it's not what I expect to see when travelling in JCL, I understand you want to be comfortable but it's just a no go for me.
planiac787 From India, joined May 2012, 225 posts, RR: 0 Reply 32, posted (5 months 1 day 11 hours ago) and read 9896 times:
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 30): The food presentation is indeed a bit disappointing, but I think quantity is okay. Bad to hear about the robotic service. I have only had good LH crews in the last few years.
Haha you have been lucky then. The crew was not bad at all. They were efficient but they lacked the warmth one looks for in the service industry.Not really complaining here but I have had better experiences.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 30): Of course you should! Reports about domestic flights in India don't show up here very often.
haha thank you. It was hard but he agreed. He knows my passion for airlines and aviation and he finally gave in.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 30): I can understand that! I flew on the upper deck for the first time on a JAL 744D in 2007 - it was mostly empty, was a great flight.
Yes Indeed. It felt like a small private plain.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 30): It looks very nice. But I don't like the idea of being close to strangers' feet due to the configuration. LX's J Class configuration is perfect IMO.
Definitely! LX probably has the best J product out of all the european airlines. Also the feet touching part. I know that kinda is a let down.#DesignIssues!
Yes they used to operate those to delhi before they started the 748.My friend travelled that once and very dissapointed.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 30): Yes, and FRA will remain a 747 hub for a long time, fortunately.
ThankGod!
But dont you feel that the 748i has been some what of a commercial failure!
I dont think there are too many orders or any major airline planing to order one soon
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 30): It's nice to get nuts in a bowl, but I certainly don't need them hot. Btw - I didn't get them in a bowl in Swiss' J class either. Here's the report, btw
Yup I have read that tr quite a few times and i agree with you on the 343 livery..Looks ugly
Also my friend just flew austrian JCL and he told me the same about the nuts in a bag thing. I guess it s just how lh,lx and austrian airlines work
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 31): - Nut's being served in a bag in JCL is no biggie really, I don't have a problem with it.
I guess every one has there own choice there. I am just trying to compare different airlines. Its something I like doing..
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 30): That's surprising, LH aircraft usually are in good condition. And the bird you got is only some 4.5 years old.
I know it s a pretty new aircraft but the cabin was not in the cleanest of condition and was showing some signs of wear and tear. Maybe lh is nt managing it properly?
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 30): The refurbishment process has been started, but won't be completed before 2014 or 2015.
Yes I am aware of that. I am flying there 343 in may when I go back home. lh 445 from atl to fra. Hopefully they ll have the new product then. #fingurescrossed
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 31): Overall looks like LH did a pretty reasonable job of getting you from A to B, nothing that will set the world alight but a good honest service, that's a good thing these days.
Not wishing to bring up the whole bare foot thing again but for my $0.02, for me it's not what I expect to see when travelling in JCL, I understand you want to be comfortable but it's just a no go for me.
Looks like my bare feet have gotten a debate stirred off on the website! Sorry if I offended any one.!
I ll TRY to be more careful next time.
Cheers and thanks for the comments!
Pradat
Be the change you want to see in the world- M.K.Gandhi
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6219 posts, RR: 79 Reply 33, posted (5 months 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 9712 times:
Quoting planiac787 (Reply 32):
Definitely! LX probably has the best J product out of all the european airlines.
It's definitely among the best. Austrian's new J Class - which is currently being introduced - is very similar. Now add the DO&CO catering - must be a great product!
Quoting planiac787 (Reply 32): Yes they used to operate those to delhi before they started the 748.
Now they keep sending non-PTV 744s to BOM regularly (only two such birds in service). That's a bit odd considering that DEL and BLR get the 748. Isn't BOM a high yield market?
Quoting planiac787 (Reply 32): But dont you feel that the 748i has been some what of a commercial failure!
I don't want to call it a commercial failure yet. It was developed together with the freighter - and most sales have been freighters. Many more orders may follow considering that the 744F fleets keep getting older. There's no alternative to the 747F.
Quoting planiac787 (Reply 32): I dont think there are too many orders or any major airline planing to order one soon
Let's wait and see. Commercial passenger services have only started in mid-2012. I haven't heard much about performance yet.
Quoting planiac787 (Reply 32): Yup I have read that tr quite a few times and i agree with you on the 343 livery..Looks ugly
Good to hear! But which livery do you refer to? I used to like LX "old" livery - as well as the special San Francisco scheme.
No, probably the cleaning company had a bad day. LH planes are usually in immaculate condition.
Quoting planiac787 (Reply 32): I am flying there 343 in may when I go back home. lh 445 from atl to fra. Hopefully they ll have the new product then.
Not a single A343 has been equipped with the new J Class yet, unfortunately. Better don't expect it on that flight. Here's a good website which shows the status of all frames ("neue" = "new"):
planiac787 From India, joined May 2012, 225 posts, RR: 0 Reply 34, posted (4 months 4 weeks 1 day 17 hours ago) and read 9379 times:
Hi PH!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 33): It's definitely among the best. Austrian's new J Class - which is currently being introduced - is very similar. Now add the DO&CO catering - must be a great product!
Yes I checked that out. They have already started service to one destination. And soon they ll be introducing it in all there wide body cabins.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 33): Now they keep sending non-PTV 744s to BOM regularly (only two such birds in service). That's a bit odd considering that DEL and BLR get the 748. Isn't BOM a high yield market?
Well one reason I feel Blr got the 748 before the bom is because BLR is the technology/IT hub of india. Thus lots of outsourced work from european countries goes into blr thus making flights popular. Also lots of connections to US are also filled in from the BLR route. But saying that I am sure BOM will be getting the 748 soon. I am sure its an high yielding market.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 33): I don't want to call it a commercial failure yet. It was developed together with the freighter - and most sales have been freighters. Many more orders may follow considering that the 744F fleets keep getting older. There's no alternative to the 747F.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 33): Let's wait and see. Commercial passenger services have only started in mid-2012. I haven't heard much about performance yet.
Yes I know i am judging the performance too fast. Its better to keep the fingures crossed and wait for some time. But I would be disappointed to see a beauty like the 748 not perform well. Specially the passenger variant. And your observation about the 744F is correct.Hopefully more new orders will come in.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 33): Good to hear! But which livery do you refer to? I used to like LX "old" livery - as well as the special San Francisco scheme.
Yes I miss the old livery too but I did not like the san fransisco livery.. For some reason the aircraft looked to loud and unattractive to me
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 33): Not a single A343 has been equipped with the new J Class yet, unfortunately. Better don't expect it on that flight. Here's a good website which shows the status of all frames ("neue" = "new"):
Well I am not too optimistic of my chances , but then there is some hope.And thank you for this website! I ll be checking this pretty regularly!
Thanks and regards
Pradat
Be the change you want to see in the world- M.K.Gandhi
9w748capt From United States of America, joined Feb 2008, 412 posts, RR: 0 Reply 35, posted (4 months 4 weeks 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 9299 times:
Nice report! Nice of your dad to let you splurge on J - LOL I can only imagine what my dad would have said if I told him I needed to fly back to college in style! Granted I wasn't flying around the world like you, but still!
Quoting planiac787 (Reply 17): I usually prefer writing about long haul flights but is there big readership for short haul too?
Any comments?
Are you talking domestics in India or in the US? I think definitely more interest in Indian domestics esp with the evolving scene there...but any TRs are welcome nonetheless
Quoting IrishAyes (Reply 3): I'm very curious as to why Lufthansa has adopted a new strategy with their JCL catering by only offering the Asian-Vegetarian meal as a pre-ordered item.
That seems odd indeed - especially on ex-India routes! Maybe they've seen demand for veg meals to be lower than expected in the premium classes? Just conjecturing. And a Hindu veg meal is avail by request in J/F only, not in Y? Huh? So vegetarians in Y are stuck with whatever? Sheesh...keeping my biz on oneworld for sure.
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6219 posts, RR: 79 Reply 36, posted (4 months 4 weeks 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 9274 times:
Quoting planiac787 (Reply 34): And soon they ll be introducing it in all there wide body cabins.
The plan was to finish the refurbishment by the end of April, but there delays due to problems with some parts. Allegedly, only 767s are affected.
Quoting planiac787 (Reply 34): Well one reason I feel Blr got the 748 before the bom is because BLR is the technology/IT hub of india. Thus lots of outsourced work from european countries goes into blr thus making flights popular. Also lots of connections to US are also filled in from the BLR route.
Yes, BLR is known to be a high yield destination.
Quoting planiac787 (Reply 34): But saying that I am sure BOM will be getting the 748 soon. I am sure its an high yielding market.
planiac787 From India, joined May 2012, 225 posts, RR: 0 Reply 37, posted (4 months 4 weeks 20 hours ago) and read 8987 times:
Quoting 9w748capt (Reply 35): Nice report! Nice of your dad to let you splurge on J - LOL I can only imagine what my dad would have said if I told him I needed to fly back to college in style! Granted I wasn't flying around the world like you, but still!
Hahah! It was a very rare occasion where he agreed. He knows I am always wanted to sample the upper deck on the 748 and thus he surprisingly agreed. Trust me this is not going to be happening again any time in the future. You ll be able to tell from my upcoming reports.
Quoting 9w748capt (Reply 35): Are you talking domestics in India or in the US? I think definitely more interest in Indian domestics esp with the evolving scene there...but any TRs are welcome nonetheless
Yes I am talking about the domestic routes in india and I have gotten enough motivation from you guys to go ahead and write so i ll be starting soon.Hopefully I ll be posting one tomorrow.
Quoting 9w748capt (Reply 35): That seems odd indeed - especially on ex-India routes! Maybe they've seen demand for veg meals to be lower than expected in the premium classes? Just conjecturing. And a Hindu veg meal is avail by request in J/F only, not in Y? Huh? So vegetarians in Y are stuck with whatever? Sheesh...keeping my biz on oneworld for sure.
Well I am not entirely sure but I am Y class to/from India must have a one vegetarian meal be it hindu or not. They i am sure CANNOT just non veg options in flights operation to and from india.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 36): The plan was to finish the refurbishment by the end of April, but there delays due to problems with some parts. Allegedly, only 767s are affected.
Yes I recently got an email from austrian giving details of there on board product and come june they ll be set with most of there long haul international routes
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 36): But then it would get the new First, wouldn't it?
Yes new first and new business and I think it would be a good move considering mumbai is the financial capital of the country and the home of bollywood.
Thanks for the comments
Cheers
Pradat
Be the change you want to see in the world- M.K.Gandhi
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2337 posts, RR: 53 Reply 38, posted (4 months 3 weeks 4 days 1 hour ago) and read 8312 times:
Namasté Pradat,
You were very lucky to fly with 748i and that in Business Class too! Thank you so much for sharing.
Quoting planiac787 (Thread starter): I did travel a few domestic destinations but am still debating if I should or not write on domestic flights.What do you guys feel about this?
Why not? I have shared my domestic flight experiences in Indonesia. Would love to hear from you!
Quoting planiac787 (Thread starter): I found a perfect one stop flight from New Delhi to Atlanta from 3000 dollars.
Not bad, judging on Economy at USD 2000 and regular Business at mere USD 3500.
Presentation in a bowl would be more up to Business Class standard, but to be honest, I wouldn’t mind. As long as the nuts taste good with the champagne.
planiac787 From India, joined May 2012, 225 posts, RR: 0 Reply 39, posted (4 months 3 weeks 2 days 11 hours ago) and read 7988 times:
Hi Suryo!
Thanks for your kind words!
I had a good experience with lh. Not the best but a satisfactory one.
No on the FRA-ATL sector it was not on the regular menu. I had to pre order it before on there website.
Nuts were actually pretty darn good.. Champagne though was not too my liking. I dont think it was those high ends one.
Just the regular.. But I cant complaint.. I am not much of a drinker...
Cheers
Pradat
Be the change you want to see in the world- M.K.Gandhi
planiac787 From India, joined May 2012, 225 posts, RR: 0 Reply 41, posted (2 months 1 week 5 days 11 hours ago) and read 3732 times:
Well I am scheduled to go back on 4th of may..Flying lh 445..
Any one know the registration of the 343 that they ll use?
I dont think they have installed the new business class on any of the 343 yet..
Are they planing to though?
Any answers?
Thanks
Cheers
Pradat
Be the change you want to see in the world- M.K.Gandhi
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