Lufthansa Unaccompanied Minor Policy Guide [Read This First] (2023)
Are you thinking about sending off an unaccompanied child with Lufthansa?
In that case, you will want to make sure you are extra familiar with the unaccompanied minor policy, also known as the “Lufthansa care service.”
Below, we will break down everything you need to know about the Lufthansa unaccompanied minor policy.
We will discuss the various fees, paperwork, and other rules that you will need to know about and also show you how to book.
What is the Lufthansa unaccompanied minor policy?
Lufthansa requires unaccompanied children between ages five and 11 to use the Lufthansa care service unless they are traveling with someone who is at least 12 years old. The cost for the service will depend on the route and can range between $95 and $170 USD, per child, per route.
Lufthansa unaccompanied minor fees
The Lufthansa unaccompanied minor fee depends on the length and destination of your flight. Below are the fees broken down by zones and listed in different currencies.
Domestic
Domestic flights include flights within DE, CH and AT and flights within Africa.
EUR 85
CHF 95
USD 95
CAD 135
GBP 75
Europe
Europe fights include IATA Zone 210 and include flights within and between DE, CH and AT.
EUR 85
CHF 95
USD 95
CAD 135
GBP 75
North Africa
These include North Africa and the Levant (including LB, IL, EK, JO, IQ, KZ, TM).
EUR 95
CHF 105
USD 105
CAD 145
GBP 85
MiddleEast, Central Africa and the Arab region
These flights include AE, QA, IR, NG, SA, ET, BH, OM, KW.
EUR 115
CHF 130
USD 130
CAD 175
GBP 100
Medium-haul intercontinental flights
These flights include US East Coast, CA East Coast, IN, GQ, KE, TZ, AO, MV.
EUR 125
CHF 140
USD 140
CAD 190
GBP 110
Long-haul intercontinental flights
Long-haul intercontinental flights would include flights to the US West Coast, CA West Coast, South America, JP, CN, KR, TH, SG, ZA, SC.
EUR 150
CHF 170
USD 170
CAD 230
GBP 130
Each fee is applied per route and per child.
So unlike other airlines that allow you to pay a single fee for a pair of siblings, Lufthansa will require you to pay individual fees every time.
Lufthansa unaccompanied minor rules
Minimum age
Any child age between five and 11 can only fly unaccompanied if they are using the Lufthansa care service or traveling with someone who is at least 12 years old.
The requisite accompanying passenger age limit of 12 is on the lower side which is helpful for families that have responsible young children. But keep in mind that some airlines set that age much higher, including at 18 years.
So if you plan on sending a child between five and 11 with a 12-year-old, make sure you truly trust that the 12 year old is responsible enough for the occasion.
The unaccompanied minor service can also be used for unaccompanied children aged 12 through 17.
If your child has never flown before, using the unaccompanied minor service even when they are 12 or older can make them a lot more comfortable and give them a good first experience with air travel.
Connections
Lufthansa only provides the care service for direct flights only and they do not deal with connecting flights.
It’s not uncommon for airlines to not allow connections for unaccompanied minors because of the mess that connections can lead to. So when searching flights, be sure to put a filter on for avoiding connecting flights.
Baggage
The same baggage fees that would apply to an adult would apply to an unaccompanied minor.
One thing to note is that the child is expected to be able to easily carry the bag without help.
It would be a good idea to do a practice run and have your child carry around his or her luggage to see how they do before you take them to the airport. You may need to reduce the weight if they are struggling to carry it.
It’s worth noting that all of these documents may not always be necessary. For example, you may only need the following when flying to specific countries:
valid visa for the destination country
travel insurance certificate
declaration of consent
However, Lufthansa does recommend that you always provide information on any allergies the child may have if applicable.
You can always save time at the airport and allow yourself to arrive earlier if you print out the form and fill it out at home which is what they recommend.
It’s a good idea to make three copies of the form so that you can have one, your child can have one, and the airlines can have one.
At the airport, all of these documents will be placed into a small yellow Lufthansa bag which your child will be expected to keep with them at all times.
If you are checking in at Frankfurt, there are dedicated check-in counters that you can find in departure hall A, counters 41 to 44. And if you are checking in at Munich Airport, counter 417 in the departure hall on Level 4 is where you want to go.
At Frankfurt, you may drop off your unaccompanied minor at the check-in counter but at other airports you may have to accompany the child to the gate yourself.
This will be worked out at check-in and you will be issued a pass to get you through security if needed.
Most airlines in the US say that the parent or guardian needs to remain at the gate until the flight has departed.
But, perhaps because there are so many international flights, Lufthansa just says that the individual bringing the child to the airport must be “available” at the airport and contactable by phone until the booked flight departs.
Lufthansa does not explicitly mention that the child will get preboarding although that is typically the case for unaccompanied minors.
The airline did state that they will seat the child close to a flight attendant, which will make it easier for the flight attendant to assist if there are any issues.
(Keep in mind that flight attendants are not designed to be babysitters).
It would be a good idea to provide the child with some snacks but Lufthansa does have a children’s menu put together by top chef Alexander Herrmann.
On the menu, you can find fun dishes like “rice pudding mouse,” “dragon feet” or “hen house.”
Reportedly, these dishes were voted on by actual children so you can count on them to not only be well balanced meals, but attractive to your child.
These children menu items can be ordered whenever you book your flight and they come at no extra cost on all Lufthansa long-haul flights and various European flights.
If you don’t order anything off the menu at the time of booking, you can still make an order online up to 24 hours before departure.
Pick up
Once the child lands at the destination, they will be handed over to a staff member who will then take the child over to meet the person collecting them.
Lufthansa will require that person to provide a valid ID or passport.
Typically, on international flights you are not permitted to meet the child at the gate so you will likely be picking up the child from a specific area.
If you are picking up the child from Frankfurt airport then you can collect them from FRACares care service which is located in the corridor between departure halls A and B in Terminal 1.
At Munich Airport the pick-up service area is located in front of the exit at baggage reclaim.
Be aware Lufthansa states that “the individual bringing the child to the airport and collecting the child from the destination airport must be at least 18 years of age.”
How to book Lufthansa unaccompanied minor reservation
You cannot book an unaccompanied minor ticket online. Instead, you have to use the Lufthansa Service Center or at your travel agency.
Tips for having a successful flight for your unaccompanied minor
Arrive extra early
You never know how long the lines will be or what type of hiccup you might encounter when sending off an unaccompanied minor.
So be sure that you arrive extra early for check-in so that you can handle all of your paperwork without stressing.
Pay attention to the weather
If the weather is not looking great on the day and time of departure then pay close attention to the flight status and weather patterns. You could end up dealing with a delayed flight or cancellation.
Also, make sure you are aware of the weather at the destination because if the weather is bad, there could be a chance of a flight diversion.
Plan out the food situation
Lufthansa is one of the airlines that provides a special food service for children so it might be worth taking advantage of that. But often the best strategy is to fill up your child before the flight and then just provide them with light snacks for the flight.
However, given how long some of these flights might be, it could be easier to put more trust into Lufthansa dining.
Give your child some entertainment
You know the unaccompanied child better than anyone else so provide them with things that they will enjoy playing with during the flight. These could be toys, tablets, gaming devices, etc.
It does sound like Lufthansa will provide some things like toys, drawing equipment, and a special children’s entertainment program but you may want to check with them to see exactly what they can offer your child on the flight.
Also, make sure that you inquire about power outlets at your child’s seat.
Try to limit the baggage
If you can, try to limit the carry-on for your child to one single bag if possible. This will be especially helpful for smaller children who may struggle to deal with two bags.
Track the flight
Since you, the guardian or parent, will no doubt be interested in keeping track of the flight status, I would recommend downloading an app like FlightAware. That will help you stay up-to-date on the flight status but you can also check the Lufthansa app.
Final word
Lufthansa has a pretty standard unaccompanied minor policy.
They go further than some airlines do by providing a special children’s menu, toys and other items for children, and by placing them close to a flight attendant. The dedicated check-in desks are also an upgrade for a many airlines.
The fees also are not that bad although they do not allow you to combine related children together under one fee which is a drawback.
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and creator of the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned full-time credit card rewards/travel expert and has earned and redeemed millions of miles to travel the globe. Since 2014, his content has been featured in major publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, Forbes, CNBC, US News, and Business Insider. Find his full bio here.
Lufthansa Airlines is a favorite amongst airline enthusiast for a reliable product in both economy, business, and first class. However, Lufthansa does have baggage fees, and they can add up if you buy the wrong fare.
In this article, I’ll discuss the specific baggage fees for carry-ons, checked bags, and international flights showing you some ways to avoid these fees. I’ll also talk about particular circumstances such as for overweight baggage, pet policies, and sports equipment.
What are Lufthansa Airline’s baggage fees?
Lufthansa allows one free personal item, carry-on luggage, and checked piece of luggage for free for all of their fares besides Economy Light fare which doesn’t have free checked baggage. I will go into detail below.
Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!
How can I avoid baggage fees of Lufthansa?
There are a few different ways that you can avoid checked baggage fees with Lufthansa.
Fare options
Lufthansa has a total of 7 different fares named: Economy Light, Economy Basic, Economy Basic Plus I, Economy Flex II, Premium Economy, Business Class, and First Class. The difference between these fares are the fees for changes/cancellations, seat, and baggage allowance.
Out of all these fares, Economy Light is the only fare that restricts checked baggage and makes the passenger pay for checking baggage if they paid for that fare. All other fares allow the passenger to check bags for free and some fares even allow the passenger to have more than one carry-on luggage.
Intercontinental flights
Economy Basic: 1 free checked bag up to 23 kg (50 lb) each
Economy Basic Plus I: 1 free checked bag up to 23 kg (50 lb) each
Economy Flex II: 1 free checked bag up to 23 kg (50 lb) each
Premium Economy: 2 free checked bags up to 23 kg (50 lb) each
Business Class: 2 free checked bags up to 32 kg (70 lb) each
First Class: 3 free checked bags up to 32 kg (70 lb) each
European flights
Economy Basic: 1 free checked bag up to 23 kg (50 lb) each
Economy Basic Plus I: 1 free checked bag up to 23 kg (50 lb) each
Economy Flex II: 1 free checked bag up to 23 kg (50 lb) each
Business Class: 2 free checked bags up to 32 kg (70 lb) each
Each fare is priced differently on each route and changes every day depending on the seats left for that fare on that route and on that day. Sometimes, Economy Light won’t even available on specific routes.
Note, Economy Light (also known as Economy Saver) is typically $60 cheaper than Economy Basic. Lufthansa’s baggage fee is up to $60 for Economy Light. Since Economy Light is typically $60 cheaper than Economy Basic, it’s better to pick Economy Light since you can pick your seats at booking for free. Economy Light, on the other hand, doesn’t allow any changes or advance seat reservations.
Airline Elite Status
Star Alliance Gold members or Lufthansa own Frequent flyer program called Miles & More give one more free bag to check for member depending on their status and class flying. Here is the baggage allowance for elite status holders:
Intercontinental flights
Frequent Traveller
Economy Class: 2 free checked bags up to 23 kg (50 lb)
Premium Economy Class: 2 free checked bags up to 23 kg (50 lb) each
Business Class: 2 free checked bags up to 32 kg (70 lb) each
First Class: 3 free checked bags up to 32 kg (70 lb) each
Additional sports bag: + 1 ski bag (Except from/to USA, Mexico and Central America)
Senator / HON Circle Member / Star Alliance Gold member
Economy Class: 2 free checked bags up to 23 kg (50 lb)
Premium Economy Class: 3 free checked bags up to 23 kg (50 lb) each
Business Class: 3 free checked bags up to 32 kg (70 lb) each
First Class: 4 free checked bags up to 32 kg (70 lb) each
Additional sports bag: + 1 golf bag, + 1 ski bag (Except from/to USA, Mexico and Central America)
European flights
Frequent Traveller
Economy Class: 2 free checked bags up to 23 kg (50 lb)
Business Class: 2 free checked bags up to 32 kg (70 lb) each
Additional sports bag: + 1 ski bag
Senator / HON Circle Member / Star Alliance Gold member
Economy Class: 2 free checked bags up to 23 kg (50 lb)
Business Class: 2 free checked bags up to 32 kg (70 lb) each
Additional sports bag: + 1 golf bag, + 1 ski bag
Note, Economy Light fare tickets won’t get a free checked bag. So, if you are a HON Circle Member (Lufthansa’s top tier status) or Star Alliance Gold member, you cannot get a free checked bag.
Credit Cards
You can utilize certain credit cards to reduce or eliminate your baggage fees on Lufthansa.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of the hottest travel rewards credit cards. It earns 3X the points on dining and travel and comes with a host of valuable benefits. One of these perks is a $300 travel credit that can be used on anything that codes as travel, including your baggage fees.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
One of my favorite cards to use to cover miscellaneous travel purchases is the Capital One Venture card. It’s a popular credit card that comes with a bonus of 50,000 miles after you spend $3,000 in the first three months.
It earns 2% cash back on all purchases toward travel, and the points can be used to cover virtually any travel purchase.
Lufthansa Airlines personal item and carry-on restrictions
Each economy or premium economy passenger can bring onboard one personal item and one carry-on bag, or one personal item and two carry-on bags if you’re seated in business or first class.
Personal item
You can bring one personal item onboard and can be anything that can go under the seat in front of you or under the ottoman in business or first class. Personal items must not exceed:
15″ Length (40 cm)
11″ Width (33 cm)
3.9″ Height (10 cm)
Some examples of personal items would be a briefcase, purse, laptop, and small backpack.
Carry-on
Depending on the cabin you’re seated in you can either bring one carry-on or two carry-on bags. Economy and premium economy can bring one carry-on. Business and first class can bring two carry-on bags. The carry-on must not exceed:
21″ Length (55 cm)
15″ Width (40 cm)
9″ Height (23 cm)
17 lbs (8 kg)
If you have a foldable garment bag as your carry-on item, you cannot have it exceed more than 22 x 21 x 5.9 inches (57 x 54 x 15 cm.)
For your carry-on item, you can bring a suitcase, bag, garment bag, carry cot, pushchair or child seat for infants, and any required mobility aids, such as a wheelchair. Some items will be gate checked for free. As long as it doesn’t exceed the dimensions above, you will be fine.
Liquids
The same TSA standards apply to Lufthansa flights arriving or departing from the US. You can review a list provided by the TSA of permitted and prohibited items which may be included in carry-on baggage including the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule.
Lufthansa baggage fees from the USA (international)
If you’re traveling to or from the USA and want to check baggage for Economy Light or check additional baggage with regular economy and premium economy, please refer to the fees below.
Regular economy and premium economy up to 23 kg (50 lbs) each.
To/from the USA: $100
Note that business and first class cannot check another bag. That’s because the USA doesn’t allow you to check more than two bags on international routes.
Lufthansa Airlines checked baggage fees
The prices below are for one-way flights, not roundtrip, and must not exceed 62″ (158 cm) in overall dimensions. Please refer to the above section named “How can I avoid baggage fees of Lufthansa?” to find weight allowances and allowances for specific cabins and fares, as class and status give you different allowances. Here are all the fees for all destinations below.
Regular economy and premium economy up to 23 kg (50 lbs) each.
Domestic Germany: $80
Within Europe: $92
North Africa, Central Asia, and Mediterranean coast: $115
Short intercontinental: $173
Medium intercontinental: $230
Long intercontinental: $287
To/from Japan: $200
To/from USA, Canada, Mexico, and Central America: $100
Business and first class up to 32 kg (70 lbs) each
Domestic Germany: $80
Within Europe: $92
North Africa, Central Asia, and Mediterranean coast: $115
Short intercontinental: $173
Medium intercontinental: $230
Long intercontinental: $287
To/from Japan: $200
While the prices seem very high, Lufthansa does give out a pretty good allowance for free checked bags, especially in business and first class. However, it’s still not cheap if you’re flying economy and want to bring a second bag.
Remember, I would avoid Economy Light fares as they don’t offer one free bag, advance seat reservations, and any changes. When the fare is typically $60 less than a regular economy fare than it might be ideal to get a non-Economy Light fare if you need to pick a seat and bring one checked bag.
In comparison to other international airlines, United charges the following rates:
$35 for the first checked bag
$45 for the second checked bag
$150 to $200 for the third checked bag ($200 for some international flights)
Lufthansa Airlines checked baggage allowance
Checked bags must not exceed 62″ (158 cm) in overall dimensions and exceed 50 lbs (23 kg) if you are flying economy or premium economy without status. If you’re flying with status, business, or first class your weight limit is 70 lbs (32 kg.)
Economy Light fares cannot check sports bags as checked baggage. If you want to bring a sports bag, purchase a non-Economy Light fare.
If you want all the tips on how to deal with checked baggage, be sure to check out the ultimate guide to checked luggage here.
Lufthansa Airlines excess checked baggage fee
Overweight bags and/or bags that exceed the dimensions will receive an extra fee.
Additional luggage to free baggage allowance
Regular economy and premium economy 24-32 kg (50-70 lbs) and 158 cm (62 inch) each.
Domestic Germany: $126
Within Europe: $149
North Africa, Central Asia, and Mediterranean coast: $201
Short intercontinental: $287
Medium intercontinental: $368
Long intercontinental: $460
To/from Japan: $350-500
Regular economy and premium economy 24-32 kg (50-70 lbs) and greater than 158 cm (62 inch) each.
Domestic Germany: $173
Within Europe: $206
North Africa, Central Asia, and Mediterranean coast: $287
Short intercontinental: $402
Medium intercontinental: $506
Long intercontinental: $633
To/from Japan: $650
Business and first class up to 32 kg (70 lbs) and greater than 158 cm (62 inch) each.
Domestic Germany: $126
Within Europe: $149
North Africa, Central Asia, and Mediterranean coast: $201
Short intercontinental: $287
Medium intercontinental: $368
Long intercontinental: $460
To/from Japan: $500
Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!
Fees in excess of free baggage allowance
Larger or heavier than free baggage
Regular economy and premium economy 24-32 kg (50-70 lbs) and greater than 158 cm (62 inch) each.
Domestic Germany: $46
Within Europe: $57
North Africa, Central Asia, and Mediterranean coast: $86
Short intercontinental: $115
Medium intercontinental: $138
Long intercontinental: $173
To/from Japan: $150-300
Business and first class 24-32 kg (50-70 lbs) and greater than 158 cm (62 inch) each.
Domestic Germany: $46
Within Europe: $57
North Africa, Central Asia, and Mediterranean coast: $86
Short intercontinental: $115
Medium intercontinental: $138
Long intercontinental: $173
To/from Japan: $300
Larger and heavier than free baggage allowance
Regular economy and premium economy 24-32 kg (50-70 lbs) and greater than 158 cm (62 inch) each.
Domestic Germany: $92
Within Europe: $114
North Africa, Central Asia, and Mediterranean coast: $173
Short intercontinental: $230
Medium intercontinental: $276
Long intercontinental: $345
To/from Japan: $400
Bags over 32 kg (70 lbs) will be refused and cannot be checked.
Sports baggage on Lufthansa flights
If you have sports baggage, you must register your sports bag no later than 24 hours before departure. To learn more about the fees associated, visit here.
For musical instruments, they cannot exceed more than 61 x 16 x 9.8 inches (155 x 42 x 25 cm) that stand in the cabin or 43 x 16 x 19 (110 x 42 x 50 cm) with a maximum weight of 165 lbs (75 kg.)
To register your musical instrument in the cabin, you can contact your travel agency or a Lufthansa Service Centre.
It’s best to register your musical instrument in the cabin at booking since it’s based on availability. Musical instruments in the cabin aren’t available in first class.
Lufthansa military baggage policy
Since Lufthansa is an international airline, they don’t give US military personnel or veterans any benefits for flying their metal. Therefore, Lufthansa won’t allow US military personnel to check bags for free. Only US airlines will give benefits to US military personnel and veterans.
If you want to learn more about military benefits for airlines, I suggest reading our article.
When can I check-in bags for Lufthansa Airlines?
Check-in depends on your departure city. For airports that only serve one Lufthansa flight a day, the check-in counters typically only open up 3 hours prior to the scheduled departure.
Bags must be checked in at least 40 minutes prior to the scheduled departure on domestic and Schengen flights. For international flights, bags must be checked in at least 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.
Lufthansa Airlines pet policy
Small dogs and cats weighing less than 8 kg (17 lbs) in a suitable transport container, may be taken with you into the cabin. Traveling with assistance dogs, please refer to these exceptions.
If your bags are lost or damaged make sure you report it to Lufthansa immediately. It is imperative to make a claim in person or online after the flight.
You can either go to baggage services at the airport or online. Please refer to this link.
What if I lost an item on Lufthansa?
You can contact Lufthansa contacting them here, but it is best to find a crewmember at the airport before leaving and reporting the lost item to the Lufthansa ground staff or gate agents.
Final word
Lufthansa Airlines is one of the most well known international airlines for their German efficiency, quality, and consistency. Luckily, Lufthansa has easy to digest baggage allowances for most fares. If you can get away with a carry-on, Economy Light might work. However, if you know you have baggage, it’s best to book a regular economy ticket.
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and creator of the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned full-time credit card rewards/travel expert and has earned and redeemed millions of miles to travel the globe. Since 2014, his content has been featured in major publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, Forbes, CNBC, US News, and Business Insider. Find his full bio here.
Lufthansa First Class Guide & Review [2021]
Lufthansa first class is one of the most coveted first class experiences. There are a few different ways that you can experience it though and below I will break down everything you need to know.
I’ll also give you a super detailed review of my experience on Lufthansa first class.
Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!
Lufthansa First Class Aircraft
When flying Lufthansa first class, you’ll be able to choose from three different types of aircraft:
747-8i
A380-800
A340-600
Lufthansa First Class 747-8
The 747 is probably the fan favorite for Lufthansa first class.
It has eight seats just like the A380 but there’s just something special about flying in the nose of the 747. You also have an opportunity for optimal privacy if you can snag one of the seats in the front.
Just be aware that the 747-400 does not have a first class cabin as it only goes up to business class.
Lufthansa First Class 747-8 seat map. Image via Lufthansa.
Lufthansa First Class A380
The first class cabin on the A380 is located on the upper deck. It has eight seats and they are arranged directly across from each other unlike the 747.
Lufthansa First Class A380 seat map. Image via Lufthansa.
Lufthansa First Class A340
The A340 has a different first class cabin. It also has eight seats but they are positioned directly across from each other rather than the slightly angled and staggered approach of the 747.
Lufthansa First Class A340 seat map. Image via Lufthansa.
Trip review briefing
Lufthansa First Class has been on my radar for the past few years. I’d almost pulled the trigger on it in 2018 but the routing did not have me departing Frankfurt and I really wanted that full First Class Terminal treatment. So when I had the chance to book Lufthansa first class on the A380 as part of a recent round the world trip, I didn’t hesitate. Below is my full review of the Lufthansa First Class experience on the A380.
Flight routes
This particular segment to Houston was part of a mini round the world trip which included the following routes: IAH->TPE->BKK (layover)->FRA->IAH.
Booking Lufthansa First Class (LH F) with United miles
I booked the Lufthansa First Class ticket with 110,000 United miles and the fees for the flight were $112.13 (plus the $50 United close-in fee). This flight would have cost $8,945 so with all fees factored in, I got 8 cents in value per mile on this redemption, which is great (albeit aspirational).
I’d known for some time that Lufthansa First class awards generally open up a couple of weeks before departure. so when I went to book this trip a couple of days ahead of my first departure, I expected to find open awards. I initially booked a Lufthansa first class 747 flight from FRA to BOS with an economy connection to IAH on United.
The thought of going from Lufthansa First Class to United economy was nothing short of dreadful, but I went into the booking with the mindset that I’d be okay with paying to change it if something opened up and that’s what happened (twice).
About three days into the round the world trip, an itinerary with a United first class connection at ORD opened up and I decided to book that so I’d get a little bit more time in LH F and of course avoid economy. I paid the $100 change fee (reduced due to United Silver status) and then proceeded to rejoice that I wouldn’t have to embrace my inner-peasant to get home.
And then about 24 hours prior to departure I saw four first class tickets open up for LH F with a nonstop flight from FRA to IAH on the A380. I didn’t immediately book it though because I wasn’t sure if I wanted to fly on the 747 or the A380.
747 vs A380
I went back and forth trying to quickly decide between the LH 747 and A380. I had a back row seat on the 747 so the increased privacy in the front row of the 747 didn’t factor in but it’s been a while since I have flown on the 747 and I really like flying in its nose. But the A380 from FRA was a nonstop to Houston which also meant more time in LH F and no time on United.
Ultimately, I preferred a nonstop flight and also liked the idea of starting and finishing the long-haul segments on this round the world trip from my home at IAH, since every other round the world trip I’ve done has been with connections at both LAX and JFK.
Change issues
I don’t want to get too in-depth here but there were many issues trying to make changes to my fight. First, a United agent erroneously changed my ticket from first class to economy (and then had the nerve to blame me). Then, other agents had issues trying to make the change because their system was asking them for more miles to change the flight.
One (very uninformed) agent even insisted I would need an additional 80,000 miles to make the change because “I was changing to a nonstop flight.” WTF.
Eventually, after many hours on the phone and dropped calls, a skilled United agent based in Germany made the changes with a manual override and said he would be reporting the issue to avoid it for others in the future. So hopefully you won’t have to go through that!
He also waived the change fee due to the wait, which was nice even though I had unknowingly been racking up some serious phone charges at the Hilton Frankfurt City Centre while speaking with United.
I spent a lot of time (and money) on this phone!
Getting to FRA
After spending three nights at the Hilton Frankfurt City Centre, I spent my last night at the Hilton Garden Inn at Frankfurt Airport. It’s a decent airport hotel and they put me up on the 10th floor so I had a pretty cool view of the Frankfurt skyline at sunrise (from a distance).
View from the Hilton Garden Inn at Frankfurt Airport.
I loved that this hotel was located inside the airport, so I didn’t have to take a shuttle or anything to get from the hotel to the airport.
The experience started with me waking up ridiculously early and then walking over from the Hilton Garden Inn to the Lufthansa First Class Terminal. It took me a little while to locate the terminal but after getting some guidance from an agent, I was able to find my way.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal.
The Lufthansa First Class Terminal has its own little private security area so you don’t have to deal with the long lines at the main airport terminal. I had to experience a pat down and remove my shoes because I was flying to the US but the process was otherwise very quick and harmless.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal security.
Once you make it through the security check-point there’s a duty free shop and a nice collection of Lufthansa first class terminal ducks on display you can check out before you enter the lounge. Don’t forget to collect your own rubber duck in the back of the lounge, near the showers.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal rubber duck collection.
The Lufthansa First Class Terminal is home to one of the most impressive bars I’ve seen in a first class lounge. They serve up something like 100+ whiskies and it’s loaded with different types of liquor. Plus, there are jars of endless gummy bears and a nice chess board to keep you occupied.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal bar.
The lounge also has a small dining room which feels pretty intimate.
I was only there for breakfast and I thought the breakfast options were solid. You can find plenty of hot food items from the buffet or you can put in an order à la carte off the menu. I’m sure lunch and dinner would be great, too.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal food.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal breakfast.
There are a lot of places to relax in the lounge and the lounge never got crowded during my stay. I liked the easy-chairs lining the windows which are great for solo travelers and there are plenty of seating areas for groups. However, I was just a tad disappointed there weren’t any areas to get real privacy besides the two day suites and there weren’t international power outlets or adapters to be found.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal lounge seating.
The lounge offers some special amenities like massage chairs, a cigar room, shower rooms (one comes with a tub), and the day suites I already mentioned.
Overall, the First Class Terminal was pretty impressive. This is definitely a lounge that deserves an earlier than usual arrival to the airport so that you can experience it. Again, if you want to find out more about the lounge then check out my full review.
Lufthansa First Class limousine service
When it came time for boarding, an agent (my personal assistant) greeted me and then told me it was time for the limousine service to the A380.
The Lufthansa first class experience is unique because they provide you with limousine service directly to the aircraft on the tarmac. You’ll be taken from the First Class Terminal down to a lobby area where you’ll wait on your ride as you get your passport back from passport control.
Once you get your passport back, you’ll be escorted to one of the vehicles and then make your way to the plane. In my case, the ride was just under two minutes so it wasn’t a very long journey at all.
If you want to board the plane first, I believe you can make that request when you enter the lounge but that could also be dependent on elite status.
Lufthansa First Class limousine service.
After arriving at the A380, we made our way up an elevator and across the jet bridge to the upper deck.
I got some great views of the A380 along the way.
It’s ridiculous how huge the wings are on this aircraft.
Lufthansa First Class cabin
Lufthansa First Class cabin has a total of eight seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration and two very large lavatories. The cabin is on the upper deck of the A380, in front of business class which is in a 2-2-2 layout.
Lufthansa First Class seat map.
The cabin feels intimate with only eight seats which I guess fall under the “open suite” category.
Lufthansa First Class cabin.
It’s a pretty sleek cabin and I loved the “First Class” signage in the front and the elegant touch of the roses at each seat.
Lufthansa First Class cabin.
But I didn’t love everything about the cabin. One of the first things that I noticed was that there was limited privacy. The cabin reminded me a lot of the Qatar A380 first class cabin with eight open suites but Qatar had the partitions set up when we boarded so the cabin felt much more private. On Lufthansa, every seat is completely exposed at take-off and landing (I’ll say more about privacy below).
Lufthansa First Class cabin.
At the front of the cabin, there’s a small snack and beverage area.
This is where they kept the water and the premium bubbly.
On our flight they were serving Alexandra Grand Cuvee Rose 2004 Champagne Laurent-Perrier, which I’ve seen listed for around $200+ per bottle.
Alexandra Grand Cuvee Rose 2004 Champagne Laurent-Perrier.
After meal service, they brought out a box of chocolates that they kept up at the front (which were amazing).
Premium chocolates.
At the front of the cabin there’s a little area where you can find some reading literature. This area is sometimes used as a bar or snack area on some A380s but that’s not the case with Lufthansa.
Lufthansa First Class seat
I initially picked a window seat but due to seat malfunctions was moved to an interior seat. In fact, two out of the eight seats were not functioning on this A380 which meant I was the only one in the cabin without a window seat.
This put a pretty big blemish on the experience since I really value window seats. For me, it’s not just about the added privacy and getting content (photos) but window seats just offer a different headspace due to the views. Still, I decided to remain open minded about the interior seat and look past the hiccup.
Design, comfort, and privacy
I loved the design of the wide seat that comes in at 31 inches. That’s not quite as wide as the ultra-wide Cathay Pacific first class seat but it’s much wider than the 23″ seat on Qatar First Class, so it felt very roomy (seat dimensions according to SeatGuru). I also just thought that the seat was very comfortable.
Lufthansa First Class seat.
Privacy is my only issue with this cabin. The privacy partitions are pretty big though and once those go up, the experience feels much more like a true first class experience, in my opinion. I know some like the open-cabin concept, but I much prefer (and expect) a private suite-like experience when in a top first class product.
Lufthansa First Class seat privacy.
Lufthansa First Class seat privacy.
Even though there is limited privacy in the cabin, I still liked the look of the seats, especially the window seats.
Seat features (controls, storage)
The Lufthansa A380 first class product has some of the best storage out of any first class product. First, when you board you can load up your belongings in your own private locker (designated with your seat number). I’m not sure if the 747 has the same set-up but these lockers on the A380 are very spacious and are located just behind the first class cabin.
Lufthansa A380 first class lockers.
Lufthansa A380 first class lockers.
You can see how much extra room I had after I put my backpack and carry-on bag in the locker.
Lufthansa A380 first class lockers.
There’s also a lot of storage space in the ottoman along with a net for storing items. This was a perfect place to put my DSLR and it was nice that’s it’s covered and not exposed like many other storage areas are.
Lufthansa A380 first class storage.
Lufthansa A380 first class storage.
Lufthansa A380 first class storage.
The seat controls are very practical and easy to use. You can find the quick controls on the arm rest and advanced controls underneath the panel cover on the armrest.
Lufthansa A380 first class seat controls.
I loved that there were buttons to control things like the length of the headrest and that you could scoot the ottoman up — those type of features made getting comfortable much easier than other products.
Lufthansa A380 first class seat controls.
The other arm rest has quick access buttons for media and for calling for service, which is very convenient.
Lufthansa A380 first class media controls.
Lufthansa A380 first class media controls.
There were also three storage compartments on the side of the seat, though one of them was designed to store your headphones.
Lufthansa A380 first class storage.
Lufthansa A380 first class storage.
Lufthansa A380 first class storage.
Lufthansa A380 first class storage.
Something that’s really cool about the Lufthansa first class seat is that it comes equipped with two USB ports and two international power outlets, right under the armrest. This makes it very easy and practical to keep your electronics powered.
Lufthansa A380 first class power outlets and USB.
Overall, I was a huge fan of the seat and I think it might be my #1 first class seat in terms of functionality and comfort. I also really enjoyed the convenient controls and being able to adjust the seat and ottoman to exactly where I wanted it and the seat controls just felt powerful.
Lufthansa First Class amenity kit
The first class amenity kit bags were made by Escada, a German luxury designer clothing company headquartered in Munich, so props for Lufthansa for sticking with home-grown luxury since so many airlines go with Italian or French designers.
Lufthansa First Class amenity kit.
I liked the first class branding on the inside of the bag.
Lufthansa First Class amenity kit.
The amenity kit came with La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe face lotion, eye-lift cream, and lip balm along with a dental kit, comb, eye mask, ear plugs, headphone covers, shoe horn, and socks. I loved the lotion products (quality scents) and even though the containers were very small, I still brought them home with me. By the way, La Prairie Skin Caviar is ridiculously expensive ($422 for a 1.7oz bottle) on Amazon!
Lufthansa First Class amenity kit.
I was in love with the pajamas as soon as I saw them. They gave me a size large which actually felt like a real large versus the XXLs many other airlines issue. The pajamas are made by Van Laack — a German fashion company with its headquarters in Mönchengladbac — and they were stylish and comfortable (I took them home and still wear them on occasion though they shrink pretty good).
Lufthansa First Class pajamas.
Lufthansa First Class pajamas.
The slippers also come in specific sizes which is a nice departure since so many airlines issue one size slippers that are often much too small for any man with fully developed feet.
Lufthansa First Class slippers.
Overall, the Lufthansa amenity kit + pajama package was one of my favorites I’ve ever received in first class (I just wish the actual amenity kit bag was a little more iconic/memorable).
Lufthansa First Class headphones & IFE
Lufthansa supplied Bose headphones which came already plugged in and ready to go (within the side storage compartment).
Lufthansa First Class headphones.
The TV monitors are high quality with a 17-inch display. The screens do feel a little far away for their size compared to some other airlines and the screens are much smaller than those on top products like Singapore Airlines that have 32″ screens or now ANA with their monster 42″ 4K screens in first class.
17-inch display monitors.
You can choose from movies, TV shows, Live TV (sports), audio books, podcasts, meditation, games, and other things so the selection is extensive.
I found the movie selection to be very good. I was on a bit of a documentary kick and watched two of them: one on Drake and the other on Elon Musk (both were okay).So overall, I would rate the in-flight experience as very solid for Lufthansa First Class.
Lufthansa First Class wifi
The FlyNet wifi was complimentary on the flight which was a nice surprise. All you have to do is follow the steps on the voucher to activate your internet and you should be able to get it working in a couple of minutes.
Lufthansa First Class wifi.
Lufthansa First Class wifi instructions.
I got a decent wifi connection and was able to keep tabs on some emails and social media but that’s all that I could do. I tried testing out the speed but it didn’t register.
Lufthansa First Class take-off experience
The take-off experience was smooth and as soon as I got into my seat I was offered a hot towel (with rose petal of course).
Lufthansa First Class hot towel.
I also opted for my standard glass of sparkling water.
Lufthansa First Class sparkling water.
Lufthansa First Class sparkling water.
Lufthansa First Class dining
The dining on Lufthansa first class was solid overall. It wasn’t the best I’ve had in the sky but I didn’t really have any complaints. The dining started out with some type of cheese dish for a starter. It had nice texture but I wasn’t fully into it and so I left it alone after a couple of curiosity bites.
Then the tray table was taken out and made. It’s a large tray table that slides all the way down to the end of the seat which means you can easily get up out of your seat when dining. This is one of my favorite features of the seat and it makes life so much easier when you need to get to the lavatory.
After getting served some garlic bread, the flight attendant raised the middle partition (there’s a button to do this on the side of the ottoman). I was delighted to finally have some real privacy as meal service began.
At that time the caviar service also began.
The caviar was excellent. I’d never eaten caviar with simple toast before but it was actually very good that way. I was slightly let down though. I’d seen many posts on Instagram recently of passengers getting very generous servings of caviar on Lufthansa and so I was really looking forward to the caviar extravaganza.
Instead, I received a single standard portion. It’s the ultimate first world problem (I know) but I’m wondering what routes get that special caviar treatment or if it’s a 747 vs A380 thing. Who knows?
I was also offered all of the appetizers but I decided to just stick with one: the smoked salmon and cucumber relish.
Next came the salad which was also enjoyable.
The asparagus cream soup with herb oil came next. I liked the asparagus flavor but it was a bit too oily for my liking.
Asparagus cream soup with herb oil.
And finally it was time for the main dish: beef tenderloin with peppercorn sauce, beluga lentils, and smoked potato mash. I enjoyed this dish, as the beef was cooked to my perfection (thorough) and the mash potatoes were very smooth (but in need of a good amount of salt and pepper). I wasn’t really feeling the lentils.
Beef tenderloin with peppercorn sauce, beluga lentils, and smoked potato mash.
After the main course, I decided to try out a cheese platter. I nibbled on a few pieces before I realized I wouldn’t have any room for dessert and aborted the cheeses (but they tasted high quality).
Cheese platter.
For dessert I went with the chocolate variation with praline ice cream quenelle. The praline and chocolate flavors blended together nicely and this really hit the spot and was just a great way to finish up everything.
Chocolate variation with praline ice cream quenelle.
After getting some sleep (more on that below), I was ready for round two. I decided to start things off with a soft pretzel and butter which was a great decision. I’d never buttered up a pretzel before but it went well together. I also went with the tagliatelle arrabbiata with parmesan, olives, and oregano, which I was mostly satisfied with but not overly impressed.
Tagliatelle arrabbiata with parmesan, olives, and oregano.
Finally, it was time to bring it home with “Grandma’s strawberry cake” which was just on a ridiculous level of tasty.
“Grandma’s strawberry cake.”
Overall, the dining experience was enjoyable but not quite as strong as I was anticipating. For the main dish, I would’ve preferred the lobster I had on EVA business class or the Deep-fried snapper fish I had on the Thai A350. But when you consider the entire dining package (premium champagne, caviar, amazing dessert, etc.), it was still a very memorable dining experience.
Lufthansa first class food menu.
Lufthansa first class food menu.
Lufthansa first class food menu.
Lufthansa first class drink menu.
Lufthansa first class drink menu.
Lufthansa first class drink menu.
Lufthansa first class drink menu.
Lufthansa first class drink menu.
Lufthansa first class drink menu.
Lufthansa first class drink menu.
Lufthansa first class drink menu.
Lufthansa first class drink menu.
Lufthansa First Class service
Service on this flight was top-notch. The crew was warm, polished, and very attentive — pretty much all you could ask for. They definitely added a lot of value to the experience and helped to capture that aura of luxury you want in first class. I can’t say enough nice things about them.
Lufthansa First Class lavatory
The Lufthansa First Class lavatory on the A380 is very spacious, much like other lavatories on A380s like Qatar, Singapore, etc.
Lufthansa First Class lavatory on the A380.
Lufthansa First Class lavatory on the A380.
I really loved the touch of the rose on the mirror.
Elegant touches to the lavatory.
By the sink area they had some La Prairie hand cream (worth $100+) and Evian facial mist spray. One of my new obsessions is freshening up on planes with facial mist sprays. I know these are mostly used for applying make-up but they’re also a great way to feel freshened up and I’ve now incorporated these into my life. The Evian bottles are high quality and around $20 for a full-sized bottle.
Lotion and face spray.
The drawers in the lavatory also came stocked with other items like combs, razors, and shaving cream.
Razors and shaving cream.
More amenities in the lavatory.
Mouth wash.
The A380 lavatory even has a urinal, which I thought was pretty cool (not to mention useful).
First class urinal.
Lufthansa First Class bedding
Lufthansa First Class has one of the best beds in the sky in my opinion. It’s 81 inches long so even for someone tall, there’s plenty of room to extend your legs.
Lufthansa First Class bedding.
The mattress pad is nice and thick as are the pillows. In my case, I was given two pillows to get comftorable and I was pretty much in Heaven.
Lufthansa First Class bedding.
The duvet is also thick. Too often airlines only provide you with at best one thick item to sleep with, so you get a thick pad with a thin duvet or vice versa. But in this case, both were very soft and comfortable, which made the sleeping experience very comfortable.
Lufthansa First Class bedding.
The cabin was cool for a while which made it super cozy and comfortable in the bed but later on it started to get a little warm so it wasn’t too comfortable to bundle up.
Lufthansa First Class bedding.
Once the bed was made, it felt very private and much more suite-like, which was nice.
Lufthansa First Class bedding.
It also just felt good to look up from time to time and see that Lufthansa First Class sign at the front of the cabin.
The view from the bed.
As comfortable as this bed was, my big complaint would be that there was a pretty big gap between the seat cushions. I didn’t feel it when I was lying on my back but when I tried to get on my stomach, I could feel that sunken gap.
Landing at IAH
Because I was in an aisle seat I didn’t get photos of the approach. I was going to try with my zoom lens but the A380 windows are small and my neighbor was giving me weird looks when I’d look out “his” windows so I was not able to get any.
But here are a couple of A380 shots I got after we landed back at IAH.
Final word
Overall, this was a truly fantastic flight. If it hadn’t been for the mishap with me not getting a window seat, I think I would have been in love with Lufthansa but that sort of dampened the experience for me. Still, I enjoyed every second and felt like Lufthansa has an excellent product especially when it comes to the seat, bedding, and service.
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and creator of the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned full-time credit card rewards/travel expert and has earned and redeemed millions of miles to travel the globe. Since 2014, his content has been featured in major publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, Forbes, CNBC, US News, and Business Insider. Find his full bio here.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal Lounge Review [2019]
The Lufthansa First Class Terminal has always been on my bucket list of first class lounge experiences. I’ve always heard great things about it and I thought it was pretty cool that there’s an entire terminal dedicated to first class. On my recent flight from FRA to IAH in first class on the A380, I was able to experience the lounge for a few hours and here’s my review.
Getting to the Lufthansa First Class Terminal
It was the last day of my round the world trip and for my last night, I opted to use Hilton points for a free night stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport. It’s a pretty basic hotel but what I loved is that the hotel is located within the airport so you don’t have to take any shuttle bus and can just head right into the airport.
My day started around 3 am with me waking up and getting things packed and ready to go. While ironing my outfit for the day and trying to avoid eating German gummies for breakfast, I got to catch a great sunrise over the Frankfurt skyline from the hotel’s 10th floor.
My round the world trip started out with an amazing sunset on my way to fly EVA business class on the 777 so it was only fitting that it end with an impressive sunrise.
View from the Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport.
At about 5:00 am, I checked out the hotel and began the trek over to the Lufthansa First Class Terminal, making my way through the ghost town of an airport which is always nice and relaxing.
Frankfurt airport terminal.
I didn’t have a clue as to how to get to the terminal so I just started to make my way through the empty airport, looking for signs. I never saw any signs for the Lufthansa First Class Terminal, though.
Frankfurt airport terminal.
Eventually, I did see signs for Lufthansa check-in for business class and first class and I followed those down an escalator.
I figured that the Lufthansa First Class Terminal might be near those or that at least some signs would point me in the right direction. But nope. After not finding any signs, I asked an airport agent where to go and he told me to head out the exit and turn left and that the Lufthansa First Class Terminal would be about 500m away.
I was really not looking forward to breaking a sweat carrying all my luggage over there but when I stepped outside I was reminded that I was in Frankfurt Germany where, unlike Houston, the morning temperature was in the mid 60s.
Sweating wasn’t going to be a problem, but I’d be lying if I said I still didn’t at least contemplate hiring a taxi to take me to the terminal.
Enjoying the cool morning, I made my way down a sidewalk and through a couple of pathways and then I finally saw the Lufthansa First Class Terminal. I immediately started to get excited.
First sight of the Lufthansa First Class Terminal.
That excitement was curbed (as was I) when I made my way to the door of the Lufthansa First Class Terminal and realized it wouldn’t be opened for another fifteen minutes. So I just hung out and enjoyed the fresh air until eventually a couple of the Lufthansa staff members opened the door and welcomed me in.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal entrance.
One thing I like about LH F, they know how to brand their first class product. You see it all over the lounge exterior, the first class cabin, and on the memorabilia. First class doesn’t always feel as special as Lufthansa makes it feel.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal check-in and security
Once the doors were unlocked I entered into the bottom floor lobby and was led into an elevator.
We then took the lift up to the main lobby of the Lufthansa First Class Terminal where the three check-in desks were.
From the first second I was greeted by the agents, I was impressed with their first class treatment. Throughout the entire stay at the terminal the staff would be attentive, personable, and just a joy to be around — they really added value to the experience.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal lobby.
I believe this lobby area is where you’ll enter if you get dropped off by a vehicle and that they will also take your baggage from you there. Since I didn’t have my boarding pass yet, they worked on getting me that and then they took my passport and told me that I wouldn’t get it back until just before departure. That was a little odd but a small price to pay.
They explained to me that I’d have to wait a couple of minutes for the security station to open. So I just sat and relaxed in the lobby, checking out the sights and listening to some music pumping from the sound system.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal lobby.
After only a minute or two, an agent led me to the security station, where I was the only one in line (for the first 20 minutes I’d have the lounge all to myself). I took out my laptop and then walked through the metal detector. Because of heightened screening for US flights, I also had to remove my shoes and then was subject to a very thorough pat down.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal security.
But it was over before I knew it and then I was led towards the lounge. There’s a duty free store right past security but it was closed that early and I never went back to check it out. Just before you enter the lounge, there’s also a well-lit trophy case proudly showcasing multiple generations of the famous Lufthansa First Class rubber ducks.
Lufthansa First Class rubber duck collection.
Lufthansa First Class rubber duck collection.
The Lufthansa First Class Terminal
As soon as you enter the terminal you will see a large collection of literature and magazines to read on the left. Their collection is very extensive so you can probably find something that you are interested in.
Next to the entrance is the magnificent bar area.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal bar.
The Lufthansa First Class Terminal bar is one of the most impressive first class lounge bars that I have come across. You can have a seat at the bar or at the counter in front of the bar which has a chess board to keep you occupied.
You can also find a guest book on this counter to sign. People left all kinds of different messages and even drawings in the book, and you’ll probably find the signatures of miles and points bloggers and YouTubers throughout the book.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal bar.
I really liked how sleek the look of the bar is.
The bar at the Lufthansa First Class Terminal is known for its extensive drink selection, which includes over 130 different kinds of whisky. They even offer a whisky tasting service.
Also, if you are in the mood for gummy bears there are several containers that are organized by color. A little OCD but I liked the look of it.
Since I don’t currently drink I opted for a mocktail. I’m not sure what was in the drink other than different types of fruit juices. I got about 70% through with it and still couldn’t decide if I loved it or hated it due to the odd and unfamiliar flavors, but I appreciated them whipping up something with no alcohol.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal dining
The dining area at the Lufthansa First Class Terminal is relatively small but it is elegantly put together. This area is divided up by a couple of partitions that allow you a little bit of privacy when dining which is nice and they have a no talking on the phone policy which I think is great.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal dining room.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal dining room.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal dining room.
You can choose between à la carte items off the menu or simply make your own plate with their extensive buffet. I did a little bit of both.
First, I tried out the breakfast buffet items. There was a lot to choose from including things like:
Eggs
Bacon
Sausage
Hash browns
Nutella crepes
Waffles
Cheeses
Deli meats
Cereals
Yogurts
Pretzels
Breads
Pastries
The breakfast selection was pretty much what you’d find at a five-star hotel that knows how to put on a great breakfast, so I was very impressed by it.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal breakfast.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal breakfast.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal breakfast.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal breakfast.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal breakfast.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal breakfast.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal breakfast.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal breakfast.
Everything that I tried was high-quality. I was surprised how much I enjoyed the bacon and the crepes were simply amazing. But I didn’t want to go too hard on the buffet to save room for later so I ended up just trying a little bit.
I did come back about two hours later to try something off the menu. I ordered eggs Benedict and a waffle but was informed that items like the waffles were to just be taken off the buffet. I was slightly disappointed since it’s hard to beat a fresh waffle but I decided to just go with the eggs Benedict.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal breakfast view.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal breakfast menu.
The order promptly came out after only a few minutes and the eggs Benedict was delicious. I think the hollandaise sauce had something special in it because it had a strong flavor I’m not used to tasting, and I couldn’t put my finger on it. But it was very delicious.
Eggs Benedict.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal seating
There is a lot of seating throughout the lounge and you can find a number of small living room type setups in different sections of the lounge. These areas, which are great for groups, have chairs and sofas that are set up around a coffee table where you can find things like nuts and dried fruits to snack on.
There are also a couple of places for you to hang up your garments.
I preferred to relax in the “easy chairs.” These were lining the windows and were very comfortable.
In the middle of the lounge you can find the concierge desk which can assist you with all things related to your flight.
The concierge desk is to the left in the photo.
While most things were great in the lounge, I did have a couple of complaints.
The first is that there were no outlets suited for international/US use and no adapters either. I had misplaced my adapter at some point during the trip and I was a bit surprised the lounge didn’t have at least one US power adapter to use.
Another drawback to the lounge is that there are no true privacy areas (aside from the quiet rooms below that are very limited in quantity). All of the seating is out in the open. Sometimes it’s nice to just get cozy in a private little cubby and feel cut-off from the crowds (or the world) and that really is not a possibility there.
Also, there are very limited views that are not ideal for plane spotting. Below are what the views look like from the Lufthansa First Class Terminal. As you can tell, they are nothing special.
Maybe it was a little early for plane spotting but I don’t recall seeing much in the sky.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal quiet rooms
Lufthansa First Class Terminal has two quiet rooms with day beds (I just call them nap rooms). These can be reserved and occupied for up to three hours which is double the time allowed with the Day Suites at The Pier in Hong Kong.
The rooms are spacious and nice but I would not put them above the rooms found at the Al Safwa First Class Lounge in Qatar. There are far more rooms at that lounge and you can stay in them longer (up to six hours), not to mention the fact that they have private showers and TVs. Still, these quiet rooms would be great for a layover.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal quiet room.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal quiet room.
There are also four shower rooms that you can use in the back of the lounge.
The shower rooms are very nice and one of the rooms even has a bathtub you can relax in. Unfortunately, that bathtub was occupied every time I wanted to get photos of it so I was not able to get any.
Lufthansa first class shower room.
Lufthansa first class shower room.
Lufthansa first class shower room.
Lufthansa first class shower room.
Lufthansa first class shower room.
Lufthansa first class shower room.
To reserve a shower or bathtub room simply head to the desk with the ducks and the bell and ring it to get attention. Someone will probably pop out very quickly to greet you if they aren’t already at the desk. By the way, don’t forget to take your duck before leaving!
Cigar lounge
The Lufthansa First Class Terminal has a cigar lounge like some other first-class lounges. This lounge within a lounge has glass walls and the furniture is similar to that found in throughout the lounge.
Interestingly, the cigar lounge does not provide cigars so you will have to bring your own which is a departure from the Etihad First Class Lounge.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal cigar lounge.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal cigar lounge.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal cigar lounge.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal cigar lounge.
There is a bar within the cigar lounge which was stocked pretty well.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal cigar lounge bar.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal massage chairs
At the end of the lounge there are three special massage chairs that you can relax in. This is one of the few areas of the lounge where you can get some privacy so if you’re looking to relax, you might want to try out one of these massage chairs.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal massage chairs.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal Bathrooms
The bathrooms in the lounge are very nice and well-kept. There are several different private stalls that you can enter in each stall has a toilet as well as a urinal. You can also find a shoe shiner.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal Chauffeur service
One thing that the Lufthansa First Class Terminal is known for is the personal chauffeur service. It is a pretty sweet perk and basically you get dropped off directly to the aircraft on the tarmac. And they don’t just use any old vehicle to do this — in many cases you are transported in a Porsche. It’s a short ride but it is a pretty sweet feeling to get dropped off in a Porsche.
When you arrive at the lounge or sometime shortly after, an agent should explain what time to expect to be taken down to the vehicles. In my case, it was right when boarding was scheduled. We went down the elevator and arrived at the waiting lobby.
Last glimpse of the lounge!
This is where you’ll get your passport back from passport control, which could take a couple of minutes depending on how things are going. In my case, I took a seat for about three to four minutes while I waited for them to process everything.
Finally, I was informed that another passenger would be riding with me and when he finally came down we made our way through the doors where the vehicles were parked. Sharing the Porsche was a little bit of a letdown in large part because it meant trying to get photographs without another passenger in them as we boarded.
It was pretty cool to see a line-up of Porches waiting for us.
We then loaded into the Porsche and then made our way to the A380, which only took about two minutes.
After arriving, we took a large elevator up to the boarding level.
There were some people boarding through the jet bridge (I assumed business class passengers) and then we turned left into the first class cabin and the Lufthansa first class experience began!
Final word
Overall, the Lufthansa First Class Terminal is a solid first class experience. In my opinion it has the following features that stand out:
Exclusivity factor and ability to avoid public security lines/passport control
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and creator of the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned full-time credit card rewards/travel expert and has earned and redeemed millions of miles to travel the globe. Since 2014, his content has been featured in major publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, Forbes, CNBC, US News, and Business Insider. Find his full bio here.
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