As of 2001, I experienced my first experience of first-class travel when I flew on the Lufthansa A340-300 aircraft between Detroit from Detroit to Washington. This was my very first air canada Aeroplan redemption, which let me enjoy four different products of first class in a trip around the world with just 120,000 points. The luxury experience, particularly in Lufthansa First Class, left an impression on me for the rest of my life and I promised not to miss another chance to fly First Class for the next time.
Fast forward more than 20 years, top quality products have advanced a lot. Seats are now transformed into full-length beds, and then enclosed in the privacy of a cabin or suite with doors. While Airhansa’s First Class product may not be as modern as the other competitors in 2023, it is one of the most effective ways to travel between the continents and beyond. The Lufthansa First class experience is unrivalled in many ways it offers the most comfortable bed in the sky to its luxurious First Class Terminal in Frankfurt.
This review of this flight continues a day following the Oman First Class Flight Experience. This was my fourth first class flight in the seven countries experience, four First Class flights, the non-jet-lag experience which allowed me to go two flights in succession: Singapore First Class, Qatar First Class, Oman First Class and finally Lufthansa First Class.
Booking Strategy & Positioning
Making reservations for Lufthansa First Class on a reward flight can be quite simple If you’re flexible and employ efficient scheduling strategies. I like booking with Air Canada Aeroplan for booking because it allows me to book award spaces via Aeroplan’s Air Canada App easily. I suggest you read my most recent guide on how to fly Lufthansa First Class using Aeroplan to learn more about the best methods to secure an Lufthansa First Class award ticket.
While I was traveling towards the end of the Covid-19 pandemic lots of award-based space was available on T-14 days departing from Frankfurt as well as options to travel into Newark, Chicago, or Washington. To be prepared for the uncertainty of the airport I’d be flying into in the beginning of my journey I booked tickets that were fully refundable for each city to the home of my choice at Ottawa, Canada.
Flight Options to Ottawa
I started my journey from London the day following my flight the Oman First Class flight. I was required to move towards Frankfurt the city where my first-class flight Lufthansa flight was scheduled to depart from. To reach Frankfurt, I purchased an Lufthansa Business Class award ticket via Air Canada Aeroplan that became available in the same time as an Lufthansa First Class flight to join perfectly.
Positioning to Frankfurt
While conducting my research, discovered that when an extended-haul Lufthansa flight is available via an award flight from Frankfurt, an option to marry the flight’s positioning becomes available. This is exactly what happened which allowed me to cancel and reimburse my back-up positioning flights. Below is an example of the London-Munich flight became available only after the Munich-Boston flight was made available.
Positioning Flight (LHR-MUC) becomes available to marry with MUC-BOS
Here’s a list of the reservations I made to guarantee myself the highest chance of flying with Lufthansa First Class flights from London until Ottawa:
Preferred Flights:
- London-Frankfurt (Lufthansa Business or Economy)
- Frankfurt-Newark (Lufthansa First Class)
- Newark-Ottawa (United Full Flex Revenue)
Backup Flights:
- London-Montreal-Ottawa (Air Canada Business)
- London-Frankfurt (British Airways Avios)
- Newark-Ottawa (United Full Flex Revenue)
- Washington-Ottawa (United Full Flex Revenue)
- Chicago-Toronto-Ottawa (Air Canada Aeroplan)
This idea to book multiple trips could be extended to any type of travel, and is the most important factor to success. I strongly recommend that you read and implement the techniques within the Art of Air Positioning article as well as How to fly Lufthansa First Class using Aeroplan.
Rewinding back to my trip to Newark, I decided to choose Newark for my destination since it was a departure in the afternoon from Frankfurt which gave me) plenty of time to get my connecting flight to London and the possibility of) making the most of my time in the first class terminal.
What is the Door Score?
A brief reminder of what is the Door Score is. This scoring system scores five out of five that I’ve used due to my love of doors on first-class hard-to-find products.
Lufthansa Ground Experience/Lounge – First Class Terminal (Frankfurt)
Door Score:
After arriving from my early morning flight between Frankfurt and London I walked to EU immigration, walked out of the main terminal building and walked around 0.5 km to reach the Lufthansa First Class Terminal. If you’ve been on this walk before, you’ll know how thrilling it can be when you slowly walk towards the terminal!
Lufthansa First Class Terminal
When I entered at the Lufthansa First Class Terminal, I felt as if I’d stepped into an unassuming airport. The staff welcomed me and verified my flight details and printed my ticket for boarding. After a brief security check, you are allowed to are allowed to enter the lounge, or the center at the end of your terminal.
Board Pass Sleeve
As a first class passenger I enjoyed a myriad of luxury amenities, such as a la buffet dining, a filled bar, and cozy sleeping rooms. It’s interesting to note that mornings can be very busy with many transatlantic flights however, it’s generally peaceful after lunchtime.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal Bar
Lufthansa First Class Terminal Dining
Eggs Benedict and Schnitzel @ Lufthansa First Class Terminal
Let’s discuss those iconic Lufthansa rubber ducks. You’ve probably heard about these, and wondered what’s the significance behind their existence. The concept was conceived at the time of construction of the terminal to provide a an individual touch to the premium experience. They are well-loved that a few travelers exclusively take Lufthansa First Class in order to include a new bird to the collection specifically the limited edition ducks only available during certain times throughout the year.
Lufthansa First Class Rubber Duck
When I visit the terminal that is first class the thing I look for most is the shuttle service that gets me straight to my flight. The thrill of getting out of the chauffeur-driven Porche in front of a massive Boeing 747 will never wear out.
This is the best way to see everything Lufthansa provides its First Class customers.
Lufthansa First Class Seat
Door Score:
This layout for the first class section of the Boeing 747 differs from the conventional 1-2-1 layout that is found in Airbus A340 and Airbus A340 and A380. This unique design is positioned at the front of the aircraft and provides views of the entire sky from four individual windows each seat. Nearly all seats have windows, with the exception two seats located in the middle.
First Class Layout – Lufthansa Boeing 747-8
Lufthansa First Class Boeing 747-8 interior, source: moore with miles
Each time I get into the plane and then turn left, I am unable to not smile because I know that I’m about to embark on a thrilling flight through the Atlantic. One of the first things I see when I walk towards my seat 3K is the windows. I’ve already mentioned it but the change from three to four windows in a seat incredible!
Four windows to a seat
The seat itself is outdated however it’s still cozy and warm. It’s spacious enough for someone shorter than me to in a crisscross. It can also be moved forward so that I can place my feet on it. The privacy is enhanced by the extension of an enclosure that functions well. The seating in various lounge places was comfortable, however sleeping was the most enjoyable part. The duvet, sleeping pad and pillows included gave you the feeling of being like you were on top of the world. The bed is the finest, if not most comfortable I’ve ever been able to sleep on in the sky.
Lufthansa First Class Bed
Let’s talk about the one that is in the room or lack of it the Door. Is it there? There’s no such thing! In 2023, having a first-class seat with no doors is an offense, but it’s not. I managed to ignore this flaw when I looked at the whole first-class package offered by Lufthansa that is amazing! The seat (minus opening the doors) is extremely comfortable, and the bed is among the best on the planet, the first-class experience at the terminal is never dull, German cuisine is fantastic with caviar, and the service is always top-notch.
Lufthansa First Pajamas & Amenity Kit
Door Score:
The kit came from Sinn, a German brand of watches Sinn It came with the usual items like La Praire creams, eyeshades socks, eyeglasses, etc. The most exciting thing about the case, which doubles as the holder of your watch! As a watch lover. Who carries around three watches when traveling I used this kit to keep my watches on my trips.
Lufthansa First Class Amenity Kit by Sinn
First Class Amenity Kit/Watch Holder by Sinn
In 2023, Qatar Airways switched from Van Laack to Porsche Design for their first-class pajamas. The collared pyjama shirt, with its unique design, gives the set a slightly more formal look. Overall, it’s a decent PJ set. The fabric was rough as was the collar, which I found irritating. The slippers included were extremely comfortable. they could have been the best pair of slippers I’ve had at an airport!
Lufthansa First Class Lavatory
Door Score:
The dining experience at Lufthansa First Class met my expectations of what I think of from a premium product:
- Paperback Food and Wine List
- Good variety of food items available on the menu
- Caviar is on the menu, though only one serving
- The selection of appetizers available from the buffet and I had the chance to sample the various dishes
- There is no concept of dining-on-demand other than the anytime snack food items
- The pace of service was excellent between courses.
- There are no cocktails, but there is a great wine list
- It was a pleasure to eat. fantastic.
Lufthansa First Class Menu
Cheese and Deesert Trolley
Appetizers to start
Amuse Bouche, Mains, Cheese, and Dessert
Mid flight Snack: Thai Soup
Let’s talk about champagne. Two champagnes are available, however my favorite is Rose by Laurent-Perrier 2004, Grande Cuvee Rose Alexandra. It was delicious and was among the best champagnes I’ve had in the sky.
Lufthansa First Class Lavatory
Door Score:
There’s a bathroom specifically designed for passengers in First Class with plenty of space and windows. Do I really have to be the only one who prefers a toilet with a views. There were no special amenities in the bathroom and there were no brand-name creams soaps, sprays or soaps etc.
First Class Lavatory aboard Boeing 747-8
Window in First Class Lavatory
Summary
Lufthansa First Class is an fantastic product which should be considered by all. Who would like to experience luxurious air travel. Because of the ease for you to accumulate the Air Canada Aeroplan points, and the adequate availability. It’s worth the effort to take the service especially for transatlantic flights in which first-class flights are scarce.
First Class isn’t a top-of-the-line first-class service similar to Emirates, Singapore Airlines, etc. However, it’s quite surprisingly great.
