Community
Wiki Posts
Search
Old Jul 29, 2013, 5:44 am
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Last edit by: supine
Do I have entitlement to access the First Class Terminal (FCT) in FRA?
- Yes, if you are departing from FRA on a flight operated by LH/LX/OS, and at least one of the following is true:
  • The class of service on your departing flight from FRA is F.
  • You have arrived on a confirmed F segment on LH or LX metal, on the same day, even if the ticket of that F segment is different from the ticket of the segment from FRA.
  • You will be departing on a confirmed F segment on LH or LX metal, on the same day from a connecting station, and the ticket of that F segment is the same ticket as the segment from FRA. Separate tickets means you are not entitled to FCT access.
  • You hold HON status.
  • You are invited as a guest by someone who meets the above criteria, and you meet the requirements of a guest as discussed later in this FAQ.


But the LH website contradicts the above:"Access to the First Class Terminal at Frankfurt Airport is only possible with a confirmed same-day departing First Class flight on Lufthansa or SWISS. HON Circle Members may access the First Class Terminal with a same-day departing flight on Lufthansa, SWISS or Austrian Airlines. Access to the First Class Terminal is not permitted for arriving passengers."

- The above has been on the web site for some time, and does not appear to be the actual policy, as many here attest from personal experience.

What are the opening times of the FCT?
- 0530 to 2200 daily

Where is it located?
- About 200 metres to the west of Terminal 1

If arriving in FRA on a LH operated flight in F, will I get a car transfer from the arriving flight?
- Ordinarily, no. However, if you hold HON status, you're arriving / departing from an apron position and your onward flight is operated by LH / LX / OS, LH aims to send a car to meet you from your arriving aircraft. See for more info. NB If you do get the car service on arrival, you will be driven to the main arrivals area and not the FCT, as this does not offer immigration and customs facilities for inbound passengers.

How do I get to the FCT in FRA?
- The First Class Terminal at Frankfurt is located close to Terminal 1. You can reach it by car via the access road to Terminal 1: the entrance to the First Class Terminal is off this road, approximately 200 metres before you get to Terminal 1. When arriving on public transport, the First Class Terminal is only a few minutes’ walk from Terminal 1.

Locations of Lufthansa lounges at Frankfurt Airport

The FCT is a departure terminal/lounge and is not meant for transfer pax. Transfer pax can use the FCLs located in the main terminal building which offer the same amenities as the FCT. There is no transfer or shuttle to the FCT. You can walk to the FCT, though.

If on departure level take the escalator down to arrival, walk out of the terminal and turn left. You will pass the bus shuttles to the airport hotels and taxis. Cross the street - whilst waking under the access road above to departures - you will see taxi divers' coffee shop to the right - and more taxis parked to your left. You will see the First Class Terminal across the street. Cross the street in front of the coffee shop, turn right and the First Class Terminal is on your left. Go through the automatic doors and take the elevator to the main reception area.

Pictorial guide may be found here.

If the FCT is not meant to be a transfer lounge then why do some people use it as such?
- Aside from the experience, there are practical reasons for you to consider using the FCT for a connection:
  • If you have a long layover, the FCT will be less crowded than the FCL B (but more crowded than the even newer FCL A by A13).
  • If your connection requires clearing passport controls, it is faster to do it at the FCT where you will surrender your passport upon admittance and get it back moments before you are driven to your plane. Presumably if immigration has questions they will deal with it while you are lounging in the FCT versus waiting until you depart for your plane. Note that permanent residents of the USA who are heading back to the USA from FRA or a connecting airport should also surrender their green card, but gently but firmly request it be returned quickly. The German immigration people don't need your green card, and LH only needs it to enter into the passenger record, so there is no reason why your personal assistant cannot return it to you soon after.
  • You do not have to waste time walking from the FCL to a gate position that is potentially more distant from the lounge than your arriving gate, or worse yet, is actually a bus to a plane parked at an apron position in the middle of the tarmac. You will leave the FCT after boarding starts and a driver will take you to the plane wherever it is.
  • If your plane is parked at a jetway, you will be whisked to the front of the line of pax boarding in the jetway, saving even more time.
  • If your connection requires going through security, you are guaranteed to have a much faster and gentler screening at the FCT than going through security in the main terminals, and if you are carrying valuables, the FCT checkpoint eliminates all angst about theft or forgetting them.


How many guests am I permitted in the FCT?
- One, assuming a lower cabin class and that they will be travelling on the same flight as you. If they also are confirmed to travel in F, they too will be entitled to a guest, meeting the same criteria
- Anyone with a confirmed segment in F is also entitled to bring in their spouse/partner and/or children, provided they are departing on the same flight, irrespective of the cabin class they are travelling in

I’m arriving on LH/LX/OS C and departing TG/SQ/etc. F, do I get in to the F terminal?
- No, but you will have access LH Senator (Star Alliance Gold) Lounges which are designated as First Class Lounges for Star Alliance carriers.

I'm arriving on TG/SQ/etc. F and departing on LH, Swiss, Austrian C do I get in to the FCT?
- Not unless you hold HON status, otherwise you will have access LH Business Lounges unlesss you hold Star Alliance Gold status and access to LH Senator (Star Alliance Gold) Lounges. Certain airlines (e.g. SQ) have arrangements for arriving F passengers to access LH Senator Lounges regardless of their status.

I’m arriving on any carrier in any cabin class and departing same day on LH/LX F do I get in to the FCT?
- Yes.

I'm arriving on LH / LX F and departing same day on another carrier in any cabin class, will I have access to the FCT?
- Yes, if your onward flight is operated by LH, Swiss or Austrian Airlines Group. Otherwise, you will only have access to the LH First Class Lounges or (if eligible) the lounge of the airline operating your onward flight.

What is the minimum connect time between flights in order to use the FCT?
- 90 mins is recommended, however some have observed that 60 mins is acceptable, while others still have got away with just 20 mins. Bear in mind, if in transit, that you will need to factor in the time between arrival and departure

Do I need to tip the staff in the FCT?
- According to LH policy, FCT staff are not allowed to accept gratuities.

What's the food like in the FCT?
- Well above the standard of anything you might expect from any airline in the air, a cut above lounge food of any other airline and equivalent to a smart restaurant in any major city

VAT Refund
- Yes, but there is a $75 trip fee and CC refund only.

Print Wikipost

The FRA F/HON First Class Terminal FCT FAQ

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 26, 2015, 6:34 pm
  #3256  
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: MRY - CNX - TXL
Programs: UA 1K / *G / Marriott PE / Expedia Gold+ / Hertz PC
Posts: 7,058
You won't get driven TO the FCT, no one does. You would get driven from it but with 1:50 I would say maybe just use the FCL? You would get driven to the plane if it is at a non-gate position which being a short intra-EU flight you may get lucky and have that happen.
I was excited with PRG-FRA arrived non-gate and I got picked up.
JVPhoto is offline  
Old May 28, 2015, 9:21 am
  #3257  
 
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 12
gret thanks we will go to ftc what should we expect from food choices oth buffet and a la carte menu
Vballer73 is offline  
Old May 28, 2015, 9:24 am
  #3258  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,602
Originally Posted by Vballer73
gret thanks we will go to ftc what should we expect from food choices oth buffet and a la carte menu
Many delicious choices that vary by the time of day.
SFO777 is offline  
Old May 28, 2015, 10:33 am
  #3259  
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,116
Layover in Frankfurt

Hey,

I am flying Lufthansa from JFK to Frankfurt i have an 11 hour layover before a flight to Hong Kong.

I an flying first class JFK-Frankfurt and Business Frankfurt- Hong Kong...can i utilize the first class terminal in frankfurt? if i leave the airport and come back can i come back through the first class terminal?

thanks
jp12687 is offline  
Old May 28, 2015, 10:49 am
  #3260  
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: GYD
Programs: Azerbaijan Airlines Gold, Turkish Miles and Smiles, IHG Plat
Posts: 663
Originally Posted by jp12687
Hey,

I am flying Lufthansa from JFK to Frankfurt i have an 11 hour layover before a flight to Hong Kong.

I an flying first class JFK-Frankfurt and Business Frankfurt- Hong Kong...can i utilize the first class terminal in frankfurt? if i leave the airport and come back can i come
thanks
I think it depends on your onward connection? Is your FRAHKG sector LH J? This might help you:
http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.c...rminal-access/
MichaelBaku is offline  
Old May 28, 2015, 11:00 am
  #3261  
Senior Moderator, Moderator: Community Buzz and Ambassador: Miles & More (Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, and other partners)
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: 150km from MAN
Programs: LH SEN** HH Diamond
Posts: 29,512
Originally Posted by jp12687
Hey,

I am flying Lufthansa from JFK to Frankfurt i have an 11 hour layover before a flight to Hong Kong.

I an flying first class JFK-Frankfurt and Business Frankfurt- Hong Kong...can i utilize the first class terminal in frankfurt? if i leave the airport and come back can i come back through the first class terminal?

thanks
You can access the First Class Lounge on arrival from JFK before leaving the airport. In theory you can access the First Class Terminal as well but it will be a hassle to walk there and back not to mention clearing security and retrieving your passport. The FCL A is probably the most convenient. Follow the signs as if you are connecting from gate A13.

On your return to the airport your arriving BP should give you access to the First Class Terminal.
NewbieRunner is offline  
Old May 28, 2015, 11:13 am
  #3262  
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,116
Originally Posted by NewbieRunner
You can access the First Class Lounge on arrival from JFK before leaving the airport. In theory you can access the First Class Terminal as well but it will be a hassle to walk there and back not to mention clearing security and retrieving your passport. The FCL A is probably the most convenient. Follow the signs as if you are connecting from gate A13.

On your return to the airport your arriving BP should give you access to the First Class Terminal.
Yea my plan is for the 12 hour connection to do the Avis Porsche 911 rental car for 4 hours and go for a drive around and find some food then returning to the airport. on arrival back my connecting flight is in Biz but i should be able to go return the rental car and use the First Class terminal with my arriving flight as long as its the same day correct?
jp12687 is offline  
Old May 28, 2015, 12:08 pm
  #3263  
 
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 12
in morning do they have lunch items on both
Vballer73 is offline  
Old May 28, 2015, 12:19 pm
  #3264  
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Programs: OW Emerald, *A Gold
Posts: 6,913
Originally Posted by NewbieRunner
In theory you can access the First Class Terminal as well but it will be a hassle to walk there and back not to mention clearing security and retrieving your passport. The FCL A is probably the most convenient. Follow the signs as if you are connecting from gate A13.

On your return to the airport your arriving BP should give you access to the First Class Terminal.
Is this still the case? As FRA is one of my home airports, I never visited a lounge there as an arriving passenger and thus have no experience in this respect but on the LH website it now reads:
Access to the First Class Terminal at Frankfurt Airport is only possible with a confirmed same-day departing First Class flight on Lufthansa or SWISS. HON Circle Members may access the First Class Terminal with a same-day departing flight on Lufthansa, SWISS or Austrian Airlines. Access to the First Class Terminal is not permitted for arriving passengers.
totti is offline  
Old May 28, 2015, 3:01 pm
  #3265  
Senior Moderator, Moderator: Community Buzz and Ambassador: Miles & More (Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, and other partners)
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: 150km from MAN
Programs: LH SEN** HH Diamond
Posts: 29,512
Originally Posted by totti
Is this still the case? As FRA is one of my home airports, I never visited a lounge there as an arriving passenger and thus have no experience in this respect but on the LH website it now reads:
When I arrive in FRA in F (not very often unfortunately ) I always have a connecting shorthaul flight in C. I've never had any problem getting into the FCT which I prefer to the FCL because I can avoid B transfer security. I usually go straight to the FCT on arrival but I don't think it matters if you go there later as long as it's on the day of arrival in F. There hasn't been any report of FTers being turned away when connecting to LH/LX/OS in C.

When LH announced the 'new rules' several years ago there was much discussion in this forum but it appeared the rules were not or could not be enforced and the consensus here was that connecting passengers were not arriving passengers.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/lufth...not-place.html
NewbieRunner is offline  
Old May 28, 2015, 3:23 pm
  #3266  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,602
Originally Posted by NewbieRunner
When I arrive in FRA in F (not very often unfortunately ) I always have a connecting shorthaul flight in C. I've never had any problem getting into the FCT which I prefer to the FCL because I can avoid B transfer security. I usually go straight to the FCT on arrival but I don't think it matters if you go there later as long as it's on the day of arrival in F. There hasn't been any report of FTers being turned away when connecting to LH/LX/OS in C.
This has been our experience as well, mostly recently last month. We always head for the FCT on arrival from NA primarily for the reason NewbieRunner cites. And apart from the 5-6 minute walk which I find refreshing even in winter (and which Mrs. SFO almost always complains about, until she is in the FCT), it is so much more civilized and pleasant than navigating the labyrinth that is FRA. We have made the trek with as little as a 55 minute connection.
SFO777 is offline  
Old May 28, 2015, 7:25 pm
  #3267  
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Programs: OW Emerald, *A Gold
Posts: 6,913
Thanks for clarification NewbieRunner and SFO777. I never really paid attention to this rule for obvious reason and only saw this "rule" the other day when I checked lounge access rules for other airports.
totti is offline  
Old May 29, 2015, 4:05 pm
  #3268  
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Mr Worldwide
Programs: UA 1K, BA Gold, Hyatt Plat., Marriott Plat.
Posts: 126
First class problems.

bumfluff is offline  
Old Jun 15, 2015, 8:34 am
  #3269  
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Vienna, Austria
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 39
Hello there.
I have a 90 minute connection at FRA, arriving from Verona and flying on to JFK in Lufthansa First Class. What are my best lounge options? I know it is a short connection, but i want to maximise my 'first class experience' as it only happens once every other year... I have been to the FCT before so i know that if i rush i will make it there in time - would i be quicker though heading for the FCL B? As i am arriving in terminal A, will i need to go through passport control to get to FCL B? and/or security? If so, is there Fast Track? I basically want to guarantee a car ride to the plane, and i know the easiest option (FCL A) won't give me that ;-) I am very grateful for any tips! Thank you!
snape73 is offline  
Old Jun 15, 2015, 9:28 am
  #3270  
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Bergen - Norway
Programs: EBD , FBG
Posts: 563
Originally Posted by snape73
Hello there.
I have a 90 minute connection at FRA, arriving from Verona and flying on to JFK in Lufthansa First Class. What are my best lounge options? I know it is a short connection, but i want to maximise my 'first class experience' as it only happens once every other year... I have been to the FCT before so i know that if i rush i will make it there in time - would i be quicker though heading for the FCL B? As i am arriving in terminal A, will i need to go through passport control to get to FCL B? and/or security? If so, is there Fast Track? I basically want to guarantee a car ride to the plane, and i know the easiest option (FCL A) won't give me that ;-) I am very grateful for any tips! Thank you!
Yeah, A would be the easiest.

Run over to B through the tunnel and go through passport control there.
Head into B and have a nice brazilian cigar before getting the car to ride back to Z. I presume that is where JFK flight is departing from…

I don't think there is much passport traffic on the tunnel side of B terminal at that time, but I might be wrong.
Kleffen is offline  


Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.