Off to Germany for a reunion of sorts - LH C class PHL-FRA
May 20, 2009, 7:52 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2005
Programs: Chick-Fil-A Red, Wawa, Red Cross blood donor
Posts: 4,826
Off to Germany for a reunion of sorts - LH C class PHL-FRA
Talk of a trip to Germany began in the fall of 2008 and I would be redeeming my US miles, hopefully for business class. My choices for best airports were Amsterdam (either via US or LH) or one of the smaller regional airports in northwest Germany (again, either via US or LH). A decade ago, I flew from PHL to FRA on US in Envoy class and it was absolutely a fantastic trip (sadly, this was before I knew of FT or I would have written a trip report back then, too). But this time around, I knew I wanted to fly LH.
Well, what I really really really wanted to do was fly upper deck on a 747. But, sadly, LH configures their upper deck as first class and I didn’t have the miles for that. Also, LH doesn’t fly a 747 out of Philly, although I could have gone to EWR (if I remember correctly) but now I’m starting to complicate the trip. (I also looked into flying UA which I think has 747s configured as biz class on the upper deck, but that would have entailed going to ORD and now I’m spending far too much time in the air…not for me but for an elderly traveling companion.)
So, the decision is made, LH out of Philly it is. ANA doesn’t show the exact availability I want but I’m within a day either way. As I’m staying with relatives, I don’t want to wear out my welcome and I find dates that should work out just fine. A call to the US platinum line (and that status is long gone) and within 15 minutes my tickets are booked. I can’t really say I’m disappointed, though, as I’m looking forward to a flight on an A340.
LH 427 – PHL – FRA
Business – A340 – 300
We arrived at the airport about 2.5 hours prior to departure. The line to LH business is empty and check in is pretty smooth. A verbal invitation is given to the US Envoy lounge.
Security is a pretty long wait. The line is about 20 minutes as everyone is bottlenecked through one WMTD. Of course, the line I pick is the slowest as a call goes out for both a male and a female assist. Since there aren’t enough TSAers to handle both at one time, we need to wait. To top it off, someone needs a laptop check and TSA decides to argue about how to do it.
Eventually we make it through and head up to the Envoy lounge. It’s busy but definitely not crowded. The food selection is much better from my previous visits in 2007 with more substantial pasta dishes available. There are also additional pasta and dessert stations set up in the middle of the lounge. Nice touch.
As usual, the beer and wine are off to the left of the lounge (as you walk in) and a full bar off to the right. We head to the left for some wine and cheese (only) as I know that LH will do a great job of keeping us fed onboard.
We make our way down to the gate in preparation for a 17:25 boarding (you know, German punctuality). However, due to catering and fueling delays, boarding begins approximately 20 minutes late (you know, PHL punctuality).
This is only the 2nd time I’ve ever flown international business class so I’m pretty excited about turning left as we board. Business class is configured 2-2-2 and we’ve been assigned two in the middle. I thought about requesting a pair next to the window but figured this would be best to make getting up easier. I think I made the right choice.
As we take our seats, the FAs seem like they are going to be great. I’ve read that they can be a bit cool but these people are wonderful. Very friendly. Pre-departure drinks are offered (champagne, OJ and water). Gotta start with the champagne.
Departure is scheduled for 18:05 and we pull back exactly at 18:05 (not sure how this happened with the late boarding). Service begins 15 minutes after takeoff with hot towels (and I mean super hot towels).
Menus are distributed. Now I know that some folks like to read every nuance of the menu but I just wrote down the main points
Hors d’oeuvres
-smoked trout mousse
-duck confit
-hearts of palm
Entrees
-roasted chicken breast
-seared cod
-spinach stuffed gnocchi
Cheese and Dessert
-cheeses
-tres leches cake
-fresh fruit
I order the salmon mousse and the spinach gnocchi. It’s actually plated just like I would expect in economy (and realized on the trip home that this is probably due to the fact that this is a red-eye and dinner service is meant to be quick…not necessarily luxurious). The portions aren’t huge but the taste is very good. Included on our tray were the dates stuffed with cheese (from the dessert menu). I was a little disappointed to see them here but the FAs did come around again for our dessert choices.
I’ve read many reviews and see there are mixed feelings about these seats. I tend to think that people’s expectations are too high and that this should be fine. However, initial playing around and I’m concerned that these seats were built for much shorter people. In its fully reclined position, it just isn’t that comfortable. Plus, if you like sleeping on your back, you frankly look like you are laid out in a coffin. However, there are plenty of positions in-between fully flat and fully upright and I certainly found a comfortable position that allowed me four hours of sleep.
Breakfast was very German…cold cuts, cheese, fresh juice and tea or coffee. Not really much to say except that it was small but good.
About AVOD. I like it. I very quickly went through all the choices and there were plenty of movies and TV shows to keep me entertained both to and from Frankfurt. The big downside is that you are forced into using LH headphones as there doesn’t seem to be a jack for your own headphones. But the LH-provided ones are fine and the amenity kit included clean ear covers.
The business class mini-cabin seemed mostly empty, with only four or five of the twelve available seats taken (and I noticed on the return trip that the last row was being used as a crew rest area). It also seems cooler back there.
At the end of the flight, I was wondering how they were going to offload the business class passengers first. I soon saw that they use door 1L for business and 2L for economy. Nice touch. Plus, there was no waiting for someone to move the jet bridge…as soon as we pulled into the gate the jet bridge was moved (love that German punctuality).
(I actually have some ratings at the end of my next post)
Well, what I really really really wanted to do was fly upper deck on a 747. But, sadly, LH configures their upper deck as first class and I didn’t have the miles for that. Also, LH doesn’t fly a 747 out of Philly, although I could have gone to EWR (if I remember correctly) but now I’m starting to complicate the trip. (I also looked into flying UA which I think has 747s configured as biz class on the upper deck, but that would have entailed going to ORD and now I’m spending far too much time in the air…not for me but for an elderly traveling companion.)
So, the decision is made, LH out of Philly it is. ANA doesn’t show the exact availability I want but I’m within a day either way. As I’m staying with relatives, I don’t want to wear out my welcome and I find dates that should work out just fine. A call to the US platinum line (and that status is long gone) and within 15 minutes my tickets are booked. I can’t really say I’m disappointed, though, as I’m looking forward to a flight on an A340.
LH 427 – PHL – FRA
Business – A340 – 300
We arrived at the airport about 2.5 hours prior to departure. The line to LH business is empty and check in is pretty smooth. A verbal invitation is given to the US Envoy lounge.
Security is a pretty long wait. The line is about 20 minutes as everyone is bottlenecked through one WMTD. Of course, the line I pick is the slowest as a call goes out for both a male and a female assist. Since there aren’t enough TSAers to handle both at one time, we need to wait. To top it off, someone needs a laptop check and TSA decides to argue about how to do it.
Eventually we make it through and head up to the Envoy lounge. It’s busy but definitely not crowded. The food selection is much better from my previous visits in 2007 with more substantial pasta dishes available. There are also additional pasta and dessert stations set up in the middle of the lounge. Nice touch.
As usual, the beer and wine are off to the left of the lounge (as you walk in) and a full bar off to the right. We head to the left for some wine and cheese (only) as I know that LH will do a great job of keeping us fed onboard.
We make our way down to the gate in preparation for a 17:25 boarding (you know, German punctuality). However, due to catering and fueling delays, boarding begins approximately 20 minutes late (you know, PHL punctuality).
This is only the 2nd time I’ve ever flown international business class so I’m pretty excited about turning left as we board. Business class is configured 2-2-2 and we’ve been assigned two in the middle. I thought about requesting a pair next to the window but figured this would be best to make getting up easier. I think I made the right choice.
As we take our seats, the FAs seem like they are going to be great. I’ve read that they can be a bit cool but these people are wonderful. Very friendly. Pre-departure drinks are offered (champagne, OJ and water). Gotta start with the champagne.
Departure is scheduled for 18:05 and we pull back exactly at 18:05 (not sure how this happened with the late boarding). Service begins 15 minutes after takeoff with hot towels (and I mean super hot towels).
Menus are distributed. Now I know that some folks like to read every nuance of the menu but I just wrote down the main points
Hors d’oeuvres
-smoked trout mousse
-duck confit
-hearts of palm
Entrees
-roasted chicken breast
-seared cod
-spinach stuffed gnocchi
Cheese and Dessert
-cheeses
-tres leches cake
-fresh fruit
I order the salmon mousse and the spinach gnocchi. It’s actually plated just like I would expect in economy (and realized on the trip home that this is probably due to the fact that this is a red-eye and dinner service is meant to be quick…not necessarily luxurious). The portions aren’t huge but the taste is very good. Included on our tray were the dates stuffed with cheese (from the dessert menu). I was a little disappointed to see them here but the FAs did come around again for our dessert choices.
I’ve read many reviews and see there are mixed feelings about these seats. I tend to think that people’s expectations are too high and that this should be fine. However, initial playing around and I’m concerned that these seats were built for much shorter people. In its fully reclined position, it just isn’t that comfortable. Plus, if you like sleeping on your back, you frankly look like you are laid out in a coffin. However, there are plenty of positions in-between fully flat and fully upright and I certainly found a comfortable position that allowed me four hours of sleep.
Breakfast was very German…cold cuts, cheese, fresh juice and tea or coffee. Not really much to say except that it was small but good.
About AVOD. I like it. I very quickly went through all the choices and there were plenty of movies and TV shows to keep me entertained both to and from Frankfurt. The big downside is that you are forced into using LH headphones as there doesn’t seem to be a jack for your own headphones. But the LH-provided ones are fine and the amenity kit included clean ear covers.
The business class mini-cabin seemed mostly empty, with only four or five of the twelve available seats taken (and I noticed on the return trip that the last row was being used as a crew rest area). It also seems cooler back there.
At the end of the flight, I was wondering how they were going to offload the business class passengers first. I soon saw that they use door 1L for business and 2L for economy. Nice touch. Plus, there was no waiting for someone to move the jet bridge…as soon as we pulled into the gate the jet bridge was moved (love that German punctuality).
(I actually have some ratings at the end of my next post)
Last edited by bitburgr; May 22, 2009 at 5:44 pm
May 20, 2009, 7:53 pm
#2
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2005
Programs: Chick-Fil-A Red, Wawa, Red Cross blood donor
Posts: 4,826
(I left my photos at home...they'll get linked here over the weekend)
FLT 426 – FRA – PHL
Business Class – A340-300
We flew into FRA from another German airport and made our way upstairs to the A6x gates. I had read in the Lufthansa Magazin about the new (?) Tower Lounge and figured I would try that as I’ve read that the regular business class lounges were nothing special. Up the escalator and find that this place is PACKED (around noon so it just may be the timing). However, once I found a seat, I quickly grew to appreciate the place. They have plenty of amenities…a sandwich/Panini station, a fresh fruit bar, full coffee and tea selection, plus soft drinks, wines, champagne, beer (in bottle and on tap) and mixed drinks.
They also have showers. Now, I’ve never had the pleasure of taking a shower in an airport so this is my big chance. There was no wait so all I had to do was sign in and I was immediately escorted back to an available shower room. The room was a nice size and very clean. The towels were soft but it looks like they’ve seen just a little bit of wear. But I can’t complain and the hot shower is strong and feels really good.
About 20 minutes prior to boarding I left to exchange leftover currency. By the time I got through that it was just about time to get on the plane. I know they called for business class and I think they also called for the last rows in economy. Down the stairs and then a separate jetway to the left for Biz and to the right for economy.
FAs on this flight are just as nice as the ones on the way over. One interesting thing I notice is that they made one guy move from his aisle seat next to the window to an aisle seat in the center pair. They person who took the window seat was now by himself and really spread out, using the tray and all the available floor space from the aisle seat. HON? The guy who moved didn’t look all that happy so I’m pretty sure it wasn’t because his seat was inop.
The menu for lunch is...lost...but I started with the prawn salad
entree (chicken and risotto):
Now that I have more awake time to spend in the seat, I really notice that it’s just a bit too firm for long haul flights (for me). I spent a lot of time repositioning the seat throughout the flight trying to keep comfortable.
The food on the way home is just as good as on the way over. And here’s where I notice that the service is much slower and more deliberate than the red-eye over. It works really well…with drinks being topped all the time and warm rolls always being passed out.
Beyond the more formal dinner service and my own discomfort with the seat, I don’t know that there is much different between this flight and the one over to FRA. This really is a great way to fly.
So…overall…
AVOD - 8 out of 10…plenty of choices and there were no problems. However, the location of the screen is fine for when you are sitting upright but you are forced into some contorted positions when you seriously start to recline. (Now, I didn’t see where the screen was stowed for the bulkhead row…they may have had it better.)
Food - 8 out of 10…tasted great but I would have liked more of it. However, I realize I have a bigger appetite than most people so I’m sure it was fine for everyone else. Next time (if there is a next time), I’ll just eat a little more in the Envoy lounge or business class lounge. And I think desserts could have been a little more substantial.
Service - 9 out of 10…they were truly friendly in both directions.
Seat Comfort - 8 out of 10…fine in the upright position and I quickly found a sleeping position that worked for me. The cushioning was a little too firm for my liking (and I like firm). On the way home I did fidget a bit. The seat could probably be a bit softer. The supplied pillow was ok and I didn’t need to use the blanket.
Layout – if you are a single traveler, the middle pair of seats is probably the best for easy in and out. If you are in a window seat and your neighbor has their seat fully extended, it’s not necessarily an easy hop over them.
Amenity kit – 7 out of 10 – on the way over to FRA it was the kind that you can stick your shoes into (provided you have really small feet…or you swipe a 2nd one so you can have one shoe in each…and no, I didn’t swipe a 2nd one). But it does have a toothbrush and toothpaste along with some creams, socks and eye shades. On the way back to PHL, it’s the same supplies but with a different package. I think I like this one better as it seems a bit more lux.
Bathrooms – what the heck? These are the same size as the ones in economy! Yes, I was expecting something a little bigger. Ok, now I know.
Summary: Wow! This is a great way to fly.
FLT 426 – FRA – PHL
Business Class – A340-300
We flew into FRA from another German airport and made our way upstairs to the A6x gates. I had read in the Lufthansa Magazin about the new (?) Tower Lounge and figured I would try that as I’ve read that the regular business class lounges were nothing special. Up the escalator and find that this place is PACKED (around noon so it just may be the timing). However, once I found a seat, I quickly grew to appreciate the place. They have plenty of amenities…a sandwich/Panini station, a fresh fruit bar, full coffee and tea selection, plus soft drinks, wines, champagne, beer (in bottle and on tap) and mixed drinks.
They also have showers. Now, I’ve never had the pleasure of taking a shower in an airport so this is my big chance. There was no wait so all I had to do was sign in and I was immediately escorted back to an available shower room. The room was a nice size and very clean. The towels were soft but it looks like they’ve seen just a little bit of wear. But I can’t complain and the hot shower is strong and feels really good.
About 20 minutes prior to boarding I left to exchange leftover currency. By the time I got through that it was just about time to get on the plane. I know they called for business class and I think they also called for the last rows in economy. Down the stairs and then a separate jetway to the left for Biz and to the right for economy.
FAs on this flight are just as nice as the ones on the way over. One interesting thing I notice is that they made one guy move from his aisle seat next to the window to an aisle seat in the center pair. They person who took the window seat was now by himself and really spread out, using the tray and all the available floor space from the aisle seat. HON? The guy who moved didn’t look all that happy so I’m pretty sure it wasn’t because his seat was inop.
The menu for lunch is...lost...but I started with the prawn salad
entree (chicken and risotto):
Now that I have more awake time to spend in the seat, I really notice that it’s just a bit too firm for long haul flights (for me). I spent a lot of time repositioning the seat throughout the flight trying to keep comfortable.
The food on the way home is just as good as on the way over. And here’s where I notice that the service is much slower and more deliberate than the red-eye over. It works really well…with drinks being topped all the time and warm rolls always being passed out.
Beyond the more formal dinner service and my own discomfort with the seat, I don’t know that there is much different between this flight and the one over to FRA. This really is a great way to fly.
So…overall…
AVOD - 8 out of 10…plenty of choices and there were no problems. However, the location of the screen is fine for when you are sitting upright but you are forced into some contorted positions when you seriously start to recline. (Now, I didn’t see where the screen was stowed for the bulkhead row…they may have had it better.)
Food - 8 out of 10…tasted great but I would have liked more of it. However, I realize I have a bigger appetite than most people so I’m sure it was fine for everyone else. Next time (if there is a next time), I’ll just eat a little more in the Envoy lounge or business class lounge. And I think desserts could have been a little more substantial.
Service - 9 out of 10…they were truly friendly in both directions.
Seat Comfort - 8 out of 10…fine in the upright position and I quickly found a sleeping position that worked for me. The cushioning was a little too firm for my liking (and I like firm). On the way home I did fidget a bit. The seat could probably be a bit softer. The supplied pillow was ok and I didn’t need to use the blanket.
Layout – if you are a single traveler, the middle pair of seats is probably the best for easy in and out. If you are in a window seat and your neighbor has their seat fully extended, it’s not necessarily an easy hop over them.
Amenity kit – 7 out of 10 – on the way over to FRA it was the kind that you can stick your shoes into (provided you have really small feet…or you swipe a 2nd one so you can have one shoe in each…and no, I didn’t swipe a 2nd one). But it does have a toothbrush and toothpaste along with some creams, socks and eye shades. On the way back to PHL, it’s the same supplies but with a different package. I think I like this one better as it seems a bit more lux.
Bathrooms – what the heck? These are the same size as the ones in economy! Yes, I was expecting something a little bigger. Ok, now I know.
Summary: Wow! This is a great way to fly.
Last edited by bitburgr; May 22, 2009 at 5:55 pm
May 21, 2009, 6:15 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2005
Programs: Chick-Fil-A Red, Wawa, Red Cross blood donor
Posts: 4,826
So, 2nd post updated with photos.
One other comment about AVOD...I'm not sure how LH decides to censor its movies and TV shows.
"Eagle Eye" definitely had the bad words dubbed out.
"Entourage" definitely had the bad words left in...along with the nudity.
Oh...and for good measure...I did have a Bitburger or two
One other comment about AVOD...I'm not sure how LH decides to censor its movies and TV shows.
"Eagle Eye" definitely had the bad words dubbed out.
"Entourage" definitely had the bad words left in...along with the nudity.
Oh...and for good measure...I did have a Bitburger or two
Last edited by bitburgr; May 22, 2009 at 6:00 pm
May 23, 2009, 2:42 am
#6
Join Date: Dec 2000
Programs: AA Platinum 1MM, AC SE*100k, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 2,353
Nice report! thanks
I am not sure a FA can force anyone to change seats because a HON wanted a free seat. I think the passenger was asked, and he agreed.
One interesting thing I notice is that they made one guy move from his aisle seat next to the window to an aisle seat in the center pair. They person who took the window seat was now by himself and really spread out, using the tray and all the available floor space from the aisle seat. HON? The guy who moved didnt look all that happy so Im pretty sure it wasnt because his seat was inop.
Apr 7, 2010, 9:30 am
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: NC
Programs: AAConciergeKey/1MM, DL DM/2 MM, UA Gold,Hilton Diamond, IHG Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 11,982
Interesting...I dont ever remember LH C class service to be slow and well-paced. I like how they served your entree directly onto your table cloth (without the tray). Everytime Ive flown LH (west and eastbound), it's always been four runs...one beverage run, one appetizer run on the tray, one run with the entrees, and one run with the desserts...All have included drinks, but drinks were never topped up except during those four runs from the Economy-style cart.
My opinion is that the service is very regimented meaning that it does not go on the pace of the passenger rather the pace of the flight attendants. Not finished with your entree? Tough...dessert is here now.
Service is friendly, but not as elegant as the OP's westbound experience. Is this a new service style?
My opinion is that the service is very regimented meaning that it does not go on the pace of the passenger rather the pace of the flight attendants. Not finished with your entree? Tough...dessert is here now.
Service is friendly, but not as elegant as the OP's westbound experience. Is this a new service style?
Jul 9, 2011, 8:57 pm
#12
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Westchester, NY
Programs: HHonors Diamond, Marriott Silver, National Executive
Posts: 5
Great Trip Report!
Thank you bitburgr for a great trip report!! I am using miles to fly business class on LH this September 2011 from JFK-VCE and have a 5 hour layover in Frankfort before heading on to Venice (and Tuscany/Florence/Rome - can't wait.)
I've never flown LH or been through the Frankfort airport so your report and pictures were very helpful. I will be heading for that Tower lounge (shower facility looked acceptable to me!) Again, thanks for the pictures!
It is wonderful that members such as yourself take the time to provide this information to your fellow travelers!
I've never flown LH or been through the Frankfort airport so your report and pictures were very helpful. I will be heading for that Tower lounge (shower facility looked acceptable to me!) Again, thanks for the pictures!
It is wonderful that members such as yourself take the time to provide this information to your fellow travelers!