IAD FRA Lufthansa 747-8 First Class; FRA ATH Lufthansa A321 Business Class
May 25, 2013, 1:07 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 294
IAD FRA Lufthansa 747-8 First Class; FRA ATH Lufthansa A321 Business Class
Trip Report
IAD – FRA – ATH
Lufthansa 747-8 First Class, A321 Business Class
We were originally booked on the early IAD-FRA trip which is an A330. While we were hopeful for the new seats, we knew it was unlikely. Luckily a few days before departure, the later IAD-FRA trip opened up for award travel and we changed to the 747-800. We snagged two seats in Business Class and reserved on the Upper Deck.
We checked in online and on day of departure headed out to IAD. Bag check was very quick. There were 2 or 3 folks in the Business Class line but the agents were efficient and calling up customers quickly.
As a Star Gold status holder, we enjoyed the Senator lounge on the B concourse. Food was nice. There was a salad, cheese, and assorted appetizers. In addition, they offered four hot dishes (one fish, one beef, one chicken, one veggie). Soft drinks and water were self serve with alcohol being offered by the servers. Lounge was a bit crowded by the time we left – as it is also used by SAS, Austrian, and South African.
With bad weather in the northeast (including IAD) – there were numerous flight delays due to thunderstorms. That being said, we boarded right on time. We left the lounge and headed to the gate a bit early so that we could board with Business Class and get our bags upstairs. As we walked up to the gate, we were paged to the podium and given OPUG to First Class! Yahooo! While we weren’t seated together, we were quite happy to be trying out First Class on a new aircraft type for us both!
As we waited at the gate, we noticed that they started to board First and Business class passengers direct from the lounge via the sterile corridor (typically used for international arrivals). Note for future travel: wait in the lounge and avoid the hustle and bustle of the gate.
We were seated in 2K (window seat) and 3D (left aisle of the only two adjacent seats). Unfortunately the person in 3F was traveling with the person in 3K so they didn’t want to switch for 2K, nor did they want to switch for 3D. That’s ok – the divider soon went up between our seats and I (3D) was soon in a private world.
The seat was great. Lots of controls. The ottoman can be moved (electronically) back and forth to meet your long or short leg needs. When fully reclined, the seat was extremely comfortable – even before they put down the bedding and duvet (which were great). The headrest is adjustable as well – although a bit awkward. A large video screen is in front of the seat and easily viewable from any position. Standard programming, controls, etc. for the entertainment. In the window seat, the shades were electronic – not like the 787 but rather push a button to have a shade drop and push again for full plastic shade to block all light. Very cool.
Once aboard, we were issued our amenity kit, slippers, and pajamas. Most people in the full cabin of 8 seats got changed before takeoff. Cocktails were offered with macadamia nuts. They closed the doors reasonably close to ontime but then we sat for 2 hours due to weather delays (for both DC and NYC airspace restrictions). We didn’t mind at all – as it gave us more time to enjoy the great seat and service. (We were told not to worry about our connecting flight – they would take care of it and advise just before arrival into FRA.)
Once we were in the air, the purser came around and introduced herself. She presented the menus and beverage list. Orders were soon taken and the meal service began.
I opted for the full appetizers and salad – skipping the caviar service. My partner enjoyed the caviar. As he was last served, they were very generous with the portion size. The appetizers were quite good and the salad dressing had a bit of a kick (spicy tomato or something?). I opted for the beef tenderloin for my entrée. It was a bit overcooked (as most airplane beef is…) but quite flavorful. The chimichurri added a nice flavor. Bread was quite nice as well. The pretzel rolls are a favorite of mine and they never disappoint.
Dessert was presented next, along with chocolates and after dinner drinks. The dessert and cheese came out on the same cart. I would have preferred them served separately as I like to try small bites of cheese but felt like my option was cheese OR dessert when presented. (I’m sure they would have given me whatever I wanted – but I didn’t ask.) I had the Berry Short Cake. Came with a scoop of surprisingly good vanilla ice cream. Shortcake was very dense – but lots of flavor. Had blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. They also offered coffee and tea – which I passed on.
When I got up to use the lav, they made my seat into a bed. Nice mattress pad and duvet with pillow. My only suggestion here is that the duvet is awfully heavy – making you too hot to sleep. The cabin was set to a ‘regular’ temperature – that we all adjusted to – so then keeping it the same temperature and climbing under a heavy duvet made it too hot.
I watched a movie and fell asleep. Awoken a few hours later to breakfast service. (When they took the dinner orders, they also asked about breakfast – which I thought was strange, but it proved very efficient.) When I got up to use the lav, they took my bed apart and transitioned it back to a seat. Very nice.
I opted for the hot breakfast – which was just ok. I found the eggs to be a bit salty and the bacon a bit fatty. The bagel was perfect as was the fresh fruit. Orange juice was of high quality.
Before I forget, let’s talk about the lav. Not a normal aircraft lav. Seemed almost double sized – with a nice changing area. The toilet seat doubled as a bench with a wide cover. Lots of great amenities as well – with shave kits, brushes, etc. Really liked the evian misters available in there as well. Also was very impressed that the crew ensured that the 2 lavs were only used by F class passengers. While on the ground, they were locked and they would open them for you as needed. In the air, the curtain was fastened and strictly enforced.
Two flight attendants served the 8 of us in F. One mainly in the aisle, the other in the galley. The purser came through repeatedly. Service was really, really nice. Only suggestion is to refresh water bottles during the night as I ran out and didn’t want to get up for another one. Water bottle was quite small as well.
About 45 minutes out of FRA, the purser advised that we were indeed rebooked on a later flight to ATH. We were originally due to arrive about 8am and our flight was at 9.30am – but with the delay we arrived about 9.45am. We were rebooked on a 1.35pm to ATH with our bags re-routed appropriately. The purser advised we would be met upon arrival and given our new boarding cards, etc. (Heard that before – this time it actually happened!)
Upon arrival, there were two concierge type people with a sign for first class. Five of the eight misconnected. They provided new boarding cards and escorted us to the First Class lounge. As we had quite a long layover now, we requested to go to the First Class Terminal instead and they were happy to oblige. (score! Thank you for the upgrade again or we would have been hoofing it to the Senator Lounge and sitting there with the masses for 4 hours!)
For those who have never been to the First Class Terminal, it is the ultimate in airport experiences. Full bar and buffet plus table service. Full breakfast available when we got there and full lunch available before we left. Awesome service. Used the shower suites – complete with ETRO amenities. They even have a cigar room with free cigars – and a nice scotch service. Everything is top notch. After a few hours, they came and got us and escorted us to the lower level. There we were greeted by our driver and taken in a Porsche Cayenne direct to our aircraft. (Most awesome thing ever at an airport). Brought up the secret elevator and the first to board our flight to Athens. Awesome….
Once aboard the A321, reality set in. Business class is simply economy class with a seat blocked in between and a little bit better service. No extra legroom. (By this time I was exhausted and really wanted a little extra space.) I understand that for short European flights this may be fine, but for the 2:45 flight to ATH, I wanted a bit more.
Service was fine. Efficient. Menu presented. Lufthansa has definitely improved their meal service on European flights. Larger portions and more courses. That being said, everything came on one tray and it was a bit crowded – including beverages. Thank goodness for the extra tray table between us.
I opted for the prawns – which were tasty but a bit dry. My partner had the meatballs – which looked like what you might get at IKEA. Bread basket was the best part – with the pretzel rolls! Beverages offered frequently.
Upon arrival in ATH, we went quickly to baggage claim worried about our bag bing re-routed. It was the first bag out. Great job.
Overall, we give Lufthansa an A plus! They did a really nice job with the trip. The upgrade to First Class was amazing. It not only made the flight to FRA great, but made the entire journey fabulous. We actually said we were happy to misconnect and get to enjoy the First Class Terminal and LH ground service. The time in FRA allowed us to decompress a bit and relax before starting vacation in ATH. Only negative is the business class seat on the European flight, but seeing as we would have that on almost any European carrier – Lufthansa is fully competitive.
Thank you for a great trip!
Menus:
IAD – FRA (First Class)
Caviar from the Service Cart
Caviar with traditional garnishes
Choice of Appetizers
Jumbo Shrimp with Thai Chili Jam
Thai Beef Salad with Chili Vinaigrette
Asparagus and Mozzarella with Watercress Dressing
Seasonal Salad with dried yellow tomatoes and green bell pepper; presented with delicious dressing
Choice of Main Courses
Grilled Tenderloin of Beef with Date Chimichurri and Watercress Barley Salad
Miso Sea Bass with Shitake Mushrooms and Udon Noodles
Thai Green Vegetable and Pumpkin Curry with Rice Cake
Braised Lamb Shank with Pappardelle
Chicken Vegetable Stew
Selection of Cheese and Dessert
Sage Derby, Parmesan, Gruyere, Cambozola, and Humboldt Fog Cheese
Hazelnut Crunch Bar
Berry Short Cake
Breakfast
Fitness Breakfast
Coffee or Tea
Freshl Orange Juice
Fresh Fruit
Cereal Muesli Mix
Continental Breakfast
Coffee or Tea
Freshl Orange Juice
Yogurt with dried fruit
Turkey Breast, Cheddar, Brie, and Cream Cheese
American Breakfast
Coffee or Tea
Freshl Orange Juice
Fresh Fruit
Farmer’s Frittata with Mushrooms, smoked bacon, and tomato olive ragout
Vinotek - Wine List
Champagne
Tattinger Grand Cru
White Wine
2011 Johannisberger Klaus Riesling (Germany)
2010 Winemakers Blend Chardonnay Ghost Pines (USA)
2012 Franken Cuvee trocken, Weingut Augustin (Germany)
Red Wine
2007 Chateau Latour-Martillac (France)
2007 Guado al Tasso, Bolgheri (Italy)
2007 Neuquen Malbec (Argentina)
Dessert Wine
2010 Scheurebe Auslese, Weingut Reichsrat von Buhl (Germany)
Special Offering
21 year old Malt Whisky, Aberfeldy, Scotland
FRA – ATH (Business Class)
Hors d’oeuvre
Herbed tenderloin of veal, herb mushrooms and artichoke and tomato salad, filet of smoked salmon with crème fraiche and keta caviar
Salad
Fresh salad with pumpkin julienne and orange mustard dressing
Your Choice of Entrees
Prawns in Vegetable Sauce Provencale and mixed rice
Meat Balls in savory Caper Sauce, basmati rice with green peas
Dessert
Cantuccini in Tiramisu Cream with Chocolate Shavings and Griottline Cherry
IAD – FRA – ATH
Lufthansa 747-8 First Class, A321 Business Class
We were originally booked on the early IAD-FRA trip which is an A330. While we were hopeful for the new seats, we knew it was unlikely. Luckily a few days before departure, the later IAD-FRA trip opened up for award travel and we changed to the 747-800. We snagged two seats in Business Class and reserved on the Upper Deck.
We checked in online and on day of departure headed out to IAD. Bag check was very quick. There were 2 or 3 folks in the Business Class line but the agents were efficient and calling up customers quickly.
As a Star Gold status holder, we enjoyed the Senator lounge on the B concourse. Food was nice. There was a salad, cheese, and assorted appetizers. In addition, they offered four hot dishes (one fish, one beef, one chicken, one veggie). Soft drinks and water were self serve with alcohol being offered by the servers. Lounge was a bit crowded by the time we left – as it is also used by SAS, Austrian, and South African.
With bad weather in the northeast (including IAD) – there were numerous flight delays due to thunderstorms. That being said, we boarded right on time. We left the lounge and headed to the gate a bit early so that we could board with Business Class and get our bags upstairs. As we walked up to the gate, we were paged to the podium and given OPUG to First Class! Yahooo! While we weren’t seated together, we were quite happy to be trying out First Class on a new aircraft type for us both!
As we waited at the gate, we noticed that they started to board First and Business class passengers direct from the lounge via the sterile corridor (typically used for international arrivals). Note for future travel: wait in the lounge and avoid the hustle and bustle of the gate.
We were seated in 2K (window seat) and 3D (left aisle of the only two adjacent seats). Unfortunately the person in 3F was traveling with the person in 3K so they didn’t want to switch for 2K, nor did they want to switch for 3D. That’s ok – the divider soon went up between our seats and I (3D) was soon in a private world.
The seat was great. Lots of controls. The ottoman can be moved (electronically) back and forth to meet your long or short leg needs. When fully reclined, the seat was extremely comfortable – even before they put down the bedding and duvet (which were great). The headrest is adjustable as well – although a bit awkward. A large video screen is in front of the seat and easily viewable from any position. Standard programming, controls, etc. for the entertainment. In the window seat, the shades were electronic – not like the 787 but rather push a button to have a shade drop and push again for full plastic shade to block all light. Very cool.
Once aboard, we were issued our amenity kit, slippers, and pajamas. Most people in the full cabin of 8 seats got changed before takeoff. Cocktails were offered with macadamia nuts. They closed the doors reasonably close to ontime but then we sat for 2 hours due to weather delays (for both DC and NYC airspace restrictions). We didn’t mind at all – as it gave us more time to enjoy the great seat and service. (We were told not to worry about our connecting flight – they would take care of it and advise just before arrival into FRA.)
Once we were in the air, the purser came around and introduced herself. She presented the menus and beverage list. Orders were soon taken and the meal service began.
I opted for the full appetizers and salad – skipping the caviar service. My partner enjoyed the caviar. As he was last served, they were very generous with the portion size. The appetizers were quite good and the salad dressing had a bit of a kick (spicy tomato or something?). I opted for the beef tenderloin for my entrée. It was a bit overcooked (as most airplane beef is…) but quite flavorful. The chimichurri added a nice flavor. Bread was quite nice as well. The pretzel rolls are a favorite of mine and they never disappoint.
Dessert was presented next, along with chocolates and after dinner drinks. The dessert and cheese came out on the same cart. I would have preferred them served separately as I like to try small bites of cheese but felt like my option was cheese OR dessert when presented. (I’m sure they would have given me whatever I wanted – but I didn’t ask.) I had the Berry Short Cake. Came with a scoop of surprisingly good vanilla ice cream. Shortcake was very dense – but lots of flavor. Had blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. They also offered coffee and tea – which I passed on.
When I got up to use the lav, they made my seat into a bed. Nice mattress pad and duvet with pillow. My only suggestion here is that the duvet is awfully heavy – making you too hot to sleep. The cabin was set to a ‘regular’ temperature – that we all adjusted to – so then keeping it the same temperature and climbing under a heavy duvet made it too hot.
I watched a movie and fell asleep. Awoken a few hours later to breakfast service. (When they took the dinner orders, they also asked about breakfast – which I thought was strange, but it proved very efficient.) When I got up to use the lav, they took my bed apart and transitioned it back to a seat. Very nice.
I opted for the hot breakfast – which was just ok. I found the eggs to be a bit salty and the bacon a bit fatty. The bagel was perfect as was the fresh fruit. Orange juice was of high quality.
Before I forget, let’s talk about the lav. Not a normal aircraft lav. Seemed almost double sized – with a nice changing area. The toilet seat doubled as a bench with a wide cover. Lots of great amenities as well – with shave kits, brushes, etc. Really liked the evian misters available in there as well. Also was very impressed that the crew ensured that the 2 lavs were only used by F class passengers. While on the ground, they were locked and they would open them for you as needed. In the air, the curtain was fastened and strictly enforced.
Two flight attendants served the 8 of us in F. One mainly in the aisle, the other in the galley. The purser came through repeatedly. Service was really, really nice. Only suggestion is to refresh water bottles during the night as I ran out and didn’t want to get up for another one. Water bottle was quite small as well.
About 45 minutes out of FRA, the purser advised that we were indeed rebooked on a later flight to ATH. We were originally due to arrive about 8am and our flight was at 9.30am – but with the delay we arrived about 9.45am. We were rebooked on a 1.35pm to ATH with our bags re-routed appropriately. The purser advised we would be met upon arrival and given our new boarding cards, etc. (Heard that before – this time it actually happened!)
Upon arrival, there were two concierge type people with a sign for first class. Five of the eight misconnected. They provided new boarding cards and escorted us to the First Class lounge. As we had quite a long layover now, we requested to go to the First Class Terminal instead and they were happy to oblige. (score! Thank you for the upgrade again or we would have been hoofing it to the Senator Lounge and sitting there with the masses for 4 hours!)
For those who have never been to the First Class Terminal, it is the ultimate in airport experiences. Full bar and buffet plus table service. Full breakfast available when we got there and full lunch available before we left. Awesome service. Used the shower suites – complete with ETRO amenities. They even have a cigar room with free cigars – and a nice scotch service. Everything is top notch. After a few hours, they came and got us and escorted us to the lower level. There we were greeted by our driver and taken in a Porsche Cayenne direct to our aircraft. (Most awesome thing ever at an airport). Brought up the secret elevator and the first to board our flight to Athens. Awesome….
Once aboard the A321, reality set in. Business class is simply economy class with a seat blocked in between and a little bit better service. No extra legroom. (By this time I was exhausted and really wanted a little extra space.) I understand that for short European flights this may be fine, but for the 2:45 flight to ATH, I wanted a bit more.
Service was fine. Efficient. Menu presented. Lufthansa has definitely improved their meal service on European flights. Larger portions and more courses. That being said, everything came on one tray and it was a bit crowded – including beverages. Thank goodness for the extra tray table between us.
I opted for the prawns – which were tasty but a bit dry. My partner had the meatballs – which looked like what you might get at IKEA. Bread basket was the best part – with the pretzel rolls! Beverages offered frequently.
Upon arrival in ATH, we went quickly to baggage claim worried about our bag bing re-routed. It was the first bag out. Great job.
Overall, we give Lufthansa an A plus! They did a really nice job with the trip. The upgrade to First Class was amazing. It not only made the flight to FRA great, but made the entire journey fabulous. We actually said we were happy to misconnect and get to enjoy the First Class Terminal and LH ground service. The time in FRA allowed us to decompress a bit and relax before starting vacation in ATH. Only negative is the business class seat on the European flight, but seeing as we would have that on almost any European carrier – Lufthansa is fully competitive.
Thank you for a great trip!
Menus:
IAD – FRA (First Class)
Caviar from the Service Cart
Caviar with traditional garnishes
Choice of Appetizers
Jumbo Shrimp with Thai Chili Jam
Thai Beef Salad with Chili Vinaigrette
Asparagus and Mozzarella with Watercress Dressing
Seasonal Salad with dried yellow tomatoes and green bell pepper; presented with delicious dressing
Choice of Main Courses
Grilled Tenderloin of Beef with Date Chimichurri and Watercress Barley Salad
Miso Sea Bass with Shitake Mushrooms and Udon Noodles
Thai Green Vegetable and Pumpkin Curry with Rice Cake
Braised Lamb Shank with Pappardelle
Chicken Vegetable Stew
Selection of Cheese and Dessert
Sage Derby, Parmesan, Gruyere, Cambozola, and Humboldt Fog Cheese
Hazelnut Crunch Bar
Berry Short Cake
Breakfast
Fitness Breakfast
Coffee or Tea
Freshl Orange Juice
Fresh Fruit
Cereal Muesli Mix
Continental Breakfast
Coffee or Tea
Freshl Orange Juice
Yogurt with dried fruit
Turkey Breast, Cheddar, Brie, and Cream Cheese
American Breakfast
Coffee or Tea
Freshl Orange Juice
Fresh Fruit
Farmer’s Frittata with Mushrooms, smoked bacon, and tomato olive ragout
Vinotek - Wine List
Champagne
Tattinger Grand Cru
White Wine
2011 Johannisberger Klaus Riesling (Germany)
2010 Winemakers Blend Chardonnay Ghost Pines (USA)
2012 Franken Cuvee trocken, Weingut Augustin (Germany)
Red Wine
2007 Chateau Latour-Martillac (France)
2007 Guado al Tasso, Bolgheri (Italy)
2007 Neuquen Malbec (Argentina)
Dessert Wine
2010 Scheurebe Auslese, Weingut Reichsrat von Buhl (Germany)
Special Offering
21 year old Malt Whisky, Aberfeldy, Scotland
FRA – ATH (Business Class)
Hors d’oeuvre
Herbed tenderloin of veal, herb mushrooms and artichoke and tomato salad, filet of smoked salmon with crème fraiche and keta caviar
Salad
Fresh salad with pumpkin julienne and orange mustard dressing
Your Choice of Entrees
Prawns in Vegetable Sauce Provencale and mixed rice
Meat Balls in savory Caper Sauce, basmati rice with green peas
Dessert
Cantuccini in Tiramisu Cream with Chocolate Shavings and Griottline Cherry
