Lufthansa New First Class DEN-FRA and pre-Christmas in Paris
Dec 13, 2012, 9:15 am
#17
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Checking out the IFE prior to dinner. Better than the old IFE but still not in the same category as SQ or even CX.
And some issues with mine today, caused a couple of reboots.
Mrs. SFO and I received our menus at the gate while we were chatting with one of the FAs, while the other 5 pax got menus during cocktail service. Today's feature chef was from the Mandarin Oriental in New York.
After a couple of rounds of cocktails, it was showtime...
Yep, following Short hair Francis' cue, that's me trying everything...
The caviar was excellent although we could have done better than room temp Smirnoff. Yeah, I know... a first world problem.
The seared beef tataki with green papaya and peanut sauce was excellent...
As was the Nantucket scallop with ham and split pea purée...
And the Beet ravioli stuffed with creamy goat cheese and toasted pistachios.
Seasonal salad with dried yellow tomatoes and green bell pepper julienne.
Tried one of the featured wines... meh. Stuck with the champagne during the meal.
The poached lobster tail and claw in saffron reduction with simmered mushrooms and butternut squash was delicious.
And some issues with mine today, caused a couple of reboots.
Mrs. SFO and I received our menus at the gate while we were chatting with one of the FAs, while the other 5 pax got menus during cocktail service. Today's feature chef was from the Mandarin Oriental in New York.
After a couple of rounds of cocktails, it was showtime...
Yep, following Short hair Francis' cue, that's me trying everything...
The caviar was excellent although we could have done better than room temp Smirnoff. Yeah, I know... a first world problem.
The seared beef tataki with green papaya and peanut sauce was excellent...
As was the Nantucket scallop with ham and split pea purée...
And the Beet ravioli stuffed with creamy goat cheese and toasted pistachios.
Seasonal salad with dried yellow tomatoes and green bell pepper julienne.
Tried one of the featured wines... meh. Stuck with the champagne during the meal.
The poached lobster tail and claw in saffron reduction with simmered mushrooms and butternut squash was delicious.
Dec 13, 2012, 9:22 am
#18
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The cheese and dessert cart.
Went chocolate tonight, the delicious warm chocolate cake with yogurt ice cream.
And a glass of port.
And the after dinner and sweets cart.
The obligatory Bailey's with truffle bon-bons.
After a delicious two hour meal, Mrs. SFO and I said goodnight and hopped into our wonderful respective beds. The absolute best sleep in the sky. No seat converted into a bed. An honest to gosh bed with mattress and duvet. Slept like a baby until about 90 minutes out.
Went chocolate tonight, the delicious warm chocolate cake with yogurt ice cream.
And a glass of port.
And the after dinner and sweets cart.
The obligatory Bailey's with truffle bon-bons.
After a delicious two hour meal, Mrs. SFO and I said goodnight and hopped into our wonderful respective beds. The absolute best sleep in the sky. No seat converted into a bed. An honest to gosh bed with mattress and duvet. Slept like a baby until about 90 minutes out.
Dec 13, 2012, 11:21 am
#19
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Dec 13, 2012, 12:18 pm
#20
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Well, SFO777, I must confess to disappointment with one aspect of your TR - a lemon wedge in a G&T??? As a former bartender, I'll betray my American bias and insist that a proper G&T must have a lime wedge in it. 
But I'll grant, despite my being something of an Anglophile, that at least the drink did not have one of those lemon slices (as opposed to wedges) that the British seem so fond of. And it was a plus that Bombay Sapphire was used.
Now, having gotten that off my chest, thanks for what's already another great TR! Thanks too for the info about LH F availability from DEN at T14. Very good to know for down the line, assuming that things don't change.
Speaking of which, am I correct in assuming that you're routing back through DFW because the FRA-DEN award seats weren't available? Or was there some other method to your meticulously planned madness?
Questions about the new LH F as well. Not that this beggar will be anything other than a grateful chooser if I ever get to fly it, but...
1. While I see the many wonderful features in terms of the upstairs 747 ambiance, the great LH F service and of course the beds, I still wonder whether it's as nice for a couple as many other airlines' fine F products. On those airlines, you can sit across from each other in the same suite for drinks and dining and/or right next to each other with no space in-between for the rest of the flight. I suppose that there isn't much traffic at all coming up and down the aisle, but still wonder whether having the aisle in-between detracts a bit from the experience of sharing the flight. I guess this question is more than purely academic in that I can foresee vacations where my wife and I would have a choice of flying the long way on LH to get to Asia via Europe (which is allowed, using UA miles), or go with the (relatively) shorter route via CX.
2. Conversely, I also wonder whether LH F would be nearly as nice as a solo passenger compared to traveling on some competitors. It seems that on LH upstairs in the 747 you are seated relatively close to the passenger across the aisle and generally have much less privacy than the enclosed F suites of some competitors (e.g., SQ, EY, EK) or the very private though not enclosed space of CX F.
Anyway, thanks again and have a wonderful time in Paris!
But I'll grant, despite my being something of an Anglophile, that at least the drink did not have one of those lemon slices (as opposed to wedges) that the British seem so fond of. And it was a plus that Bombay Sapphire was used.Now, having gotten that off my chest, thanks for what's already another great TR! Thanks too for the info about LH F availability from DEN at T14. Very good to know for down the line, assuming that things don't change.
Speaking of which, am I correct in assuming that you're routing back through DFW because the FRA-DEN award seats weren't available? Or was there some other method to your meticulously planned madness?
Questions about the new LH F as well. Not that this beggar will be anything other than a grateful chooser if I ever get to fly it, but...
1. While I see the many wonderful features in terms of the upstairs 747 ambiance, the great LH F service and of course the beds, I still wonder whether it's as nice for a couple as many other airlines' fine F products. On those airlines, you can sit across from each other in the same suite for drinks and dining and/or right next to each other with no space in-between for the rest of the flight. I suppose that there isn't much traffic at all coming up and down the aisle, but still wonder whether having the aisle in-between detracts a bit from the experience of sharing the flight. I guess this question is more than purely academic in that I can foresee vacations where my wife and I would have a choice of flying the long way on LH to get to Asia via Europe (which is allowed, using UA miles), or go with the (relatively) shorter route via CX.
2. Conversely, I also wonder whether LH F would be nearly as nice as a solo passenger compared to traveling on some competitors. It seems that on LH upstairs in the 747 you are seated relatively close to the passenger across the aisle and generally have much less privacy than the enclosed F suites of some competitors (e.g., SQ, EY, EK) or the very private though not enclosed space of CX F.
Anyway, thanks again and have a wonderful time in Paris!
Dec 13, 2012, 12:47 pm
#22
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How was the Port? I'm developing into a bigger Port fan the more of it I have, but I haven't tried a 2007 LBV yet. I know you're a wine guy, so - what did you think?
Last edited by mallodi; Dec 13, 2012 at 12:47 pm Reason: typo
Dec 13, 2012, 3:08 pm
#23
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I'm pretty sure it's "The needs of the business" driving it, or in this specific case "The needs of the Auto Business". There's non-stop service DTW<->FRA and you know a chunk of that is going to be paid C/F . I was in the DTW Lounge in June, it was an average LH biz lounge, but TOTALLY empty when I was there(mid-week/mid-day).
Thanks Pingtung. Well, SFO777, I must confess to disappointment with one aspect of your TR - a lemon wedge in a G&T??? As a former bartender, I'll betray my American bias and insist that a proper G&T must have a lime wedge in it. But I'll grant, despite my being something of an Anglophile, that at least the drink did not have one of those lemon slices (as opposed to wedges) that the British seem so fond of. And it was a plus that Bombay Sapphire was used.
But I'll grant, despite my being something of an Anglophile, that at least the drink did not have one of those lemon slices (as opposed to wedges) that the British seem so fond of. And it was a plus that Bombay Sapphire was used.I actually used to cut up some limes at home just before AC flights as they never catered limes. Now I simply refuse to fly them except out of desperation.
Now, having gotten that off my chest, thanks for what's already another great TR! Thanks too for the info about LH F availability from DEN at T14. Very good to know for down the line, assuming that things don't change.
Speaking of which, am I correct in assuming that you're routing back through DFW because the FRA-DEN award seats weren't available? Or was there some other method to your meticulously planned madness?
Speaking of which, am I correct in assuming that you're routing back through DFW because the FRA-DEN award seats weren't available? Or was there some other method to your meticulously planned madness?
You are correct of the return thru DFW. That was the best option to get close to home. FRA-DEN was is is still not yet available even though its showing F6. Will try again tomorrow.
1. While I see the many wonderful features in terms of the upstairs 747 ambiance, the great LH F service and of course the beds, I still wonder whether it's as nice for a couple as many other airlines' fine F products. On those airlines, you can sit across from each other in the same suite for drinks and dining and/or right next to each other with no space in-between for the rest of the flight. I suppose that there isn't much traffic at all coming up and down the aisle, but still wonder whether having the aisle in-between detracts a bit from the experience of sharing the flight. I guess this question is more than purely academic in that I can foresee vacations where my wife and I would have a choice of flying the long way on LH to get to Asia via Europe (which is allowed, using UA miles), or go with the (relatively) shorter route via CX.
2. Conversely, I also wonder whether LH F would be nearly as nice as a solo passenger compared to traveling on some competitors. It seems that on LH upstairs in the 747 you are seated relatively close to the passenger across the aisle and generally have much less privacy than the enclosed F suites of some competitors (e.g., SQ, EY, EK) or the very private though not enclosed space of CX F.
2. Conversely, I also wonder whether LH F would be nearly as nice as a solo passenger compared to traveling on some competitors. It seems that on LH upstairs in the 747 you are seated relatively close to the passenger across the aisle and generally have much less privacy than the enclosed F suites of some competitors (e.g., SQ, EY, EK) or the very private though not enclosed space of CX F.
Last edited by SFO777; Aug 6, 2013 at 11:43 pm
Dec 14, 2012, 8:47 am
#27
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I woke up about 90 minutes out, as the crew was beginning to prepare breakfast service. Not many takers this morning, as the under 9 hour flight is simply too short for full dinner and then full breakfast. Plus, I knew we'd have breakfast in the FCT a little later. We touched down at FRA about 25 minutes ahead of schedule and taxied around the airport...
...to the ordinarily dreaded tarmac position. Ordinarily yes, but not when you are flying LH First. As a limo is waiting to shuttle you to arrivals. Not sure why we were so special as we got our own S class while the other 5 pax (family of 4 and one single) were relegated to a mini van. Sorry for the quality of these iphone on the go pics...
After a 5 minute drive, we were dropped off at arrivals. After clearing immigration, we headed for the lower level of the terminal and the trek to the FCT. This is the first time I had walked to the FCT but I knew the drill from other TRs. Just go to street level and keep left. We stayed inside until the last door and then exited. From that point, it was less than a 5 minute walk. Not the most welcoming and elegant walk, but I guess that's the point... "we'd rather you not come here for a connection".
But once upstairs, we were warmly welcomed by our own personal assistant for our stay, who escorted us through friendly FCT security and into the terminal lounge itself, taking and hanging our coats.
After a little while, I decided to head for a shower...
...while Mrs. SFO found a comfy nearby chair...
...to the ordinarily dreaded tarmac position. Ordinarily yes, but not when you are flying LH First. As a limo is waiting to shuttle you to arrivals. Not sure why we were so special as we got our own S class while the other 5 pax (family of 4 and one single) were relegated to a mini van. Sorry for the quality of these iphone on the go pics...
After a 5 minute drive, we were dropped off at arrivals. After clearing immigration, we headed for the lower level of the terminal and the trek to the FCT. This is the first time I had walked to the FCT but I knew the drill from other TRs. Just go to street level and keep left. We stayed inside until the last door and then exited. From that point, it was less than a 5 minute walk. Not the most welcoming and elegant walk, but I guess that's the point... "we'd rather you not come here for a connection".
But once upstairs, we were warmly welcomed by our own personal assistant for our stay, who escorted us through friendly FCT security and into the terminal lounge itself, taking and hanging our coats.
After a little while, I decided to head for a shower...
...while Mrs. SFO found a comfy nearby chair...
Dec 14, 2012, 9:09 am
#28
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After a shower and some rest, we decided to have breakfast...
At about T-25, our PA came over and announced that we were ready board. We took the elevator downstairs to the limo dispatch area where she handed us over to our driver and our Porsche Cayenne for the 5 minute drive around the tarmac to A13.
At (or under) the gate, our driver escorted us into the lower level of the gate, then up the elevator to mid point of the jet bridge. Timing was just a little off today as gate pax were still boarding and (unlike last time) we had to wait in the jet bridge queue to board. More first world problems.
While other airlines F service may challenge and exceed LH in the air, there is no airline I've encountered that treats it's F pax better on the ground at a hub. Simply amazing. ^
At about T-25, our PA came over and announced that we were ready board. We took the elevator downstairs to the limo dispatch area where she handed us over to our driver and our Porsche Cayenne for the 5 minute drive around the tarmac to A13.
At (or under) the gate, our driver escorted us into the lower level of the gate, then up the elevator to mid point of the jet bridge. Timing was just a little off today as gate pax were still boarding and (unlike last time) we had to wait in the jet bridge queue to board. More first world problems.
While other airlines F service may challenge and exceed LH in the air, there is no airline I've encountered that treats it's F pax better on the ground at a hub. Simply amazing. ^
Dec 14, 2012, 9:14 am
#29
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Thank you gpeso8. I had to do these fast before I forget what happened.
Thanks very much hndflyer. The seat is the new F seat (ore or less) but the separate bed is only on the 747-400.
Dec 14, 2012, 12:28 pm
#30
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Nice report as always!
I have a suggestion. If you have long connecting time on your way back, I suggest you visit the Lounge on Pier A+, it's the brand new Lounge on the pier that just opened 2 months ago. I have not seen anybody does detail report on that new Lounge. From what I read, F Lounge is in the Schengen area so you can visit it and still continue to FCT afterward. But I have heard that the Senator Lounge at Non-Schengen area (on Pier A+) is huge and spectacular.
I have a suggestion. If you have long connecting time on your way back, I suggest you visit the Lounge on Pier A+, it's the brand new Lounge on the pier that just opened 2 months ago. I have not seen anybody does detail report on that new Lounge. From what I read, F Lounge is in the Schengen area so you can visit it and still continue to FCT afterward. But I have heard that the Senator Lounge at Non-Schengen area (on Pier A+) is huge and spectacular.