nycflyer75

TRIP REPORT VENICE ITALY LUFTHANSA FIRST CLASS


Part 1: JFK-FRA
Part 2: Lufthansa First Class Terminal
Part 3: FRA-VCE
Part 4: NH Palazzo Borroca Venice
Part 5: Venice, Italy
Part 6: VCE-FRA
Part 7: FRA-JFK

LUFTHANSA
LH 405
Aircraft: 747-8
Actual seat: 1A FIRST CLASS
Depart: JFK John F Kennedy airport
Arrive:FRA (Frankfurt Airport)
Sched.Departure: 9:45pm Actual Departure : 11:39pm
Sched.Arrival: 11:20am Actual arrival: 11:58am

I know there's lots of trip reports on Lufthansa First class and especially those by Lucky (Onemileatatime) and I am sure mine wont be much different, but hey it just might, so I might a well write one haha.

I have always been envious of those who travel First Class on any airlines especially those with Star Alliance to which I do not belong. I am a Delta Airlines Diamond Medallion who only can fly Business Class due to the restriction on us Delta folks flying SkyTeam. I feel like I am East Berlin back in the day peering over the wall to the west for something better.

I would often read Lucky's trip reports on First Class, The First Class Terminal, First Class butter, everything about Lufthansa First Class but there was no way I could ever afford the crazy ticket prices nor have a billion miles on Star Alliance like Lucky, until one sweet night I was reading his column to then find he posted about cheap Business class fares to Venice during the summer that were so crazy, they were a crazy sale at Barney's...crazy!

I sat there hyperventilating do I dare fly business class with another airline, to which, I dare look up what it would cost to fly First Class and I nearly dropped off my couch. I have paid more for Business class on Delta! ...!

Right there and then I booked my ticket First Class JFK-FRA-VCE with JFK-FRA in First Class and the usual Business class FRA-VCE!!! Weeeee I was flying another airline alliance in First Class oh yeah and I was going to Venice too, but yay for Lufthansa First Class!

Finally I too get to join the thrones of Flyertalk members writing about their usual First class experiences! I was a Lufthansa First Class - Virgin!

I waited with anticipation of Christmas, Hanukah, Prom night, etc. I was excited and even more so that there was now an aircraft swap from the the 744-400 to the 747-8! Woohoo my final commercial aircraft type I had yet to fly! I chose 1A I was thrilled.
The Day came and I of course took the subway to the LIRR to the airport to check in at the Lufthansa counter at JFK oh did I mention I was 6hrs early!
It was either sit at home on the couch or sit in the first class lounge, now what would you do? I thought so!


Busy summer travels at the Airtrain at Jamaica station

There was a guest in line in front of me and I stood there patiently to only have an agent from the *gasp Business class line wave me over saying she could help me. For a split second I didn't know what to do, I was not doing this trip only to be served by a business class counter, but then I could be waiting for a while and then I would look like a total duschebag so walked over to her.

She was very friendly and quite prompt in helping me. Seconds later I had my boarding passes but *gasp no First Class cover for my boarding passes so I quietly mossed on over to the First Class counter which was free (dooo) and asked if there was a First class sleeve, she asked politely with a smile, "Are you flying First Class?" to which with a huge grin, I said Why Yes indeed I am!" She took my boarding passes put them in the sleeve and apologized that I was not given one by the Business Class counter and then offered me to be escorted to security. What not even Luck has been escorted through to the Security line at Terminal 1, well I think he hasn't no matter I was having this moment, a moment he has not! bahaha She took my carry-on from me and walked me to the Security line. Now there's a line for First class and Business to the left which was packed and to the Right was coach and in the middle was special needs, crew and something else can't remember but she walked me straight down that empty lane presented my passport and First Class sleeve to the TSA agent and said this is Mr. nycflyer75 (inside I was screaming in excitement like a little girl) she then thanked me and wished me a pleasant journey! How awesome was that! I was ushered to the far left side which did not have many people so I was through in no time.



Immediately to the Left is the Lufthansa Business Class, Senator Lounge and First Class lounge


I was greeted and immediately asked if I wished to go to the 3rd floor (I knew that was the exclusive First Class Dining) she ushered me into the elevator, swipe a card and I was off to the third floor. As I walked into the Dining area I was immediately greeted by name and with a genuine smile. As I walked past the buffet area I saw a table at the far end that I could watch all that was happening. There were two other guest in the dining room who were packing up to leave. There was a 5:45pm flight.

My server was a wonderful older lady who was prompt in asking what I would like to Drink. I of course (as always if you've read my other trip reports) asked for the champagne and more specifically the Moët.

I decided on the beef for lunch and a moment later she returned with a glass of Moët and some sparking water and again referred to me by name well, most of it. Do I correct her, oh I am sure she will get it right again. Mr. Nycflyer.. ok thats not the name but no matter let me drink my Moët.



Wine and champagne selection


Buffet


bottles at the buffet


I decided something from the Buffet to start with and moment later the lovely perky server returned to fill up my glass which I downed like I was in the sierra desert thirst as F! She said she was impressed I could knock it back...eeee yes I can lol She then replied, "That's ok Mr. Nycflyer.. You can have as much as you want", to which replied I might "indeed!" We both chuckled she went back to the kitchen ,my chuckle turning turning into a smirk. That's still not my name Honey I thought to myself! Argh drink up nycflyer75!

First Course


Main Course


The meal was delicious though I perhaps should have asked for the beef medium as it was a little tough on the outside a bit like a hockey puck. Since I was the only one in the Dining room the server was very attentive and often stopped by with the bottle to top off my champagne and then we chatted about why I was so early and I told her to relax since I had such a busy day of work (not) and she said drink, be merry Mr nycflyer.. Finally I told her, "actually it's Mr. nycflyer75... She laughed and said at least she got half of it right.... ha...he...hmmm as I gave out an awkward laugh. But she was a lovely fun spirited lady nonetheless.


View



As she returned each time She kept refilling my champagne and then a few moments later, she walked half way towards me, then returned to the kitchen and brought the bottle out intending to fill my class and she topped it up and left the bottle, there was 1/4 of the bottle left and she said, "Enjoy,Mr. nycflyer75...awww she finally said it lol
Either she knew I was a lush, or she was too tired to keep walking back and forth or was being a fun lady, I say the latter. She was AWESOME!

Just the bottle for this lush!


View down to the Senator lounge


Dessert



The Dining room to myself


Sunset


Sunset manhattan in the background


Finally after a few hours alone a couple arrived, an elderly muscular man and she a young model (yes it could have been father and daughter, but I watched their body language or maybe I was just being a drunk fool, playing a telenovela in my head!), my server chatted with them for a moment came over to me and said, "boo now you have to share me" lol Love her..ok maybe also because I was outright wasted!!!! (I am happy flirty drunk)

Another elderly couple entered the lounge and then a young very handsome guy my age joined us in his polo shirt and jeans with just his laptop bag. he sat ordered the soup and drank water, but didn't actually touch the soup till 10mins later as he was focused on his mac computer.
I wonder if he was old money, new money, a rich start-up guy who knows. I was envious of him, I wanted to be him!I wanted to marry him... ok No I am just being silly, maybe I have drunk far too much champagne in the last few hours and need to drink water... I was intending to dine on the plane as well! Woof this is like a never-ending NYC Sunday Brunch!

nibbling


Standoff between Japan Airlines and Lufthansa


My chariot arriving an hour late


Finally our flight was called ready for boarding, I headed down to the gate, excited with anticipation! As I got closer, I could see the hoards of people lining up, where is the first class line.. There was none, only a First class and Business class entrance which was deep. I was sobering up to the reality that maybe this is not first class service. I decided to go around to the other side closer to the front to see what was happening and supposedly boarding ha not started or they were only letting on those who needed extra assistance.
As I stood there waiting a man saw my First Class Sleeve of my boarding pass and said, "First class please come this way, I apologize for the inconvenience for you to wait (with the masses)" Oh that was music to my ears maybe didn't say masses but I will say he did, ha. For a moment in my life I was going to feel like a Prince..ok maybe a high end celebrity.

I was about to enter Mr. Lucky's haven Lufthansa First Class!

Boarding turning Left


First Class


I was greeted at the door and turned left. Right away you could see the beautiful detail and layout of the cabin. I don't think pictures or video do it justice. As I walked to my seat the cabin was already filling up with the two couples already on board. I sat my things down, the purser came over to introduce herself apologized for the delay and then showed me the private closed for my seat. She called me by name right away and spoke to me in English. I said Danke Schön, she said "oh you said that perfectly, I only said two words lol I then spoke to her in German, astounded that I spoke German with no accent.

I speak German because I lived in Germany as a kid for several years going to school and return every year to the German Family in South West of Germany. (I just always fly Air France or KLM to BSL which is the closest airport).
As I said before I am A Lufthansa First Class virgin, not a true virgin, I kinda went first base with them when I was kid a few times but now I was going ALL the way, 3rd base here I come!

It was nice to hear German being spoken.

Bar area


I sat down and was offered champagne and macadamia nuts and the flight attend spoke German to me (I guess she was notified). The first class cabin only had the two middle seats empty but the rest of the cabin was all American english speakers.

I was offered an amenities bag which I have not seen on other trip reports. The ladies received a red one.


Pajamas and slippers were handed out and they were quite stylish and felt very comfortable.

The gentleman in 1F was a good distance away and the front two seats do not at all feel cramped. In fact I loved the curvature of the front windows, almost seeing in front of you.

Champagne, sparkling water and macadamia nuts.


Unfortunately we were not leaving anytime soon, There was major congestion at JFK (like always) so we had to wait for another 30mins, and you could hear the absolute frustration from the captain, and rightly so. Germans on the most part are punctual people.

Curiously there is an extra seatbelt that you have wear, like a car seatbelt strap, which I am not sure why because if you suddenly jerk forward it doesn't restrain you like a car seat, yes I was that guy who tried it out haha but nevertheless it was an interesting novelty.

Waiting, waiting, waiting


1F


Waiting at the gate for a slot to depart


First Class toilet


First Class throne


Bathroom


LOT airlines from Poland


right before push back, the young model in 2F decided to go to the bathroom and I was amazed they let her, but then again I am so used to airlines in the US its almost a felony to dare want to go to the bathroom at anytime! I sat there and kept looking back to see what happened next, is my life really that boring that I had to know what happens next...really nycflyer75!

We pushed back away from the gate, it was a very slow process tonight! 2F finally arrived back unscathed and settled into her seat like as one does...like a fabulous supermodel! Tyra Banks and RuPaul would be proud. Happy she made it back I turned my gaze out the amazing 4 windows!

One thing that has been mentioned before on trip reports is the temperature, either I am just extremely drunk therefore so hot or the cabin was a little warm like Vegas! There are no personal air vents!

Finally we were heading to the runway and wow how amazing was it to turn the corners in the 747-8 sitting in 1A, a little surreal since you taxi way past the center line to turn. The wheel is actually behind you. The take off was smooth and very quiet. The ride up was a bit bumpy but in true airlines from the world other than the US, the seatbelt sign was turned off after a few moments and service began.

They set up a full bar right in front of the 2 middle seats which was beautifully displayed and severed from there.

Warm towels were hand out with the most amazing scent!


More Champagne and Amuse Bouche


The flight attendant knelt down beside me and spoke in a soft soothing voice (are they trained to talk that way?) She asked for my Main course and if I would like to be woken for breakfast, now I should have gotten up to eat breakfast so I could report on it but I was so tired and already bloated before the meal service even began and I was going to be in the FTC anyway for breakfast I decided on beauty sleep. She disappeared and I began to explore the seat and the entertainment system. Bose headphones attached to the console, The entertainment system is pretty good though not as extensive as Delta though there were several new movies I had not seen and since this was a short transatlantic flight it didn't matter.

Next she returned with the caviar cart. Now I have never tried caviar, and not sure why people orgasm over it, but I was curious to see if I would even like it. well the verdict.... LOVE IT! wow what an amazing taste, scrumptious, why have I not ever had this before!

Caviar


Next up my main course, which to say was ok, nothing special. I normally always order the beef when flying but this time I wanted to be different, maybe I should have had the beef!


Vegetable Lasagna


I did have dessert, but I forgot to take a picture of it, opps but I am sucker for desserts and it was amazing, if only could remember what it actually was haha.

To Finish off I ordered a cappuccino, which was nice.

After dinner, I headed to the bathroom to change into my PJ's (which I could total wear all the time!) and came back to my bed made. The bedding I find is not as plush as Delta's BusinessElite Westin bedding, but the actual bed was very comfortable!

The shades were lowered which is automatic with a two shades one for blackout and one Constantine shade

bedding closet


Galley



Bed time


Bed


I curled up in my bed and began watching the transcendence in German, then after a while I was getting confused, maybe it had been too long and I was now forgetting my extensive scientific German, so I switch over to English, to which I still didn't understand what was going on.too complex and dull not great for being drunk and eating a house... This movie kinda sucked, and half way through I fast forward to the end and went to sleep.

I was awoken with a gentle touch with a soft voice calling Herr. nycflyer75 and i had comfortably slept right thorough and we had 30 mins till landing. Which I was surprised they let us all sleep so long. No one was up having breakfast.

She handed me a delicious smelling warm towel, the scent is so delightful and a glass of Orange juice. I got up refreshened myself and return to my seat a few moments later to the others awake having coffee they leisurely took their time to get ready and 15mins before landing everyone in First was now seated.



Frankfurt Arrival




I have arrived and ready for my next adventure, to the First Class Terminal and again thanks to Lucky (OneMileataTime) I knew exactly how to get there....I hope!

TOMFORD

No more Rimowa amenity kits

offerendum

In this case no more need to fly LH F But true, it would be really sad!

TOMFORD

Even if they still offered it, I would still not be able to fly in LH F because booking a vacation two weeks in advance is impossible for me. My vacations are planned usually over 12 months out because of work, and I can't risk canceling a vacation (or worse, flying in economy) if there were no available F award seats come flying time...

exilencfc

Very enjoyable read. Your enthusiasm/delight really comes through - I had a big grin pasted across my face the whole time I was reading.

drzoidberg

Wait, so how much did you end up paying for the trip? I one day hope to fly LH F too!

nycflyer75

TRIP REPORT VENICE ITALY LUFTHANSA FIRST CLASS


Part 1: JFK-FRA
Part 2: Lufthansa First Class Terminal
Part 3: FRA-VCE
Part 4: NH Palazzo Borroca Venice
Part 5: Venice, Italy
Part 6: VCE-FRA
Part 7: FRA-JFK

First Class Terminal

We parked at the gate and I was the first off the plane with determination I was ready for the long trek to Immigration. I was going to do in a New York Minute.
It took a good 10mins to finally get there with only two officers working and no one waiting. I stepped up asked where I was going, for how long and then after that, passport stamped and I was on my way out. Curious since generally I have never been asked any questions at all not even an acknowledgement from them so this was a first, mind you I have not entered the EU via Germany in a few years, its always through AMS or CDG. France sometimes forget to actually stamp the passport!

Down through customs, and through the sliding doors to the outside, I was back in Germany, took it all in for a split second then turned left and headed toward my home for 4hrs, the First Class terminal. There are no signs for the First Class Terminal, you really have to know where you are going, (Thanks Lucky) and indeed I was heading towards the Taxi stand where the drives congregate at their little food kiosk and outdoor seating. Walking up to the crosswalk that takes across to the Lufthansa employee entrance. I could see the golden arches I mean golden Lufthansa sign. I was almost in easy reach.

Outside First Class Terminal


Once there I took the elevator up to the terminal and the moment I exited the elevator I was greeted with a warm welcome by my personal assistant for the day. She took my passport and First class sleeve and ushered me through security which is far more refined then the zoo's back in the States even with TSA pre-check which is now becoming a free for all, anyways this security check was delightful. I was the only person there so they patiently waited as I took out my laptop and put my things on the belt. Walked through the private metal detector and wished a pleasant journey.

Since this was my first time at the FTC, I was given a tour of the lounge which seems really busy. My PA took me over to the bathroom attendant and booked me in for a bathtub, but in the meantime I was left to my own devices and since she would be ending her shift before my flight in 4 hours she would come back to introduce her colleague who would be taking care of me.

The lounge is quite beautiful though I imaged it much larger than it actually is, but still plenty of room to hide.

I sat down for a moment and after what seems a lifetime I decided to get up and go to the bar to ask for a cappuccino to which the bar attendant told me she would bring it to me.





bar area - with Herr Polo shirt from my flight...I wonder where he's going


bucket of different champagne


Scotch




Entrance


After about 15 mins I thought it was time to get a bit of a buzz going and asked for a glass of champagne and as I was receiving the glass, it was time to get down naked with a ducky in the tub! I was excited to take a bath in a real bath not a hotel bath that is for some reason the size of a watermelon and my NYC apartment yeah well that is not big enough either! I finally would get to plunge and have a glass of champagne!

I was also excited for my collectors item...the duck! Oh my life what has it become, excited for a duck! ha!

The amenities are plentiful. It took a while for the tub to fill, so I took what seemed like a fashion editorial layout photo shoot of the duck, the tub, the champagne flute, the duck, the flute, the tub, the duck and so on and yes I did have IheartRadio playing on my iPhone while all of this was happening!.

After the shoot I slid into the hot bath, and boy was it everything! I did try to do a sexy bath shoot that turned into a blurry hot mess, so hard to take pics with a timer that doesn't focus well after... But really who want to see those pics anyway haha

After about a half hour I got out and stood under the rain shower which btw is amazing, the water pressure is insane, it a torrential downpour that can and will swoop you off your feet, ok maybe not that savy but then again anything is a torrential downpour coming from my NYC apartment that trickles.

bathtub


toiletries


the famous duck


duck and champagne


All refreshed I thought I would eat lunch, since I was finally a bit peckish.I sat down and immediately was helped. I decided on ordering the Wiener Schnitzel which was delicious served with a warm pretzel. Scrumptious! There was also a buffet but I was not feeling it. I was offered wine, to which I declined, I finally hit my peak and could no longer enjoy any alcohol, in fact I was starting to fall asleep. Quick I need some sugar! There's a wide range of dessert which looked lovely. I am a sucker for sweet things so I tried a few options.

After lunch I went to the far corner to lay down, which I must have passed out for about 20mins in a deep sleep to wake startled like I had missed my birthday party. I was not going to sleep through this! Decided to enjoy the lounge with more cappuccino's to keep me awake.

Meat slicing machine


Cheeses


Menu


Cola bar




Lunch


Dessert


Flan


office desk


The moment I had been waiting for had arrived, the car to the airplane! I was collected by my PA and taken downstairs and handed my boarding pass (Which was given back to me about an hour later arriving at the lounge) to be checked off that I was boarded. I was hoping for a Porsche sine I have never been in one, The Mercedes I know as a common car in Germany, the taxi's are Mercedes ok not top of the line but the thought of a porsche just thrilled me. I was ready for another editorial photo shot in the car, next to the car, on the car ha

I was introduced to my driver and taken to the Mercedes Benz, don't get me wrong the fact I was driven to the aircraft was awesome and the car is beautiful just never been in a porsche, next time. Which reminds me, I was told I could rent a Porsche for a day for something like 99€ as a FTC first class passenger or something on those lines, I didn't want to drive just wanted a photo of me in it, that's all ha!

But as I stepped into the Mercedes Benz, it did not matter anymore, The car is truly beautiful and I was being driven across the tarmac to my awaiting air-craft....what what!

Driven to the aircraft


cool view on the tarmac






Mercedes Benz


right in front of the aircraft


That was the most amazing thing, to be driven straight to your plane underneath the noses of all the 747 and A380. We parked right beside the plane and I immediately began taking pics, I wondered if everyone was peering down at me wondering who was that! talking amongst themselves staring with envie. Is this what it feels to be like a celebrity?

My driver took my luggage and escorted me up the stairs to the plane and down the jet bridge and introduced me to purser and as I turned towards my seat ready to hide behind my sunglasses from glaring eyes....there was no one there, I was the first one. Well that was awkward!

I loved the FCT and now that I had experienced it, I definitely can see why people travel First Class with Lufthansa. Just something spectacular!

polandspringuy

My thoughts exactly. Very refreshing to read and conveys exactly how I felt first time in LH F.

Enjoying this very much nycflyer... 75.

Madone59

Great TR and photos. Glad you are enjoying LH F for the first time ^

isaifan

This is a wonderful read. It is very nice to experience your enthusiasm and excitement. Look forward to the rest.

teme

Great report. Thanks for posting it. It brings back memories of my first ever first class flight with Cathay. The anticipation and excitement...

Keter

Thanks a lot! Really enjoyed this trip report, it made me feel to have been part of the trip!

SanDiego1K

I agree. It was great fun to read the fun that comes from this great hobby that we pursue.

goodeats21

A great read. I remember very well the intangibles from my first LH ride. The smell of the hot towels. The anticipation when making my way to the FCT. All the cool stuff.

Looking forward to reading the rest.

christianj

Enjoyable trip report!

Funny you mentioned the temperature on the plane since that is my biggest issue with LH. I just don't understand how they can keep those planes at the sauna-like termperatures they do. I assume it's because Germans aren't big fans of AC but for gods sake it's freaking hot on some of those flights.