YYZ-MUC-FRA-BKK-MUC-JFK; Lufthansa F, Thai F
Sep 21, 2014, 9:38 pm
#1
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Plat, Hilton Gold, TK Elite, A3 Gold
Posts: 145
YYZ-MUC-FRA-BKK-MUC-JFK; Lufthansa F, Thai F
Trip Report: YYZ-MUC-FRA-BKK-MUC-JFK
Introduction
YYZ-MUC, LH F A330
MUC-FRA-BKK, LH J and TG F A380
Bangkok
Thai Royal First Lounge and Spa
BKK-MUC, TG F 747
Prague - Part 1
Prague - Part 2
Budapest - Part 1
Budapest - Part 2
MUC-JFK, LH F A330
Introduction
As most people are aware, United massively gutted its award chart, most notably for premium cabins and partners which resulted in a lot of people burning their miles before they devalued. This trip was motivated in part by that but also by the sudden availability in LH F from YYZ-MUC sometime last year. The particularly unique part about that was opening up just about the whole cabin which allowed for the rare occurrence of getting 4 people into an F cabin.
After that was booked, we thought - why not add a little bit more mileage and head over to Asia to maximize the routing. Fortunately, Thai released (eventually) 4 F awards as well. Thus, this trip was born as a final hurrah of sorts for the old UA award chart - and to maximize the amount flown.
Trip cost was all in miles at around 140,000 miles per person for 4 Intl F segments. The routing also included segments to get from the US West Coast but those aren't nearly as interesting so I'm not putting those in this report.
Photography note: Photos taken with Canon 6D, 16-35mm f/2.8, 50mm f/1.4, or 70-200mm IS f/2.8
Introduction
YYZ-MUC, LH F A330
MUC-FRA-BKK, LH J and TG F A380
Bangkok
Thai Royal First Lounge and Spa
BKK-MUC, TG F 747
Prague - Part 1
Prague - Part 2
Budapest - Part 1
Budapest - Part 2
MUC-JFK, LH F A330
Introduction
As most people are aware, United massively gutted its award chart, most notably for premium cabins and partners which resulted in a lot of people burning their miles before they devalued. This trip was motivated in part by that but also by the sudden availability in LH F from YYZ-MUC sometime last year. The particularly unique part about that was opening up just about the whole cabin which allowed for the rare occurrence of getting 4 people into an F cabin.
After that was booked, we thought - why not add a little bit more mileage and head over to Asia to maximize the routing. Fortunately, Thai released (eventually) 4 F awards as well. Thus, this trip was born as a final hurrah of sorts for the old UA award chart - and to maximize the amount flown.
Trip cost was all in miles at around 140,000 miles per person for 4 Intl F segments. The routing also included segments to get from the US West Coast but those aren't nearly as interesting so I'm not putting those in this report.
Photography note: Photos taken with Canon 6D, 16-35mm f/2.8, 50mm f/1.4, or 70-200mm IS f/2.8
Last edited by shogunate03; Nov 10, 2014 at 10:55 pm
Sep 21, 2014, 9:39 pm
#2
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Los Angeles
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YYZ-MUC, LH F A330
Checked in at the LH F counter which was empty at the time. Agent was very friendly and provided us boarding passes all the way to BKK. There was no escort from check-in to the lounge but there would be somebody to pick us up from the lounge to escort us to the flight. Seems that LH does do that at certain outstations but perhaps not all.
The only lounge option was the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge. The lounge itself was fine for a J lounge. Certainly better than what you would get compared to a US J lounge but also nowhere in the league of LH F lounges.
As stated, a LH staff member paged us when it was time to board. By the time we got to the gate, boarding had already commenced with Y pax, with a really long queue. The LH escort took us through a side gate and then quickly had to rope off the back as other pax thought that a new queue was being formed for boarding. She then took thus through the jetbridge as we squeezed past a few other pax that were already boarding. Fortunately there were not that many on the jetbridge as it already was a bit awkward filing past people already waiting in line. I'm sure they were none too pleased.
Refurbished LH A330 F
Slippers, PJs, and amenity kit. Sadly, no more Rimowa.
Hot towel and menu
Nice glass of Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle to start. Excellent champagne - great aroma, with smooth - yeah like I know what I'm talking about. It tasted nice, is expensive, and is being served to me in a metal tube traveling at 30,000 feet.
Very good LH F - very good, professional service. Quite a bit of contrast with LH where the service was good to bleh, depending on the FA. LH is solid, consistent, and very good.
Caviar to start along with appetizer. Didn't get the full trio as I had a lot of eating to do over the next 24 hours.
Desert
Obligatory lav shot.
Bed mode.
I declined breakfast as I would be having a better breakfast at the F lounge. Overall, excellent flight though it was a bit short since it was just from the East Coast.
Checked in at the LH F counter which was empty at the time. Agent was very friendly and provided us boarding passes all the way to BKK. There was no escort from check-in to the lounge but there would be somebody to pick us up from the lounge to escort us to the flight. Seems that LH does do that at certain outstations but perhaps not all.
The only lounge option was the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge. The lounge itself was fine for a J lounge. Certainly better than what you would get compared to a US J lounge but also nowhere in the league of LH F lounges.
As stated, a LH staff member paged us when it was time to board. By the time we got to the gate, boarding had already commenced with Y pax, with a really long queue. The LH escort took us through a side gate and then quickly had to rope off the back as other pax thought that a new queue was being formed for boarding. She then took thus through the jetbridge as we squeezed past a few other pax that were already boarding. Fortunately there were not that many on the jetbridge as it already was a bit awkward filing past people already waiting in line. I'm sure they were none too pleased.
Refurbished LH A330 F
Slippers, PJs, and amenity kit. Sadly, no more Rimowa.
Hot towel and menu
Nice glass of Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle to start. Excellent champagne - great aroma, with smooth - yeah like I know what I'm talking about. It tasted nice, is expensive, and is being served to me in a metal tube traveling at 30,000 feet.
Very good LH F - very good, professional service. Quite a bit of contrast with LH where the service was good to bleh, depending on the FA. LH is solid, consistent, and very good.
Caviar to start along with appetizer. Didn't get the full trio as I had a lot of eating to do over the next 24 hours.
Desert
Obligatory lav shot.
Bed mode.
I declined breakfast as I would be having a better breakfast at the F lounge. Overall, excellent flight though it was a bit short since it was just from the East Coast.
Sep 21, 2014, 10:35 pm
#3
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Plat, Hilton Gold, TK Elite, A3 Gold
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Munich LH F Lounge
I'd been to the First Class Terminal about 6 times so I was curious how the FCL in both Munich and Frankfurt compared. The Munich F lounge is definitely a bit smaller and it felt busy though never overcrowded.
As usual, service was very good starting with a warm welcome as we entered the lounge after clearing transit security. It looked quite similar to the FCT with similar furniture and layout - just a bit smaller. Food options were good though did not seem to be as good as the FCT (since I believe DO & CO doesn't cater the Munich FCL).
Dining area
Bar area
Decided to take a quick shower which always feels great after getting off a long-haul flight. The shower rooms were again quite similar to Frankfurt though a few minor differences - nothing significant but something to note:
1) FRA FCL/FCT shower rooms had bath robes and slippers while MUC did not
2) Bath amenities were different with FRA using Etad brand and MUC using Pure Herbs
3) The obligatory LH F ducks were smaller versions of their FRA cousins
FCL shower room
Amenities
After spending a few hours here, it was time to head over to the gate (short walk away) for the quick intra-Europe J flight from MUC to FRA. Short flight which was uneventful so won't really go into much detail about that one.
Frankfurt Senator and LH F Lounge
After arriving in FRA, we were surprised to have been met at the gate by a Thai agent who would escort us to the lounge and then from the lounge to the flight. Despite their inflight inconsistencies, I must say that TG ground services are among the best. I thought there might be an escort but was a bit surprised to still see one. He took us over to the LH Senator lounge which is the one used by TG F passengers. However, since we arrived on a same-day LH F flight, we could still use the FCL. So after the escort dropped us off, we walked straight towards the FCL.
The FCL is definitely similar to the FCT (moreso than MUC) and was bigger than MUC.
Bar
I didn't really need to shower again but had to grab another duck for the collection. This time it was one of the non-standard ones too which is always nice.
The FCL also had a special "Cola Bar" which seemed to take the place of their "Water Bar". I didn't really partake but it was interesting to see different colas from around the world.
After a couple of hours in the FCL, we went back to the Senator lounge to meet up with our TG escort.
The lounge was pretty empty - emptiest that I had ever seen for an LH Senator lounge. But it was afternoon so perhaps just in between the bank of morning and evening business traveler flights.
FRA-BKK, Thai Airways A380, F
Our escort met up with us about T-30 and took us to the gate. There was another escort for another group of TG F pax as well who left just before us. Today would be a full flight in F.
My seat - 3K.
Where they hold the duvet and mattress pad
Thai it seems has also gone away from the Rimowa kits and instead used kits from Porsche.
PJs had also been updated since my last TG F flight in Dec 2014. These were similar though the pants did not have an elastic band but rather a drawstring band which just made the pants feel a bit too big around the waist. The bag could be used as a laptop bag, though it was too big for my 11" laptop.
The not so great TG headphones. Good thing I had my own Bose ones.
Service on this flight was pretty good with the FA's friendly and attentive, though did not feel quite as polished as LH. Compared to the second TG flight, the FA's were fantastic and not borderline rude .
Giant lav on A380
Caviar to start
Beef curry - pre-ordered. Good but quite spicy.
Fruit plate
Desert to finish
And bed time
With the purple light
Lounge area in the front of the F cabin
Snack area at front
After sleeping for a few hours, I decided to watch a few movies and then before I knew it, it was time for breakfast. Started with a fruit plate which was very beautifully presented - it was the shell of a pineapple with various pieces of sliced fruit on top of it. Have not seen this on a plane before so it was a really nice touch.
Breakfast
Smooth landing and then taxied to the gate at BKK.
As typical with TG arrival services in F, a number of buggies were there to take us to immigration and baggage claim.
We proceeded to the diplomat immigration queue, though at this time of day (~5AM), it really didn't matter since there was no queue anywhere. I can see how this would truly be valuable during peak arrival times.
Soon, we were out and grabbed a car to the hotel.
I'd been to the First Class Terminal about 6 times so I was curious how the FCL in both Munich and Frankfurt compared. The Munich F lounge is definitely a bit smaller and it felt busy though never overcrowded.
As usual, service was very good starting with a warm welcome as we entered the lounge after clearing transit security. It looked quite similar to the FCT with similar furniture and layout - just a bit smaller. Food options were good though did not seem to be as good as the FCT (since I believe DO & CO doesn't cater the Munich FCL).
Dining area
Bar area
Decided to take a quick shower which always feels great after getting off a long-haul flight. The shower rooms were again quite similar to Frankfurt though a few minor differences - nothing significant but something to note:
1) FRA FCL/FCT shower rooms had bath robes and slippers while MUC did not
2) Bath amenities were different with FRA using Etad brand and MUC using Pure Herbs
3) The obligatory LH F ducks were smaller versions of their FRA cousins
FCL shower room
Amenities
After spending a few hours here, it was time to head over to the gate (short walk away) for the quick intra-Europe J flight from MUC to FRA. Short flight which was uneventful so won't really go into much detail about that one.
Frankfurt Senator and LH F Lounge
After arriving in FRA, we were surprised to have been met at the gate by a Thai agent who would escort us to the lounge and then from the lounge to the flight. Despite their inflight inconsistencies, I must say that TG ground services are among the best. I thought there might be an escort but was a bit surprised to still see one. He took us over to the LH Senator lounge which is the one used by TG F passengers. However, since we arrived on a same-day LH F flight, we could still use the FCL. So after the escort dropped us off, we walked straight towards the FCL.
The FCL is definitely similar to the FCT (moreso than MUC) and was bigger than MUC.
Bar
I didn't really need to shower again but had to grab another duck for the collection. This time it was one of the non-standard ones too which is always nice.
The FCL also had a special "Cola Bar" which seemed to take the place of their "Water Bar". I didn't really partake but it was interesting to see different colas from around the world.
After a couple of hours in the FCL, we went back to the Senator lounge to meet up with our TG escort.
The lounge was pretty empty - emptiest that I had ever seen for an LH Senator lounge. But it was afternoon so perhaps just in between the bank of morning and evening business traveler flights.
FRA-BKK, Thai Airways A380, F
Our escort met up with us about T-30 and took us to the gate. There was another escort for another group of TG F pax as well who left just before us. Today would be a full flight in F.
My seat - 3K.
Where they hold the duvet and mattress pad
Thai it seems has also gone away from the Rimowa kits and instead used kits from Porsche.
PJs had also been updated since my last TG F flight in Dec 2014. These were similar though the pants did not have an elastic band but rather a drawstring band which just made the pants feel a bit too big around the waist. The bag could be used as a laptop bag, though it was too big for my 11" laptop.
The not so great TG headphones. Good thing I had my own Bose ones.
Service on this flight was pretty good with the FA's friendly and attentive, though did not feel quite as polished as LH. Compared to the second TG flight, the FA's were fantastic and not borderline rude .
Giant lav on A380
Caviar to start
Beef curry - pre-ordered. Good but quite spicy.
Fruit plate
Desert to finish
And bed time
With the purple light
Lounge area in the front of the F cabin
Snack area at front
After sleeping for a few hours, I decided to watch a few movies and then before I knew it, it was time for breakfast. Started with a fruit plate which was very beautifully presented - it was the shell of a pineapple with various pieces of sliced fruit on top of it. Have not seen this on a plane before so it was a really nice touch.
Breakfast
Smooth landing and then taxied to the gate at BKK.
As typical with TG arrival services in F, a number of buggies were there to take us to immigration and baggage claim.
We proceeded to the diplomat immigration queue, though at this time of day (~5AM), it really didn't matter since there was no queue anywhere. I can see how this would truly be valuable during peak arrival times.
Soon, we were out and grabbed a car to the hotel.
Sep 22, 2014, 9:41 am
#8
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: 6km East of EPAYE
Programs: UA Silver, AA Platinum, AS & DL GM Marriott TE, Hilton Gold
Posts: 9,582
Great photos. I am really looking forward to your thoughts on the TG A380 X: FRA and 744 to MUC, and if they have new or old F going to MUC.
I am on almost the identical set of flights in December.
I am on almost the identical set of flights in December.
Sep 22, 2014, 10:35 pm
#11
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Plat, Hilton Gold, TK Elite, A3 Gold
Posts: 145
Thanks offerendum!
Thanks batmandds!
I would say the A380 is a touch nicer in that the whole plane is new, whereas the 744 has just renovated seats with the lavs and rest of the plane being the same. Much more private and spacious than the prior gen 747 F.
Thanks alexisonsmith!
Thanks hamburglar! And only on the left side of the plane. Right side is the lounge.
Sep 26, 2014, 10:21 pm
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Plat, Hilton Gold, TK Elite, A3 Gold
Posts: 145
Bangkok
We were only in BKK for about 2 days since it was only an add-on to a trip intended for Europe. So not a whole lot of time but it was a city that we'd been to before.
Since many FTers have already been there, I don't think there's a whole lot new to report on so will let the photos speak for themselves.
Bangkok traffic - day
Bangkok traffic - night
Din Tai Fung - Bangkok. Honestly, I think they are way overrated. Food is good but not as great as everybody makes out. And also (at least in the US) too expensive.
Last time in BKK, I went to the Sompong Thai Cooking School which was quite fun and educational. So decided to head there again, this time with more people.
Ingredients
My first finished dish - spicy chicken salad (laab-kai)
Next - Chicken red curry (kang-phed-kai)
Mango with sticky rice (khow-neuw-ma-muang) - so damn good
Along the Chao Phraya river
Fish feeding frenzy
Another interesting thing that happened to be going on was a big anime/cosplay festival - Japan Festa in Bangkok. Great photography area.
We were only in BKK for about 2 days since it was only an add-on to a trip intended for Europe. So not a whole lot of time but it was a city that we'd been to before.
Since many FTers have already been there, I don't think there's a whole lot new to report on so will let the photos speak for themselves.
Bangkok traffic - day
Bangkok traffic - night
Din Tai Fung - Bangkok. Honestly, I think they are way overrated. Food is good but not as great as everybody makes out. And also (at least in the US) too expensive.
Last time in BKK, I went to the Sompong Thai Cooking School which was quite fun and educational. So decided to head there again, this time with more people.
Ingredients
My first finished dish - spicy chicken salad (laab-kai)
Next - Chicken red curry (kang-phed-kai)
Mango with sticky rice (khow-neuw-ma-muang) - so damn good
Along the Chao Phraya river
Fish feeding frenzy
Another interesting thing that happened to be going on was a big anime/cosplay festival - Japan Festa in Bangkok. Great photography area.
Sep 28, 2014, 10:01 pm
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Plat, Hilton Gold, TK Elite, A3 Gold
Posts: 145
Thai Royal First Lounge and Royal Orchid Spa
Since we left early in the AM, there was hardly any traffic getting to BKK which is always a nice relief, considering how bad it could be.
Once walking through the area, we handed our passports and had our tickets processed while we waited. Maybe because it was 8AM, but last time I was there, they had brought a cold towel and bottle of cold water. It wasn't really needed given it was cool and early morning, but just thought this was an interesting note (and perhaps more TG inconsistency).
Waiting area for F pax while checking in
Next up - the famous buggy ride to the lounge! They only have 1 buggy for this trip so 2 of us went first while the remaining 2 waited for the buggy to return. I've now done this twice and it's still a fun experience (though entirely unnecessary) to whiz by the J lounge and random walking pax as we zip over to the F lounge.
Royal First Lounge
Lounge was pretty empty at that time and didn't really ever get too terribly busy.
One interesting note is that they had replaced their iPad menus with paper menus. In the end, it's probably for the best. The iPads - while seemingly cool and cutting edge - were pretty clunky to use. This was much easier to see everything.
Soon, it was massage time! I opted for the Royal Thai Massage which was the 1 hour option, without oil. Both times I've had massages, they haven't proactively mentioned this as an option in the F lounge, but rather default to the Touch of Silk massage which has oil as part of the massage. They cite either this or the J massage (head and neck / foot massage). Not sure why this happens but had to clarify this while in the spa. Massage was fantastic with some pretty strong (sometimes a bit too much) pressure, but great to get the blood flowing before a flight.
Change of clothes for Royal Thai massage
After the massage, I took a shower in the massage room. It was a really long corridor which I thought meant that there would be water coming from the entire length. Looked like there were shower heads but I couldn't figure out how to work them.
Post-massage tea. Their teas were fantastic and too bad they don't serve them in the F lounge.
No buggy ride to the flight this time but rather a couple of escorts for about 8 pax.
Since we left early in the AM, there was hardly any traffic getting to BKK which is always a nice relief, considering how bad it could be.
Once walking through the area, we handed our passports and had our tickets processed while we waited. Maybe because it was 8AM, but last time I was there, they had brought a cold towel and bottle of cold water. It wasn't really needed given it was cool and early morning, but just thought this was an interesting note (and perhaps more TG inconsistency).
Waiting area for F pax while checking in
Next up - the famous buggy ride to the lounge! They only have 1 buggy for this trip so 2 of us went first while the remaining 2 waited for the buggy to return. I've now done this twice and it's still a fun experience (though entirely unnecessary) to whiz by the J lounge and random walking pax as we zip over to the F lounge.
Royal First Lounge
Lounge was pretty empty at that time and didn't really ever get too terribly busy.
One interesting note is that they had replaced their iPad menus with paper menus. In the end, it's probably for the best. The iPads - while seemingly cool and cutting edge - were pretty clunky to use. This was much easier to see everything.
Soon, it was massage time! I opted for the Royal Thai Massage which was the 1 hour option, without oil. Both times I've had massages, they haven't proactively mentioned this as an option in the F lounge, but rather default to the Touch of Silk massage which has oil as part of the massage. They cite either this or the J massage (head and neck / foot massage). Not sure why this happens but had to clarify this while in the spa. Massage was fantastic with some pretty strong (sometimes a bit too much) pressure, but great to get the blood flowing before a flight.
Change of clothes for Royal Thai massage
After the massage, I took a shower in the massage room. It was a really long corridor which I thought meant that there would be water coming from the entire length. Looked like there were shower heads but I couldn't figure out how to work them.
Post-massage tea. Their teas were fantastic and too bad they don't serve them in the F lounge.
No buggy ride to the flight this time but rather a couple of escorts for about 8 pax.
Sep 29, 2014, 9:33 pm
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Plat, Hilton Gold, TK Elite, A3 Gold
Posts: 145
Thanks HangukStyle! I've tried them in Seoul as well along with California (Arcadia), Sydney, and Bangkok. Have always been with people who wanted to try it and it was fine but not amazing.