So, back in May I posted some questions on FT to find out how to best use my AP points for summer vacation to Barcelona. I just wanted to share what I learned! The answer is Lufthansa First Class new 747 product from YVR to FRA.

There's a couple thing to note. First that availability for all LH F class is released in a window period of about 7-14 days prior to departure. I monitored the seat availability every day for a month before I left (so all of July) and found that about 27 out of 30 daily flight eventually open up award availability for F on this route. So just be patient and availability will come as long as your flexible by +/- 1 day.

You need to check to make sure they don't swop aircrafts with one of the 2 old planes that do not have the new 747 refresh. The old seats don't look as comfortable and you don't get a bed. Rather it's just 2 old F seats side-by-side. One for sleeping and one for sitting.

These are the 2 planes to avoid, you can see where they've been flying:
http://www.flightradar24.com/data/airplanes/D-ABTF/
http://www.flightradar24.com/data/airplanes/D-ABTH/

You can also check this link to make sure it's their newer product, but beware this can change in the 2 weeks up to departure:
http://www.lufthansa.com/de/en/First-Class-Product

I'd also posted a full review of my entire flying experience on my blog:
http://canadiantravelerblog.wordpres...-12000-flight/

I'd love to hear about other people's experiences with redeeming J/F reward flights to Europe on LH or other carriers.