Originally Posted by 747LWW
Perhaps I did not explain this crazy situation sufficiently. Departure of flight from Houston on LH441 (UA code share, # I do not remember, EQM just over 5000) ~ 5PM with arrival in Frankfurt about 8AM local time (flight time ~ 9 hrs). You are correct, she spent day on train travel (we love the trains and she grow up in Austria so knows the language as an ~local and we usually have time left on Eurorail 1st class train passes as we did that time and as you know there is a wonderful train station at/under arrivals in Frankfurt airport). She returned to Frankfurt via train same day, had dinner, stayed in airport area overnight, and then left on LH 440 next day for 11 hr non-stop to Houston (EQM just over 5000).
Although I did not say she was in Y, we have a policy that anything under 9 hrs on 777 we go Y---UA status gives us chance at exit row seats, etc. on UA and LH and we typically use only those two carriers + SQ. She was unable to use my gifted SWU on LH as C was booked full so she was forced to return Y and she was not a happy camper.
Yes, I do not recommend her itn. as a relaxing get away or for anything other than what it was---acquiring miles at a modest cost for those who need same for re-up to Elite status.
Sorry for any confusion on details.
PS thanks for your interest and especially for your comment on Mainz as we have never stopped there. We are usually getting to Munich -Saltzburg-Wien area as quickly as we can.
That makes a little more sense to me. I thought you were saying she arrived on say Saturday morning, waited the 2 1/2 or so hours, and then got back on the same US bound airplane she got off of. That (to me) would have been a little extreme.
I too love München, and go there whenever I get a chance. As for travelling in coach, on the flight back stateside, I can easily fly Y because I know I shouldn't be sleeping then anyway. But the flight to Europe, that usually wipes me out. I usually fly US because it is most convenient for me, but whenever I can get out on BA, the WT+ cabin is sort of the best of both worlds for me. US is certainly not the most comfortable airline for long haul travel. Luckily, when I do the CLT-FRA hop, it is on an A330.
Best wishes and continue to enjoy your travels.