Deltahater

Clearly not a MR, but going ORD-FRA-ORD 3/27 and 4/7

ByrdluvsAWACO

I updated the list. It seems like we have a lot more weekday flyers compared to last year. Anyway, go see who you're flying with. 2009 Manifest

ConradMZ

I would recommend not going the 15 km east from FRA airport to downtown Frankfurt, but instead taking the commuter train (S-Bahn) (which stops two escalator rides directly below the arrivals area) 25 km west to the city of Mainz. The S8 line (not the S9 line, the other line stopping in the station) will take you to either Mainz Hbf (the main train station in Mainz) or Mainz-Römisches Theater, which is closer to the Hyatt. The Hyatt is just two blocks east of the Römisches Theater train station (just under half an hour trip from the airport, trains run every half-hour), on the banks of the Rhine--you can get a room with a Rhine view for 160 EUR. The hotel restaurant is one of the better restaurants in Mainz, too. At the Römisches Theater train station, you can see the ruins of a Roman theater (how the station got its name), and on one of the two blocks between the station and the hotel there is a museum displaying the remains of Roman ships and other memorabilia concerning boat travel in Roman times (free admission, closed Mondays). Mainz also has a 1000-year-old cathedral, the Gutenberg museum, and lots of wine bars (center of German wine producing area).

Another option to stay in Mainz is the Hilton on the banks of the Rhine--right now their main lobby is being renovated; the entrance is on the back side of the annex building across the street, but there is a pedestrian walkway connecting the two buildings. This is somewhat cheaper than the Hyatt (older building, that's why the lobby is being renovated) (non-refundable special rate right now of 87.50 EUR). To reach the hotel, you can either take the S8 to Mainz Hbf, or the S9, which stops just across the river from Mainz at the "Mainz-Kastel" train station. From either train station, you can take Bus 54, 55, 56, or 57 to the stop "Brückenplatz" which is right at the hotel. If you don't have much luggage, you can also just walk across the bridge from Mainz-Kastel--the Hilton is at the base of the bridge on your left as you cross the river, but the bridge is probably a ten-minute walk or so. The hotel restaurant here is also ok.

Or you could stay at the airport Sheraton and just make a day/evening expedition to Mainz. Other places to eat might include http://www.ambassenheimerhof.de/ (just off of Schillerplatz square, not far from St. Stephan's church with the Chagall stained glass windows, this is where Laura Bush ate when her husband and the German chancellor had a summit meeting in Mainz), or, for a great view across the Rhine towards Mainz, there is http://www.bastion-von-schoenborn.de/ -- this is located adjacent to the Mainz-Kastel train station.

MiamiAirport Formerly NY George

I'm on board for LGA/ORD/FRA the weekend of March 7.

AAbuzzard

The Hilton Mainz City (which by some accounts is a somewhat better place to stay than the Hilton in the above quote, especially with the renovation going on) has a 59.50 euro rate for stays through Jan 31--right at $80. I'll be staying there this Saturday night. Neither hotel has an Executive Level from what I have read. Apparently the Mainz City is only 500 m from the main train station and more in the heart of things. I didn't check into their rates after Jan. 31. Thanks to ConradMZ for all the other info.

akersnl

Are all of you folks upgrading on this MR? I have never traveled for the sole purpose of racking up miles and would consider doing so, but only if I upgraded. I have been on the DFW-FRA flight several times, and there is no way I would sit in coach for 10 hours if it could be at all avoided. Also, why has FRA become such a hot destination for this activity?

AAbuzzard

Cheap fares! For those who upgrade (not me this time ) no luxury tax like ex-LHR.

brp

We're stying in Frankfurt for a couple of days (already have the hotel booked, although I think it can be canceled) 2/28-3/2. We were looking for a side trip for the full day there and it sounds like Mainz may be just what we're seeking. Thanks for the suggestion!

Edit: Just checked, and it was a special, "non-cancellable" rate..so day trip it would be

Cheers.

ByrdluvsAWACO

I think those of us with eVIPs that are set to expire at the end of Feb will be burning them on these MR's.

C'mon, its not that bad. In 2007, I did PHX-FRA-PHX MR's for eight consecutive weekends, all in Y. This year, however, I am burning eVIPs. If you were plat or above, you would have access to the AC's showers. Having the ability to shower makes flying in Y a touch better.

As was mentioned, the low price is the main reason. However, FRA is a great turnaround location. The lines are way shorter than in LHR, and it seems like there's less walking involved.

Also the aircraft you come in on is the aircraft you leave on, so there is no chance of missing your flight if you arrive in FRA an hour later than scheduled.

JY1024

Plus it gives you a chance/excuse to do some duty-free shopping!

ByrdluvsAWACO

Can anyone who's been to FRA recently comment on whether or not AA has expanded the AC there? Last I was there, there was a curtain hanging over the doorway to the left of the reception desk(as you walk in).

I remember someone commenting that it was going to be furnished and used as part of the AC.

weinskkb

I will be arriving at FRA 2-20 and leaving 2-23. Looking at doing day trips to Mainz and Heidelburg

OCJoe

Going SNA-DFW-FRA AA 70 on 2/28 and FRA-DFW-SNA AA 71 on 3/1 for $507AI. Purchased last night. When I called to get the EVIP's applied, the return cleared , but the outbound waitlisted.

thecleave

Went ahead and ticketed ORD-FRA on 3/21, FRA-ORD on 3/22 yesterday.

Talk about addicting....

Stephentao

And I'll be doing ORD-FRA-ORD on 2/7 - 2/8.

FWIW -- I've been to the BA and Cathay Lounges in the other FRA terminal. The Cathay Lounge has two showers, better than the Admiral's Club showers but not much. Also has a few computers and is relatively spacious and quiet in the AM. BA is pathetic and depressing (in the basement, dingy carpet and furniture, nothing to eat), especially compared to the Lufthansa club upstairs which I could only glimpse into as we walked by.