Inconsistencies with onboard svc.. LX vs LH shorthaul intra-Europe
Oct 18, 2009, 4:26 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Venice, Italy
Programs: FlyingBlue Platinum, Miles&More Senator, bmi Diamond Club Silver, Marriott Gold Elite, SPG
Posts: 702
Inconsistencies with onboard svc.. LX vs LH shorthaul intra-Europe
On a recent trip to OSL, I took LX outbound connecting in ZRH and returned on LH connecting in FRA.
The outbound flights were excellent with LX staff approaching me on both flights. On the first flight VCE-ZRH, the Purser said I was one of 3 SENs on board and wanted to thank me for my continued business. He gave me a bottle of water and a little towelette. Again, on the flight to OSL from ZRH, the Purser, Tom , said that I was the only SEN on the plane and offered to move me into C class. There was only 1 pax in C and although he didn't have an extra meal onboard, the completely empty row was all mine if I wanted. He also gave me a little bottle of water and a towelette and checked on me several times during the flight.
The return was dismal. On both flights, I saw the list of important pax that the FA had on her drink cart. I saw perhaps 5 or 6 FTLs and SENs on the list in Y, but my name was not amongst them. Not that I really need the extra recognition, but it is nice to be appreciated for throwing them my business. My BP specifically showed SEN and I even had the BP reprinted at the SEN lounge. While the flights were on-time and basic service was offered, the FAs were just short and rude. The GAs in FRA couldn't be bothered to board us on-time because they were too busy having a gab session. I saw the other GA come out from the jetway and give them the "thumbs up" to begin boarding, but they sat there for another 5 minutes just chatting until the older woman rolled her eyes and finally stood up to turn on the boarding pass checker machine. Arriving from OSL, many gates were open in A concourse, but as usual, got a remote stand, had to run across the tarmac in the rain and get on the bus. Then the 5 km ride to Terminal B, followed by the 5km hike through tunnels, 20 minute waits for elevators (only because I had heavy carryons), and even more trekking until arriving at the overcrowded, underserved Senator Lounge. I am just giving up on flying through FRA. It seems to be more hassle than it's worth. I do like MUC and prefer it to FRA, but with service reductions, flight times through MUC are not as frequent anymore.
The outbound flights were excellent with LX staff approaching me on both flights. On the first flight VCE-ZRH, the Purser said I was one of 3 SENs on board and wanted to thank me for my continued business. He gave me a bottle of water and a little towelette. Again, on the flight to OSL from ZRH, the Purser, Tom , said that I was the only SEN on the plane and offered to move me into C class. There was only 1 pax in C and although he didn't have an extra meal onboard, the completely empty row was all mine if I wanted. He also gave me a little bottle of water and a towelette and checked on me several times during the flight.
The return was dismal. On both flights, I saw the list of important pax that the FA had on her drink cart. I saw perhaps 5 or 6 FTLs and SENs on the list in Y, but my name was not amongst them. Not that I really need the extra recognition, but it is nice to be appreciated for throwing them my business. My BP specifically showed SEN and I even had the BP reprinted at the SEN lounge. While the flights were on-time and basic service was offered, the FAs were just short and rude. The GAs in FRA couldn't be bothered to board us on-time because they were too busy having a gab session. I saw the other GA come out from the jetway and give them the "thumbs up" to begin boarding, but they sat there for another 5 minutes just chatting until the older woman rolled her eyes and finally stood up to turn on the boarding pass checker machine. Arriving from OSL, many gates were open in A concourse, but as usual, got a remote stand, had to run across the tarmac in the rain and get on the bus. Then the 5 km ride to Terminal B, followed by the 5km hike through tunnels, 20 minute waits for elevators (only because I had heavy carryons), and even more trekking until arriving at the overcrowded, underserved Senator Lounge. I am just giving up on flying through FRA. It seems to be more hassle than it's worth. I do like MUC and prefer it to FRA, but with service reductions, flight times through MUC are not as frequent anymore.
Oct 18, 2009, 6:59 am
#2
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Switzerland
Programs: LX HON, Emirates Skywards Gold, HH diamond, Hyatt plat
Posts: 282
On a recent trip to OSL, I took LX outbound connecting in ZRH and returned on LH connecting in FRA.
The outbound flights were excellent with LX staff approaching me on both flights. On the first flight VCE-ZRH, the Purser said I was one of 3 SENs on board and wanted to thank me for my continued business. He gave me a bottle of water and a little towelette. Again, on the flight to OSL from ZRH, the Purser, Tom , said that I was the only SEN on the plane and offered to move me into C class. There was only 1 pax in C and although he didn't have an extra meal onboard, the completely empty row was all mine if I wanted. He also gave me a little bottle of water and a towelette and checked on me several times during the flight.
The return was dismal. On both flights, I saw the list of important pax that the FA had on her drink cart. I saw perhaps 5 or 6 FTLs and SENs on the list in Y, but my name was not amongst them. Not that I really need the extra recognition, but it is nice to be appreciated for throwing them my business. My BP specifically showed SEN and I even had the BP reprinted at the SEN lounge. While the flights were on-time and basic service was offered, the FAs were just short and rude. The GAs in FRA couldn't be bothered to board us on-time because they were too busy having a gab session. I saw the other GA come out from the jetway and give them the "thumbs up" to begin boarding, but they sat there for another 5 minutes just chatting until the older woman rolled her eyes and finally stood up to turn on the boarding pass checker machine. Arriving from OSL, many gates were open in A concourse, but as usual, got a remote stand, had to run across the tarmac in the rain and get on the bus. Then the 5 km ride to Terminal B, followed by the 5km hike through tunnels, 20 minute waits for elevators (only because I had heavy carryons), and even more trekking until arriving at the overcrowded, underserved Senator Lounge. I am just giving up on flying through FRA. It seems to be more hassle than it's worth. I do like MUC and prefer it to FRA, but with service reductions, flight times through MUC are not as frequent anymore.
The outbound flights were excellent with LX staff approaching me on both flights. On the first flight VCE-ZRH, the Purser said I was one of 3 SENs on board and wanted to thank me for my continued business. He gave me a bottle of water and a little towelette. Again, on the flight to OSL from ZRH, the Purser, Tom , said that I was the only SEN on the plane and offered to move me into C class. There was only 1 pax in C and although he didn't have an extra meal onboard, the completely empty row was all mine if I wanted. He also gave me a little bottle of water and a towelette and checked on me several times during the flight.
The return was dismal. On both flights, I saw the list of important pax that the FA had on her drink cart. I saw perhaps 5 or 6 FTLs and SENs on the list in Y, but my name was not amongst them. Not that I really need the extra recognition, but it is nice to be appreciated for throwing them my business. My BP specifically showed SEN and I even had the BP reprinted at the SEN lounge. While the flights were on-time and basic service was offered, the FAs were just short and rude. The GAs in FRA couldn't be bothered to board us on-time because they were too busy having a gab session. I saw the other GA come out from the jetway and give them the "thumbs up" to begin boarding, but they sat there for another 5 minutes just chatting until the older woman rolled her eyes and finally stood up to turn on the boarding pass checker machine. Arriving from OSL, many gates were open in A concourse, but as usual, got a remote stand, had to run across the tarmac in the rain and get on the bus. Then the 5 km ride to Terminal B, followed by the 5km hike through tunnels, 20 minute waits for elevators (only because I had heavy carryons), and even more trekking until arriving at the overcrowded, underserved Senator Lounge. I am just giving up on flying through FRA. It seems to be more hassle than it's worth. I do like MUC and prefer it to FRA, but with service reductions, flight times through MUC are not as frequent anymore.
I think you have to distinguish between airport and on board service: there is no doubt in everybody's mind that ZRH is much better than FRA; on the other hand, it has way fewer flights.
Regarding on board service in Europe, both LX and LH are equal in Y (you get close to nothing!). On the other hand LH is far superior in C (guaranteed free center seat, better food and weekly magazines).
As far as "personal touch" goes, it is difficult to get it in Y, even if you are HON. this is the case for both airlines.
Oct 18, 2009, 7:11 am
#3
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: SZG
Posts: 3,936
again my experience on LX is 100% personal recognition, LH again hit or miss. ..
Oct 18, 2009, 7:28 am
#5
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,063
Who forced you to go through FRAnkenstein's hell. I am one of the unfortunate who are forced to connect there from short haul to long haul and vv.
This place they claim to be an airport seems to get messier and messier on a monthly base. You are right connceting from non-Schengen's in B is terrible, if you arrive in C it is an ordeal
Forget the saga that they have a 45 min MCT, my experience tells if you are young and fit you will make it in 75 mins. The most disorganised line is when you exit the passport control in B and go downstairs to turn right towards the tunnel of fear with the dirty elevators good for about 100 pax / hour. Unfortunately about min 2000 / hour try to use it.
Then comes the mile long run through the A terminal, with a bit of luck your gate number is below 30, but most of my FRA-ZRH are either A38 or A40.
Frankfort ist not an airport it is a medical rehab facility!
Fly it only on doctor's prescription for those who don't exercise 3 times per week
This place they claim to be an airport seems to get messier and messier on a monthly base. You are right connceting from non-Schengen's in B is terrible, if you arrive in C it is an ordeal
Forget the saga that they have a 45 min MCT, my experience tells if you are young and fit you will make it in 75 mins. The most disorganised line is when you exit the passport control in B and go downstairs to turn right towards the tunnel of fear with the dirty elevators good for about 100 pax / hour. Unfortunately about min 2000 / hour try to use it.
Then comes the mile long run through the A terminal, with a bit of luck your gate number is below 30, but most of my FRA-ZRH are either A38 or A40.
Frankfort ist not an airport it is a medical rehab facility!
Fly it only on doctor's prescription for those who don't exercise 3 times per week
Oct 18, 2009, 7:43 am
#6
Senior Moderator, Moderator: Community Buzz and Ambassador: Miles & More (Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, and other partners)
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: 150km from MAN
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Oct 18, 2009, 10:09 am
#7
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: INN
Posts: 2,907
I'd prefer FRA over ZRH all the time. The lounges in ZRH are far worse than FRA, as is the security setup. And both of them can't compare to MUC.
Oct 18, 2009, 11:36 am
#8
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: SZG
Posts: 3,936
Oct 18, 2009, 3:12 pm
#9
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: INN
Programs: LH/OS SEN, HHonors Gold, IHG Plat, Marriot Gold
Posts: 357
And not to mention the pleasure of enjoying Swiss' C service onboard - which I usually do when connecting in ZRH, while connecting in FRA usually gets me into the arms of some LH dragons ...
Oct 18, 2009, 5:04 pm
#10
Join Date: Nov 2008
Programs: Disgruntled HON**, Indifferent EK Gold, skeptical BA Silver
Posts: 1,734
But seriously, what is so awful about the security setup?
Oct 18, 2009, 7:16 pm
#11
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: FMO, YVR
Programs: LH HON
Posts: 430
On the international flights it is actually better. It is like 100% for me so far. The purser bothers to show up and introduce herself/himself and does instruct the crew properly. However on my usual routes they have at max 2 HON on board. Actually the FA working in Y are better than the ones in C when it comes to proper recognition.
Oct 18, 2009, 10:46 pm
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Point Place, Wisconsin
Programs: LH HON, BA Gold, EK Gold
Posts: 14,505
Haven't done any LX flight since I became HON. However LH HON recognition in my case is less than 5%. On one flight (STR-FRA) a few weeks ago, I got offered a magazine flying in Y. That is it. Seems like on almost all domestic or EU flights they can't be bothered. Not even if you fly C. Seriously, even if the limo driver brings you into the plane, tells them your name, and you are the only one sitting in C. Don't believe they bother at all.
On the international flights it is actually better. It is like 100% for me so far. The purser bothers to show up and introduce herself/himself and does instruct the crew properly. However on my usual routes they have at max 2 HON on board. Actually the FA working in Y are better than the ones in C when it comes to proper recognition.
On the international flights it is actually better. It is like 100% for me so far. The purser bothers to show up and introduce herself/himself and does instruct the crew properly. However on my usual routes they have at max 2 HON on board. Actually the FA working in Y are better than the ones in C when it comes to proper recognition.
Oct 19, 2009, 1:22 am
#13
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Switzerland
Programs: LX HON, Emirates Skywards Gold, HH diamond, Hyatt plat
Posts: 282
Oct 19, 2009, 8:06 pm
#14
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: INN
Posts: 2,907
That beeing said I'm quite happy with none or at least very low-key "recognition".
Oct 19, 2009, 8:15 pm
#15
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: INN
Posts: 2,907
And all that is if I go to the FCL, which is rather inconvenient for long-haul departures. When you have to go to the Bellevue lounge in E it's just a disaster.