The definitive LH First experience thread [including how to maximize it]
Feb 25, 2018, 12:11 pm
#496
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Geneva
Programs: LX SEN, AFKL Platinum, BA Bronze,
Posts: 5,641
FCT will guarantee a car. No car from the A and B FCTs for gate positions except FCL B to C and Z.
Next week, we'll be flying LH F for the first time, on the flight from BOS, arriving in FRA.
Because it's a 747, does that mean it will be unlikely to be parked away from the terminal?
How does the "car pickup" work in that case, given that one is not far from the building (the short distance of the walkway)?
And when we depart FRA, although we "paid" (awards) for F for the entire trip, there isn't F on some of the shorter flights within Europe, so our next flight is in "business class" (apparently regular seats, with the middle one blocked).
Do they drive "F"-ticketed passengers to the next flight if there is no actual F cabin on connecting flights?
We have a long layover, so we aren't sure if we'll stay at the FCL in the main terminal, or head over to the FCT to check it out.
(A "critical" determining factor might be <joke alert> whether the little yellow duckies are the same in both lounge areas
I remember seeing photos of two styles.)
Thanks.
GC
Because it's a 747, does that mean it will be unlikely to be parked away from the terminal?
How does the "car pickup" work in that case, given that one is not far from the building (the short distance of the walkway)?
And when we depart FRA, although we "paid" (awards) for F for the entire trip, there isn't F on some of the shorter flights within Europe, so our next flight is in "business class" (apparently regular seats, with the middle one blocked).
Do they drive "F"-ticketed passengers to the next flight if there is no actual F cabin on connecting flights?
We have a long layover, so we aren't sure if we'll stay at the FCL in the main terminal, or head over to the FCT to check it out.
(A "critical" determining factor might be <joke alert> whether the little yellow duckies are the same in both lounge areas
I remember seeing photos of two styles.)Thanks.
GC
Ducks are generally the same in the lounges as in the FCT but sometimes they have special editions and run out in one or the other earlier.
Feb 25, 2018, 5:53 pm
#497
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: AS MVP,SPG GOLD,UA,AA,Kirs, IHG Plat
Posts: 45
FRA - MUC - ORD advice
Flying into FRA on LY getting in at 10am - Flying out on F Award to MUC(C) at 115pm with 90 min connection till ORD flight in F.
I've already been to the FCT - should I just go to the FCL?
If I do go to the FCT will have a car take me to the FRA - MUC flt?
Will I be picked up in a car at MUC?
I've already been to the FCT - should I just go to the FCL?
If I do go to the FCT will have a car take me to the FRA - MUC flt?
Will I be picked up in a car at MUC?
Feb 25, 2018, 6:14 pm
#498
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: LH M&M, BA EC, DL SM
Posts: 5,731
Flying into FRA on LY getting in at 10am - Flying out on F Award to MUC(C) at 115pm with 90 min connection till ORD flight in F.
I've already been to the FCT - should I just go to the FCL?
If I do go to the FCT will have a car take me to the FRA - MUC flt?
Will I be picked up in a car at MUC?
I've already been to the FCT - should I just go to the FCL?
If I do go to the FCT will have a car take me to the FRA - MUC flt?
Will I be picked up in a car at MUC?
Feb 26, 2018, 5:48 am
#499
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: ZAG
Programs: LH SEN & DL Plat
Posts: 360
if you have a shengen flight arriving at the apron then there will be a car pickup correct? If I am connecting to a non shemgen flight, is there a passport control in the FCL? I am speaking about MUC...
Feb 26, 2018, 9:11 am
#500
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Geneva
Programs: LX SEN, AFKL Platinum, BA Bronze,
Posts: 5,641
All apron arrivals at MUC (LH, LX, OS) will provide a car for F/HON pax. If you are connecting from Schengen to non-Schengen, you can use the passport control in the F lounge. Both F lounges have this facility.
Feb 26, 2018, 12:16 pm
#501
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: ZAG
Programs: LH SEN & DL Plat
Posts: 360
Feb 26, 2018, 2:15 pm
#502
Join Date: Nov 2013
Programs: AA Lifetime Platinum; Amex Plat; Four Seasons; Fairmont; HH; etc.; "Retirees-In-Training"
Posts: 658
As mentioned above, we'll be arriving LH F in FRA, making a connection to a flight to OSL several hours later (so... plenty of time to explore FCL/FCT 
).
We'll be arriving from the USA.
I assume we'll clear customs/immigrations at FRA, given we'll be coming from a non-Schengen country?
Will we need to clear Security again prior to heading to the FCL/FCT, or will we stay airside?
(This is our first LH flight, and first time to FRA.)
Thank you once again.
GC
).We'll be arriving from the USA.
I assume we'll clear customs/immigrations at FRA, given we'll be coming from a non-Schengen country?
Will we need to clear Security again prior to heading to the FCL/FCT, or will we stay airside?
(This is our first LH flight, and first time to FRA.)
Thank you once again.
GC
Feb 26, 2018, 3:36 pm
#503
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: BSL/FRA or PHL
Programs: LH Miles and More, DL SkyMiles, Bonvoy, Hilton
Posts: 2,335
As mentioned above, we'll be arriving LH F in FRA, making a connection to a flight to OSL several hours later (so... plenty of time to explore FCL/FCT ).
We'll be arriving from the USA.
I assume we'll clear customs/immigrations at FRA, given we'll be coming from a non-Schengen country?
Will we need to clear Security again prior to heading to the FCL/FCT, or will we stay airside?
(This is our first LH flight, and first time to FRA.)
Thank you once again.
GC
).We'll be arriving from the USA.
I assume we'll clear customs/immigrations at FRA, given we'll be coming from a non-Schengen country?
Will we need to clear Security again prior to heading to the FCL/FCT, or will we stay airside?
(This is our first LH flight, and first time to FRA.)
Thank you once again.
GC
).Once you are in Schengen, then you can stay airside and go to the FCL (and probably not get a ride to your flight), or you can go landslide and walk to the FCT, where you will get a ride to your flight. You will of course also need to clear security again, but at the FCT, security may be the fastest and most courteous anywhere in the world.
When you check in at the FCT, typically an assistant will ask for your travel documents, and you will be invited to go to get a security screening and relax in the terminal. When it is time to board, the assistant will find you, give you your documents and escort you to your driver, who will escort you to your flight (if you are exiting Schengen, the assistant will also handle the passport check for you, but you won't need passport control to go to OSL). Your check bags will be passed on to OSL, you won't see them in FRA unless you short-checked them.
Note that Norway is part of the Schengen agreement, but not a member of the EU, so you will clear Norwegian customs in OSL, but you will not typically need to go through passport control again. If you are connecting further in Norway, the customs system is more like in the US, where you pick up your bag, clear customs, and then re-check for any domestic flights, and you will need to re-clear security (at least that was my experience in OSL last time).
Feb 26, 2018, 5:00 pm
#504
Join Date: Nov 2013
Programs: AA Lifetime Platinum; Amex Plat; Four Seasons; Fairmont; HH; etc.; "Retirees-In-Training"
Posts: 658
Coming from the USA, you will likely arrive at a Z gate (Z is non-Schengen above A), though B and C arrivals are also possible. Assuming you arrive in Z, you will need to enter Schengen (go through passport control) to use the FCL in A, which is in Schengen (why they can't have passport control in the FCL in A at FRA I don't know, and the lounge even seems set up for it architecturally, but I am sure the Zollamt has some very sound reason ).
Once you are in Schengen, then you can stay airside and go to the FCL (and probably not get a ride to your flight), or you can go landslide and walk to the FCT, where you will get a ride to your flight. You will of course also need to clear security again, but at the FCT, security may be the fastest and most courteous anywhere in the world.
When you check in at the FCT, typically an assistant will ask for your travel documents, and you will be invited to go to get a security screening and relax in the terminal. When it is time to board, the assistant will find you, give you your documents and escort you to your driver, who will escort you to your flight (if you are exiting Schengen, the assistant will also handle the passport check for you, but you won't need passport control to go to OSL). Your check bags will be passed on to OSL, you won't see them in FRA unless you short-checked them.
Note that Norway is part of the Schengen agreement, but not a member of the EU, so you will clear Norwegian customs in OSL, but you will not typically need to go through passport control again. If you are connecting further in Norway, the customs system is more like in the US, where you pick up your bag, clear customs, and then re-check for any domestic flights, and you will need to re-clear security (at least that was my experience in OSL last time).
).Once you are in Schengen, then you can stay airside and go to the FCL (and probably not get a ride to your flight), or you can go landslide and walk to the FCT, where you will get a ride to your flight. You will of course also need to clear security again, but at the FCT, security may be the fastest and most courteous anywhere in the world.
When you check in at the FCT, typically an assistant will ask for your travel documents, and you will be invited to go to get a security screening and relax in the terminal. When it is time to board, the assistant will find you, give you your documents and escort you to your driver, who will escort you to your flight (if you are exiting Schengen, the assistant will also handle the passport check for you, but you won't need passport control to go to OSL). Your check bags will be passed on to OSL, you won't see them in FRA unless you short-checked them.
Note that Norway is part of the Schengen agreement, but not a member of the EU, so you will clear Norwegian customs in OSL, but you will not typically need to go through passport control again. If you are connecting further in Norway, the customs system is more like in the US, where you pick up your bag, clear customs, and then re-check for any domestic flights, and you will need to re-clear security (at least that was my experience in OSL last time).
So we definitely do NOT want to go back and forth between FCT and FCL, unless we are eager for aggravation
We'll check out the FCL on arrival for a while (see if we can collect some duckies) and after a while, head over to the FCT if the weather isn't horrible.
(The directions mention crossing a street, but the map seems to show a left turn out of the main terminal, and just a curved walkway direct to FCT. There must be roads in between that aren't shown?)
Our destination is Norway, so once we are in Norway, we're done with the screenings until our return.
We are returning on BA, because the connection times don't work for an LH F flight across the pond.
It will be an interesting comparison.
GC
Feb 26, 2018, 5:39 pm
#505
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: LH M&M, BA EC, DL SM
Posts: 5,731
We'll check out the FCL on arrival for a while (see if we can collect some duckies) and after a while, head over to the FCT if the weather isn't horrible.
(The directions mention crossing a street, but the map seems to show a left turn out of the main terminal, and just a curved walkway direct to FCT. There must be roads in between that aren't shown?)
GC
(The directions mention crossing a street, but the map seems to show a left turn out of the main terminal, and just a curved walkway direct to FCT. There must be roads in between that aren't shown?)
GC
The security check at the FCT is a very special experience, as it is very likely the most painless and polite check you will encounter anywhere in the world.
Mar 30, 2018, 11:16 am
#506
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Cologne
Programs: FB Plat, IHG RA Spire, TK Elite+, HH Diamond, LH SEN, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 972
Question about access to the FRA or MUC first class Lounges...
ill be flying Two tickets...
1. FRA -> Kiev : Y or J.. not bought yet
2. KBP -> ZRH -> HKG in F
Both tickets fly on the same day. Will I have access to the F lounge for my flight departing Frankfurt?
ill be flying Two tickets...
1. FRA -> Kiev : Y or J.. not bought yet
2. KBP -> ZRH -> HKG in F
Both tickets fly on the same day. Will I have access to the F lounge for my flight departing Frankfurt?
Mar 30, 2018, 12:27 pm
#507
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: USA, France
Programs: LH HON*****, AF/KL Gold; HHilton Diamond; Marriott Gold; IHG Platinium; Avis PresClub
Posts: 938
Mar 30, 2018, 9:04 pm
#508
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Stoke on Trent, UK (MAN ), BUE, BKK, DBV
Programs: LH HON***,UA,BA.EK Gold,AV.
Posts: 11,661
Obviously worth a try & do let us know the outcome ?
Mar 20, 2019, 6:28 am
#509
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: UA MP
Posts: 9
I've read through this and the MUC F lounge thread, but still have a question about an upcoming trip:
Flying VCE-ORD in a couple weeks, currently through ZRH on LX J, but looking to change to LH F within the 14d window (fingers crossed!). It's looking like LH434 through MUC is more likely to open up F seats at this point than LH 432 through FRA. My question is whether the FCT offers enough of a different experience to try to do both if we end up on LH434.
Ideally, we'd end up on the 11:55 arrival to FRA, leaving 5 hours for the FCT before the 17:15 departure to ORD, but that's not looking promising, so I'm considering the following:
10:40 arrival to MUC --> 15:25 departure to ORD
or
8:00 arrival to FRA --> 4h in FCT --> 12:15 departure to MUC --> 2 hours in MUC --> 15:25 departure to ORD
The second would obviously involve a much earlier departure from VCE (doable, but annoying). If the option is available, would you recommend or no (my wife would surely prefer no ). As far as I can tell, the FCT offers a nicer whiskey selection and a definite car transfer as the main differentials.
Thanks for the help!
Flying VCE-ORD in a couple weeks, currently through ZRH on LX J, but looking to change to LH F within the 14d window (fingers crossed!). It's looking like LH434 through MUC is more likely to open up F seats at this point than LH 432 through FRA. My question is whether the FCT offers enough of a different experience to try to do both if we end up on LH434.
Ideally, we'd end up on the 11:55 arrival to FRA, leaving 5 hours for the FCT before the 17:15 departure to ORD, but that's not looking promising, so I'm considering the following:
10:40 arrival to MUC --> 15:25 departure to ORD
or
8:00 arrival to FRA --> 4h in FCT --> 12:15 departure to MUC --> 2 hours in MUC --> 15:25 departure to ORD
The second would obviously involve a much earlier departure from VCE (doable, but annoying). If the option is available, would you recommend or no (my wife would surely prefer no
). As far as I can tell, the FCT offers a nicer whiskey selection and a definite car transfer as the main differentials.Thanks for the help!
Last edited by plane2323; Mar 20, 2019 at 6:29 am Reason: Typo on airport code
Mar 20, 2019, 6:56 am
#510
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,406
I've read through this and the MUC F lounge thread, but still have a question about an upcoming trip:
Flying VCE-ORD in a couple weeks, currently through ZRH on LX J, but looking to change to LH F within the 14d window (fingers crossed!). It's looking like LH434 through MUC is more likely to open up F seats at this point than LH 432 through FRA. My question is whether the FCT offers enough of a different experience to try to do both if we end up on LH434.
Ideally, we'd end up on the 11:55 arrival to FRA, leaving 5 hours for the FCT before the 17:15 departure to ORD, but that's not looking promising, so I'm considering the following:
10:40 arrival to MUC --> 15:25 departure to ORD
or
8:00 arrival to FRA --> 4h in FCT --> 12:15 departure to MUC --> 2 hours in MUC --> 15:25 departure to ORD
The second would obviously involve a much earlier departure from VCE (doable, but annoying). If the option is available, would you recommend or no (my wife would surely prefer no ). As far as I can tell, the FCT offers a nicer whiskey selection and a definite car transfer as the main differentials.
Thanks for the help!
Flying VCE-ORD in a couple weeks, currently through ZRH on LX J, but looking to change to LH F within the 14d window (fingers crossed!). It's looking like LH434 through MUC is more likely to open up F seats at this point than LH 432 through FRA. My question is whether the FCT offers enough of a different experience to try to do both if we end up on LH434.
Ideally, we'd end up on the 11:55 arrival to FRA, leaving 5 hours for the FCT before the 17:15 departure to ORD, but that's not looking promising, so I'm considering the following:
10:40 arrival to MUC --> 15:25 departure to ORD
or
8:00 arrival to FRA --> 4h in FCT --> 12:15 departure to MUC --> 2 hours in MUC --> 15:25 departure to ORD
The second would obviously involve a much earlier departure from VCE (doable, but annoying). If the option is available, would you recommend or no (my wife would surely prefer no
). As far as I can tell, the FCT offers a nicer whiskey selection and a definite car transfer as the main differentials.Thanks for the help!
)