Lufthansa business class [merged] experience reports
Jul 19, 2018, 8:16 am
#361
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Stoke on Trent, UK (MAN ), BUE, BKK, DBV
Programs: LH HON***,UA,BA.EK Gold,AV.
Posts: 11,641
Sep 26, 2018, 6:44 pm
#364
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 26
Lufthansa LAX-FRA A340 and FRA-LAX A380
Hi everyone,
I'm flying LAX-FRA in a couple of weeks on the A340 and FRA-LAX on the A380. I've watched numerous youtube reviews and read numerous articles but can't seem to decide which seat in the 2-2-2 configuration on both planes is the better option.
1) I've seen reviews that have two different window seat configs: one where the window seat has extra storage near the window and the feet of the bed are completely separate vs the other where the feet of the beds are together and separated by a small partition. Can anyone confirm which config is the correct one?
2) I've seen reviews that state the bulkhead is better and more spacious but didn't see a big difference in the videos I watched (and the screen looked smaller). If the leg room is separated on the window, climbing over a neighbor doesn't seem as terrible. The middle 2 seats in the 2-2-2 definitely have the partition and read several reviews of people who stated they were too close for comfort to their neighbor and they even touched knees often while sleeping. However, you do get the direct aisle access here...
For the A380:
1) Same questions as #1 above however I *think* that the window is definitely the separated foot areas from what I've seen but would be great to confirm.
I usually prefer windows but the thought of stepping over someone isn't super appealing. The flight is already about 70% full in business so I imagine it will be close to full.
Thanks for any input!
I'm flying LAX-FRA in a couple of weeks on the A340 and FRA-LAX on the A380. I've watched numerous youtube reviews and read numerous articles but can't seem to decide which seat in the 2-2-2 configuration on both planes is the better option.
1) I've seen reviews that have two different window seat configs: one where the window seat has extra storage near the window and the feet of the bed are completely separate vs the other where the feet of the beds are together and separated by a small partition. Can anyone confirm which config is the correct one?
2) I've seen reviews that state the bulkhead is better and more spacious but didn't see a big difference in the videos I watched (and the screen looked smaller). If the leg room is separated on the window, climbing over a neighbor doesn't seem as terrible. The middle 2 seats in the 2-2-2 definitely have the partition and read several reviews of people who stated they were too close for comfort to their neighbor and they even touched knees often while sleeping. However, you do get the direct aisle access here...
For the A380:
1) Same questions as #1 above however I *think* that the window is definitely the separated foot areas from what I've seen but would be great to confirm.
I usually prefer windows but the thought of stepping over someone isn't super appealing. The flight is already about 70% full in business so I imagine it will be close to full.
Thanks for any input!
Sep 27, 2018, 5:00 am
#365
Senior Moderator, Moderator: Community Buzz and Ambassador: Miles & More (Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, and other partners)
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: 150km from MAN
Programs: LH SEN** HH Diamond
Posts: 29,512
Hi everyone,
I'm flying LAX-FRA in a couple of weeks on the A340 and FRA-LAX on the A380. I've watched numerous youtube reviews and read numerous articles but can't seem to decide which seat in the 2-2-2 configuration on both planes is the better option.
1) I've seen reviews that have two different window seat configs: one where the window seat has extra storage near the window and the feet of the bed are completely separate vs the other where the feet of the beds are together and separated by a small partition. Can anyone confirm which config is the correct one?
2) I've seen reviews that state the bulkhead is better and more spacious but didn't see a big difference in the videos I watched (and the screen looked smaller). If the leg room is separated on the window, climbing over a neighbor doesn't seem as terrible. The middle 2 seats in the 2-2-2 definitely have the partition and read several reviews of people who stated they were too close for comfort to their neighbor and they even touched knees often while sleeping. However, you do get the direct aisle access here...
For the A380:
1) Same questions as #1 above however I *think* that the window is definitely the separated foot areas from what I've seen but would be great to confirm.
I usually prefer windows but the thought of stepping over someone isn't super appealing. The flight is already about 70% full in business so I imagine it will be close to full.
Thanks for any input!
I'm flying LAX-FRA in a couple of weeks on the A340 and FRA-LAX on the A380. I've watched numerous youtube reviews and read numerous articles but can't seem to decide which seat in the 2-2-2 configuration on both planes is the better option.
1) I've seen reviews that have two different window seat configs: one where the window seat has extra storage near the window and the feet of the bed are completely separate vs the other where the feet of the beds are together and separated by a small partition. Can anyone confirm which config is the correct one?
2) I've seen reviews that state the bulkhead is better and more spacious but didn't see a big difference in the videos I watched (and the screen looked smaller). If the leg room is separated on the window, climbing over a neighbor doesn't seem as terrible. The middle 2 seats in the 2-2-2 definitely have the partition and read several reviews of people who stated they were too close for comfort to their neighbor and they even touched knees often while sleeping. However, you do get the direct aisle access here...
For the A380:
1) Same questions as #1 above however I *think* that the window is definitely the separated foot areas from what I've seen but would be great to confirm.
I usually prefer windows but the thought of stepping over someone isn't super appealing. The flight is already about 70% full in business so I imagine it will be close to full.
Thanks for any input!
https://www.lufthansa.com/de/en/Seat-maps_A340-600
https://www.lufthansa.com/de/en/Seat-maps_A380-800
As you will see both have C seats which are arranged: \ \ _ / \ _ / /
Only the middle pairs are so-called “footsie” seats sharing a footwell with a partition but the seats are further apart than the window pairs.
If you check the thread your post has been moved to you may find more info about business seats on the A346 and A380.
Oct 6, 2018, 6:24 pm
#366
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP100K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,215
Didn’t get any pajama top or mattress pad SEA-FRA. The product is certainly acceptable, and is definitely a better ride to Europe than BA, but definitely sucks for a solo traveler.
I have an upcoming FRA-SEA on an A330. Any seat suggestions?
I have an upcoming FRA-SEA on an A330. Any seat suggestions?
Oct 6, 2018, 6:32 pm
#367
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: MEX
Programs: AC E75K
Posts: 4,171
I like the bulkhead row in the mini cabin. 7AC or 7HK. On my last two rides (YVR-MUC and MUC-DEN), I lucked out in having an empty seat next to me both ways.
Nov 16, 2018, 10:08 am
#368
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 22
Flying next April from MUC to ORD on LH434. After being told initially that there was no chance of upgrading from Econ to Business, I got a different answer earlier this week and am confirmed in J.
After first assigned to an A359, this flight is currently assigned to an A346. I take it that experiences are similar across the A330's, A340's and A350's? Currently in 3H/K but based on previous replies, it sounds like the bulkhead is nothing special and may have a smaller footwell, at that. Instead, a seat towards the back of the forward section may be preferable as it gets food earlier (this despite being closer to the bathrooms). Is that all correct?
I'm flying with the fiancé on a daytime flight so I'm less concerned about aisle access or sleep. Just looking to enjoy the 10hr flight as best I can.
After first assigned to an A359, this flight is currently assigned to an A346. I take it that experiences are similar across the A330's, A340's and A350's? Currently in 3H/K but based on previous replies, it sounds like the bulkhead is nothing special and may have a smaller footwell, at that. Instead, a seat towards the back of the forward section may be preferable as it gets food earlier (this despite being closer to the bathrooms). Is that all correct?
I'm flying with the fiancé on a daytime flight so I'm less concerned about aisle access or sleep. Just looking to enjoy the 10hr flight as best I can.
Nov 17, 2018, 8:14 am
#369
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP100K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,215
I was really disappointed with LH’s “new” J. In the future I’m going to try taking any other *A partner in J. Even UA has the Polaris lounge, and if you’re lucky enough to get the new seats it’s so much better than LH. In fact if you measure up literally all international *A and non *A carriers, LH’s J isn’t competitive. The only reason to take it would be convenience and the need to get to Germany fast.
Nov 17, 2018, 10:20 am
#370
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: LH M&M, BA EC, DL SM
Posts: 5,731
I was really disappointed with LH’s “new” J. In the future I’m going to try taking any other *A partner in J. Even UA has the Polaris lounge, and if you’re lucky enough to get the new seats it’s so much better than LH. In fact if you measure up literally all international *A and non *A carriers, LH’s J isn’t competitive. The only reason to take it would be convenience and the need to get to Germany fast.
And, at least the seats (which are not so bad) and the seating arrangements (which are not so good for single travellers) are consistent. No "if you're lucky enough to get the new seats" gamble, but the same seats on all long-haul aircraft.
Nov 17, 2018, 3:11 pm
#371
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP100K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,215
Well, it is not so new anymore after all and will be replaced soon. For single travellers, the current LH J product is not ideal, as I have been saying all along, but other than that LH seems to be somehow competitive, as the J cabin seems to be full most of the time. And you get the same lounges whether you take LH or UA in J, so not really a difference there.
And, at least the seats (which are not so bad) and the seating arrangements (which are not so good for single travellers) are consistent. No "if you're lucky enough to get the new seats" gamble, but the same seats on all long-haul aircraft.
And, at least the seats (which are not so bad) and the seating arrangements (which are not so good for single travellers) are consistent. No "if you're lucky enough to get the new seats" gamble, but the same seats on all long-haul aircraft.
And frankly the only reason their J cabins are probably always so full is because they give out so much award redemption to Europe, and they can make up for it by charging sky high fuel surcharges. My *A miles aren’t going towards LH business class unless I’m in a rush to be somewhere in Germany.
Last edited by NWplatinum; Nov 17, 2018 at 3:44 pm
Nov 18, 2018, 4:02 am
#373
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: LH M&M, BA EC, DL SM
Posts: 5,731
Actually the only time I’ve tried it is with a traveling buddy from SEA-FRA, so I didn’t have to sit next to a stranger. I can only imagine how much worse it would have been traveling alone. I was comparing it to every J product I’ve tried (which is just about all of them). I thought the seats were terrible, the food was bad, and the service was robotic. It just had a lot to be desired. We were on our way to Oktoberfest, so I didn’t really care since we wanted to get there directly, which I usually go out of my not to do since I love flying. But LH J compared to literally any other J cabin (with the exception of maybe BA) is not competitive, and I would not redeem miles for it.
And frankly the only reason their J cabins are probably always so full is because they give out so much award redemption to Europe, and they can make up for it by charging sky high fuel surcharges. My *A miles aren’t going towards LH business class unless I’m in a rush to be somewhere in Germany.
And frankly the only reason their J cabins are probably always so full is because they give out so much award redemption to Europe, and they can make up for it by charging sky high fuel surcharges. My *A miles aren’t going towards LH business class unless I’m in a rush to be somewhere in Germany.
And no, J is not so full because LH gives out "so much award redemption to Europe", LH is actually quite stingy.
Nov 18, 2018, 4:06 am
#374
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: LH M&M, BA EC, DL SM
Posts: 5,731
What do you want to know?
I prefer K (window) for day flights, but H is good for overnight flights. Row 3 is very quiet as the galley of the F cabin is in front of row 1 and the galley and lavatories of the J cabin are behind row 7.
I prefer K (window) for day flights, but H is good for overnight flights. Row 3 is very quiet as the galley of the F cabin is in front of row 1 and the galley and lavatories of the J cabin are behind row 7.
Nov 18, 2018, 1:17 pm
#375
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: CH
Programs: LX SEN
Posts: 899
Actually the only time I’ve tried it is with a traveling buddy from SEA-FRA, so I didn’t have to sit next to a stranger. I can only imagine how much worse it would have been traveling alone. I was comparing it to every J product I’ve tried (which is just about all of them). I thought the seats were terrible, the food was bad, and the service was robotic. It just had a lot to be desired. We were on our way to Oktoberfest, so I didn’t really care since we wanted to get there directly, which I usually go out of my not to do since I love flying. But LH J compared to literally any other J cabin (with the exception of maybe BA) is not competitive, and I would not redeem miles for it.
And frankly the only reason their J cabins are probably always so full is because they give out so much award redemption to Europe, and they can make up for it by charging sky high fuel surcharges. My *A miles aren’t going towards LH business class unless I’m in a rush to be somewhere in Germany.