Is Lufthansa the most overrated airline out there?
Oct 11, 2017, 4:25 pm
#76
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,859
I do agree that the one-way full fare pricing scheme is ridiculous given then current market conditions, but I think it still a fringe case (although LH sure wouldn't mind it being mainstream).
Makes my appreciate my third world starting points for sure, but even a ticket the other way around, from FRA to BWI for tomorrow can be bought for under $1700, so being flexible and creative can yield some significant savings.
Makes my appreciate my third world starting points for sure, but even a ticket the other way around, from FRA to BWI for tomorrow can be bought for under $1700, so being flexible and creative can yield some significant savings.
Oct 11, 2017, 7:33 pm
#77
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Eurozone
Programs: LH SEN, HH Gold
Posts: 3,002
I do agree that the one-way full fare pricing scheme is ridiculous given then current market conditions, but I think it still a fringe case (although LH sure wouldn't mind it being mainstream).
Makes my appreciate my third world starting points for sure, but even a ticket the other way around, from FRA to BWI for tomorrow can be bought for under $1700, so being flexible and creative can yield some significant savings.
Makes my appreciate my third world starting points for sure, but even a ticket the other way around, from FRA to BWI for tomorrow can be bought for under $1700, so being flexible and creative can yield some significant savings.
Oct 12, 2017, 6:09 am
#79
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,859
I did move my revenue flights to other carriers though, but that often entails couple extra hours of positioning by car, train or flight so it's not always a family friendly option.
Oct 12, 2017, 6:34 am
#80
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 48,187
I can add my two cents in comparing LH economy to WOW Air economy.
Referencing the OP's main points, WOW Air provides an excellent example of Lufthansa's overrated economy experience.
A recent booking from BWI to FRA.
Lufthansa's lowest eco fare was 3x (yes, triple!) the "eco plus" fare of WOW air. And
Referencing the OP's main points, WOW Air provides an excellent example of Lufthansa's overrated economy experience.
A recent booking from BWI to FRA.
Lufthansa's lowest eco fare was 3x (yes, triple!) the "eco plus" fare of WOW air. And
Oct 13, 2017, 11:13 am
#82
Join Date: Sep 2014
Programs: A3*G
Posts: 114
It's funny how the LH defenders on here are gushing about lounge access. If you want status-based lounge access, you better make sure that your LH flights are from or to MUC or FRA. If not, it's going to get quite complicated - no lounge access, or lounge access based on a combination of status and booking class. Marketing these flights as LH flights is already crossing the border to fraud in my opinion (if I book an LH flight, I expect *A benefits).
Combine that with the fact that LH flights are more likely than most other flights to be impacted by strike - legal or illegal. Not always attributable to LH, but that doesn't help if your flight is impacted. Ground crew, cabin crew, flight deck, security - always someone with an axe to grind. I've started to avoid LH where possible (e.g., when flying ex Germany via Zurich, I'll take LX for the first leg). And the entitlement attitude of LH pilots is simply breathtaking.
Combine that with the fact that LH flights are more likely than most other flights to be impacted by strike - legal or illegal. Not always attributable to LH, but that doesn't help if your flight is impacted. Ground crew, cabin crew, flight deck, security - always someone with an axe to grind. I've started to avoid LH where possible (e.g., when flying ex Germany via Zurich, I'll take LX for the first leg). And the entitlement attitude of LH pilots is simply breathtaking.
Oct 14, 2017, 1:21 am
#83
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: USA, France
Programs: LH HON*****, AF/KL Gold; HHilton Diamond; Marriott Gold; IHG Platinium; Avis PresClub
Posts: 938
Combine that with the fact that LH flights are more likely than most other flights to be impacted by strike - legal or illegal. Not always attributable to LH, but that doesn't help if your flight is impacted. Ground crew, cabin crew, flight deck, security - always someone with an axe to grind. I've started to avoid LH where possible (e.g., when flying ex Germany via Zurich, I'll take LX for the first leg). And the entitlement attitude of LH pilots is simply breathtaking.
Sorry, but you are b***ting.
I completely agree with you on the fact of LH pilots approach and behaviour. Nevertheless these issues should be solved now, as a new agreement was signed between the LH and its work force.
On the other side, without being Marxist or Socialist, do you believe it is better to treat employees like some LCCs (e.g. Ryanair) do?
Interdiction of unions, circumventing a build up of unions as the work force are not employees, but "self-employed" entrepreneurs. How can one be an self-employed entrepreneur, when he has not the liberty to decide, when he wants to work and when not. .....
Oct 14, 2017, 3:53 am
#84
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Germany / Thailand
Programs: M&M/S SPG livetime gold, but not running behind status & points anymore! Now only book value for $
Posts: 3,090
I can add my two cents in comparing LH economy to WOW Air economy.
Referencing the OP's main points, WOW Air provides an excellent example of Lufthansa's overrated economy experience.
A recent booking from BWI to FRA.
Lufthansa's lowest eco fare was 3x (yes, triple!) the "eco plus" fare of WOW air. And no, there were no extra fees for luggage: this WOW tariff (WOW Plus) included 3 bags (one checked bag, one carry-on--of 26 pounds!), and one personal item) and seat reservation.
So, despite having SEN status, we booked WOW Air to see what they'll all about.
First, beautiful new and very clean A321. And roomy in the seat, offering 31"+ seat pitch. On their A321, it's the exact same seat frame used by LH.
Without paying more (and obviously independent of freq flyer status), we received their super-extra-legroom seats (similar to LH's A340-600 row 25A/C/H/K)
Full power outlets (110v/220v) at every eco seat.
The meal offerings' looks and aromas were every bit as good as LH's aluminum-foil wrapped 'delicacies'. (We instead took our own salads and turkey wraps, so I didn't get to actually try their food.)
There's nothing free on board, not even water. But at a savings of over 1000 Euros one-way, this SEN can either buy on-board or fill my own 1.5 liter bottle or take along some from the gift shop.
Loaner iPads available for $25 rent if desired.
Landed at FRA and parked at an actual gate with a jetway! None of the LH nonsense of remote stand parking and then a standing bus ride of what seems like an hour to get to the terminal building.
The only perceived negative was the short stopover at Reykjavik (I'd like it to either be much longer!).
Sorry, Lufthansa. WOW Air really did 'wow' this SEN in economy for its comfort and simplicity.
Yes, LH can do IRROPS. Yes, WOW has a lack of routes. Yes, LH has lounges. But lounges, on-board service, and low economy mileage just aren't worth an extra 1000 Euros per flight. Of course, if someone's flying using someone else's money, most of those somebodies will spend 1000 Euros more on things that are really only worth, say, 150 Euros. And still end up at a remote stand after spending more.
OP: I understand your point of view!
Referencing the OP's main points, WOW Air provides an excellent example of Lufthansa's overrated economy experience.
A recent booking from BWI to FRA.
Lufthansa's lowest eco fare was 3x (yes, triple!) the "eco plus" fare of WOW air. And no, there were no extra fees for luggage: this WOW tariff (WOW Plus) included 3 bags (one checked bag, one carry-on--of 26 pounds!), and one personal item) and seat reservation.
So, despite having SEN status, we booked WOW Air to see what they'll all about.
First, beautiful new and very clean A321. And roomy in the seat, offering 31"+ seat pitch. On their A321, it's the exact same seat frame used by LH.
Without paying more (and obviously independent of freq flyer status), we received their super-extra-legroom seats (similar to LH's A340-600 row 25A/C/H/K)
Full power outlets (110v/220v) at every eco seat.
The meal offerings' looks and aromas were every bit as good as LH's aluminum-foil wrapped 'delicacies'. (We instead took our own salads and turkey wraps, so I didn't get to actually try their food.)
There's nothing free on board, not even water. But at a savings of over 1000 Euros one-way, this SEN can either buy on-board or fill my own 1.5 liter bottle or take along some from the gift shop.
Loaner iPads available for $25 rent if desired.
Landed at FRA and parked at an actual gate with a jetway! None of the LH nonsense of remote stand parking and then a standing bus ride of what seems like an hour to get to the terminal building.
The only perceived negative was the short stopover at Reykjavik (I'd like it to either be much longer!).
Sorry, Lufthansa. WOW Air really did 'wow' this SEN in economy for its comfort and simplicity.
Yes, LH can do IRROPS. Yes, WOW has a lack of routes. Yes, LH has lounges. But lounges, on-board service, and low economy mileage just aren't worth an extra 1000 Euros per flight. Of course, if someone's flying using someone else's money, most of those somebodies will spend 1000 Euros more on things that are really only worth, say, 150 Euros. And still end up at a remote stand after spending more.
OP: I understand your point of view!
Oct 14, 2017, 5:59 am
#85
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: HAG
Programs: Der 5* FTL
Posts: 8,065
On the other side, without being Marxist or Socialist, do you believe it is better to treat employees like some LCCs (e.g. Ryanair) do?
Interdiction of unions, circumventing a build up of unions as the work force are not employees, but "self-employed" entrepreneurs. How can one be an self-employed entrepreneur, when he has not the liberty to decide, when he wants to work and when not. .....
Interdiction of unions, circumventing a build up of unions as the work force are not employees, but "self-employed" entrepreneurs. How can one be an self-employed entrepreneur, when he has not the liberty to decide, when he wants to work and when not. .....
Oct 14, 2017, 10:12 am
#86
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: BSL/FRA or PHL
Programs: LH Miles and More, DL SkyMiles, Bonvoy, Hilton
Posts: 2,335
Actually LH does have a 2-3-2 set-up on their 744s. I have even been unfortunate enough to have been stuck in one of those middle seats. While not optimal, it is also not the end of the world.
https://www.lufthansa.com/online/myp...l=de&cid=18002
https://www.lufthansa.com/online/myp...l=de&cid=18002
Oct 16, 2017, 3:14 am
#87
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 48,187
The grass is always greener on the other side: life outside BA
Yesterday as we were boarding our flight to MUC in BCN a few ladies behind me were ranting about LH and raving about EK... 'do you know EK ugrades everyone to business? The other day my son flew to KL and EK upgraded him on both legs, EK is so nice, the bar upstairs is cool.'
Yesterday as we were boarding our flight to MUC in BCN a few ladies behind me were ranting about LH and raving about EK... 'do you know EK ugrades everyone to business? The other day my son flew to KL and EK upgraded him on both legs, EK is so nice, the bar upstairs is cool.'
Oct 16, 2017, 8:23 am
#88
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: East Coast
Posts: 1,018
The hype is because of Lufthansa First Class lounges/terminal, food and drinks are excellent there, thanks to Do&Co.
As far as intra-European flights, Lufthansa is on the bottom, as the seats are not comfortable at all (you get three economy seats made into two business)-nowadays, even an hour flight somewhere in Asia Pacific get you a bed (Qantas, JL, CX, etc).
So no, Lufthansa is not the best, and their check in staff is the worst actually. Not mentioning that if you get a problem and complain, nobody responds to you other than provide you a case number.
Oct 16, 2017, 5:03 pm
#89
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Eurozone
Programs: LH SEN, HH Gold
Posts: 3,002
If you'd prefer, I can redirect the conversation to talk of Lufthansa's many flights where "priority boarding" means first to be barcode-scanned upstairs and yet still be 20th person into the aircraft because everyone is transported together on the same long bus ride. Or where they took over 55 minutes of a 2 hour flight (on-time flight and no turbulence) just to get business class of 12 persons served.
Last edited by Grog; Oct 16, 2017 at 5:17 pm
Oct 16, 2017, 6:04 pm
#90
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: 29,516
-nowadays, even an hour flight somewhere in Asia Pacific get you a bed (Qantas, JL, CX, etc).
In any case comparing shorthaul flights in completely different markets is not very meaningful.