That explains it ;)
When transferring you don't need to go through any further BP checks.
You only do when departing FRA (or when chaning terminals while going landside). And for whatever stupid reason the machines are very picky when it comes to the departer gates of the BPs they let through.

When departing FRA, are all of them automated machines? I remember the last time (pre-COVID) I originated from FRA, I happened to arrive very early (for my UA flight departing from Z) so I stopped at the AC lounge because I had never been there before. Maybe I just got lucky or I took a route without automated scanners. Maybe the *G or business class line is more leniant? The thought had never crossed my mind that I wouldn't be able to get through since this isn't an issue in the US.

You can easily go anywhere in FRA, just enter the concourse in A (if you have a BP for A/Z), then take the tunnel of horror to B and go thru immigration in B to get to the B lounge. When its time to leave, take the skytrain from B to Z. If you are in transit you can freely move between B and Z. You just can't enter A becuase for that you need to be eligible to enter Schengen/Germany.

I've never been through the infamous tunnel so that isn't the route I took.

Each bank of automatic boarding pass readers has a single attendant who can manually scan you. The ratio varies though, at A and Z where there are lots of automatic readers you're more likely to use them. At B, either side, the ratio is like 1:2 so you're much more likely to avail yourself of the manual scan because someone is struggling with the automated reader and causing a queue to form.

If someone is a FRA joining passenger or transferring from a Schengen state to a flight that would depart from a Z gate, I would suggest not bother with B gates and go straight to the A lounge and clear passport control after using the lounge which is more convenient. The B detour would involve at least double security plus a SkyTrain ride.

Anyone been to the LH lounge in Heathrow’s T2 recently? Is the Sen section open and do they serve alcohol?

Thanks

I was there on 5 March - the Lufthansa lounge was closed completely.

Reports from last week:

IAD Lufthansa Senator Lounge:

Chose this lounge over the TK Lounge as I have visited there multiple times during the pandemic.

The Business Lounge is closed so everyone is let in to the SEN section. The dedicated HON seating area is still there but nothing special. Showers are closed. The offerings are a packaged chicken salad dish, muesli bars, Lay's chips, bottled water and canned soft drinks. No alcohol and hot beverages available. Lounge boarding for the LH flight was also available.

On the other hand, the TK Lounge a few meters away has it's full bar open with better food offerings ( though the offerings are still pre-packaged ).

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c3814793c0.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...06aa84db03.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5f2bb2e34e.jpg

FRA Senator Lounge B43

As others have reported, no eating and drinking inside. Business Lounge eligible passengers are welcome for the current time period. Lounge mainly a seating area with lounge staff touring every 15 minutes and warning people not wearing their masks properly. Sleeper chairs are available. Showers are open, there was no wait at 09:00 on a Monday morning.

The only offerings were pretzels ( plain or with turkey ), bananas, water, coffee and tea ( herbal teas being available ). The buffet is closed and all food is served by an attendant. Food and beverages must be consumed outside at the terminal level.

The business corner and the phone cubicles were open, though, there were no written literature including magazines and newspapers.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...85e29303f5.jpg
The entrance
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5ead853e26.jpg
The seating area. Power outlets and USB ports widely available.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8fd846d703.jpg
The main buffet is closed.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6521f0eb79.jpg
The temporary buffet
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9a54d8c2cd.jpg
The shower room
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a5dbba5ebc.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e9c2128481.jpg
My selection for the day

Quick question, figured in here would be best rather than creating a thread.

Does Lufthansa / ANA / Star Alliance have an arrivals lounge in Heathrow? I'll be coming back from Japan via Frankfurt in December and I don't normally fly with them so I'm not sure what the options are. Not a big deal if not as I believe there's a Plaza Premium there I can use.

Any guess as to when the B FCL at FRA might re-open?

With the current trend, I'd strongly doubt anything before May being anyhow possible. Probably not before June. Good chance sometime in the second half of the year.

Of course, but I'm hoping things will be somewhat more back to normal by December.

Thanks for the info.

Seem like Germany is extending lockdown measures yet again and the reopening idea is on hold :/ more weeks or months of the lounges just being a private seating area.

Germany is becoming a joke, sorry to say.