Jul 29, 2013, 5:44 am
Last edit by: supine
Do I have entitlement to access the First Class Terminal (FCT) in FRA?
- Yes, if you are departing from FRA on a flight operated by LH/LX/OS, and at least one of the following is true:
But the LH website contradicts the above:"Access to the First Class Terminal at Frankfurt Airport is only possible with a confirmed same-day departing First Class flight on Lufthansa or SWISS. HON Circle Members may access the First Class Terminal with a same-day departing flight on Lufthansa, SWISS or Austrian Airlines. Access to the First Class Terminal is not permitted for arriving passengers."
- The above has been on the web site for some time, and does not appear to be the actual policy, as many here attest from personal experience.
What are the opening times of the FCT?
- 0530 to 2200 daily
Where is it located?
- About 200 metres to the west of Terminal 1
If arriving in FRA on a LH operated flight in F, will I get a car transfer from the arriving flight?
- Ordinarily, no. However, if you hold HON status, you're arriving / departing from an apron position and your onward flight is operated by LH / LX / OS, LH aims to send a car to meet you from your arriving aircraft. See for more info. NB If you do get the car service on arrival, you will be driven to the main arrivals area and not the FCT, as this does not offer immigration and customs facilities for inbound passengers.
How do I get to the FCT in FRA?
- The First Class Terminal at Frankfurt is located close to Terminal 1. You can reach it by car via the access road to Terminal 1: the entrance to the First Class Terminal is off this road, approximately 200 metres before you get to Terminal 1. When arriving on public transport, the First Class Terminal is only a few minutes’ walk from Terminal 1.
Locations of Lufthansa lounges at Frankfurt Airport
The FCT is a departure terminal/lounge and is not meant for transfer pax. Transfer pax can use the FCLs located in the main terminal building which offer the same amenities as the FCT. There is no transfer or shuttle to the FCT. You can walk to the FCT, though.
If on departure level take the escalator down to arrival, walk out of the terminal and turn left. You will pass the bus shuttles to the airport hotels and taxis. Cross the street - whilst waking under the access road above to departures - you will see taxi divers' coffee shop to the right - and more taxis parked to your left. You will see the First Class Terminal across the street. Cross the street in front of the coffee shop, turn right and the First Class Terminal is on your left. Go through the automatic doors and take the elevator to the main reception area.
Pictorial guide may be found here.
If the FCT is not meant to be a transfer lounge then why do some people use it as such?
- Aside from the experience, there are practical reasons for you to consider using the FCT for a connection:
How many guests am I permitted in the FCT?
- One, assuming a lower cabin class and that they will be travelling on the same flight as you. If they also are confirmed to travel in F, they too will be entitled to a guest, meeting the same criteria
- Anyone with a confirmed segment in F is also entitled to bring in their spouse/partner and/or children, provided they are departing on the same flight, irrespective of the cabin class they are travelling in
I’m arriving on LH/LX/OS C and departing TG/SQ/etc. F, do I get in to the F terminal?
- No, but you will have access LH Senator (Star Alliance Gold) Lounges which are designated as First Class Lounges for Star Alliance carriers.
I'm arriving on TG/SQ/etc. F and departing on LH, Swiss, Austrian C do I get in to the FCT?
- Not unless you hold HON status, otherwise you will have access LH Business Lounges unlesss you hold Star Alliance Gold status and access to LH Senator (Star Alliance Gold) Lounges. Certain airlines (e.g. SQ) have arrangements for arriving F passengers to access LH Senator Lounges regardless of their status.
I’m arriving on any carrier in any cabin class and departing same day on LH/LX F do I get in to the FCT?
- Yes.
I'm arriving on LH / LX F and departing same day on another carrier in any cabin class, will I have access to the FCT?
- Yes, if your onward flight is operated by LH, Swiss or Austrian Airlines Group. Otherwise, you will only have access to the LH First Class Lounges or (if eligible) the lounge of the airline operating your onward flight.
What is the minimum connect time between flights in order to use the FCT?
- 90 mins is recommended, however some have observed that 60 mins is acceptable, while others still have got away with just 20 mins. Bear in mind, if in transit, that you will need to factor in the time between arrival and departure
Do I need to tip the staff in the FCT?
- According to LH policy, FCT staff are not allowed to accept gratuities.
What's the food like in the FCT?
- Well above the standard of anything you might expect from any airline in the air, a cut above lounge food of any other airline and equivalent to a smart restaurant in any major city
VAT Refund
- Yes, but there is a $75 trip fee and CC refund only.
- Yes, if you are departing from FRA on a flight operated by LH/LX/OS, and at least one of the following is true:
- The class of service on your departing flight from FRA is F.
- You have arrived on a confirmed F segment on LH or LX metal, on the same day, even if the ticket of that F segment is different from the ticket of the segment from FRA.
- You will be departing on a confirmed F segment on LH or LX metal, on the same day from a connecting station, and the ticket of that F segment is the same ticket as the segment from FRA. Separate tickets means you are not entitled to FCT access.
- You hold HON status.
- You are invited as a guest by someone who meets the above criteria, and you meet the requirements of a guest as discussed later in this FAQ.
But the LH website contradicts the above:"Access to the First Class Terminal at Frankfurt Airport is only possible with a confirmed same-day departing First Class flight on Lufthansa or SWISS. HON Circle Members may access the First Class Terminal with a same-day departing flight on Lufthansa, SWISS or Austrian Airlines. Access to the First Class Terminal is not permitted for arriving passengers."
- The above has been on the web site for some time, and does not appear to be the actual policy, as many here attest from personal experience.
What are the opening times of the FCT?
- 0530 to 2200 daily
Where is it located?
- About 200 metres to the west of Terminal 1
If arriving in FRA on a LH operated flight in F, will I get a car transfer from the arriving flight?
- Ordinarily, no. However, if you hold HON status, you're arriving / departing from an apron position and your onward flight is operated by LH / LX / OS, LH aims to send a car to meet you from your arriving aircraft. See for more info. NB If you do get the car service on arrival, you will be driven to the main arrivals area and not the FCT, as this does not offer immigration and customs facilities for inbound passengers.
How do I get to the FCT in FRA?
- The First Class Terminal at Frankfurt is located close to Terminal 1. You can reach it by car via the access road to Terminal 1: the entrance to the First Class Terminal is off this road, approximately 200 metres before you get to Terminal 1. When arriving on public transport, the First Class Terminal is only a few minutes’ walk from Terminal 1.
Locations of Lufthansa lounges at Frankfurt Airport
The FCT is a departure terminal/lounge and is not meant for transfer pax. Transfer pax can use the FCLs located in the main terminal building which offer the same amenities as the FCT. There is no transfer or shuttle to the FCT. You can walk to the FCT, though.
If on departure level take the escalator down to arrival, walk out of the terminal and turn left. You will pass the bus shuttles to the airport hotels and taxis. Cross the street - whilst waking under the access road above to departures - you will see taxi divers' coffee shop to the right - and more taxis parked to your left. You will see the First Class Terminal across the street. Cross the street in front of the coffee shop, turn right and the First Class Terminal is on your left. Go through the automatic doors and take the elevator to the main reception area.
Pictorial guide may be found here.
If the FCT is not meant to be a transfer lounge then why do some people use it as such?
- Aside from the experience, there are practical reasons for you to consider using the FCT for a connection:
- If you have a long layover, the FCT will be less crowded than the FCL B (but more crowded than the even newer FCL A by A13).
- If your connection requires clearing passport controls, it is faster to do it at the FCT where you will surrender your passport upon admittance and get it back moments before you are driven to your plane. Presumably if immigration has questions they will deal with it while you are lounging in the FCT versus waiting until you depart for your plane. Note that permanent residents of the USA who are heading back to the USA from FRA or a connecting airport should also surrender their green card, but gently but firmly request it be returned quickly. The German immigration people don't need your green card, and LH only needs it to enter into the passenger record, so there is no reason why your personal assistant cannot return it to you soon after.
- You do not have to waste time walking from the FCL to a gate position that is potentially more distant from the lounge than your arriving gate, or worse yet, is actually a bus to a plane parked at an apron position in the middle of the tarmac. You will leave the FCT after boarding starts and a driver will take you to the plane wherever it is.
- If your plane is parked at a jetway, you will be whisked to the front of the line of pax boarding in the jetway, saving even more time.
- If your connection requires going through security, you are guaranteed to have a much faster and gentler screening at the FCT than going through security in the main terminals, and if you are carrying valuables, the FCT checkpoint eliminates all angst about theft or forgetting them.
How many guests am I permitted in the FCT?
- One, assuming a lower cabin class and that they will be travelling on the same flight as you. If they also are confirmed to travel in F, they too will be entitled to a guest, meeting the same criteria
- Anyone with a confirmed segment in F is also entitled to bring in their spouse/partner and/or children, provided they are departing on the same flight, irrespective of the cabin class they are travelling in
I’m arriving on LH/LX/OS C and departing TG/SQ/etc. F, do I get in to the F terminal?
- No, but you will have access LH Senator (Star Alliance Gold) Lounges which are designated as First Class Lounges for Star Alliance carriers.
I'm arriving on TG/SQ/etc. F and departing on LH, Swiss, Austrian C do I get in to the FCT?
- Not unless you hold HON status, otherwise you will have access LH Business Lounges unlesss you hold Star Alliance Gold status and access to LH Senator (Star Alliance Gold) Lounges. Certain airlines (e.g. SQ) have arrangements for arriving F passengers to access LH Senator Lounges regardless of their status.
I’m arriving on any carrier in any cabin class and departing same day on LH/LX F do I get in to the FCT?
- Yes.
I'm arriving on LH / LX F and departing same day on another carrier in any cabin class, will I have access to the FCT?
- Yes, if your onward flight is operated by LH, Swiss or Austrian Airlines Group. Otherwise, you will only have access to the LH First Class Lounges or (if eligible) the lounge of the airline operating your onward flight.
What is the minimum connect time between flights in order to use the FCT?
- 90 mins is recommended, however some have observed that 60 mins is acceptable, while others still have got away with just 20 mins. Bear in mind, if in transit, that you will need to factor in the time between arrival and departure
Do I need to tip the staff in the FCT?
- According to LH policy, FCT staff are not allowed to accept gratuities.
What's the food like in the FCT?
- Well above the standard of anything you might expect from any airline in the air, a cut above lounge food of any other airline and equivalent to a smart restaurant in any major city
VAT Refund
- Yes, but there is a $75 trip fee and CC refund only.
The FRA F/HON First Class Terminal FCT FAQ
Dec 13, 2012, 12:35 pm
#2281
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Point Place, Wisconsin
Programs: LH HON, BA Gold, EK Gold
Posts: 14,505
Dec 14, 2012, 8:50 pm
#2282
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Jersey City, NJ
Programs: UA GS, AA Exec Plat, Bonvoy Ambassador, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 348
I'll be transiting from LH C (PHL-FRA) to LH F (FRA-KIX). This means I can access the FCL's or the FCT? Also, do both the FCT and FCL have the ducks? Should be yes for both questions, just wanted to confirm.
Dec 14, 2012, 10:32 pm
#2283
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
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Dec 15, 2012, 3:05 pm
#2284
Join Date: Dec 2009
Programs: Curr Noob, Ex Road Warrior
Posts: 492
My incoming flight appears to get in to either Z or B gates while my outgoing is from B gates. Both are in LH F and what is the best way to get to the FCT? Will they drive me to the FCT from either gates? Or do I need to walk my way to FCT and they will drive me to my departing flight later?
Any suggestions on the best F seat to sit in A330 and 747-8I? Thanks
Any suggestions on the best F seat to sit in A330 and 747-8I? Thanks
Dec 15, 2012, 11:12 pm
#2285
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Seat 1A
Programs: Non-status paid F/J (best value for $$$)
Posts: 4,124
My incoming flight appears to get in to either Z or B gates while my outgoing is from B gates. Both are in LH F and what is the best way to get to the FCT? Will they drive me to the FCT from either gates? Or do I need to walk my way to FCT and they will drive me to my departing flight later?
Any suggestions on the best F seat to sit in A330 and 747-8I? Thanks
Any suggestions on the best F seat to sit in A330 and 747-8I? Thanks
Upon entering the terminal building (either from a bus if arriving from a remote apron position), or from the jetbridge, follow the signs to "baggage claim". You may need to go through passport control if arriving from a non-shengen country. Once at baggage claim, follow the signs to arrivals area "A" and exit the building. Turn left and keep walking past all the taxis and you will see the FCT. If you intend to do this, I recommend that you have a connection time of a minimum of 2.5 hours. You will likely need to take a shower after all that walking.
Tip: If you are arriving in FRA on a schengen flight (flight within Europe) to connect to an LH F flight and the incoming flight arrives at a remote apron position, you will be picked up by a driver in either a Mercedes or Porsche. The driver will be holding "First Class / HON" sign. Be sure to tell the driver that you want to be dropped off at "Arrivals A" (so that the walk to the FCT is shorter), otherwise the driver may drop you off at "Arrivals B" instead.
Dec 16, 2012, 7:23 pm
#2286
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Penang, Malaysia
Programs: OZ *G, HHonors Gold, Aclub Plat
Posts: 1,025
Need some advice. Flying MCO-FRA-KIX in F. Have been to both the FCL and FCT before and understand both are the same but I'm trying to figure out how to guarantee a car transfer to the FRA-KIX. I've checked online and it looks like MCO-FRA arrives at the Z gates and the FRA-KIX departs from the Z gates too. Which lounge should I use to guarantee I get a car to the plane??
Dec 16, 2012, 8:11 pm
#2287
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Seat 1A
Programs: Non-status paid F/J (best value for $$$)
Posts: 4,124
Need some advice. Flying MCO-FRA-KIX in F. Have been to both the FCL and FCT before and understand both are the same but I'm trying to figure out how to guarantee a car transfer to the FRA-KIX. I've checked online and it looks like MCO-FRA arrives at the Z gates and the FRA-KIX departs from the Z gates too. Which lounge should I use to guarantee I get a car to the plane??
However, the time it takes to get from the MCO-FRA Z arrival gate to B22 (and clear security on the way) may take as long as just clearing passport control and walking out via "Arrivals A" to the FCT.
Last edited by daniellam; Dec 19, 2012 at 7:57 pm
Dec 16, 2012, 8:46 pm
#2288
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Penang, Malaysia
Programs: OZ *G, HHonors Gold, Aclub Plat
Posts: 1,025
Thanks! Will probably just head to the FCT then. Just to confirm, I wouldn't get the car if I head to the F class in A gates??
Dec 16, 2012, 9:53 pm
#2289
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Seat 1A
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Posts: 4,124
The FCL near the A gates is in schengen (and you will have to pass through passport control). Car rides only apply if you are departing on a schengen flight that leaves from a remote apron position.
Dec 19, 2012, 7:37 pm
#2290
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: ANP
Programs: UA 1k, Marriott Plat, HH gold, Avis/Hertz Pres
Posts: 1,408
first time user and first in at FRA 
I am arriving from BOS in LH F. I have a 3 hour layover before my connection to ZRH then I have a ZRH-NRT in LX F the same day.
When I arrive from BOS, what should I do? Also I will have checked bags, do I have to recheck the bags before the swiss flight, or should they interline the whole way?
also should I go to the FCT or just hit up the FCL in the terminal? I get in at 530am so no idea how bad passport control will be.
Any help is GREATLY appreciated.
I am arriving from BOS in LH F. I have a 3 hour layover before my connection to ZRH then I have a ZRH-NRT in LX F the same day.
When I arrive from BOS, what should I do? Also I will have checked bags, do I have to recheck the bags before the swiss flight, or should they interline the whole way?
also should I go to the FCT or just hit up the FCL in the terminal? I get in at 530am so no idea how bad passport control will be.
Any help is GREATLY appreciated.
Dec 19, 2012, 7:54 pm
#2291
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Seat 1A
Programs: Non-status paid F/J (best value for $$$)
Posts: 4,124
first time user and first in at FRA
I am arriving from BOS in LH F. I have a 3 hour layover before my connection to ZRH then I have a ZRH-NRT in LX F the same day.
When I arrive from BOS, what should I do? Also I will have checked bags, do I have to recheck the bags before the swiss flight, or should they interline the whole way?
also should I go to the FCT or just hit up the FCL in the terminal? I get in at 530am so no idea how bad passport control will be.
Any help is GREATLY appreciated.
I am arriving from BOS in LH F. I have a 3 hour layover before my connection to ZRH then I have a ZRH-NRT in LX F the same day.
When I arrive from BOS, what should I do? Also I will have checked bags, do I have to recheck the bags before the swiss flight, or should they interline the whole way?
also should I go to the FCT or just hit up the FCL in the terminal? I get in at 530am so no idea how bad passport control will be.
Any help is GREATLY appreciated.
If you want to use the FCT:
When you arrive from BOS, follow the signs to "Baggage Claim" (you will clear passport control on the way) and exit through "Arrivals A" and to walk to the FCT along the pavement. You will enter the FCT from the bottom level and take the elevator upstairs where a Personal Assistant will meet you and take you through security.
Also, if just want to use the FCL, there are 2 options:
1) Follow the signs to gate B22 (while you will need to clear security on the way, but not passport control). This will be a long walk if your flight arrives at the Z gates. As this lounge is in the non-Schengen zone, you will need to clear passport control before proceeding to your flight to ZRH. If your flight to ZRH departs from the A gates, you WILL NOT get car service and it may be a long walk to the gate.
2) Follow the signs to gate A13 (you will clear both security and passport control on the way). This will be a long walk if your flight arrives at the B or C gates. As this lounge is in the Schengen zone and you have already passed through passport control, you will simply proceed to you gate for your flight to ZRH. If your flight to ZRH departs from a remote apron position, you will get a car ride to the aircraft.
Since you will be arriving at 5am and have a 3 hour layover, I suggest you go to the FCT.
Dec 19, 2012, 8:00 pm
#2292
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: ANP
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Posts: 1,408
Your bags will be checked through to NRT.
If you want to use the FCT:
When you arrive from BOS, follow the signs to "Baggage Claim" (you will clear passport control on the way) and exit through "Arrivals A" and to walk to the FCT along the pavement. You will enter the FCT from the bottom level and take the elevator upstairs where a Personal Assistant will meet you and take you through security.
Also, if just want to use the FCL, there are 2 options:
1) Follow the signs to gate B22 (while you will need to clear security on the way, but not passport control). This will be a long walk if your flight arrives at the Z gates. As this lounge is in the non-Schengen zone, you will need to clear passport control before proceeding to your flight to ZRH. If your flight to ZRH departs from the A gates, you WILL NOT get car service and it may be a long walk to the gate.
2) Follow the signs to A13 (you will clear both security and passport control on the way). This will be a long walk if your flight arrives at the B or C gates. As this lounge is in the Schengen zone and you have already passed through passport control, you will simply proceed to you gate for your flight to ZRH. If your flight to ZRH departs from a remote apron position, you will get a car ride to the aircraft.
Since you will be arriving at 5am and have a 3 hour layover, I suggest you go to the FCT.
If you want to use the FCT:
When you arrive from BOS, follow the signs to "Baggage Claim" (you will clear passport control on the way) and exit through "Arrivals A" and to walk to the FCT along the pavement. You will enter the FCT from the bottom level and take the elevator upstairs where a Personal Assistant will meet you and take you through security.
Also, if just want to use the FCL, there are 2 options:
1) Follow the signs to gate B22 (while you will need to clear security on the way, but not passport control). This will be a long walk if your flight arrives at the Z gates. As this lounge is in the non-Schengen zone, you will need to clear passport control before proceeding to your flight to ZRH. If your flight to ZRH departs from the A gates, you WILL NOT get car service and it may be a long walk to the gate.
2) Follow the signs to A13 (you will clear both security and passport control on the way). This will be a long walk if your flight arrives at the B or C gates. As this lounge is in the Schengen zone and you have already passed through passport control, you will simply proceed to you gate for your flight to ZRH. If your flight to ZRH departs from a remote apron position, you will get a car ride to the aircraft.
Since you will be arriving at 5am and have a 3 hour layover, I suggest you go to the FCT.
Dec 19, 2012, 8:02 pm
#2293
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Dec 19, 2012, 8:03 pm
#2294
Join Date: Dec 2000
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Posts: 4,124
IMHO, passport control in Germany is very quick and efficient compared to say the US or Canada.
Jan 3, 2013, 9:13 am
#2295
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Chicago
Posts: 278
Firstly, thanks to everyone for compiling such a great resource. And secondly, sorry if I'm being particulary dense, but I've read and read and am still confused.
I'm flying LH431 (ORD-FRA) in F connecting to LH1104 (FRA-SZG) in C.
I booked myself a 5 hour connection to have time to check out the FCT. Then I realized that LH1104 is operated by Tyrolean Air (Austrian Arrows). I can't figure out if Tyrolean Air is officially part of OS and therefore I would have access....or if LH1104 is a code-share that wouldn't allow access to FCT.
Any thoughts?
I'm flying LH431 (ORD-FRA) in F connecting to LH1104 (FRA-SZG) in C.
I booked myself a 5 hour connection to have time to check out the FCT. Then I realized that LH1104 is operated by Tyrolean Air (Austrian Arrows). I can't figure out if Tyrolean Air is officially part of OS and therefore I would have access....or if LH1104 is a code-share that wouldn't allow access to FCT.
Any thoughts?