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
Jan 4, 2013, 5:20 am
#2297
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Birmingham, England
Programs: LH SEN, Hilton Diamond, AF/KL & BA basic memberships, Tufty Club Exec Plutonium
Posts: 1,668
Quicker to walk to the FCT. I was at the FCT yesterday within 15 minutes of landing at Z66. You can wait that long in the security queue *if* the bouncers let a Z-terminal passenger into B.
Jan 13, 2013, 9:56 pm
#2298
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Reykjavík
Programs: United MP, Qatar Privilege, Lufthansa
Posts: 122
First Class Terminal at FRA
Is it still worthwhile going there or are the First Class lounges at FRA up to the same standard? Last time (a year or so back) I recall they no longer provided shuttle service to transport you from the airport to the FCT building.
Jan 13, 2013, 10:58 pm
#2299
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,187
IMO the lounges offer basically the same service with a nicer view and you will still get a car ride to your plane if it is not boarding in the same concourse.
Of course, it is nice to take advantage of the more civilized security/border control arrangements at the FCT if you have a little time to walk over.
Jan 14, 2013, 1:53 am
#2300
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
There used to be shuttle from the main terminal to the FCT but the service ended several years ago.
Limo service from the FCLs is explained here, though it does not mention the FCL A.
I agree with sp4294 that if starting the trip in FRA it is worth going to the FCT for the more civilized security/border control arrangements.
Limo service from the FCLs is explained here, though it does not mention the FCL A.
I agree with sp4294 that if starting the trip in FRA it is worth going to the FCT for the more civilized security/border control arrangements.
Jan 14, 2013, 7:49 am
#2301
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Houston TX
Programs: United Platinum ~ AA Lifetime Gold 1.3 MM ~ Marriott Gold ~ Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 110
I was just there last week and here are my observations.
Getting there was a breeze, no problems going through Immigration/Customs, then the walk outside is not bad at all. Once inside the terminal, WOW! I have never experience anything like it before in an airport. Service was excellent, food was great. The ride to the plane on a Cayenne through the airport, worth every dime!
I was told that for my return flight if I went to the FCL on B, that I would still get a ride to my gate back to the US departing from Z, however, that was not the case as they did not have a private immigration officer like FCT. I decided to stay since I didn't have more than a couple of hours anyways.
IMO, the FCT is a lot nicer, maybe because it's bigger? I thought the restaurant had a better selection of food, at least while I was there... However, you are quite isolated from the terminal, after I while I was getting bored and couldn't wait to get out of there. It seems like if you are at the FCL you have the option of stepping outside and seeing some of the other stores...
Given the choice in the future, I would definitively walk over to the FCT... Thanks everyone for the suggestions and help. I was able to experience F on the A380 and 747-4...
Getting there was a breeze, no problems going through Immigration/Customs, then the walk outside is not bad at all. Once inside the terminal, WOW! I have never experience anything like it before in an airport. Service was excellent, food was great. The ride to the plane on a Cayenne through the airport, worth every dime!
I was told that for my return flight if I went to the FCL on B, that I would still get a ride to my gate back to the US departing from Z, however, that was not the case as they did not have a private immigration officer like FCT. I decided to stay since I didn't have more than a couple of hours anyways.
IMO, the FCT is a lot nicer, maybe because it's bigger? I thought the restaurant had a better selection of food, at least while I was there... However, you are quite isolated from the terminal, after I while I was getting bored and couldn't wait to get out of there. It seems like if you are at the FCL you have the option of stepping outside and seeing some of the other stores...
Given the choice in the future, I would definitively walk over to the FCT... Thanks everyone for the suggestions and help. I was able to experience F on the A380 and 747-4...
Jan 14, 2013, 8:17 am
#2302
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
I was told that for my return flight if I went to the FCL on B, that I would still get a ride to my gate back to the US departing from Z, however, that was not the case as they did not have a private immigration officer like FCT. I decided to stay since I didn't have more than a couple of hours anyways.
IMO, the FCT is a lot nicer, maybe because it's bigger? I thought the restaurant had a better selection of food, at least while I was there...
Both lounges were practically empty on the day.
Jan 14, 2013, 9:31 am
#2303
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: ORD
Programs: BA, AA, SQ, UA, AC, WS, MR TIT
Posts: 8,659
They even have better view of the airport apron than the FCT.
I stopped going to the FCT except when I am starting my journey from FRA.
Jan 15, 2013, 1:12 am
#2304
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: LAX
Programs: DL Diamon | UA Plat | SPG/MB Lifetime Plat | HH Diamond
Posts: 24
I've read tons of posts saying arriving USA-FRA LH-F and connecting FRA-BER LH-C/LH-Y is fine for access to the FCT (and FCLs). Just to reconfirm: is that still the case for FCT?
On the LH website, there is a bit of fine print specifically saying the FCT cannot be used as an arrivals lounge. I'm planning an 8 hour layover in FRA to use th FCT and FCL-A or FCL-B so just wanted to be sure before I ticket.
"(1) 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. "
That was mentioned in a post back in October and it seems like the policy is either written incorrectly or not enforced. I wanted to check if things have changed. Thanks everyone!
On the LH website, there is a bit of fine print specifically saying the FCT cannot be used as an arrivals lounge. I'm planning an 8 hour layover in FRA to use th FCT and FCL-A or FCL-B so just wanted to be sure before I ticket.
"(1) 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. "
That was mentioned in a post back in October and it seems like the policy is either written incorrectly or not enforced. I wanted to check if things have changed. Thanks everyone!
Last edited by gotravelant; Jan 15, 2013 at 1:35 am
Jan 15, 2013, 2:16 am
#2305
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Seat 1A
Programs: Non-status paid F/J (best value for $$$)
Posts: 4,124
I've read tons of posts saying arriving USA-FRA LH-F and connecting FRA-BER LH-C/LH-Y is fine for access to the FCT (and FCLs). Just to reconfirm: is that still the case for FCT?
On the LH website, there is a bit of fine print specifically saying the FCT cannot be used as an arrivals lounge. I'm planning an 8 hour layover in FRA to use th FCT and FCL-A or FCL-B so just wanted to be sure before I ticket.
"(1) 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. "
That was mentioned in a post back in October and it seems like the policy is either written incorrectly or not enforced. I wanted to check if things have changed. Thanks everyone!
On the LH website, there is a bit of fine print specifically saying the FCT cannot be used as an arrivals lounge. I'm planning an 8 hour layover in FRA to use th FCT and FCL-A or FCL-B so just wanted to be sure before I ticket.
"(1) 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. "
That was mentioned in a post back in October and it seems like the policy is either written incorrectly or not enforced. I wanted to check if things have changed. Thanks everyone!
As long as you have an onward flight, you are not considered to be an "arriving passenger".
In theory, "arriving passengers" can use the FCLs in A or B.
Jan 15, 2013, 2:55 am
#2306
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: EDKA, STR, ZRH
Programs: LH SEN, A3*G, IHG plat, DB Comfort, SPG gold
Posts: 964
But no, you will NOT get a limo ride to the station
Jan 15, 2013, 5:31 am
#2307
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Birmingham, England
Programs: LH SEN, Hilton Diamond, AF/KL & BA basic memberships, Tufty Club Exec Plutonium
Posts: 1,668
I've read tons of posts saying arriving USA-FRA LH-F and connecting FRA-BER LH-C/LH-Y is fine for access to the FCT (and FCLs). Just to reconfirm: is that still the case for FCT?
On the LH website, there is a bit of fine print specifically saying the FCT cannot be used as an arrivals lounge. I'm planning an 8 hour layover in FRA to use th FCT and FCL-A or FCL-B so just wanted to be sure before I ticket.
On the LH website, there is a bit of fine print specifically saying the FCT cannot be used as an arrivals lounge. I'm planning an 8 hour layover in FRA to use th FCT and FCL-A or FCL-B so just wanted to be sure before I ticket.
As nice as the FCL and FCT's are, if you have an 8 hour layover, I would suggest a trip into Frankfurt or Mainz to break your layover.
Jan 15, 2013, 5:37 am
#2308
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: STR
Programs: LH HON->SEN, BA GGL+CCR->Gold, HH D, Hertz PC
Posts: 603
Absolutely!
Jan 15, 2013, 5:54 am
#2309
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
"(1) 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. "
That was mentioned in a post back in October and it seems like the policy is either written incorrectly or not enforced. I wanted to check if things have changed. Thanks everyone!
That was mentioned in a post back in October and it seems like the policy is either written incorrectly or not enforced. I wanted to check if things have changed. Thanks everyone!
What you have quoted is Lufthansa's official policy but something which is not enforced as you suggest.