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
#4756
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: London | Sydney
Programs: LH HON, QF CL, SQ TPPS, AF Plat, VS Gold, VA Plat, EK Gold, HH Diamond, WoH Globalist, Marriott Plat
Posts: 1,528
I just don’t understand why LH refuse to call First Class guests and HON with or after pre-board. It would cost them nothing. Even United get this fight with GS!
#4757
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Stoke on Trent, UK (MAN ), BUE, BKK, DBV
Programs: LH HON***,UA,BA.EK Gold,AV.
Posts: 11,644
Indeed, I don’t get that either, as you say, zero cost to LH, not providing that simple courtesy/ service does cost them driving me to planes
#4758
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: New York
Programs: EK Platinum, AA EXP, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,148
7 hour layover F lounge hopping
So I have a 7 hour layover in FRA coming up between 2 F flights, arriving at 5am, departing at noon. I've been to the FCT many times but actually never tried either of FCL's, so I thought I might as well do so on this trip. Which of the FCL's have better sleeping rooms?
Also, I recall that one of the lounges is Schengen while the other is not in Schengen? What exactly does that mean if I'm arriving from JFK, plan to try out one or two of the FCLs for a few hours, then head over to FCT around 10am. What would be the best order? FCL A or B first?
Also, I recall that one of the lounges is Schengen while the other is not in Schengen? What exactly does that mean if I'm arriving from JFK, plan to try out one or two of the FCLs for a few hours, then head over to FCT around 10am. What would be the best order? FCL A or B first?
#4759
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Stoke on Trent, UK (MAN ), BUE, BKK, DBV
Programs: LH HON***,UA,BA.EK Gold,AV.
Posts: 11,644
So I have a 7 hour layover in FRA coming up between 2 F flights, arriving at 5am, departing at noon. I've been to the FCT many times but actually never tried either of FCL's, so I thought I might as well do so on this trip. Which of the FCL's have better sleeping rooms?
Also, I recall that one of the lounges is Schengen while the other is not in Schengen? What exactly does that mean if I'm arriving from JFK, plan to try out one or two of the FCLs for a few hours, then head over to FCT around 10am. What would be the best order? FCL A or B first?
Also, I recall that one of the lounges is Schengen while the other is not in Schengen? What exactly does that mean if I'm arriving from JFK, plan to try out one or two of the FCLs for a few hours, then head over to FCT around 10am. What would be the best order? FCL A or B first?
If the rooms are occupied, you can ask them to call FCL B to check their availability & then walk through A to B tunnel & another passport control, then, again from there you would need to exit B via passport control & walk ( further ) to FCT but you would have done some serious walking.
#4760
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Stoke on Trent, UK (MAN ), BUE, BKK, DBV
Programs: LH HON***,UA,BA.EK Gold,AV.
Posts: 11,644
#4761
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: LH M&M, BA EC, DL SM
Posts: 5,731
So I have a 7 hour layover in FRA coming up between 2 F flights, arriving at 5am, departing at noon. I've been to the FCT many times but actually never tried either of FCL's, so I thought I might as well do so on this trip. Which of the FCL's have better sleeping rooms?
Also, I recall that one of the lounges is Schengen while the other is not in Schengen? What exactly does that mean if I'm arriving from JFK, plan to try out one or two of the FCLs for a few hours, then head over to FCT around 10am. What would be the best order? FCL A or B first?
Also, I recall that one of the lounges is Schengen while the other is not in Schengen? What exactly does that mean if I'm arriving from JFK, plan to try out one or two of the FCLs for a few hours, then head over to FCT around 10am. What would be the best order? FCL A or B first?
#4762
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: NYC -- UA 1K; SPG Platinum; HH Diamond.
Posts: 2,921
So I have a 7 hour layover in FRA coming up between 2 F flights, arriving at 5am, departing at noon. I've been to the FCT many times but actually never tried either of FCL's, so I thought I might as well do so on this trip. Which of the FCL's have better sleeping rooms?
Also, I recall that one of the lounges is Schengen while the other is not in Schengen? What exactly does that mean if I'm arriving from JFK, plan to try out one or two of the FCLs for a few hours, then head over to FCT around 10am. What would be the best order? FCL A or B first?
Also, I recall that one of the lounges is Schengen while the other is not in Schengen? What exactly does that mean if I'm arriving from JFK, plan to try out one or two of the FCLs for a few hours, then head over to FCT around 10am. What would be the best order? FCL A or B first?
A 7 hour layover sounds terrible. In any case, the lounges are very similar in terms of food/decor/etc. The big difference is views (FCLs)/no views (FCT), car to plane (always from FCT; various rules from FCLs) and easy security but walk (FCT).
FCL A is Schengen (which is a collection of European countries that allows easy travel among them--so no passport control). FCL B is non-Schengen (so this would be after passport control exiting Germany or if you're in transit from outside Schengen, like you are coming from the US). US is "clean", so when you arrive from JFK (most likely at the Z gates) you could walk to the FCL B without security check or passport control. This is likely going to be a long walk. You could also go to FCL A (which is likely going to be a shorter walk). You'll have to go through passport control for this (but not security). From FCL A it's an easy walk to the FCT (and no more passport control getting to the FCT (but you'll have security and passport control at the FCT). From FCL B to the FCT is a longer walk and you'll have passport control to exit the terminal, and then the same procedures at the FCT.
If I were you, I'd go to the FCL A, eat/sleep a bit. Then go to the city and walk around, check the sights. Then go to the FCT.
#4763
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,055
US is "clean", so when you arrive from JFK (most likely at the Z gates) you could walk to the FCL B without security check or passport control. This is likely going to be a long walk. You could also go to FCL A (which is likely going to be a shorter walk). You'll have to go through passport control for this (but not security).
If you arrive in B then FCL B is the logical option, although last week I opted to walk to the FCT.
If you arrive in C I'd go to the FCT because you'll have to re-clear security anyway and it is a walk regardless.
Arriving in Z it is IMO a wash to go to FCL A or exit and FCT ... my 2 cents.
#4764
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Flyover Country
Programs: United 1K/GS, AA Gold
Posts: 65
I've been to the First Class Lounge (Terminal B) in Frankfurt several times but never in the First Class Terminal. Reading a few online reviews, it sounds like the FCT is very similar (if not identical) to the FCL. I'm flying LH First Class to ORD tomorrow-- is there any benefit to going to the FCT other than to say I've been there?
#4765
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Geneva
Programs: LX SEN, AFKL Platinum, BA Bronze,
Posts: 5,640
I've been to the First Class Lounge (Terminal B) in Frankfurt several times but never in the First Class Terminal. Reading a few online reviews, it sounds like the FCT is very similar (if not identical) to the FCL. I'm flying LH First Class to ORD tomorrow-- is there any benefit to going to the FCT other than to say I've been there?
#4766
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: NYC -- UA 1K; SPG Platinum; HH Diamond.
Posts: 2,921
No, that is not true at all. Last time I arrived at Z from the US must be years ago. Sometimes B, often C ... so that can be a major difference.
If you arrive in B then FCL B is the logical option, although last week I opted to walk to the FCT.
If you arrive in C I'd go to the FCT because you'll have to re-clear security anyway and it is a walk regardless.
Arriving in Z it is IMO a wash to go to FCL A or exit and FCT ... my 2 cents.
If you arrive in B then FCL B is the logical option, although last week I opted to walk to the FCT.
If you arrive in C I'd go to the FCT because you'll have to re-clear security anyway and it is a walk regardless.
Arriving in Z it is IMO a wash to go to FCL A or exit and FCT ... my 2 cents.
1) I was specifically speaking about arriving from JFK, which was exactly what the poster that I was replying to asked about, and not just US. Although JFK is still in the US.
2) Just because you haven’t arrived in Z from the US “in years” doesn’t mean too much and is bizarre because over the last few years alone I’ve arrived in Z from JFK dozens of times and don’t remember arriving in B or C (from JFK) even once.
For entertainment, just this morning, LH401 from JFK arrived at Z66.
#4767
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
I've been to the First Class Lounge (Terminal B) in Frankfurt several times but never in the First Class Terminal. Reading a few online reviews, it sounds like the FCT is very similar (if not identical) to the FCL. I'm flying LH First Class to ORD tomorrow-- is there any benefit to going to the FCT other than to say I've been there?
I always opt for the FCT. I am almost always coming off a long haul flight so a walk outside is nice and refreshing. Also, it is great to get away from the crowds at the airport and it feels more "exclusive" to me. And while it does not have the wide apron views as FCL B, it feels more spacious than B (to me).
If you have never done it - and have some time - I would recommend trying it and see if you like it better or worse than FCL B.
(And yes, this is the tip of First World problems! )
Last edited by Global321; Dec 13, 2019 at 5:13 pm
#4769
Join Date: Oct 2004
Programs: LH HON
Posts: 3,421
at FCT it doesn’t change anything at all.
at FCL they have to drive you to an extra security check way before boarding time...
#4770
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: LH M&M, BA EC, DL SM
Posts: 5,731
Would always go to the FCT with SSSS, which I, unfortunately, get a lot.
Other than that, I feel differently about the “exclusivity” and the “spaciousness” mentioned above. The FCL in B feels very spacious to me and is an oasis away from the crowds in the middle of the terminal.
Other than that, I feel differently about the “exclusivity” and the “spaciousness” mentioned above. The FCL in B feels very spacious to me and is an oasis away from the crowds in the middle of the terminal.