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
Jun 8, 2009, 5:23 pm
#61
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: NJ/NYC
Programs: AA EXP/LT Plat, SPG Plat/LT Plat, HHonors Gold, Hyatt Plat, IHG Plat, MR Silver
Posts: 2,786
Sorry to threadjack, but I've been meaning to post a question on this and don't want to start yet another thread.
I've read through everything on the FCT and THINK I understand the most recent version of the rules for my trip in several weeks, but want to confirm.
I'll be traveling with my family of 5 from JFK-FRA in F, connecting FRA-BCN in C approximately 2 1/2 hours later. When we booked this, I believe it was possible to exit the airside area and have the ticket counter call for a car transfer. As this is no longer possible, if connecting from an F flight to C, one must walk to the FCT, correct? Access is still permitted (although it is discouraged), it just requires a bit of a hike, right?
I just want to confirm that we do indeed have access and that the walk isn't going to be a huge hassle. If it were just me, whatever, but since I have the family in tow, I want to make sure the effort isn't for naught. So how far is it and is it fairly well marked? Also, do we have enough time to make this worthwhile?
I understand that the new FCL is also very nice. Arriving from JFK - is it somewhat easy to get to and does it really provide all the same amenities sans car to plane? This is our first F trip as a family and it would be nice to fully enjoy the F experience.
Thank you for your advice, I really do appreciate it.
I've read through everything on the FCT and THINK I understand the most recent version of the rules for my trip in several weeks, but want to confirm.
I'll be traveling with my family of 5 from JFK-FRA in F, connecting FRA-BCN in C approximately 2 1/2 hours later. When we booked this, I believe it was possible to exit the airside area and have the ticket counter call for a car transfer. As this is no longer possible, if connecting from an F flight to C, one must walk to the FCT, correct? Access is still permitted (although it is discouraged), it just requires a bit of a hike, right?
I just want to confirm that we do indeed have access and that the walk isn't going to be a huge hassle. If it were just me, whatever, but since I have the family in tow, I want to make sure the effort isn't for naught. So how far is it and is it fairly well marked? Also, do we have enough time to make this worthwhile?
I understand that the new FCL is also very nice. Arriving from JFK - is it somewhat easy to get to and does it really provide all the same amenities sans car to plane? This is our first F trip as a family and it would be nice to fully enjoy the F experience.
Thank you for your advice, I really do appreciate it.
Jun 9, 2009, 4:56 am
#63
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: CLT
Programs: AA-EXP, MR-PP
Posts: 3,440
What do you suggest in terms of arrival/FCL/FCT to enhance our experience in FRA as well as next day in MUC?
Jun 9, 2009, 5:58 am
#64
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: AUH
Posts: 8,267
The only way you can use the FRA FCT/FCL would be to change your BKK-FRA to LH, or make it the same day as MUC-CLT if you want to remain on TG (i.e. switch to the overnight BKK-FRA or BKK-MUC to connect the same day as MUC-CLT)
Jun 9, 2009, 6:51 am
#65
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Stuck on this planet - mainly in STR and LAX
Posts: 5,019
You will have access to the FCT - no problem there. It is an easy 5 min walk on the arrivals level (most is covered, but the last 100 m or so are open, so bad when it is raining). There is a door with a bell on the lower level, somebody will pick you up there.
In theory you can also walk upstairs (departure level), but there is no real walkway and the road is busy. So downstairs is better.
The FCL in B and the FCT are very similar in the offering. Same kind of sit down restaurant, same menue, same furniture etc.
The FCL has a (overpriced) Spa - not free as in other airlines/airports F lounges. Both have showers, bath etc
From the FCT you will be driven to any gate or outside position.
From the FCL they drive you only for Non-Schengen Flights and only if the gate is not close by. And the walk from the B FCL to some of the A gates is a lot of walking.
So you will get the car transfer from the FCT and not from the FCL.
Depending where you flight arrives the walk to the FCL can take almost as long as the walk to the FCL. And worst case you can take a taxi to the FCT.
In theory you can also walk upstairs (departure level), but there is no real walkway and the road is busy. So downstairs is better.
The FCL in B and the FCT are very similar in the offering. Same kind of sit down restaurant, same menue, same furniture etc.
The FCL has a (overpriced) Spa - not free as in other airlines/airports F lounges. Both have showers, bath etc
From the FCT you will be driven to any gate or outside position.
From the FCL they drive you only for Non-Schengen Flights and only if the gate is not close by. And the walk from the B FCL to some of the A gates is a lot of walking.
So you will get the car transfer from the FCT and not from the FCL.
Depending where you flight arrives the walk to the FCL can take almost as long as the walk to the FCL. And worst case you can take a taxi to the FCT.
Sorry to threadjack, but I've been meaning to post a question on this and don't want to start yet another thread.
I've read through everything on the FCT and THINK I understand the most recent version of the rules for my trip in several weeks, but want to confirm.
I'll be traveling with my family of 5 from JFK-FRA in F, connecting FRA-BCN in C approximately 2 1/2 hours later. When we booked this, I believe it was possible to exit the airside area and have the ticket counter call for a car transfer. As this is no longer possible, if connecting from an F flight to C, one must walk to the FCT, correct? Access is still permitted (although it is discouraged), it just requires a bit of a hike, right?
I just want to confirm that we do indeed have access and that the walk isn't going to be a huge hassle. If it were just me, whatever, but since I have the family in tow, I want to make sure the effort isn't for naught. So how far is it and is it fairly well marked? Also, do we have enough time to make this worthwhile?
I understand that the new FCL is also very nice. Arriving from JFK - is it somewhat easy to get to and does it really provide all the same amenities sans car to plane? This is our first F trip as a family and it would be nice to fully enjoy the F experience.
Thank you for your advice, I really do appreciate it.
I've read through everything on the FCT and THINK I understand the most recent version of the rules for my trip in several weeks, but want to confirm.
I'll be traveling with my family of 5 from JFK-FRA in F, connecting FRA-BCN in C approximately 2 1/2 hours later. When we booked this, I believe it was possible to exit the airside area and have the ticket counter call for a car transfer. As this is no longer possible, if connecting from an F flight to C, one must walk to the FCT, correct? Access is still permitted (although it is discouraged), it just requires a bit of a hike, right?
I just want to confirm that we do indeed have access and that the walk isn't going to be a huge hassle. If it were just me, whatever, but since I have the family in tow, I want to make sure the effort isn't for naught. So how far is it and is it fairly well marked? Also, do we have enough time to make this worthwhile?
I understand that the new FCL is also very nice. Arriving from JFK - is it somewhat easy to get to and does it really provide all the same amenities sans car to plane? This is our first F trip as a family and it would be nice to fully enjoy the F experience.
Thank you for your advice, I really do appreciate it.
Jun 9, 2009, 7:45 am
#66
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: NJ/NYC
Programs: AA EXP/LT Plat, SPG Plat/LT Plat, HHonors Gold, Hyatt Plat, IHG Plat, MR Silver
Posts: 2,786
Thank you both for your help, I really appreciate it. I have a couple questions below, which would be very helpful if you could clarify.
Any particular reason why? Is it because of the walk, length of time for the walk, etc? We'll be toting carry-on only luggage and can handle our own bags. I was estimating 30-40 minutes from landing to entrance to the FCT, which should give us approximately 90 minutes in there, if everything is on time, right? Just want to understand the reason for your recommendation, which I certainly value.
Am I going to have any trouble rolling up to the lower level, bell-opened door with a family of 5 who most definitely is not going to look like they have just arrived in F? There's no way they would just ignore us right?
You will have access to the FCT - no problem there. It is an easy 5 min walk on the arrivals level (most is covered, but the last 100 m or so are open, so bad when it is raining). There is a door with a bell on the lower level, somebody will pick you up there.
In theory you can also walk upstairs (departure level), but there is no real walkway and the road is busy. So downstairs is better.
The FCL in B and the FCT are very similar in the offering. Same kind of sit down restaurant, same menue, same furniture etc.
The FCL has a (overpriced) Spa - not free as in other airlines/airports F lounges. Both have showers, bath etc
From the FCT you will be driven to any gate or outside position.
From the FCL they drive you only for Non-Schengen Flights and only if the gate is not close by. And the walk from the B FCL to some of the A gates is a lot of walking.
So you will get the car transfer from the FCT and not from the FCL.
Depending where you flight arrives the walk to the FCL can take almost as long as the walk to the FCL. And worst case you can take a taxi to the FCT.
In theory you can also walk upstairs (departure level), but there is no real walkway and the road is busy. So downstairs is better.
The FCL in B and the FCT are very similar in the offering. Same kind of sit down restaurant, same menue, same furniture etc.
The FCL has a (overpriced) Spa - not free as in other airlines/airports F lounges. Both have showers, bath etc
From the FCT you will be driven to any gate or outside position.
From the FCL they drive you only for Non-Schengen Flights and only if the gate is not close by. And the walk from the B FCL to some of the A gates is a lot of walking.
So you will get the car transfer from the FCT and not from the FCL.
Depending where you flight arrives the walk to the FCL can take almost as long as the walk to the FCL. And worst case you can take a taxi to the FCT.
Jun 9, 2009, 9:01 am
#67
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Stuck on this planet - mainly in STR and LAX
Posts: 5,019
The walk from arrivals to the FCT is less than 10 min. Depending on the arrivals gate you can make it in 20-30 min incl. immigration even walking slow from the A or B gates. C gates are a bit longer.
Jun 9, 2009, 10:38 am
#68
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 48,184
Any particular reason why? Is it because of the walk, length of time for the walk, etc? We'll be toting carry-on only luggage and can handle our own bags. I was estimating 30-40 minutes from landing to entrance to the FCT, which should give us approximately 90 minutes in there, if everything is on time, right? Just want to understand the reason for your recommendation, which I certainly value.
Jun 9, 2009, 12:22 pm
#69
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: SZG
Posts: 3,936
i would even say its not different at all! (apart from the car transfer). i'd opt for any FCL as well. FCL B is even better than the FCT because its new...
Jun 9, 2009, 12:32 pm
#70
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: NJ/NYC
Programs: AA EXP/LT Plat, SPG Plat/LT Plat, HHonors Gold, Hyatt Plat, IHG Plat, MR Silver
Posts: 2,786
Is it really so similar aside from the car transfer? Food/drink selection, everything, is the same? Will it be crowded at 7am?
Jun 9, 2009, 12:38 pm
#71
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: SZG
Posts: 3,936
a) FCL B is newer
b) FCL B has B&O stereos in the sleeping rooms
c) FCL B has the spa
everything else is completely the same food, sofa chairs, colours, design, ceramics in the bathrooms
even the staff is the same for the FCT and all the FCLs. at 7am i'd say its more likely that the FCT is more crowded than any of the FCLs...
Jun 9, 2009, 12:42 pm
#72
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 48,184
Jun 9, 2009, 12:44 pm
#73
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: CLT
Programs: AA-EXP, MR-PP
Posts: 3,440
This is odd. I just called LH to change seats on my C (FRA-MUC) flight and check on MUC-CLT (in F). I also asked about FCL access in FRA and the agent said that I should get access. Go figure. (I guess since it is only layover and this is the first flight out in the direction.)
Jun 9, 2009, 2:23 pm
#74
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: ZRH
Programs: LX HON Circle
Posts: 3,254
This is odd. I just called LH to change seats on my C (FRA-MUC) flight and check on MUC-CLT (in F). I also asked about FCL access in FRA and the agent said that I should get access. Go figure. (I guess since it is only layover and this is the first flight out in the direction.)
It doesn't hurt to ask and try it out though. But having experienced LH's FCL staff... I am almost sure they will not let you in and direct you to the biz lounge.
Jun 9, 2009, 2:57 pm
#75
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: INN
Posts: 2,909
I personally prefer the food and especially the catering in MUC over the one in FRA by a large margin, but there are also regulars in this forum who think the opposite.