NewbieRunner

Thanks everyone for the comments. Since I usually arrive in FRA in the afternoon I don't get much chance to go there but I often recommend those arriving on UA flights in F and C to visit the Welcome Lounge if they have the time instead of the Business or Senator Lounges. I was surprised to find in the UA forum someone recommending to skip the Welcome Lounge and stay airside as it has seen better days and all the reviews that rave about it are from years ago.

UA-NYC

I guess the question is...at this point, what differentiates the WL from the new & nice SEN lounges? Last time I was at the WL (2011), the newish B SEN hadn't opened yet, and of course none of the new Z/A+ ones were open either. So the WL was the clear best choice.

But if the SEN lounges now have showers, and are just bigger & nicer...any need to go to the WL? Is the catering any different? Or are there certain gates (low A?) that are closest to the WL, that make it worth the while to stay there?

htb

Egg, bacon. And pancakes made upon request.

HTB.

N1003U

The SEN lounges and the WL lounge are tough to compare because they serve different purposes. The SEN lounges are airside and generally focused on departing and/or transferring passengers.

The Welcome Lounge is landside just beyond baggage claim and designed specifically for arriving passengers. It very convenient to taxis and trains. It is generally not as crowded, has extended shower capacity, and a somewhat more expanded breakfast offering. It is also only open in the morning.

econprof

I've been in both the SEN lounge in Z and the WL in the last month, both used upon arrival from JFK.

I think they are pretty comparable. The showers in the Z Lounge are maybe a touch smaller than in the WL. But they are still great, especially after arriving from the relatively short JFK-FRA flight.

I think the biggest difference is the food offering. The WL has a bigger assortment of food, and it is more breakfast-specific. But the Z lounge still has good food, and one can certainly find enough variety to put together a decent breakfast.

I usually fly on LH405 and when it is delayed, the WL closes before I can get there. So it is nice to have a good option in the Z SEN lounge. I would say it's worth the schlepp through security again if you don't happen to arrive at the Z gates and the WL is closed.

N1003U

Thanks for the observations. I never think to check out the showers in the Z lounge.

Agree here.

This is a good point.
I am also fairly often on the NYC TATL flights, and my experience is that LH is somewhat forgiving on WL entry time when flights are a little late (I have been granted access as late as 12:55 after a delayed flight, YMMV), but if there is big delay, the SEN lounge is indeed the only option.

NewbieRunner

You are absolutely right. They serve different purposes but I tend to suggest the Welcome Lounge because of overcrowding in the SEN/BIZ Lounges and to anyone who only has access to the BIZ lounges.

It's good to know what I remember from previous visits has not changed much. I think the advantage of the Welcome Lounge is it's never crowded, has more showers (23 IIRC in WL, 10 in Z SEN lounge) and better breakfast options.

The FTer who thinks the ORD RCC is better must have visited the WL on a bad day.

TRAVELSIG

The ORD RCC is not better than even the worst SEN lounge- not even the old DMK lounge (which was terrible) is as bad as the ORD RCC (with the exception of B18 which unfortunately doesn't seem to be kept very clean).

volta

RCC lounges were another reason for me stop flying domestic UA. No good drinks/food/internet, so why bother going to RCC, when have to use my own internet connectivity and go outside the lounge for a decent snack and drink.

Switching to VX was much better, as the restaurants at SFO VX terminal are much better then at UA.

Never been to VX lounge @SFO, but have no desire too, as the regular terminal is really nice

whimsey21

Hi all,
I'll be transiting FRA for the first time in 3 years, and from reading this thread, it appears the lounge situation has changed quite a bit (the last time, I happily enjoyed the Tower Lounge based on FT recommendations). I'm going to be coming in to FRA from DEL on LH (C class) and then transferring to a UA flight to the States. If I understand the thread correctly, my choices on lounge are to leave security and hit the Welcome Lounge, and then go back through security to get to my connecting flight or to stay within the airport (I assume I'll be in the non-Schengen area) and hit one of the Business lounges there. What is my best bet for Business lounges these days, and is it worth it to leave and re-enter to use the Welcome lounge instead?

TRAVELSIG

I would not bother to clear passport control etc just to see the Welcome lounge. My suggestion is to go to the new business lounge in the Aplus wing which is where your USA flight will most likely depart from.

cyborg

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volta

Went today to Welcome lounge (as was taking train from FRA) and was a bit surprised. The lounge is closing now at 12.30pm and around 12.20pm the lounge personal starts to remind you that the lounge is closing at 12.30pm. For some reason I had in my head that the lounge is working until 1pm, with train departing at 1.30pm would have been perfect.
Would have chosen the Z or A pier SEN lounge would I have known the closing time is now earlier.

N1003U

I wonder if your experience is a new enhancement or just an impatient lounge crew. Has anyone else had a problem with being tossed out promptly at 12:30 (supposed to be last entry time)? I wonder if this was an exception or a new trend.

I have never had a problem hanging out until at least 12:40 or so (I often take the 12:53 ICE in the direction of BSL) and I was once allowed in for a quick shower at just before 13:00 when my flight was late...

drewmisha

First time flying UA business to FRA from SFO and then transiting for 3.5 hrs before going to BCN On LH Business.

Is it worth the time to go thru passport control & then back to get a decent bfast at the welcome lounge versus just hanging out at the LH business lounge? Is it a decent trot to the WL?

Will the LH BCN gate be in the same terminal as the UA flight? I will check the flightboard app to find out also.

Thanks in advance. 1st time lowly business flyer.