FlightNurse

that was my question, but it seems to appear that all you have to be is FC pax.

JohnRain

You're welcome, FlightNurse. I guess I know what airline you'll be flying as well...


True, klausa, but in FRA it is a more seamless experience as you can drive to the FCT and hand over the Porsche keys to a valet who takes care of everything.


Agreed, FRA is superior to MUC because of the more attractive planes and the FCT, FlightNurse.


Thank you so much for your kind words, UAL250, I don't know what to say!
Really glad that you enjoyed the report.


The same goes for you miamiflyer8, thanks for all your kind comments and your enthusiasm!


What do you mean by "FCT only" offerendum?


Yes, a same-day LH F boarding pass is all you need, FlightNurse.

offerendum

I referred to the comment of FlightNurse that you can´t book the Porsche if you are "only" FCT customer. I thought always you can visit FCT as a FC customer but also only as such a passenger.

JohnRain

That's correct offerendum. If you're a HON traveling in Y/J you'll have access to the FCT and you're eligible for the Porsche promotion.
http://www.lufthansa.com/us/en/Porsche-Excitement

JohnRain

Despite this being my fourth visit to the FCT this year, it was the first time that I entered through the main door on the upper level (rather than through the door for transit passengers on the lower level).




Is the Five Star Diamond Certificate justified? I certainly think so.




One of the nice features of the LH lounges in general and the F lounges in particular is that they create theme-based menus, as in this case for the Olympics.










I like trying and discovering new dishes, but I nevertheless had a Schnitzel first just to make sure I wouldn't leave the table hungry/disappointed.




I went on with a few Brazilian options. First, a King Crab & Avocado Tartar with Basil Sorbet. Very good.




Then a Grilled Turbot & Pimientos de Padron. Also very enjoyable. I was getting ready for the Roasted Prime Rib with Brazilian Spices, but out of curiosity I went to the buffet and ended up sampling a few other dishes.













No meal is complete without dessert and the Strudel didn't disappoint...




...as did the Dark Chocolate Tart.




Even the gummy bears were in an Olympic mood today.




The fourth and final transfer of this trip, again in a Porsche. It's only a detail but it still matters to me and I thoroughly enjoyed it as I'll certainly get the dreaded van transfer once I'll have kids.




Cayenne vs 747




I always love watching all the LH heavies lined up.







The A380 is so big that it doesn't fit into a single picture (or maybe I'm just using the wrong lens).







Maybe it was no coincidence that for the first time in ages I got a 737 for the short hop to CDG. I literally grew up in this plane on the countless flights to visit my family in Germany when I was little. It would be my last LH 737 flight ever as the whole fleet was to be retired two months later.




My grandmother taught me a German saying: Käse schliesst den Magen (Cheese seals the stomach). As you should never disappoint your grandmother (and as I had barely eaten in the FCT anyway and skipped the cheese course altogether), I was happy to indulge.



Conclusion: The trip to Hawaii was a fantastic experience that created many unique memories. I thoroughly enjoyed taking it as well as writing about it and I'm as always very thankful for the many positive comments it generated.
Up Next: Stay tuned for my next trip report starting in January...but for now Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a Happy New Year!

747FC

Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hau'oli Makahiki Hou, JR. Great TR!

miamiflyer8

Almost sad this TR saga is over!

Have a happy New Year JohnRain!

Genius1

A very nice report JohnRain, with some excellent photos. Thank you for sharing. You showcased the LH F experience and your hotels particularly well, as well as of course the island scenes.

I'm looking forward to my trip to Hawaii in January, although to Oahu.

Wickersley

bravo Sir, bravo

offerendum

Thanks

offerendum

That´s true If you have an extensive dinner and you are "fit" after the main courses, take the cheese course. You will be totally "ready" after this.

The choices at the FCT looks like I would expect it

JohnRain

Mahalo Nui Loa, 747FC!


Thank you so much, miamiflyer8, same to you!


Thanks so much for your kind words, Genius1...
Enjoy your trip in January.


Thanks a lot, Wickersley!


Indeed, offerendum...
I'm fit for breakfast now!

gaobest

Great TR - glad you enjoyed Maui. I'm only reading this now while in Maui. I do wonder if Hawaii is an interesting place for Europeans to visit, combined with the requirements of connecting and flying American-based planes. I imagine that you could find better routing for similar relaxing places in Africa, Asia, and Australia; I've enjoyed many of your TRs in relaxing and exclusive spots. I feel the same when I see Europeans in Lake Tahoe because I imagine that snow experiences are better in Europe. I love Maui and have new ideas of great things to do besides swimming pools and beaches and Hawaiian relaxation culture. But I rarely hike let alone walk - I'm just too lazy and want to wear sandals or be barefoot for my full visit, until the return to the airport.

Also I imagine that you already drive a Porsche or Ferrari convertible - is the LH Porsche experience still that special? I'd like to eventually buy a used Porsche convertible when my son is old enough to legally sit in the front seat.