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To Malta by Lufthansa Business Class
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https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres.../map.gif?w=540 Airline: Lufthansa Cityline Aircraft: Bombardier CRJ-900 From: Euroairport Basel-Mulhouse Freibourg To: München Airport Departure: 06:30 Arrival: 07:20 Flight time: fifty minutes Seat: 2F, window seat on the starboard side It‘s just coming up to five o‘clock on Saturday morning as I make my way across the station square to catch the airport bus. Remind me, why am I doing this again? https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...1-3.jpeg?w=768 There aren‘t many people about at this time of the night. The bus isn‘t very full either. So I grab a seat at the very back and desperately try to catch just a few more minutes of sleep. At least that means check-in and security are quiet too. https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...-3.jpeg?w=1024 My flight to München is boarding from gate 60, which is inconvenient because it means I shall have to pass through the duty free shop to get to the lounge - and I really do need a coffee right now - and then back again to board my flight. https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...4-3.jpeg?w=768 Boarding starts on time. By the time I reach the gate there are only a few passengers left... ‚after-you-no-after-you-please-I-insist-after-you...‘. https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...5-3.jpeg?w=768 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...-3.jpeg?w=1024 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...-3.jpeg?w=1024 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...-3.jpeg?w=1024 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...9-3.jpeg?w=768 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...-3.jpeg?w=1024 As passengers step on board, we are handed a small chocolate biscuit sandwich. In Economy Class that is the full extent of the inflight service. But it is a very short flight after all! The crew aren‘t exactly exuberant, but they seem friendly enough and a vast improvement over my previous experience with Lufthansa. There are six rows of Business Class for a total of twelve passengers. And the cabin is full. On the CRJ-900 the bulkhead row on the port side of the aircraft is row 1. On the starboard side, the bulkhead is on row 2, because the toilet is located on what would be row 1. https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...1-3.jpeg?w=768 The CRJ-900 is a dreadful aircraft, it‘s tight and cramped and the cabin colours Lufthansa went for are just drab, dull and dark. Not sure in what universe off-grey is not depressing and ugly... on the upside though, on row 2 the aircraft really is exceptionally quiet. https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...-3.jpeg?w=1024 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...-3.jpeg?w=1024 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...5-3.jpeg?w=768 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...-3.jpeg?w=1024 Once we‘re airborne and the fasten seatbelt sign is turned off, the service begins. First the crew roll down the aisle with the food trolley, dishing out the trays. Only after all passengers have their meal do the two flight attendants return to the galley to bring out the drinks trolley. https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...-3.jpeg?w=1024 The meal is presented in a small basket with a checkered pattern, which is kind of cute. The basket contains a müsli bar of sorts, which is rather vile, a bottle of strawberry and banana smoothie that gives me heartburn before I‘ve even finished it, a few grapes, and a ham sandwich. As I said, it‘s only a short flight. https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...7-2.jpeg?w=768 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...-2.jpeg?w=1024 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...9-2.jpeg?w=768 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...0-2.jpeg?w=768 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...1-2.jpeg?w=768 The cruise isn’t very long obviously, and very soon we’re already descending into Munich. Eventually, we land at 07h15. https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...2-2.jpeg?w=768 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...-2.jpeg?w=1024 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...-2.jpeg?w=1024 The flight comes to an end on one of the few remote stands for the CRJs immediately next to the terminal building. So at least there will be no bus transfer and passengers can just walk straight into the terminal. https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...-2.jpeg?w=1024 I now have two hours before my onward flight. |
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Airline: Lufthansa Aircraft: Airbus A 320 From: München Airport To: Malta International Airport Departure: 09h30 Arrival: 11h15 Flight time: 1 hour 45 minutes Seat: 2F, window on the starboard side The flight to Malta will be departing from one of the K gates, which is the Schengen concourse of Munich‘s satellite pier. The transfer by underground from the main building takes about two minutes. There is a lounge on the K concourse, and this morning it‘s very empty. When Lufthansa opened its lounges in the ‚new‘ corporate design a few years, I thought they looked fresh and modern. But I don‘t think the design has aged well, looking at it now. Don‘t get me wrong. The lounge is in great condition and very clean. But the whole design seems slightly old-fashioned now. https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...756.jpeg?w=768 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...57.jpeg?w=1024 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...758.jpeg?w=768 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...759.jpeg?w=768 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...60.jpeg?w=1024 At 09h00 I leave the lounge and make my way to gate K07, where boarding starts just as I arrive. It‘s a Saturday morning in February and Lufthansa manages to get the flight full. I count 24 passengers in Business Class. I‘m not surprised about Lufthansa but by Malta, and the fact that it appears to have become a year round destination. Forty years ago, when we emigrated, everybody was just trying to leave the island...! https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...61.jpeg?w=1024 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...762.jpeg?w=768 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...763.jpeg?w=768 The crew on this flight seem friendly enough. If I had to guess, I would say the purser is a Dutchman who has been in Germany for quite some time. At least for a linguist his accent is interesting. There is no cold towel, no welcome drink or anything else of the sort while we‘re still on the ground. The cabin is your typical European Business Class set up. The seats are exceptionally thin but sufficiently comfortable. There are no power plugs and there are no overhead screens either. https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...64.jpeg?w=1024 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...765.jpeg?w=768 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...766.jpeg?w=768 Once we take off, we turn south towards the Alps. Our flight is routing from Munich to Ljubljana and then along the Croatian coast to Zadar. From there we cross the Adriatic to Pescara in Italy and continue on to Palermo and finally Malta. It‘s an unusual routing for sure. But we have a strong tailwind, giving us a very short flight of only one hour and 45 minutes. https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...770.jpeg?w=768 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...71.jpeg?w=1024 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...744.jpeg?w=768 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...782.jpeg?w=768 The meal service is from a trolley and every passenger is served their meal first. Once that‘s out of the way, the crew take the trolley back to the galley and then return into the cabin with the drinks trolley. I‘m guessing this is the most efficient way to do it. Because then they can just keep on going with the service in Economy Class. The meal service hasn‘t changed at all since the last time I took this flight a year ago. And I really mean, not at all. https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...75.jpeg?w=1024 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...77.jpeg?w=1024 The tray consists of a small dish of smoked salmon on buttered pumpernickel, a bowl of cream cheese sprinkled with radish, a bowl with a slice of salami, parma ham and one stick of a bell pepper and some yoghurt with a few berries on it. The crew only pass through the cabin once offering bread, and seconds are obviously discouraged. Other than that, salt and pepper are absent from the tray. https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...79.jpeg?w=1024 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...78.jpeg?w=1024 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...76.jpeg?w=1024 The crew are efficient and clear away the trays promptly. For the rest of the flight I nap, it‘s been an early start today. But then we start our descent, and suddenly I‘m wide awake again. I don‘t know how many times I‘ve returned to Malta since we left in 1979, but somehow the approach never seems to get old. Not for me at least. We make a slight left turn and Malta comes into view. We pass Kalafrana and continue out to sea before doing a sequence of gentle right turns until eventually we’re lined up for a runway 34 arrival, bringing us in right over Birzebbuga, where I spent my childhood. https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...84.jpeg?w=1024 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...85.jpeg?w=1024 While there's nothing overtly wrong with the Lufthansa service, I think it's blatantly obvious that the airline is trying to save costs at every corner. Which is what pretty much every airline is trying to do these days. What I find problematic with Lufthansa though, is that they're obviously trying to save money in all the wrong places. First of all, because I think the premium cabins are definitely not where the money should be saved. Secondly, what's worse is that as a passenger you actually notice the cuts, and that's never a good thing. Other than that, if an airline really has to rely on not having a small packet of salt and pepper on the tray, then they really must be in a very sad state. But apart from all that, even if the airline isn't really able to offer the passenger anything much in terms of the quantity or quality of the food that is served, that is still no reason for the service, such as it were, to be so indifferent and tired. |
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Airline: Lufthansa Aircraft: Airbus A 320 From: Malta International Airport To: Frankfurt Departure: 17h25 Arrival: 19h50 Flight time: 2 hours 25 minutes Seat: 2F, window on the starboard side Lufthans currently operates three daily flights out of Malta. There is one flight to Munich and two to Frankfurt. The last flight leaves Malta at 17h10 for Frankfurt, which is nice because it gives you a full day on the day of departure. At Malta airport Lufthansa has its own dedicated check-in, which usually opens three hours before departure. There are three Economy Class and one Business Class/First Class counters. In order to access the fast track lane for security and the La Vallette lounge, you need to have an invitation issued at the counter. https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...02.jpeg?w=1024 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...803.jpeg?w=768 These days the lounge in Malta tends to be crowded no matter what time you‘re there. It is a nice lounge, though, and has a good selection of local snacks and drinks. And the outside viewing area is just brilliant! https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...05.jpeg?w=1024 Boarding for the Frankfurt flight is at gate 5. Lufthansa tends to park on the same position at the north end of the apron, which requires passengers to be brought to the aircraft by bus. Much to my surprise, there is a dedicated bus for Business Class passengers and Star Alliance Gold members only, which is very pleasant. https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...08.jpeg?w=1024 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...809.jpeg?w=768 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...10.jpeg?w=1024 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...11.jpeg?w=1024 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...813.jpeg?w=768 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...812.jpeg?w=768 The Business Class cabin has six rows, and from what I can see, there are twenty passengers in the forward cabin this evening. On row two the seat pitch is generous. https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...817.jpeg?w=768 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...14.jpeg?w=1024 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...815.jpeg?w=768 We start taxiing out just as the golden hour begins in Malta. It's that special time of day when the setting sun casts a golden light on the Maltese limestone. Be depart in a northwesterly direction, flying down the full length of the island before heading north to Palermo. https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...821.jpeg?w=768 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...22.jpeg?w=1024 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...24.jpeg?w=1024 The crew on this flight are polite but reserved. And the purser's enunciation when she makes an announcement is just strange, even in her first language... The service is pretty much the same as on the outbound yesterday, except with better food. https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...26.jpeg?w=1024 There is a small dish with a chunky piece of smoked salmon on a very tasty potato salad, some vitello tonnato with parmigiano shavings and some soft cream cheese on a coulis of bell peppers. For dessert there is some vanilla cream with strawberries and a small box with two pralines, but the chocolate is not as refined as the Swiss stuff. https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...28.jpeg?w=1024 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...27.jpeg?w=1024 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...29.jpeg?w=1024 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...832.jpeg?w=768 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...830.jpeg?w=768 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...31.jpeg?w=1024 En route we're treated to a gorgeous sunset, until eventually the world disappears into darkness. It's quite poetic to watch! https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...35.jpeg?w=1024 Our descent into Frankfurt, on the other hand, is very rough, with low clouds, rain and gusting winds. We touch down at 19h50 and make our way to the A pier, and by 20h00 we‘re pulling on to our stand at gate A18. I now have thirty minutes before the flight to Basel starts boarding. |
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Airline: Lufthansa Cityline Aircraft: Bombardier CRJ-900 From: Frankfurt To: Euroairport Basel-Mulhouse Freibourg Departure: 22h05 Arrival: 22h40 Flight time: 35 minutes Seat: 4A My flight from Malta ends at gate A18. I now need to make my way through that depressing tunnel that connects the A pier to the B gates. The lifts taking passengers down to the tunnel at basement level are hopelessly overloaded, so I take the stairs instead. https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...839.jpeg?w=768 Part of the tunnel is closed, hopefully for embellishing, but in this rat hole I‘m pretty sure that‘s a lost cause... at least there aren‘t that many people down here and I make quick progress. As soon as I arrive at the gate, they make an announcement inviting all passengers who have been to China in the last two weeks, or to a country with reported cases of corona virus or who have a Chinese passport to contact the ground staff. I find this rather odd. While I understand that there is clearly cause for concern over the spreading of the corona virus, I still think it's racist and rather awkward to single out the nationals of one country only. In any case, once boarding begins, we go down once more into the bowels of the terminal complex and then take the compliemtary bus tour of Frankfurt airport to reach our aircraft, which is literally parked on the remotest remote stand, in the eastern-most corner of the apron. https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...40.jpeg?w=1024 Boarding is quickly completed and the flight is not full. The Business Class cabin has eight rows. Although there are only two people on row 5, behind me, and another passenger across the aisle from me on 4F. https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...41.jpeg?w=1024 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...42.jpeg?w=1024 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...843.jpeg?w=768 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...44.jpeg?w=1024 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...45.jpeg?w=1024 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...846.jpeg?w=768 https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...848.jpeg?w=768 There are two male crew in the cabin. Again, they make an interesting linguistic case study. The purser is obviously Australian. His German is very good and he only makes few mistakes with his declensions. His colleague is probably German. His English is fine, but with a slighly strange accent. Allegedly, he also speaks French, most of which, though, is incomprehensible. As passengers board, they are handed a packed of almonds. https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...847.jpeg?w=768 We make our way out to runway 18, which is at the completely opposite end of the airfield, despite the fact the threshold for runway 25C is only a few hundred metres away from our stand. We reach the runway, stop abruptly and then turn back. Apparently, the wind has changed and runway 18 is no longer available. So we have to make our way back to the threshold of runway 25C and wait for a slot for us to open... One hour and fifteen take-offs later it's finally our turn to make our departure. The initial climb is very bumpy, but then very quickly we settle into the cruise and the crew begin their service. For dinner there is small plate with a skewer of feta cheese, olive and cucumber, another piece of vitello tonnato wrapped around some leaves of rocket, and a few slices of melon. For dessert there a passion fruit mousse and more of the chocolates. By the time the crew clear away the trays, we're already descending into Basel. https://knightofmalta.files.wordpres...50.jpeg?w=1024 We land at 22h40, one hour behind schedule. Which is not so good, because it's also around the same time the easyJet fleet based in Basel returns home. As a result, the bus heading into town tends to get very full. As we taxi in, I notice the KLM flight from Amsterdam is nowhere to be seen, which is strange and slightly worrying, considering it should have landed at 21h45. I suppose I should be alarmed, but that's another story, I'm too tired... |
Great review thanks. The food reminds me why I avoid Lufthansa these days.
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Very good review. On a Dec 2019 flight (LHR - FRA) in Biz class, I had no special meal (Kosher), and the two cabin crew, rather than telling me, simply omitted be from both the drinks and food run. I eventually asked them if they had something for me and I got some bread and butter. On a more recent journey LHR - FRA - ATH, I decided not to take any chances and so ordered a vegetarian meal for LHR - FRA, and an Asian vegetarian meal for FRA - ATH. I got the exact same dish for both flights!
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Nothing better than dusk, a peaceful airport and a slew of aircraft on the apron.
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A measly four grapes in a glass bowl???? Why bother, and what does it actually cost for the cleaning of that small bowl so it can be reused? |
Originally Posted by William Agius
(Post 32109905)
While there's nothing overtly wrong with the Lufthansa service, I think it's blatantly obvious that the airline is trying to save costs at every corner. Which is what pretty much every airline is trying to do these days. What I find problematic with Lufthansa though, is that they're obviously trying to save money in all the wrong places. First of all, because I think the premium cabins are definitely not where the money should be saved. Secondly, what's worse is that as a passenger you actually notice the cuts, and that's never a good thing. Other than that, if an airline really has to rely on not having a small packet of salt and pepper on the tray, then they really must be in a very sad state. But apart from all that, even if the airline isn't really able to offer the passenger anything much in terms of the quantity or quality of the food that is served, that is still no reason for the service, such as it were, to be so indifferent and tired. Cheers! |
Originally Posted by nldogbert
(Post 32121944)
110% agree with this statement....even though they do have their cheap "P-fares" which by itself is quite useless if not crediting back to M&M, compared to other major EU airlines (and even to LX and OS), LH is really at the bottom (I would say the Ryanair of J-service). For a flight of 1h45m with BA, service is excellent and you do get what you pay for even with their cheap J-fares. Sadly to see LH being LH, remains arrogant...
Cheers! |
Thanks for the review.
I think there should be no meal served at all on BSL-MUC and FRA-BSL in business class. Have a pack of oreas, a granola bar, and a few pretzel ready, that's it. There isn't the time for a full meal and an aircraft doesn't provide the means necessary to cook properly. Why this pseudo-meal, I think it'd be more reasonable people eat before or after. You will survive on pretzels for an hour. As for the somewhat longer MUC-MLA, MLA-FRA flights: I think they're seeking a compromise there. People tend to eat too much on days they fly. Some people will have had plenty of food on a long haul (for them, the MLA flight is a connecting flight or a feeder). Others will have eaten in the lounge. I realize some people come to the airport late. Maybe straight from work without a chance of a meal. But why don't do a compromise for those people? Upon request, serve them a more substantial meal (more substantial than the three or four mini servings plus a roll you're currently getting) against a nominal fee of 10 or 20 eurow. This ensures people who've already eaten on the ground/on a long-haul flight don't take the meal just because it's free. |
Originally Posted by offerendum
(Post 32123108)
Wouldn´t praise BA too much. They started to sit people on the free middle seat at J..... Also BA reduced seat pitch in J a few years ago.
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Originally Posted by Comatose.Captain
(Post 32123347)
Thanks for the review.
I think there should be no meal served at all on BSL-MUC and FRA-BSL in business class. Have a pack of oreas, a granola bar, and a few pretzel ready, that's it. There isn't the time for a full meal and an aircraft doesn't provide the means necessary to cook properly. Why this pseudo-meal, I think it'd be more reasonable people eat before or after. You will survive on pretzels for an hour. As for the somewhat longer MUC-MLA, MLA-FRA flights: I think they're seeking a compromise there. People tend to eat too much on days they fly. Some people will have had plenty of food on a long haul (for them, the MLA flight is a connecting flight or a feeder). Others will have eaten in the lounge. I realize some people come to the airport late. Maybe straight from work without a chance of a meal. But why don't do a compromise for those people? Upon request, serve them a more substantial meal (more substantial than the three or four mini servings plus a roll you're currently getting) against a nominal fee of 10 or 20 eurow. This ensures people who've already eaten on the ground/on a long-haul flight don't take the meal just because it's free. |
Originally Posted by William Agius
(Post 32133272)
I though that was just a temporary thing to cope with the backlog after the blackout in Heathrow.
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Thank you for your report!
Bus boarding in most cases destroys the experience. |
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