Lufthansa SFO-FRA First Class with pics
Sep 6, 2008, 10:27 am
#1
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Lufthansa SFO-FRA First Class with pics
After our superb SFO-MUC-SFO trip last December with only 8 pax on the 340, I was interested to see how the experience compared in the larger F cabin on the 744. Although last minute upgrades and at least one "friend" made it a full complement of 16, service was excellent, the food superb and our glasses never empty.
Traveling as a couple, I actually preferred the ambiance of the private upper deck especially from 83HK and the roomy exit row space, rather than the DG middle seats on the 340. I didn't mind the permanent serving station behind 82HK as it was only used during beverage and meal service.
However, one of the drawbacks of the upper deck is the stairs themselves, especially with heavy carry-ons. Another issue is the proximity of the galley and the lack of any sound barrier. Although it was not noticeable during dinner service, the prep for breakfast setup with dishes and glasses was clearly audible as most of us were sleeping or trying to. Another is that foot traffic seems more noticeable as the floor bounces a lot more than on the lower deck... or perhaps our FAs and fellow pax just weighed more than on the earlier flights?
There is also no storage space for standard roller carry-ons, relegating those to the not so convenient closet at the top of the stairs. Even smaller carry-ons don't fit overhead and must be placed behind the seat in the well, but then have to be moved to permit a full lie flat seat recline.
Prior to boarding, the UA IFL was quite comfortable, manned by two friendly dragons upstairs who made timely boarding announcements for all *A departures. Serve yourself food and beverage offerings, while not exciting, seemed better than the last time we were there (although it was UA so expectations were pretty low to begin with), probably because it was just after noon and there were a slew of UA international departures.
Once on board at our spacious exit row seats (83HK), we were quickly offered pre-departure drinks and mac nuts, PJs, amenity kits and slippers. With everyone on board some 25 minutes before scheduled departure time, the door was closed. We were actually in the air prior to our scheduled departure time. Taking off from 28R, we were treated to an amazing view of the coast, the GG bridge and the entire city.
Even with a full cabin of 16, the 3 FA's provided exceptional service. We started with champagne with my wife opting for the Cuvée Paradis Rosé. Silly me, I asked for the D since they were both on the menu. But, they were only serving the rosé SFO-FRA. Just not quite the same as "Mr. SFO, would you like the Dom or the Krug?" on my recent SQ flights.
But it was still excellent...
And went very well with my caviar, which is the one thing that LH does better than SQ... unlimited helpings from the cart and all the sides one could want, proper plain toast points instead of melba toast. ^
Our menu...
And the LH rose...
The Seasonal salad with shaved parmesan and balsamic was quite good.
I stayed with champagne as the wine offerings (Chilean Sauvignon Blanc and Wente Chardonnay) seemed distinctly uninspiring and far beneath SQ's vintage offerings.
The main course of Beef Tournedos with Cilantro Crust, Wasabi mashed potatoes and Bok Choy was exceptional and perfectly prepared...medium rare.
The 2001 Chateau Lynch-Moussas Cru Classé was quite good although after my G&T and four glasses of champagne, it might as well have been 2 Buck Chuck.
After dinner, the cheese and dessert cart...
The cheese course and 2003 Neipoort were excellent.
...and the grilled pineapple and mac ice cream were a pleasant finish to a very enjoyable inflight meal.
Good night...
During dinner, the purser stopped by to say hello and inquire about our LH experience. We had a pleasant conversation but he erroneously recommended that we not bother with the FCT and go the "new B concourse FCL". Wow, was that a mistake. After our arrival at B42, there was no LH gate staff to direct us so we (and four other F pax) followed the signs to the FCL that was a good mile away (up, down, up) through one of the most ugly terminals I've been through recently. Once we arrived at this obscurely located lounge, we were advised by the dragons that this was just a limited service FCL (indeed the sign on the front door read "Open until 2PM only") to go to the A concourse lounge was was much nicer and had a full restaurant and showers. So like sheep, we trudged half way back, then thru C&I, out and a U-turn back into the A/B concourse. Another mile later, we were at the FCL above A26.
In retrospect, I actually thought my penalty box arrival on SQ last month and bus ride was less tiring, especially since I wasn't connecting on that trip and had no need for FCL/FCT.
Once we finally got to gate A26, the FCL was pleasant enough and conveniently located close to our connecting gate. The staff was most attentive and helpful. I only had to wait 10 minutes for a shower (which I definitely needed after our trek around a dismal FRA airport) in a very attractive and nicely appointed bath suite.
The entire arrival-from NA-for-connection experience at ugly FRA was just awful, in sharp contrast to wonderful MUC... with its well located FCL, private C&I and security, plus car transfer to your connecting gate.
Unless I missed something, why would anyone in their right mind willingly connect in FRA from North America if you could connect in hassle-free MUC? Though I can see where the FCT would make FRA the choice for fights to North America if one were originating.
Traveling as a couple, I actually preferred the ambiance of the private upper deck especially from 83HK and the roomy exit row space, rather than the DG middle seats on the 340. I didn't mind the permanent serving station behind 82HK as it was only used during beverage and meal service.
However, one of the drawbacks of the upper deck is the stairs themselves, especially with heavy carry-ons. Another issue is the proximity of the galley and the lack of any sound barrier. Although it was not noticeable during dinner service, the prep for breakfast setup with dishes and glasses was clearly audible as most of us were sleeping or trying to. Another is that foot traffic seems more noticeable as the floor bounces a lot more than on the lower deck... or perhaps our FAs and fellow pax just weighed more than on the earlier flights?
There is also no storage space for standard roller carry-ons, relegating those to the not so convenient closet at the top of the stairs. Even smaller carry-ons don't fit overhead and must be placed behind the seat in the well, but then have to be moved to permit a full lie flat seat recline.Prior to boarding, the UA IFL was quite comfortable, manned by two friendly dragons upstairs who made timely boarding announcements for all *A departures. Serve yourself food and beverage offerings, while not exciting, seemed better than the last time we were there (although it was UA so expectations were pretty low to begin with), probably because it was just after noon and there were a slew of UA international departures.
Once on board at our spacious exit row seats (83HK), we were quickly offered pre-departure drinks and mac nuts, PJs, amenity kits and slippers. With everyone on board some 25 minutes before scheduled departure time, the door was closed. We were actually in the air prior to our scheduled departure time. Taking off from 28R, we were treated to an amazing view of the coast, the GG bridge and the entire city.
Even with a full cabin of 16, the 3 FA's provided exceptional service. We started with champagne with my wife opting for the Cuvée Paradis Rosé. Silly me, I asked for the D since they were both on the menu. But, they were only serving the rosé SFO-FRA. Just not quite the same as "Mr. SFO, would you like the Dom or the Krug?" on my recent SQ flights.
But it was still excellent...
And went very well with my caviar, which is the one thing that LH does better than SQ... unlimited helpings from the cart and all the sides one could want, proper plain toast points instead of melba toast. ^
Our menu...
And the LH rose...
The Seasonal salad with shaved parmesan and balsamic was quite good.
I stayed with champagne as the wine offerings (Chilean Sauvignon Blanc and Wente Chardonnay) seemed distinctly uninspiring and far beneath SQ's vintage offerings.
The main course of Beef Tournedos with Cilantro Crust, Wasabi mashed potatoes and Bok Choy was exceptional and perfectly prepared...medium rare.
The 2001 Chateau Lynch-Moussas Cru Classé was quite good although after my G&T and four glasses of champagne, it might as well have been 2 Buck Chuck.
After dinner, the cheese and dessert cart...
The cheese course and 2003 Neipoort were excellent.
...and the grilled pineapple and mac ice cream were a pleasant finish to a very enjoyable inflight meal.
Good night...
During dinner, the purser stopped by to say hello and inquire about our LH experience. We had a pleasant conversation but he erroneously recommended that we not bother with the FCT and go the "new B concourse FCL". Wow, was that a mistake.
After our arrival at B42, there was no LH gate staff to direct us so we (and four other F pax) followed the signs to the FCL that was a good mile away (up, down, up) through one of the most ugly terminals I've been through recently. Once we arrived at this obscurely located lounge, we were advised by the dragons that this was just a limited service FCL (indeed the sign on the front door read "Open until 2PM only") to go to the A concourse lounge was was much nicer and had a full restaurant and showers. So like sheep, we trudged half way back, then thru C&I, out and a U-turn back into the A/B concourse. Another mile later, we were at the FCL above A26. In retrospect, I actually thought my penalty box arrival on SQ last month and bus ride was less tiring, especially since I wasn't connecting on that trip and had no need for FCL/FCT.
Once we finally got to gate A26, the FCL was pleasant enough and conveniently located close to our connecting gate. The staff was most attentive and helpful. I only had to wait 10 minutes for a shower (which I definitely needed after our trek around a dismal FRA airport) in a very attractive and nicely appointed bath suite.
The entire arrival-from NA-for-connection experience at ugly FRA was just awful, in sharp contrast to wonderful MUC... with its well located FCL, private C&I and security, plus car transfer to your connecting gate.
Unless I missed something, why would anyone in their right mind willingly connect in FRA from North America if you could connect in hassle-free MUC? Though I can see where the FCT would make FRA the choice for fights to North America if one were originating.
Last edited by SFO777; Sep 6, 2008 at 11:01 am
Sep 6, 2008, 11:04 am
#2
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,558
Thanks for the report! Again very informative. Thanks for putting in the work!
Your pics give a good feel for the lounge as well.
I WHOLEHEARTEDLY AGREE with your comments about the ground service and lounges. I cannot understand why the ground staff cannot be more helpful in getting you TO the actual lounge. My wife and I were off one plane and it took us about 90 minutes to get into the FCT at FRA. The moron at the "other lounge" gave us completely wrong instructions and no one was willing to either escort us there or help otherwise. 3 staff were basically standing around doing nothing yet told us they "could not escort us or get us an escort" - this when my wife was ill. Once we got to the FCL everything was fine, but getting there was a pain.
I did notice no 3-tiered set-up with the appetizers in your report - have they done away with it (again)? It always looks quite nice and no one else does it.
Did you get a ducky in your bath?
One thing I notice when upstairs on LH is that after about 5 hours I start feeling claustrophobic. I think it's the curved ceiling. We always try to sit in the last row on the right, to lessen the feeling. I wonder if anyone else gets that feeling?
Your pics give a good feel for the lounge as well.
I WHOLEHEARTEDLY AGREE with your comments about the ground service and lounges. I cannot understand why the ground staff cannot be more helpful in getting you TO the actual lounge. My wife and I were off one plane and it took us about 90 minutes to get into the FCT at FRA. The moron at the "other lounge" gave us completely wrong instructions and no one was willing to either escort us there or help otherwise. 3 staff were basically standing around doing nothing yet told us they "could not escort us or get us an escort" - this when my wife was ill. Once we got to the FCL everything was fine, but getting there was a pain.
I did notice no 3-tiered set-up with the appetizers in your report - have they done away with it (again)? It always looks quite nice and no one else does it.
Did you get a ducky in your bath?
One thing I notice when upstairs on LH is that after about 5 hours I start feeling claustrophobic. I think it's the curved ceiling. We always try to sit in the last row on the right, to lessen the feeling. I wonder if anyone else gets that feeling?
Last edited by Flyingfox; Sep 6, 2008 at 11:12 am
Sep 6, 2008, 12:14 pm
#4
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Argentina
Posts: 40,211
Great pictures SFO777.
I have to say I wouldn't fancy travelling alone on the 747 upper deck and having a seat neighbour so close to me, it just doesn't seem very F Class these days although okay if you are travelling as a pair.
I have to say I wouldn't fancy travelling alone on the 747 upper deck and having a seat neighbour so close to me, it just doesn't seem very F Class these days although okay if you are travelling as a pair.
Sep 6, 2008, 12:24 pm
#5
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Agree with HIDDY the LH experience is nice but getting up close and personal with a stranger in F is really not that nice. Escpecially if they have bad breath.
I just changed my LHR-FRA-SIN flight to a LHR-SIN in SQ F as I wasn't too keen on the LH F experience again even though the FRA ground experience is terrific.
Oh well I get to try the clubhouse for the first time instead. And of course Dom or Krug for you Mr Moomba?
Sep 6, 2008, 12:36 pm
#6
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Scottsdale
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The F cabin really doesn't belong upstairs on a 747 IMHO. Too cramped and too many seats. Maybe if they only had one F seat on each side - for a total of 8 - that would be alright.
But I specifically connected in SEA instead of LAX just so I could ride in the 333.
Sep 6, 2008, 12:56 pm
#7
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Agree entirely. I agonized for a bit about this, but changed our original DEN-MUC on a 330 (with a UA connection) a week before departure to fly non-stop SFO-FRA after LH released more mileage seats. If and when LH installs their new F seats, hopefully they'll correct this problem, and also shrink the F cabin.
Sep 6, 2008, 1:03 pm
#8
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Sep 6, 2008, 9:38 pm
#12
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I usually don't order duck on airplanes, but I had the Christmas Goose in December on LH F from MUC to LAX and it was absolutely incredible. Plus, a recent F flight on BA from LHR to NRT had the best duck I've ever tasted.
All in all, I find that catering from the U.S. is usually hit-or-miss, while catering from FRA, or especially MUC is consistently good.
But IMHO, the F catering from NRT on NH, JL and SQ is completely beyond reproach. The Japanese have an obsession with quality food that is simply amazing.
Buggers, now I'm hungry again.
Sep 8, 2008, 6:47 am
#13
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Thanks for your nice report.
Transferring in MUC is more convenient since MUC is the newer airport and has the more intelligent design than the old 70ties T1 Lufthansa uses in FRA. Still FRA is easy to connect especially if you only need to connect from A to A gates but everything else can be quite a hassle and I still have my doubts how LH will actually solve this problem with the long walk from the A gates to the new C/D gates which can take you about 20 minutes and is not manageable for people with walking problems.
And of course the FCT in FRA is the one and only. If you have a long layover of more then 2 hours it is a must to use it. Even if it means you have to walk a little bit to get either to the first class check-in to take the limousine service to the FCT or to walk yourself to the FCT.
Transferring in MUC is more convenient since MUC is the newer airport and has the more intelligent design than the old 70ties T1 Lufthansa uses in FRA. Still FRA is easy to connect especially if you only need to connect from A to A gates but everything else can be quite a hassle and I still have my doubts how LH will actually solve this problem with the long walk from the A gates to the new C/D gates which can take you about 20 minutes and is not manageable for people with walking problems.
And of course the FCT in FRA is the one and only. If you have a long layover of more then 2 hours it is a must to use it. Even if it means you have to walk a little bit to get either to the first class check-in to take the limousine service to the FCT or to walk yourself to the FCT.
Sep 12, 2008, 1:42 pm
#14
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was this an award ticket???? also, is it possible when booking an award ticket to ask them to route me thru MUC rather than FRA on my way to CAI??? This airport lounge looks awesome!!!
Sep 14, 2008, 7:59 am
#15
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Yes, we used mileage (ANA tool for availability and Amex miles thru AC for booking). For LH, you can use either MUC or FRA... it all depends on seat availability. From SFO, MUC is a little tougher since there are only 8 F seats on the daily 340 vs. 16 on the 744. Also, I found that LH releases award seats in the week prior to departure depending on load. This helped us change from a UA/LH DEN connection to an SFO nonstop in the last week, for a nominal $50 pp fee.