Looking back, I can’t believe how this flight came to be. This whole trip started because I needed to get to Munich in June. To get to Munich I could have of course just booked a flight there, but what’s the fun in that? Instead, I decided to book a flight from Stockholm to New York with a return to Munich in June. This of course created another issue, I now had to get to Stockholm.
When planning out ways to get to Stockholm I kept coming back to one option, Lufthansa First Class. It had been a year since I last flew Lufthansa First and I wanted to give it another try. However, there is usually one major issue with Lufthansa First Class and that is booking it. See, Lufthansa typically doesn’t release First Class award space until 14 days prior to departure. This meant that I’d have to wait until “the last minute” to book my flight to Stockholm.
At T-14 I began a rigorous search of Lufthansa award space. The first day I looked I found space, but it disappeared quickly. I continued searching over and over again until finally, on National Unicorn Day (fitting), space from Chicago to Frankfurt and onto Stockholm opened up. I couldn’t believe how lucky I had gotten so I booked it that minute. In the end, the flight cost me 110,000 United miles and $190.
For this review I’ll include my Lufthansa First Class flight on the Boeing 747-8 and the Lufthansa First Class Terminal as it is essentially part of the whole experience.
Lufthansa First Class Check-In At Chicago O’Hare International Airport
As with most Star Alliance flights, Lufthansa flights depart from Chicago O’Hare’s Terminal 1. When arriving to the airport by car the Lufthansa check-in door is the very first door on the departures level.
Once inside you’ll notice the Lufthansa Crane proudly displayed next to the United logo.
Just to the right of the Crane is the Lufthansa check-in counter. Lufthansa maintains separate check-in lanes for Economy, Business, and First Class customers.
As I was flying Lufthansa First Class I had access to the First Class check-in lane. Star Alliance Gold elite members also have access to international first class check-in lanes.
When I arrived to the first class check-in lane the couple in front of me was having a small issue with their reservation. Because of the delay the business class check-in agent called me over where the check-in process was seamless. I simply handed him my passport and shortly thereafter he printed my boarding cards.
When traveling in Lufthansa First Class your boarding cards are handed back to you in an elegant Lufthansa First Class pouch. The below picture features the First Class boarding card holder, but is actually from the Lufthansa First Class Terminal which I’ll discuss a little later in the post.
After checking into my flight I proceeded through security and onto the fantastic United Polaris Lounge. Passengers traveling on most Star Alliance international flights in business class or higher have access to the Polaris lounge.
Boarding My Lufthansa First Class Flight
After a very nice visit to the United Polaris Lounge I proceeded back to the B concourse to be nearer to our actual boarding gate. Or flight departed from Gate B16 so we were also able to use the B18 United Club nearby before boarding.
As I arrived at the boarding gate I found separate lanes which are divided by group number. As I was flying in first class I had access to the first class boarding lane.
Before joining the first class boarding line I decided to visit the gate desk to see if it would be possible to board early in order to get photos of the empty first class cabin. Before I could even ask the question the gate agent suggested that I wait in the “pre-boarding” area which was reserved for Lufthansa Hon Circle passengers and those with disabilities. It was nice that I didn’t even have to ask about pre-boarding the aircraft.
After a short wait the boarding process began and we proceeded down the jet-bridge to the aircraft.
As I arrived at the boarding door a flight attendant greeted me, checked my seat assignment, and escorted me to my seat in the nose of the 747-8.
As we boarding the aircraft we were met by a very simple Lufthansa First Class plaque accompanied by two long stem roses.
Once on board I asked if it would be ok to take photos, to which the answer was “of course.” In fact, the flight attendants even vacated the cabin.
Lufthansa First Class 747-8 Cabin
As the First Class cabin on the 747-8 is in the nose the entire space feels incredibly intimate. The first class cabin consists of 8 seats. There are three seats along each side of the aircraft and two seats in the center of the cabin.
In the middle of the cabin is a small counter area which is used by the cabin crew for the pre-departure beverage service.
As we boarding the aircraft the service counter was setup for the pre-departure Champagne and macadamia nut service.
Majority of the interior lighting comes from the very small, but strong LED lights in the ceiling of the cabin. Also, the cockpit is located just above this area.
There are no center overhead bins in the nose of the 747, but there are large storage lockers along either side of the cabin. However, passengers in the first class cabin really have no reason to use the overhead lockers. Instead, each passenger has an assigned storage closet located toward the rear of the cabin.
As I was sitting in seat 3A I was assigned locker 3A for the flight.
Inside was a hanger, and plenty of space for a normal sized carry-on.
After looking around the cabin for a few moments another passenger arrived to the first class cabin and it was time for me to take my seat.
Lufthansa First Class 747-8 Seat
For the flight I opted for seat 3A which is a window seat found at the rear of the cabin.
Row 3 is also home to the two center seats which are extremely coveted by couples traveling together.
As you can see the seats are quite large and spacious. Most importantly, they are among the most comfortable seats I’ve ever sat in. That makes a huge difference when you’re sitting in a seat for 7+ hours.
Each seat also comes with a large ottoman which slides toward you. In the stowed position the ottoman is too far away to be used during taxi, takeoff, and landing. The ottoman also doubles as additional in-seat storage.
Inside there is plenty of room for a laptop, headphones, or other items you may want to access easily during the flight.
When seated in my seat (3A) the cabin doesn’t offer much privacy. Each seat features a retractable privacy screen which can be raised in-flight, but must be stowed for taxi, takeoff, and landing.
The front of each seat features a large in-flight entertainment monitor and a vase which holds a long-stemmed rose.
Lufthansa First Class 747-8 Seat Controls
Both the in-flight entertainment controls and the physical seat controls are found in the armrest of the chair. The left armrest featured the IFE controls which were on a remote under a small cover.
Under the cover was the removable IFE remote which wasn’t as intuitive to use as others. You’ll notice toward the front of the cover there are physical buttons which you can use to pause, play, fast forward, or adjust the volume of the IFE monitor. These buttons meant that you didn’t have to open the cover each time you wanted to make a small adjustment.
It was a similar setup on the right armrest. A small cover housed the seat controls, but there were a few physical buttons which you could use to adjust certain parts of the chair.
The seat controls were again a little difficult to understand. It takes some playing around with each adjustment to find a comfortable seating position, but once I found the right setting I couldn’t think of a more comfortable airplane seat.
Located beneath the window armrest were two power outlets and two USB outlets.
As I was becoming more familiar with the seat the Capitan made his way around the cabin and introduced himself to ever first class passenger. After that, as the aircraft door was closed the flight attendant circulated the cabin to distribute the in-flight menus, pajamas, and amenity kits.
Lufthansa First Class 747-8 Pre-Departure Service
As we pushed back form the gate the flight attendant dropped off a glass of 1995 Blanc Des Millenaires Champagne which retails for about $200 a bottle. Additionally, a small bowl of macadamia nuts were distributed as they are on most Lufthansa First Class flights.
Before we pushed back we were also given a set of van laack pajamas.
We were also given a Jil Sander amenity kit pouch.
Inside the leather pouch were a pair of flight socks, a shoe horn, ear plus, a dental kit, a comb/brush, and a set of La Prairie moisturizing creams.
As we pushed back from the gate the incredibly sterile Lufthansa safety video began playing. The video is fine, it’s just extremely… German. There is no fanfare whatsoever.
Once the video ended I began searching for a movie to watch as we taxied toward the runway.
Before long we made the final turn onto the runway.
A few moments later we were in the skies over Chicago.
Takeoff was smooth, but when sitting in the nose of the aircraft you are directly above the nose wheel. As the wheel retracts it makes a lot of noise and shakes the cabin. If you’ve never experienced it before it can be quite alarming, but we obviously had nothing to worry about.
Lufthansa First Class 747-8 Lavatory
Immediately after take-off I made my way to the First Class lavatory to change into my flight pajamas.
The 747-8 features two First Class lavatories, one on either side of the cabin, both of which are reserved for first class passengers only. Once inside you’ll fine a spacious lavatory which is most importantly clean.
As you walk in you’ll notice a large bench and a padded seat. This area was perfect to put things on when changing into my in-flight pajamas. The seat opens to reveal the toilet.
The lavatory also features a very nice sink which also offers Evian water mist bottles, mouth wash, and hand lotion. The lavatory of course also features a signature Lufthansa First Class rose.
Underneath the sink are two storage compartments. The first contained additional Evian mist bottles, a few Lufthansa comb/brush sets, and makeup removing towelettes.
The lower drawer featured additional moisturizing towels and shaving kits.
After changing into my pajamas and a quick shave I returned to my seat just in time for dinner.
Lufthansa First Class 747-8 Connectivity
When I returned to my seat I found a WiFi voucher. Recently Lufthansa started giving first class passengers unlimited free WiFi on all WiFi equipped flights.
I personally love this decision as I’ve always found it ridiculous to charge $20 for WiFi when you’re already paying several thousand dollars.
Connecting to the WiFi was incredibly easy, although the WiFI voucher code was a bit long.
Prices for in-flight WiFi are shown above. Overall the WiFi was plenty fast on my phone to browse social media, check emails, and do a (very) little bit of blogging. The voucher is only valid for up to one device, however, the flight attendant happily offered a second voucher for if I wanted to connect my laptop to the WiFi.
Lufthansa First Class 747-8 Menus
After I connected to the in-flight WiFi I began reviewing the menus which were distributed shortly before takeoff.
The in-flight meal service menu began with a note from “the Lufthansa team” and read as follows.
As our flight departed in the evening we were given dinner and breakfast options.
The menu continued to share the cultural reasons behind the meal choices on offer.
After perusing the meal service menu I began to flip through the beverage menu. Again, the beverage menu began with an introduction from the Lufthansa sommelier.
The wine menu read as follows.
As you can see there was quite the selection of wines from all over the world.
The beverage menu continued with a wide selection of liquor, beer, soft drinks, and juices.
Lastly, the beverage menu featured quite the selection of hot beverage options.
After looking through the menu for a few minutes the flight attendant returned to take my in-flight meal order. He explained that because of the late departure I could opt for the express meal or instead order a standard dinner. I’ll let you guess as to which I chose.
Lufthansa First Class 747-8 Dinner Service
The in-flight meal service technically began with a second Champagne course which I graciously accepted. When the flight attendant delivered the Champagne he also dropped of a hot towel accompanied by a single rose petal.
A few moments later the flight attendant returned with an amuse bouche to introduce the in-flight meal service.
Following the amuse bouche, which was delicious by the way, the flight attendant deployed the massive tray table. The table rises from a compartment near the rose and slides toward you. It’s definitely the most overcomplicated tray table I’ve ever seen.
A little bit later the flight attendant returned to set my table for dinner. He dropped of a pretzel roll, a pad of butter (not stamped with “first class”), a plate of olive oil, and salt shakers.
I took this picture not realizing that these were both salt shakers until he returned a few moments later when he realized the mistake. I tend not to use salt/pepper so I didn’t care either way.
A little while later the first course of the meal service officially began.
Lufthansa First Class Dinner Service
The first course arrives to your seat on a little cart. As the flight was so late in the evening and relatively short, we were given all three small plates and the signature caviar dish all at once.
On our flight the small plates consisted of a Confit of Arctic Char, a Herb crusted Beef with Wheatberry Salad, and a plate of Watermelon, Radish, Wakame Salad, and Orange and Ginger Vinaigrette. These small plates were accompanied with a plate of caviar which came with a lime, onions, toast, egg whites, cheese, and sour cream.
After finishing the first course I ordered the Grilled Beef Filet with Burgundy sauce as my main course. I also ordered one of my favorite beers in the world, the Koenig Ludwig Dunkel which I was introduced to the first time I flew Lufthansa First Class.
The filet was a bit small, but given the amount of food I had already eaten the size was perfect. After finishing my main course the flight attendant returned with dessert.
Dessert was an amazing Sea Salt Brownie plated on a bed of Creme Anglaise and garnished with a strawberry slice. Honestly, this was the best dessert I’ve ever had on a plane. My only compliant is that the brownie was a bit small, I could have easily eaten four of these given how great they were.
Lufthansa First Class Dinner Service
Following dinner the cabin crew further dimmed the cabin lights and began the turn-down service. It surprised me how many passengers opted to skip dinner altogether.
When I requested the turn-down service I left the cabin to brush my teeth in the lavatory. When I returned my seat had been fully converted to a bed. To make the bed the cabin crew put a mattress pad and sheet over the seat and then provide a thick comforter and pillow. They also raised the privacy screen which as you’ll see below is quite effective.
Of all the airplane beds I’ve ever slept in, Lufthansa First Class’ is my favorite. The bed is incredibly comfortable. After laying down I ended up sleeping for 5 straight hours. I woke up relaxed and refreshed as the cabin crew began the “sunrise” lighting effect.
As you can see, the privacy divider provides quite a bit of privacy from other passengers.
Lufthansa First Class Breakfast Service
Almost immediately after I woke up the flight attendant visited my seat to see if I wanted anything for breakfast. I quickly ordered a cappuccino which arrived a few minutes later.
At this point I also began snacking on the evening Coppeneur chocolates which were passed out with the turn-down service.
For breakfast I ended up ordering a few different small plates because I panicked when the flight attendant stopped by to take my order. I ended up ordering a cured meat and cheese dish, a fruit dish, and a bowl of cereal.
Breakfast again was delicious and in the end I ordered the perfect amount of food although ordering three dishes seemed a bit aggressive at first.
Lufthansa First Class 747-8 Cabin By Day
Obviously the Lufthansa First Class cabin on the 747-8 is beautiful, but up until this point of the flight the cabin had only been illuminated by artificial light. Then, about 45 minutes before arrival the cabin crew opened automatic window shades which flooded the cabin with natural daylight. It is when the cabin is illuminated by natural light that I think it looks absolutely stunning.
I love the use of light tan, white, and black featured in the Lufthansa First Class cabin. It was at this point when I realized the walls of the cabin were actually lined with soft alcantara unlike the hard plastic found on most aircraft.
The natural light also helped highlight the first class seat and allowed me to finally notice the large storage compartments found along the windows of the seat.
The first compartment housed the Bose noise canceling headphones which are hardwired into the IFE monitor.
While the second compartment is completely empty and was the perfect place to store the in-flight menus, my travel documents, and even my laptop. Toward the rear of the seat was a cup holder which came with a fresh bottle of water.
Lastly, one thing I love about the Lufthansa first class seat is the small tray table found just within arm’s reach of the seat. This table features two areas to hold drinks or snacks, but also features a single seat adjustment button. This button can be used at any point in time and returns the seat to the full upright position.
Seriously, the Lufthansa First Class cabin is absolutely stunning.
Arriving In Frankfurt
We arrived in Frankfurt on a warm, clear, spring day. The views of Frankfurt were fantastic as we descended toward Frankfurt International Airport.
Before long we were just feet from the ground before landing.
After landing we taxied to our gate where I was finally able to spot the Lufthansa 747-8 in the retro livery.
We then pulled into our gate which happened to be along side a 747-400.
Sadly I was unable to find any Lufthansa jets pained in the new Lufthansa livery.
After exiting the aircraft I finally got my first views of the plane which took us across the Atlantic.
Since we arrived about 20 minutes early I had about 2 hours before my connecting flight to Stockholm. Given the extended layover I decided to exit the airport and visit the Lufthansa First Class terminal. Before I exited the terminal I tried to ask a Lufthansa employee if I would in-fact have access to the terminal, but he was unable to answer my question. Luckily a fellow first class passenger overheard our conversation and confirmed that I would indeed have access.
Getting To The Lufthansa First Class Terminal
As I’ve already fully reviewed the First Class Terminal on its own, I’m going to include a shorter review of the terminal as part of this post. Besides, the First Class terminal is part of the first class experience when traveling to/from Frankfurt.
One of the unique aspects of the Lufthansa First Class Terminal is that it is truly separate from the main terminal. If you wish to visit the FCT you must clear customs and exit the airport.
Once outside, on the arrivals level, turn left and heard toward the cab staging area. The walk takes about 10 minutes, but trust me it’s worth it. Eventually, you’ll find the unmistakable Lufthansa First Class Terminal.
There are two entrances to the terminal. The primary entrance is on the upper level for departing passengers where they can be dropped off. For guests arriving on foot there is a lower level entrance as seen below.
Inside of the sliding glass doors is a small room with signage that directs you into an elevator.
The elevator takes you upstairs to the main entrance of the Lufthansa First Class Terminal.
As you can see, there are plenty of signs which confirm you are heading to the right place.
Entering The Lufthansa First Class Terminal
As you exit the elevator on the second level you’ll find the Lufthansa First Class check-in area.
At this point a lounge attendant will greet you and become your concierge for the entirety of your visit.
If you must wait for a check-in agent you can do so in the cozy waiting area found across the room from the check-in counters.
These waiting areas are quite similar to those found inside the terminal and offer snacks and drink menus.
From here you’ll pass through a private security screening checkpoint before entering the terminal. I typically avoid taking pictures of security checkpoints as I’m not looking to add any more ‘SSSS’ to my boarding pass.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal
Once inside the first class terminal you’ll find several seating areas which all offer a similar setup. In the center of each seating area is a table with a containers of nuts, wasabi crisps, and dried fruits. There are also drink menus found throughout the terminal and you can order a drink at any time from one of several lounge attendants that circulate the terminal frequently.
There is also a television viewing area where CNN apparently is on 24/7.
If you don’t want to sit in one of the sitting areas you can instead sit in one of several comfortable lounge chairs which line the windows of the terminal.
Of course, you could always take a seat at the bar which is found in the middle of the terminal.
I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a bar, let alone a bar in an airport, that offers such a wide variety of liquor!
Likewise, I’ve never seen any other airport lounge that offers as many gummy bears as this one.
Guests are encouraged to fill up to-go bags of Gummy bears found on either side of this incredibly display.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal Restaurant And Cigar Lounge
The Lufthansa First Class Terminal also features a full-service sit-down restaurant. Guests can take a seat and order off of a menu or instead visit the hot food buffet which lines the back wall of the restaurant.
I didn’t have nearly enough time for a meal during my short visit, but the food looked fantastic. Across from the restaurant area of the terminal is the fully enclosed cigar lounge, because, why not?
Apparently cigars used to be complimentary, or still are, but either way you can purchase cigars directly from the First Class Terminal duty free shop which you can then smoke in the lounge. I wasn’t exactly in the mood for a cigar so I decided to continue toward the rear of the terminal to use one of the bathrooms before my connecting flight.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal BATHroom
Located at the far end of the terminal are the shower suites and bathrooms. To use a washroom facility you must first check-in at the below check-in counter. If you get there and no one is behind the counter you simply have to ring the bell and someone should arrive within a few moments.
As you can see from the below signage the terminal offers both shower suites and bath suites which are quite different from one another.
In total there are 4 rooms and based on my understanding of the layout rooms 3 and 4 are shower suites while 1 and two are bath suites.
For my visit I was assigned to room number 1, which is a full bath suite.
Once inside I had access to a shower or a bath tub.
As I entered the room the shower attendant asked if I needed anything such as a shave kit or dental kit. Surprisingly there are quite a few complimentary amenities on offer.
On the sink you’ll find a variety of products which include shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and lotion. These products aren’t found in the shower or near the bath so remember to bring them with you if you want to shower.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal Shower
The shower is found just around the corner from the sink.
Inside the shower cutout you’ll find a handheld shower head and shower controls with no discernible markings. It took a few seconds to figure out how to turn the shower on and how to get the right temperature, but after a few tries I got it working just fine.
Overhead is a rain shower head which can be used in lieu of the hand held shower head.
Again, since I had a short layover I opted to take a shower, but if I had more time I would have definitely used the overside bath also found within the bath suite.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal Bathroom Bath
Across from the sink is a wooden bench with a bathrobe and slippers for your stay.
Next to the bench is the beautiful bath tub for which the Lufthansa First Class terminal is famous for.
In fact, each FCT guest is given a complimentary rubber duck which changes throughout the year as an homage to the bath tubs found in the terminal.
For my visit I was given a black duck which had “Lufthansa First Class Terminal” written on it. When I last visited the terminal I was given a silver dunk with “Lufthansa First Class Services” across the front.
Located next to the bathtub is the bathrooms toilet.
Ahh, yet another picture of a toilet, exciting I know.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal Ground Services
After my shower I went back into the lounge and found a seat to wait for the lounge agent to summon me for my flight. While I waited I decided to order another Koenig Ludwig Dunkel which is also served in the First Class Terminal.
A few moments later the agent returned with my boarding card for the next flight and we were ready to head to the gate. Except, when departing from the First Class Terminal you don’t walk to the gate. Instead, you receive a personal car service which drives you to your departing flight. Yes, I am serious.
After a brief security stop downstairs I was taken outside to the Porsche Panamara Hybrid which would take me to my gate.
Inside the car featured just two back seats which were separated by this control center.
The view from the back was nice.
As we drove along the views from the backseat only improved.
The driver kept the car in second gear so the noise coming out of the car as we drove along was fantastic.
I don’t often see lines of Lufthansa jets out of the windshield.
A few moments later we found a new Airbus A320neo!
And finally I was dropped off next to an Airbus A319.
And of course the Airbus A321 which was taking me to Stockholm.
From here my driver took me up to the gate and escorted me onto the aircraft.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, whenever I replay this flight in my head I have a hard time believing it’s real. First of all, the Lufthansa First Class cabin is stunning. I can’t think of an aircraft interior that I like more. While most airlines have moved to more private enclosed suites, I actually really like the openness and spaciousness of the Lufthansa First Class cabin.
Additionally, of all the airplane seats I’ve ever sat in, Lufthansa First is without a doubt the most comfortable. The seat is extremely padded which makes it incredibly nice to sit in for a long time. Then, when you switch the seat into the bed it makes for a very nice place to sleep. I’m telling you, I’ve never had that nice of a nights sleep on a plane before.
Lastly, the ground services offered in Frankfurt are ridiculous. If you’re going to shell out the cash or points for Lufthansa First Class, please make sure to begin or connect in Frankfurt. I’d argue the Lufthansa First Class Terminal is what really pushes the whole experience over the top.
