I had little doubt that I would receive a birthday rubber duck when visiting the Lufthansa First Class Terminal on my birthday, but I did not expect to receive a very special additional one.
Birthday Surprise In Lufthansa First Class Terminal
After arriving from New York on LH401 before the sun had even risen, I stamped into Germany and walked over to the First Class Terminal. Admittedly, I was a bit apprehensive (just like on the coronavirus duck trip). Would there any any ducks left? I had heard multiple reports, including some comments on this blog, that ducks were no longer available.
I was one of the first passengers in the First Class Terminal and was warmly greeted by a team of Lufthansa concierge. While being escorted through security, I mentioned it was my birthday and that I had chosen to fly Lufthansa to Croatia instead of direct for a birthday duck.
The attendant nodded and told me to sit tight. Meanwhile, I ordered a cappuccino and settled in my usual seat in the lounge overlooking the crew base below.
The coffee arrived…and moments later the duck did as well. I was elated! This little birthday duck will always be a reminder of spending my birthday in the air, something I’ve never done before.
And if that was the end of the story, it would be a happy one…I had succeeded in what I set out for and had a contagious smile across my face.
But wait. There’s more.
Later on, I sat down for breakfast. In the First Class Terminal, I like to eat filet mignon for breakfast and figured a birthday steak would hit the spot (indeed it did).
> Read More: Dinner for Breakfast in Lufthansa First Class Terminal
While enjoying my steak, my concierge returned with a bag. “This is something extra special for you, Mr. Klint,” she said.
Curiously, I pulled out the object and unwrapped it.
It was another birthday duck! The old one. Somehow the team had found another one.
Oh what as smile spread across my face, not only for the second duck, but for the thoughtfulness of the gesture, including the special card and the effort.
This is how loyalty is won and further solidifies my unflinching loyally to Lufthansa. Did I get the red carpet treatment because I am a blogger? I’d like to think not. If so, it was never let on. But I’ve been treated like a king in this lounge long before my blog and know that Lufthansa treats all its special customers well.
Finally, it was time to go. I was escorted downstairs to the chauffeur service and said goodbye. I’ve enjoyed many happy times in the First Class Terminal, but this will go down as my happiest.
They do know how to treat their first Class guests.
I was fortunate enough to be there several years ago near the end of Octoberfest and had ordered a beer. It came out in a nice, glass beer stein. Not one of the full size ones but what I’d call maybe a half size. It had the Lufthansa logo on it. As I was leaving I asked if I could purchase one. I was asked to wait a minute and they brought out a brand new one and gave it to me – gratis.
Wow!
Time to auction it off for charity. Let loudmouths put their money where their mouth is.
That’s a great way to celebrate your birthday and that steak looks really good. I had no idea that ducks were a German thing until I went to Berlin. I love my purple duck. As an aside, it’s nice that you travel with a blazer.
The glass beer stein sounds like a better move than plastic ducks from an environmental point of view, but hey, we’re talking airlines, so I guess plastic ducks are Ok as compared to all that kerosene and CO2…..
Happy Birthday dude! Someday I’ll have to puzzle out your methods for securing this First Class space at the last minute…
No judgement here but I’ve noticed that these ducks really seem to mean a lot to you. Is it only the Lufthansa ducks, all rubber ducks, or ducks in general?
Just the Lufthansa ones. And the KLM houses, though not as much.
Ah, mementos. Gotcha. Do you mentally correlate each one with a specific trip (“Yes, the firefighter ducky. That was the trip to Lithuania.”) or just like to admire the collection?
I actually can link special edition ducks to the trips in which I get them.
nothing like an exiting birthday
Indeed! I wonder if Matthew is being given a hint? 🙂
Leave and don’t come back!
I only flew long haul LH F once on a paid transatlantic flight late in the 20th century. I was great. They gave me a lot of toys, not just one that I requested. The check-in was different. They insisted that “this is the first class line” but later said “sorry” when they saw I had a F ticket.
That flight overflew the isle of Jersey. I saw it from roughly 35,000 ft. Teh Germans had conquered Jersey a second time, ha ha .
I wonder if the arm around the LH lady was ok for Germans? It’s ok with Americans.
To your last point, I hope so. I would not want to offend.
I love this. Thank you for sharing.
A class act of course, one should expect no less from the 5 star airline of Germany
Well thank you. I’m inbound on LH F and outbound on LH C (F full, so no upgrade for me) the day before my birthday – I had no idea there was a birthday duck, so will see if I can snag one to add to my collection!
Fancy a birthday duck, Herr Klint?
Fun! I love that FCT. Glad you flew on your birthday, finally;-)
I once flew home on my Birthday HKG FRA IAD. leaving shortly after midnight. Enjoying the LH FCT + Duck. My Birthday lasted 36 hours
Another time I was flying when the Birthday started and flighting ar the end with just a few hours transit air side.
Enjoy
Happy birthday!
Happy birthday, Matthew!
A Ferragamo fan in the house! Happy Birthday Matthew. Enjoy and God Bless.
I’ve flown on my birthday numerous times, business and coach, different airlines and received something lovely from each.
This is great, happy birthday!
That’s a GREAT story and experience. Happy birthday, Matthew. ✈️
I am sorry to ask but why did you have to tell them it was your birthday in the first place. I mean that is kind of like “requesting” special treatment..
I’d never do that
Because I wanted the ducks.