I recently had the pleasure of flying on the final Lufthansa 747-8 out of Los Angeles in first class. In fact, it was the final Lufthansa first class flight departing the United States until at least spring 2021. And it was one for the ages.
I Flew On The Final Lufthansa First Class Flight From United States
I give Lufthansa high accolades for its refusal to engage in cost cutting masked as security theatre during this difficult pandemic era. While carriers around the world have slashed service in premium cabins to bare-bones levels (think pre-packaged sandwiches instead of five-course meals), Lufthansa’s soft product in business and first class has remained virtually unchanged (no roses or hot towels – the only cutbacks in first class).
I wanted to experience this one more time. I say one more time because Lufthansa is not operating a single route to the United States or Canada with first class during the winter schedule…an unprecedented move that recognizes the unprecedented era we are in. Although first class is scheduled to return in the spring, I would not even count on it at this point. Lufthansa has mothballed most of its longhaul aircraft with first class and I genuinely fear for the future of first class.
My favorite Lufthansa flight attendant happened to be working on this flight. Marcel was joined by the lovely Juli, who also provided incredibly attentive, professional, friendly service that makes Lufthansa my overall favorite first class product in the sky.
I enjoyed an aboard feast including caviar service, delicious appetizers, a respectable filet mignon for the main course, cheese, dessert, and a wonderful selection of drinks with each course.
Again, I underscore the difference between what Lufthansa offers in first class and what British Airways currently offers with plastic cups, glasses, and utensils:
And don’t forget the wonderful a la carte breakfast prior to arrival, pajamas, slippers, and Rimowa amenity kits.
CONCLUSION
Lufthansa remains the superlative first class product. Stay tuned for a full review of this flight as well a review focused on the service of Marcel and Juli onboard and a review of the first class lounge in Frankfurt.
My last flight from the Before Times was First on Lufthansa from ORD to FRA in March.
For all the same reasons, it remains my favorite First class product (sure SQ, CX, EK and others have some very compelling elements), but nobody quite has the same combination and execution as LH.
Thanks for the photos. The 747 really is the Queen of the Skies. Its design stands out from every other airliner and the experience in the front cabin is unforgettable. I’ve watched with disappointment as airlines retire the 747 from their fleet. I hope that LH brings in back next year.
I had been a interior assembly mechanic on the 747-400 and also the 747-8 intercontinental and 747-8 freighters for many yrs In Everett Wash USA. I have watched many Lufthansa 747s fly out of Paine field everett wash. We were some of the last people on them before they went to paint then on to our customers for many years building them here in Everett Wash, USA. It’s will be a sad day when the last 747-8 UPS freighter leaves the factory around 2022.
I’ve been as critical of your Lufthansa fetish as anyone, but I 100% agree with you on the F experience in the 748. I’m glad I got to experience the pointy end of The Queen but it’s one thing I’m really going to miss.
Good for Lufthansa to carry on with the proper standard of service. This is not for charity of course, but in fact a shrewd business move that will create loyalty among its discerning clientele for many years to come.
Matthew is the exception regarding loyalty, not the rule. That ‘discerning clientele’ you mention: mostly points whores and junkies who’d leap into bed with any carrier for a good promo, fancier PJs or a feather pillow.
Well, I used points to0 for this particular flight…but I can see myself, as I did for SWISS, paying for the product under the right circumstance.
Thanks for reporting on this. Would appreciate including load factors that you saw on your flight. There is conflicting news, i.e., UAL and others ramping up TATL schedules while the second wave in Covid in the U.S. and Europe goes on among the Europe lock downs. One wonders just how filled all the TATL flights are. There is no information from the airlines, industry sources, et al regarding the current situation on whether these flights are financial sustainable.
72 passengers onboard my flight.
Could you elaborate how it’s the final first class flight from LAX? What are they replacing it with A350s?
Yes, sadly now both FRA/MUC are being served with A350s.
What was your routing? US Citizens can’t get into Germany right now or did you take the whole family?
Just LAX-FRA. Family trip is next month if the lockdown is lifted.
So did you turn right around? As US Citizens can’t enter Germany.
I just did LAX-FRA-DXB-MLE. As US Citizen, I did not have to enter in FRA. I was able to freely move from Z gates to B gates (B 20 and higher). You could not transfer to A Gates or B1-B19 as that is Schengen area. All FRA departures are from terminal 1
US citizens are allowed into Germany if their immediate family includes a German (or EU) citizen even for short term family visits. Emergency/urgent need is not needed but rather just proof of relationship such as marriage certificate in Matthew’s case to his German wife which must have an apostille in accordance with the Hague Convention per the Bundesministerium des Innern website — These apostilles can be obtained by state authorities where the marriage certificate was issued.
https://www.bmi.bund.de/SharedDocs/faqs/EN/topics/civil-protection/coronavirus/travel-restrictions-border-control/travel-restriction-border-control-list.html#f13919566
I was thinking of doing this this summer to Istanbul or Dubai, but settled on waiting for the First Class Terminal to (eventually) reopen. I’m not worried about Lufthansa’s First Class overall, as none of the 19 747-8 aircraft are in storage. I sure hope air travel is quick to recover in the next couple years, as people realize they should go back to living their best lives. However, fear of the virus will probably stick around much longer than the threat itself.
Good for you, Matthew! Showing what can be done and also grabbing some life where you can. Have a great trip.
Good question. Love to know answer.
Aw man, I must have just missed you! Just did LAX-FRA in LH F on Oct 23 en route to Maldives. As US Citizen, it was interesting transiting FRA…I ended up overnight at the MyCloud Transit hotel on the way back…
My trip was a week later. Such a pleasure to return to FRA, even with most lounges closed.
I need to ask, is Lufthansa permanently cutting the 747 from it’s fleet? Or is this just until things somewhat return to normal? I do have to say, the service looks impeccable! Nice article!
The 747 will remain in service (both the -400 and -8 variants) even over the winter. But LAX (and all of the USA and Canada) lose the 747-8 and with it, first class service.
The male flight attendant is cute AF
Howdy Matthew – amazing (unbiased report from Yous as always).
My 2 cents: PRO- FOOD/catering reminded me of LAUDAAIR long haul Biz class from 90ies ( no idea wheter LH uses LSGchefs or the austruan Do&Co which was cofounded by Laudaair)
Cabin crew – ALWAYS highly professional & impecable but so is BAs & VSs &EKs
and
3.FRA=smoking lounges galore ( i know You couldnt care less as a non smoker but for heavy smokers like me it makes a huge difference…all UK airports since 2019 are DEAD to me for this very reason…they are just like ALL airports in Canada=smoking only curbside)
4.Service consistency=(just like UNITED) no unpleasant surprises
CON- id say LHs F is an outstanding Biz class. ( lack of privacy for an F class…for pax who snore…like me …i never fall asleep voluntary on a long haul flights only invol…You know when ones head falls upwards and ones in coma like state)
Thanks for the feedback, Nick!
You’ll be pleased to know there are places to smoke inside Landon Heathrow:
https://liveandletsfly.com/smoking-guide-london-heathrow/
There’s also a new smoking area in Terminal 2 which I have photographed and need to add to the article above.