I recently published two first class reviews from Los Angeles to Frankfurt on Lufthansa, one on an A380 and the other on a 747-8. Which aircraft is better if traveling in Lufthansa First Class? This post will will compare the two aircraft.
> Read More: Lufthansa A380 First Class Los Angeles to Frankfurt Review
> Read More: Lufthansa 747-8 First Class Los Angeles to Frankfurt Review
I’ve compared the two aircraft on ten metrics (in alphabetical order), including:
- Bedding
- Cameras
- Food + Drink
- IFE
- Lavatories
- Noise
- Personal Storage
- Seats
- Service
- Window Shades
Bedding
Bedding is identical on both aircraft.
Cameras
The A380 has a wonderful tail camera that provides stunning views from outside the aircraft. Meanwhile, the 747-8 has a nose camera and belly camera, but no tail camera.
Food + Drink
Food and drink is identical on both aircraft. Steer clear of any red meat in Lufthansa First Class unless you like it beyond well-done…
IFE
Other than the built-in cameras discussed above, IFE selection is identical on both aircraft. Wi-Fi is also available on both aircraft.
Lavatories
Here is perhaps the most marked difference between the two aircraft. While the 747-8 has a slightly oversized lavatory (equivalent to handicapped size), the A380 has two huge lavatories. The lavatories are spacious with plenty of room to stand up, move around, and change in. The A380 lavatories even contain a urinal.
747-8 lavatory:
A380 lavatory:
Noise
With first class on the upper deck, the A380 offers a slightly more quite cabin environment than the 747-8. That said, the nose of the 747-8 is also not loud.
Personal Storage
While the first class seats on both aircraft contain ample personal storage compartments, the A380 has personal lockers large enough for your large carry-on bag and personal item. The lockers include a combination-lock, but I have never felt a need to actually use it since the cabin is very secluded in the front of the A380 upper deck. There are no overhead storage bins in first class.
Note the personal lockers on both aisles behind the first class cabins.
Meanwhile, the 747-8 has overhead luggage bin on the sides only (the center section has none).
Seats
Both first class cabins contain eight seats. The 747-8 is configured 1-1 in the first two rows and 1-2-1 in the third row while the A380 contains two rows of 1-2-1 seating. The seats are identical.
747-8:
A380:
Service
Service in Lufthansa First Class is delightful on Lufthansa no matter which aircraft you fly.
Window Shades
Both the 747-8 and A380 have automatic window shades in first class with honeycomb-style blinds plus blackout shades. The buttons are different, but both provide elegant alternatives to conventional window shades.
Winner? A380.
While I love the 747-8, all else equal I’d always choose the A380. Reason? The lavatories. The large lavatory provides a much more comfortable experience than the smaller 747-8 restrooms. The grand staircase is another nice A380-only feature.
But both aircraft are a pleasure to fly. We’re just quibbling here…
I recall that there are humidifiers in Lufthansa’s A380 First Class. Are there humidifiers in LH’s 747-8i First class cabin as well?
That’s a good question. I did not notice the humidifiers on either aircraft nor a difference air quality, thus I chose not to include it in the comparison metrics.
I liked being in row 1 on the 748 that there was no one who could ever walk in front of you…not the same w/the 380
I’m with UA-NYC: I like being in row 1 of the 7478 and no one bothering or waking near or by you.
That being said, they are pretty comparable.
I would always try to fly on a 747 vs an A380. The most important reason being speed. The 747 is still the fastest plane in the skies.
The second most important reason is that the 747 is graceful and looks eager to fly even when its sitting at the gate. The A380 on the other hand looks like someone shoved a leaf blower up the arse of an A320. Its just hidesouly oversized, and has the teeniest windows going.
.
Hi Matthew,
The 787-8i has personal storage lockers in addition to the overhead bins, they’re behind 3D and G.
As pointed out above I think Privacy and Personal Space are worthwhile considering here too, and the 747-8i beats out the A380 on this. Row 1 you don’t have anyone walking past you, and Row 2 you are physically further away from anyone else than on any other LH aircraft.
That said, I think the true comparison larger bathroom vs more personal space and privacy.
Additionally, having flown both MANY times, on average I find the 747-8i crews try harder.
Also, on routes like LAX where seasonally they fly both an A380 and a 747-8i daily, I find the A380 flight has bigger loads in F, so more chance of a quieter cabin on the 747-8i.
=)
*I mean the 747-8i, obviously 😉
I’ve onl flown the A380 since I always connect out of Frankfurt and the longest connection time is always on the A380 flight. I can’t get enough hours in the First Class Terminal. 🙂