Almost as rare as a unicorn sighting, a trio of award seats opened up in Lufthansa First Class from San Francisco to Frankfurt, allowing me to treat my family to one of my favorite airline products in the world for Christmas.
Lufthansa First Class Family Christmas Trip
Our plan was to spend Christmas in Germany this year after spending last Christmas in Los Angeles. We had booked tickets early on SWISS, but ended up having to cancel due to a number of commitments in LA.
Our hope was that we could find some way to Germany and I was fully prepared to fly economy class, as I did over the summer. But lo and behold, while the Los Angeles – Frankfurt flight was full, I noticed that the San Francisco – Frankfurt flight, LH455, was EMPTY in first class…all eight seats were available for sale, and three of those seats were available for partner mileage redemptions.
I’ve depleted my miles over the last couple years and no longer generate them at nearly the pace I used to. Thus, this represented a substantial investment in points (100K per-person via Aeroplan plus 2,500 points for the baby), but I determined to spend the points because:
- This is why I collect points in the first place – to treat my family to aspirational trips we would not otherwise be able to afford
- To maximize comfort and minimize jet lag for what will be a shorter trip to Germany this year
- Lufthansa may pull a move like SWISS and suddenly block partner first class redemptions, especially when it debuts its new four-seat A350 first class product next year – this might be the only chance I’ll ever have to treat my family to first class.
- Not only will I get to take my family in first class on a 10-hour flight, we will also get to visit the First Class Terminal upon landing (I’ll get my duck) and be chauffeured to our connecting flight to Basel.
CONCLUSION
As long as the my one-year-old behaves, this will be a glorious Christmas trip across the Atlantic. I’m not going to live blog about the trip, but I’ll check in after Christmas with an update on how the trip went.
It’s so rare to see more than one or two first class award seats on any flight, let alone for the holidays. Although it pains me to think that my mileage supply is nearly dry, I could not resist the rare chance to treat my family to something truly special.
Merry Christmas! How many days out did you book with Aeroplan miles? Thanks
14.
@Matthew Looking forward to the trip for your family, even if it already happened and for the trip reports! I noticed a typo in the conclusion. As long as “the” my one year old behaves doesn’t necessarily need the in it. Merry Christmas!
@ Matthew — Missed you by a couple days! Some good ducks to be had!
Correct me if I’m wrong here but isn’t it a big pita to reach the first class terminal for transit rather than the first class lounge? Is the terminal the default or the lounge? I’ve never experienced either but I’m curious and hope springs eternal that I may one day enter those vaunted halls as well.
You have to walk to the FCT, it’s like a 5 min walk once you are out of terminal. Bigger pain is walking to clear customs etc
@ Christian — Yes, but the novelty is worth the trouble!
See, THIS is the type of mileage redemption or trip that I applaud most of all. The ones where you are not only able to obtain a premium seat for yourself but also for several other family members.
It was perhaps the thing that most stuck in my mind the one time I flew LH in F- the family of 4 behind me all travelling together. Not sure if it was an award redemption or paid tickets or employer-paid tickets. Just the thought of “I wish I had enough points or money or clout to offer up something like that…”
Merry Christmas, Matthew! I eagerly read your blog daily–I get to live vicariously through you and your family. Keep it up. God bless!
Merry Christmas!
I thought your wife didn’t like first-class travel,
Way to go, Matthew. A worthy burn of miles. Hope they all enjoyed the ride and Augustine tried the caviar!
I would contemplate buying the seats using lifemiles if your miles are running dry. Or transfer half miles (40k x 3) and then pay for the rest. 120k miles plus like $1500. Just a thought
Merry Christmas! I’ll be in SFO too today flying out on United Polaris. Hopefully they open the Polaris lounge as a Christmas present.
A truly great experience! Glad you all were able to experience it. Merry Christmas!
A truly great experience! Nice that you all were able to experience it. Merry Christmas!
A BABY in first class. Joy to the other passengers
2 years ago on Xmas Eve I surprised my family with Business Class for the first time in their lives on Air Canada (and the Signature Suite in Toronto), and especially now w/ current restrictions and them being less eager to travel Int’lly until testing requirements ease up, I’ll forever be glad I spent that extra money
Happy Holidays & Safe Travels to all!
What a wonder thing to do for your family. Cheers to you.
Using points for your family’s first class international travel? You’re a pretty cool dad and husband!
As I made mention of many times, I wake up, pour myself a nice big cup of tea and log onto your website t read the “news”. And this trip will be something really worth getting excited about, as I read before starting my day! So have a lovely trip and remember that there are so many of us who can’t wait to read all about your adventure. Especially in F class on Lufthansa – wow!
I can’t help but think that your “nearly dry” is probably for the most of us a glorious amount of miles.
Happy Holidays, looking forward to your report, and especially how they handle the “cradle” for infants.
Amazing how your nurse-wife could get vacation days during the holidays two years in a row, and both times during a surge in a one-in-a-lifetime pandemic.
Yes, we are thankful for her service both to her community and to her family.
Wish can see how LH first class looks like
Check today’s post.
My father had the most nightmarish experience of his life in business class from India to Atlanta. They refused medical help and did not provide wheelchair and their staff is extremely curt. Of course all this can be very different if you are a white man. For our family this airline does not exist anymore.
I hate to agree.. but I do. Truthfully I only travel 1st class and I have observed how flight attendants go above and beyond for myself and other Caucasians in 1st class but not so much for people of color. I’m asked over and over if I need or want something and they are asked less. Etc
Beautiful providence unfolding for you! Enjoy!
Mr LA it’s time to get back to LA to be around like minded friends. That’s enough being around all those Germans. Rummy