For the first time in decades, Lufthansa will not offer a single flight to the USA with a first class cabin. The majority of its fleet with first class seating has been mothballed. But worry not: Lufthansa still has no plans to abandon first class.
Even During Pandemic, Lufthansa Still Commits To First Class
Zach Griff spoke to Bjoern Becker, Lufthansa’s Senior Director of Product Management for Ground and Digital Services. I see two important takeaways from the conversation.
First, first class is not going anywhere.
“First class will continue to be an integral part of the Lufthansa premium segment in the future, depending on the destination and market demand.”
With the entire Airbus A380 and A340-600 fleet grounded, a total of 31 aircraft with first class cabins, concern over the future of first class is not unfounded. Furthermore, Lufthansa still won’t formally commit to first class on its incoming 777-9s (we know the initial deliveries will not have a first class, though Lufthansa has apparently not made a decision on the later deliveries).
That leaves only 19 Boeing 747-8s with first class. And demand is so anemic Lufthansa is pulling them from Los Angeles and Chicago this winter, meaning not a single U.S. city will offer Lufthansa First Class service.
But every time Lufthansa is asked about first class, the answer is always the same: it is integral. I’ll take Lufthansa at its word and breathe a sigh of relief that it still sees a future for first class, even in the midst of the pandemic.
First Class Terminal Will Return
Second, the famed First Class Terminal and other first class lounges will be returning in due time. Becker noted, “Though it’s not yet time, the First Class Terminal will come back.”
Why hasn’t it opened? Becker’s explanation makes perfect sense:
“We need a certain number of guests to make it profitable. There are a ton of fixed costs to opening the terminal, including security, airside car transfers, valet parking services and more.”
It’s true. It’s not only Lufthansa staff, but security, immigration, chefs, waiters and waitresses, drivers, and cleaning staff…it takes a lot to run that terminal. With first class loads at 20% (ouch…), the numbers just don’t make sense.
Limousine service will also return, but Lufthansa has suspended that as well even from its A Gate first class lounge in Frankfurt, meaning if you are flying first class the best you can hope for is an escort or golf cart to the gate.
CONCLUSION
Lufthansa First Class will still be available this winter on the following Frankfurt routes:
- Bangkok
- Buenos Aires
- Johannesburg
- Mexico City
- Sao Paulo
- Shanghai
Hopefully by spring, demand will return sufficient to restore it to other routes.
But I am certainly breathing a sigh of relief that Lufthansa is not ready to cut first class as many other carriers have done.
> Read More: The Future Of First Class On Lufthansa
> Read More: Lufthansa Affirms Commitment To First Class, Hints At Private Suite
image: Lufthansa
When did the first class lounge in A ever offer car transfers? In my experience it’s only been the lounge in B since it’s so far from most gates? I’ve read countless blog stories – including one from Ben schlappig – who made the trek from A to B specifically for limousine transfer. The b lounge was the only one I went to as well- both for the views as well as the car transfer, since the A lounge didn’t use to offer car transfer. When did they start?
Not sure when they started, but at least 3-4 years ago. I have received car transfers from A at least twice.
The only one crying, if LH First is not coming back, are the redemption travellers! The revenue pax will prefer to take a private jet. The First terminal is actually the best lounge far away from others especoally ftom the pandemic. But unfortunately in a B747-800, you are travelling with the other pax and the spreading of the virus will start..
Will the first class terminal be available to Americans and people who can’t enter Germany? Most if not all of the business class lounges in Frankfurt are in the Schengen area…
Sorry, meant the business class lounges in FRA that are open…
Right now transiting Americans have access only to the lounges in B gates (Senator). The FCL in B is closed.
Based on my story above, while I was happy to hear that LH plans to re-open the lounges and FCT, I don’t think it will be for awhile with so few first class flights even on offer.
Flying on the 23rd to Frankfurt, and was told that FCL at terminal B is open? by LH representative… incorrect?
Not open – only A is open unless LH has not yet updated its lounge website.
First Class is walking a fine line between improved business class products and private jet travel. It’s not a matter of if F is doomed, but when. Too many carrier’s F cabins are either half empty or half filled with deadbeat points posers like me. Lufthansa has a little more invested in F than other carriers with the private terminal, but I suspect no new planes will be ordered with F, planes with F will be retired first, and within 5 years that terminal will be repurposed. Enjoy it while you can.
I agree with your assessment. A 2/3 empty first class certainly loses more money than if the space were filled with business seats. I envision Lufthansa can offer a special tier of business class that offers use of the first class terminal, better amenities, and maybe better meals.
It’s a shame Lufthansa doesn’t have a better business seat. They’ve always been slow to introduce new seats. The only advantage is Lufthansa offers a more economical cost in business than competitors.
“deadbeat points posers”! Me too! At least you’re self-aware.
Sorry, but that is just silly.
I don’t have any problem with anyone who likes gimmicks such as car transfers to the plane (though I’d rather drink the lounge dry and walk to the gate at final call time), but surely the question that someone needs to ask Mr Becker is ‘why on Earth have you suspended access to contract lounges, which have serious overheads and are suffering from a drop in custom but only charge you for each passenger that actually gets in, at a time when additonal space is clearly highly desired by your passengers?’.
We will have time to figure out the sparkling water menu and the colour of the rubber ducks in the FCT once the pandemic is over. Until then, many people will be reluctant to travel, and LH is giving them one less reason to do so by pointlessly degrading the experience (particularly when it comes to short-haul journeys).
I enjoyed “Delta One”!
Of course first class is in the future sights of Lufthansa with due course on the routes of the discerning premium traveler.
Absolute thieves. Only airline not to give money back in the form of a voucher due to covid. “Can’t get to Europe from USA? Too bad. Your flight wasn’t canceled so we will just keep your money.”
Horrible business practices. Treat your customers with respect.
So what happened to the A330-300s that have an F cabin?
Long gone.