I recently had to take a last-minute trip to Italy and award space just wasn’t opening. Absolutely nothing from Los Angeles in economy, business, or first class unless I wanted to pay ridiculous rates on Air France, Delta, or KLM.
The night before departure, I cobbled something together: Los Angeles to Milan via Denver, Houston, AND Frankfurt. IAH-FRA was in first class. That’s not ideal, even for someone who loves flying as much as I do, but I was just thankful to find something. The premium cabin was an added bonus. I literally found no economy class or business class options.
When paying with points, the difference between business or first and economy just makes sense. 70K Aeroplan versus 30K for economy. Yes please, it is always worthwhile if you have the points. And during the summer months, this upgrade is often a necessity if you wish to use points. During tourist season in Europe, economy class is almost always full. Business or first? Less likely to be full. Over the past several years, I have routinely seen more premium cabin space than economy cabin space at the last minute on flights to/from Europe.
So Lufthansa it was, not that I would ever turn down an opportunity to fly on my favorite “home sweet home” in the sky. Boarding was delayed and chaotic at Houston:
But once onboard, oh how relaxing it was. Internet did not work onboard so I used the flight to eat and sleep. What a shame! That was appreciated after getting no sleep the previous night and starting the day at 5:15a with a flight from LA to Denver. Food was excellent onboard, including an amazing trio of appetizers and an exquisite pasta dish for dinner.
I’ve posted several recent Lufthansa First Class trip reports, but will be offering a full trip report on this flight. Why? Because there were service issues on this flight…it was not the usual flawless experience.
But even with service that was far less polished than normal, Lufthansa First Class will always be my “home sweet home” in the sky.
Oh no, don’t tell me… no caviar! 😉
Yeah – what happened to the caviar – is it just missing from the photos or removed from service?
Thanks for the photos and providing the opportunity to “virtually” re-live some of my past flights.
Sorry I did not include picture. It is still there. I will add it tonight.
Just what I was thinking, Mike…. Where’s the caviar?
4 flights for a last minute meeting? Hmm
No mention of the YQ? Even Air Canada FFs don’t redeem Aeroplan on LH.
I’ll discuss YQ in the intro to my trip report. But yes, it was about $450.
Is there a better way? Can’t be worth it for additional UA miles and Asiana is iffy on transfer times…
I don’t think there is a better way. Asiana would not have worked since this was booked less than 12 hours prior to departure.
Matthew, given your pace of life lately, you certainly deserved this wonderful respite. Hope all is moving forward with your new venture.
Very kind of you Mike, thanks!
Why do you like them so much? They are always very amateur. Poor announcements. No seat belt signs in/off. Flight deck door left open. Just never feels safe. In business they have terrible seats. And the First Class food looks average. Desert looks boring.