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Home » Lufthansa » I’m Flying To Germany For A Lufthansa Rubber Duck…
Lufthansa

I’m Flying To Germany For A Lufthansa Rubber Duck…

Matthew Klint Posted onSeptember 4, 2021November 14, 2023 66 Comments

I know I’m crazy, but hear me out…I’ve decided to fly from Los Angeles to Frankfurt only to turn around and fly right home. Why? All for a rubber duck from the Lufthansa First Class Terminal. It’s truly a testament to my loyalty to Lufthansa.

Crazy: Flying To Frankfurt For A Special Rubber Duck From Lufthansa

The Lufthansa First Class Terminal recently re-opened after over a year and half of being closed due to the pandemic. To celebrate, Lufthansa issued a “very limited edition” special COVID-19 duck:

a rubber duck wearing a face mask
@Lufthansa_FCT / Twitter

For those not familiar with the First Class Terminal experience, Lufthansa offers rubber ducks as a memento of your visit. These used to be yellow and lately have been black. But Lufthansa also issues special-edition ducks like the one pictured above. Over the years, I have built up a nice collection of these special ducks.

But the COVID-19 duck holds a special place in my heart and is about so much more than the duck. It was during COVID-19 that my primary business failed and that life truly turned upside down. Lockdowns and travel restrictions also crippled Award Expert, my miles and points consulting business. I contracted COVID-19 and lost my sense of smell for six weeks. Around the world, we’ve seen not just death from the pandemic, but unprecedented separation of family and friends who are forced to speak to each other on screens, which is never a suitable substitute for personal human interaction.

And while the virus is far from being defeated (it will be with us for a very long time), signs of normalcy are emerging again. Borders have re-opened. Families are again re-united. And one of my favorite places in the world, the First Class Terminal, is now open for business.

As much as I want to forget the pandemic, it is and forever will be an indelible part of my life; a chapter of my history. And I can think of no better momento of that history than the Lufthansa COVID-19 duck. I love the message, “Welcome home,” on the duck because returning to the First Class Terminal does feeling like coming home. In fact, travel itself is “home” for me. It is my element.

The duck will have a central place in my office. It will be reminder of the tough lessons I have learned over the last year but also a reminder that the joy of travel endures and that some things, like Lufthansa First Class, remain an aspirational but achievable expression of my love for miles and points.

I realize that I could (theoretically) buy one of these ducks on eBay, but where is the fun in that? My ducks are not bought.

So duck it, I’m going to Frankfurt.

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About Author

Matthew Klint

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world and uses his Live and Let's Fly blog to share the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.

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66 Comments

  1. Gravelly Point Guy Reply
    September 4, 2021 at 12:51 pm

    Lucky you!! Sounds like a GREAT mileage run and a good time to just get away for a while.

  2. Stuart Reply
    September 4, 2021 at 12:53 pm

    This. The absolute best and most awesome/crazy but nerdy wonderful thing ever to be accomplished in the name of miles. You rock, Matthew.

  3. Kai Moll Reply
    September 4, 2021 at 12:55 pm

    Echt verrückt! Aber ich freue mich für dich. Ein wahrer Vielflieger!

    • RetiredATLATC Reply
      September 4, 2021 at 1:14 pm

      Genau!

  4. RetiredATLATC Reply
    September 4, 2021 at 1:05 pm

    I get where you’re coming from, but a terminal building is one of your favorite places in the world?

    Heading to Berlin for 2 weeks next week, flying home for 5 days and then taking the in-laws to Berchtesgaden and Berlin for 3 weeks.

    Hope the border stays open to the vaccinated.

    • Michael Reply
      September 4, 2021 at 4:58 pm

      Two of my favorite places in the world…..Berlin & Berchtesgaden. And what a great time of year to be in Germany. I am jealous! Have fun….

      • RetiredATLATC Reply
        September 4, 2021 at 7:43 pm

        Thanks @michael, will do. Usually spend the 3 weeks prior to Easter in Berchtesgaden every year and 3-4 weeks in the fall in Berlin, but, of course, missed that this year, and last.

        Looking forward to reconnecting with friends.

        If anyone is ever in Berchtesgaden, I highly recommend Hotel Bavaria and when in Berlin, the Myer’s Hotel in Prenzlauer Berg.

    • Kai Moll Reply
      September 5, 2021 at 1:40 am

      Ich hoffe ebenfalls für dich, dass die Grenze offen ist. Wenn du den deutschen Pass oder Aufenthaltstitel hast, sollte mit der Einreise keine Sorge sein. Abgesehen von der üblichen Frage über vorhandenen negativen Covid Test und Impfpass etc.

  5. derek Reply
    September 4, 2021 at 1:35 pm

    For Matthew, who does this for a living, great! For the rest of us, it’s not a good idea to travel for a duck.

    Suggestion: I know Lufthansa and Germany are sticklers for rules but perhaps they can be persuaded to give Matthew 2 ducks if Matthew has a contest to Live and Let’s Fly readers for that second duck?

    • Stuart Reply
      September 4, 2021 at 1:46 pm

      A great idea but it would be cheating! The beauty of the duck is the journey. You gotta pay (the miles) to gain that elusive beauty.

      • derek Reply
        September 4, 2021 at 2:40 pm

        I disagree. The beauty of the duck is either in going to the First Class Terminal or winning it. I agree that buying it is no fun.

  6. Billy Reply
    September 4, 2021 at 1:46 pm

    Am doing the same! HAHA

  7. Jota Reply
    September 4, 2021 at 1:59 pm

    Why do you think that Welcome Home duck is still available when you will arrive?
    P.S Do not forget to ask Olympic duck from bathroom clerk.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      September 4, 2021 at 4:28 pm

      I’m chancing it.

      • Bub Reply
        September 5, 2021 at 11:09 am

        Screw the environment, amirite?

  8. Patrick Reply
    September 4, 2021 at 2:29 pm

    I’ll go with you! I love LH F.

  9. Patrick Reply
    September 4, 2021 at 2:37 pm

    None of my bees wax but are you paying $ for this as I couldn’t find any F out of LAX on points.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      September 4, 2021 at 8:53 pm

      I’ll come home in F.

  10. Sam Reply
    September 4, 2021 at 3:03 pm

    Fantastic! There are stories that bring me to you.

  11. Roberto DeJesus Reply
    September 4, 2021 at 3:13 pm

    Going to Berlin tonight. Economy though. Maybe one day again First Class

  12. MeanMeosh Reply
    September 4, 2021 at 3:32 pm

    As someone who once went to Antwerpen for the weekend to buy a box of chocolate hands, this sounds perfectly normal to me.

    P.S. if you’re still coming to Dallas for FTU, shoot me an email. I was serious about the invitation to mom’s house for BBQ and Indian food.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      September 4, 2021 at 8:54 pm

      FTU cancelled. Will still send you email.

  13. Heather Reply
    September 4, 2021 at 4:06 pm

    Solidly support this endeavor. Duck it!

  14. David Reply
    September 4, 2021 at 4:55 pm

    This sounds like it will be great for the environment….

    • Santastico Reply
      September 5, 2021 at 10:48 am

      Hey brainwashed!!! The plane is flying anyway with or without Matthew inside. All the celebrities you follow on Twitter that claim the planet is dying they all fly private jets while you ride a bike to save the planet.

  15. Judy Simpson Reply
    September 4, 2021 at 4:58 pm

    This is amazingly wonderful! Nothing better than spur-of-the-moment trips. I lived in LV and went to visit a friend in Japan for a weekend. It was wonderful! So happy you have the means to do this, no matter what it takes!

  16. Michael Reply
    September 4, 2021 at 5:02 pm

    You are preaching to the choir here. I once flew from LAX to Melbourne FC and turned around 24 hours later for the return. But not for a duck…just miles. It makes perfect sense here….

    • Fester Reply
      September 4, 2021 at 9:54 pm

      @Michael, that’s too funny! I did same thing one time to Melbourne except I turned around same day. Decided didn’t like hanging out in the dingy club lounge and opted for the 8 hour turn in Sydney instead which allowed for quick trip into town and have a wonderful brekkie or lunch which I did a number of times. I miss those trips.

  17. de Reply
    September 4, 2021 at 5:29 pm

    Did you find a great FC fair or use miles?? I never knew they gave out ducks on my 3 visits to the FC Lounge!!

  18. Robb Reply
    September 4, 2021 at 5:49 pm

    I have a collection of ducks and ❤️ Lufthansa’s First Class Terminal but nope. I’m not going just to collect another duck. As a recently retired Pediatrician, I have plenty of unwanted memories of this pandemic

  19. PM Reply
    September 4, 2021 at 6:16 pm

    Sounds like a great adventure. I am not a fan of LH, although (because?) I use them for a fair proportion of my intra-Europe trips- but I always love to hear about this kind of stuff, irrespective of the airlines and routes involved.

  20. Joe Chivas Reply
    September 4, 2021 at 6:48 pm

    Now that Joe Biden has defeated the Taliban, he will turn his attention to defeating the virus.

    • RetiredATLATC Reply
      September 4, 2021 at 8:47 pm

      Why must you always spam some crap comment?

      Can’t this “person” be banned from commenting?

      • Slappy Reply
        September 4, 2021 at 9:53 pm

        Always a pleasure to have a good shit post.

      • cargocult Reply
        September 5, 2021 at 9:21 am

        Yes, just as deplorables should be banned from society. Vaccination or banishment. Socialism or barbarism!

  21. Joe Furtado Reply
    September 4, 2021 at 9:22 pm

    Go duck yourself! You deserve it.

  22. RetiredATLATC Reply
    September 4, 2021 at 9:36 pm

    As a one-off Matthew, besides LAX, if I ever wanted to fly LH F, where could I do that from in the eastern US?

    Also, flying LH ATL-FRA-MUC-TBS on Christmas day, have you ever experienced LH “business” short haul and what’s it like?

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      September 4, 2021 at 9:48 pm

      Historically, IAD/BOS/IAH/MIA/EWR. ORD might be easier for you. But right now only EWR/MIA offer first class on east (LAX, ORD, SFO, MEX offer first as well)

      Have flown Lufthansa short haul business quite a bit. You’ll find several reviews here. Decent meal, economy class seat with the middle seat blocked.

      • Joe Reply
        September 4, 2021 at 11:25 pm

        Not JFK, but EWR. JFK is supposed to come back in October.

        • Matthew Klint Reply
          September 5, 2021 at 12:11 pm

          Correct. Thanks.

      • RetiredATLATC Reply
        September 4, 2021 at 11:56 pm

        Thank you, I expected as much with the blocked middle seat. Not a big deal on a short flight, but a 4+ hour flight, ugh.

      • JBM Reply
        September 5, 2021 at 2:05 am

        IAH offers it, too.

        (At least, I hope it does, or they really messed up my ticket!)

  23. Supropal Reply
    September 4, 2021 at 11:07 pm

    I was the 5th person to enter the FCT when it reopened on Sept 1st. Even though the showers weren’t functioning for a while, the staff made sure the customers got the special edition duck. I am cherishing mine.

  24. Rachel Reply
    September 4, 2021 at 11:17 pm

    Ngl, very jealous as a Canadian – due to US’ Europe ban, I’d have to fly to Mexico in order to visit FCT and then have to fly home over 5h, instead of a 1h flight from NYC/ORD.

  25. JBM Reply
    September 5, 2021 at 2:00 am

    Good luck getting your duck!

    (I just received one on Sunday AM, so I’m assuming you got one, too).

  26. Ente der Gummi Reply
    September 5, 2021 at 2:05 am

    Spasti

  27. Dave Edwards Reply
    September 5, 2021 at 5:20 am

    This is actually cool as hell.

  28. Shawn Reply
    September 5, 2021 at 7:02 am

    Hi Matthew – you’re married correct? Just curious if your wife thinks you’re crazy or if she comes along for the journey? Can’t wait for the trip report and you describing their faces when you tell them you’re here only for the duck lol. Hope you have an awesome trip!

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      September 5, 2021 at 12:13 pm

      She supports my trip. I married the right woman!

  29. emercycrite Reply
    September 5, 2021 at 8:09 am

    Wouldn’t it be funny if you went all the way there and couldn’t get one.

  30. cargocult Reply
    September 5, 2021 at 9:46 am

    @Matthew, you are a literal murderer. We have less than a decade to save the world from a climate apocalypse and you fly a direct turn from LAX to FRA for a rubber ducky? How dare you!

    • Santastico Reply
      September 5, 2021 at 10:49 am

      There is space in the basement of the Demented in Chief for you to hide. Knock yourself in.

    • Shawn Reply
      September 5, 2021 at 10:55 am

      Last I checked the flight is occurring whether he is on the plane or not. I don’t think his extra 150lbs will matter too much.

      • Peter Reply
        September 6, 2021 at 2:13 am

        Pretty sure that is the attitude / justification most if not all passengers would put forward if you ask them… the plane is flying anyway… so nobody is responsible?… How convenient.. a return trip LAX-FRA in F translates to roughly 8 million tons of CO2 for that one passenger…the young generation will appreciate and judge you.

    • cargocult Reply
      September 5, 2021 at 11:20 am

      You fellas aren’t very careful readers of the comments on this blog, are you?

  31. cargocult Reply
    September 5, 2021 at 9:48 am

    Also, why would you want a rubber ducky that models one of the many “we must do something/anything” measures that didn’t stop the virus but destroyed people’s livelihoods, including yours?

    • Shawn Reply
      September 5, 2021 at 10:57 am

      You’re a troll. I’m surprised you didn’t say he’s a murderer for wanting a plastic item. Hasn’t he heard plastics are killing marine life!!!!! GTFO

      • cargocult Reply
        September 5, 2021 at 11:22 am

        Ah, another avid user of acronyms. Perhaps you and UA-CCP should jump boxes together. “SMH!”

  32. Jerry Reply
    September 5, 2021 at 11:41 am

    I hope you had a pleasant journey. It sounds great and I’m envious.

  33. Jako Reply
    September 5, 2021 at 12:43 pm

    Narcissism at it’s best.

  34. BOBBY Reply
    September 6, 2021 at 1:37 pm

    Wow. As your home state burns, too. This post won’t age well.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      September 6, 2021 at 1:44 pm

      You prefer I stay home and twiddle my thumbs?

  35. PM1 Reply
    September 6, 2021 at 3:34 pm

    Way to go Matthew!

  36. Maurizio Giuliano Reply
    April 29, 2022 at 10:01 am

    I am so happy for you, that despite your primary and secondary businesses failed, you are still able to spend a few thousand dollars on a round trip First Class ticket to get a Lufthansa duck.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      April 29, 2022 at 12:31 pm

      Grazie mille

  37. Pingback: Totally gaga! - Ami flies 20,000 km for THAT rubber duckling - Fiji Broadcasting Corporation Ltd

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