I just had the Lufthansa flight of my life.
Over the years, I have had many excellent experiences in Lufthansa First Class. But yesterday’s flight from Frankfurt to Los Angeles on LH456 represented the pinnacle of my dozens of flights on Lufthansa.
All the usual elements of a great flight were present. A superior lounge experience and chauffeured Porsche service to the aircraft.
An immaculate cabin and comfortable seat.
A great rest.
Tasty food and drink.
But what truly made the flight great was the service onboard, particularly by first class flight attendant Marcel. The precision, professionalism, and scrupulous attention-to-detail was nothing short of spectacular. And as an airline critic who has flown most first-class products around the world, I’ve rarely (if ever) seen someone so committed to excellence. Every interaction left me smiling…not so because of humor, but because he loved his job. And I loved that it showed.
Why wasn’t the flight perfect? Well, you’ll have to read the full trip report to find out. But the issue was minor yet still noteworthy.
CONCLUSION
I’m going to dedicate a separate post to Marcel’s service and also provide a full review of the flight. But this flight reminded me of why Lufthansa still remains a top-tier first class product and the absolute best value proposition when redeeming your miles.
Sorry but a German airline should know that a schnitzel is NEVER that thick!
What do you think the one noteworthy issue was? =D
What a pleasant surprise to see you. Hope you’re doing well
Sorry but that food didn’t look 1st class. I’d be disappointed with this in J
Seriously? It was wonderful. Wait till you see the other courses. Which European airline offers better food in business class?
Matthew, the chef on Saudi Arabian or Marcel? Is it a tie?
Oh, that is a tough one! Rami on Saudia was also great.
In Australia most people sit in the front of a taxi. Odd fact 🙂
Use lifemiles? 🙂 did it show up?
I like lh first alright but don’t prescribe huggggge premium over aa biz or Swiss biz. My humble opinion. No suite. Food is good but doesn’t shift the needle that much for me
Did not show up for Lifemiles (as usual). Used Aeroplan.
Looking forward to the post on Marcel’s service. Such (positive) posts can be a model for others to follow.
Sounds very similar to the experience I had. I wish I had gotten the FA’s name, but she provided fantastic service from start to finish – warm, welcoming, and clearly committed to ensuring I thoroughly enjoyed my flight. Best service I’ve had to date on any airline, in any class.
I’ve been waiting for your report!
Tax season got me way behind unfortunately 🙁 I did put up a teaser post if you want to whet your appetite…
And you got the retro livery! Yea!
Indeed. I loved it!
Ahhhhh your make me quite jealous and teeming with anticipation. I’m trying to book a Lufthansa F award flight home from our trip around the world. Have to wait till May 10th though to try and book. Life miles too, soooo you just never know. Thanks for the report.
I hope it opens for you!
Aperol Spritz! Nice!!
Perfectly made. And Marcel offered other custom-crafted cocktails as well.
Matthew
Thank you for your lovely article about Lufthansa. I took my first flight at 17 years of age on Lufthansa flight on the 22nd of February 1975, flying from Mauritius to Strasburg and I still remember the experience even though it was only an economy seat. The FA’s were all gorgeous and very kind and I remember they even had postcards showing the aircraft that you were flying on and what a lovely experience it was so many years ago. I will take your advice and organise my next trip in business or First Class now that I can actually afford it by the grace of God.
The food looks great !
Great report. I love to see you use a flight attendant’s name when you compliment his or her service, but sometimes you leave them out. I’ll bet it would make the flight attendant’s day to be publicly remembered like that.
Critic perhaps, connoisseur no! You lost all credibility with the bottle of Coke next to your seat. That would only be acceptable if you were 7 years old.
What Coke? I don’t drink Coke. That’s water.
Try to fly from Munich to TSR in a tight old Bombardier 190… charged at Lufthansa tariffs but delivered by some Adria Airline… whose flight attendants are underpaid, acting like police officers and stashing away bottles of wine for home…
Business class is same seat but the side seat empty, with some extra croissants…