Flying a couple of flights with Lufthansa in Business, BKK - FRA (A380) and later on FRA - EWR (747-8), I have been offered a chance to bid for upgrades for both flights and was wondering if it is worth the $ to experience Lufthansa First. It isn't specifically about the $ amount (ranging from $1500-$2000) but more about the experience, is it truly a big step up from Business with Lufthansa? The A380 is the overnight flight, and the 747-8 is the daylight flight. I have never visited the 1st Class Terminal in Frankfurt so more tempted to look at the 747-8 flight which would include that experience as well.
Don't hesitate on the FRA-EWR, it's a significant leap in level of service given the FCT. BKK-FRA less so (you'll use the TG First Class lounge which is nice, only because the TG business lounges are pretty grim), but the whole on board product is a decent improvement. Assuming you are not transiting at FRA, but staying there, you can use the FCT. A transit at FRA puts you in a 1st class lounge, not the FCT, which isn't quite the same experience.
So if I am flying AMS - FRA (2+ hours transit) - EWR I don't get to try the FCT?
You can if you want to, usually passengers would just go in transit and head to one of the First Class Lounges (which are good too, with similar standards of catering), but yes you wouldn't have the full FCT experience. See this review:
Of course you could go landside, which from AMS would be no drama as you would still be in the Schengen zone. In transit you'd be expected to clear passport control to leave the Schengen zone (and the EU) for the flight to EWR. In this case, with 2 hours (assuming nothing is late) then yes you can just exit, walk to the FCT (make sure you use the map on your phone, it is easy to get disoriented, as the walk isn't obvious or well sign posted, because passengers arriving at FRA aren't meant to be going to the FCT, which is set up for taxi/car drop off).
Given the EWR flight boarding will start around 30-45 minutes before departure, it isn't worth doing the FCT if you have less than 1.5 hours between flights (can take 10-20 minutes to get to the FCT on foot depending on what end of Terminal 1 you are coming from). However, if you are flying from AMS you might be able to get an earlier flight to FRA given the number of flights on that route, enabling you to maximise the FCT experience.
Is it worth the difference? In my opinion not at all for the flying part, maybe just for the ground services as already noted, especially in FRA. In BKK even though you can use the TG F Class lounge you can't use their fantastic spa as it is only for TG flyers...
Onboard JCL is like a nice PEY on other airlines and their F Class is nice but nothing compared to SQ, EK EY and so on..
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Lufthansa First (747-8 and/or A380) worth the upgrade?
GMG
GMG
Air New Zealand - Airpoints
Member since 06 Jul 2015
Total posts 8
Flying a couple of flights with Lufthansa in Business, BKK - FRA (A380) and later on FRA - EWR (747-8), I have been offered a chance to bid for upgrades for both flights and was wondering if it is worth the $ to experience Lufthansa First. It isn't specifically about the $ amount (ranging from $1500-$2000) but more about the experience, is it truly a big step up from Business with Lufthansa? The A380 is the overnight flight, and the 747-8 is the daylight flight. I have never visited the 1st Class Terminal in Frankfurt so more tempted to look at the 747-8 flight which would include that experience as well.
Sula
Sula
Member since 07 Jun 2016
Total posts 6
Absolutely worth it. It’s one of the most polished first class offers out there. Even better if you can take in the FCT in FRA
MRYJDrake
MRYJDrake
Air New Zealand - Airpoints
Member since 31 Oct 2016
Total posts 206
Totally worth it.
Libertyscott
Libertyscott
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 19 Aug 2011
Total posts 19
Don't hesitate on the FRA-EWR, it's a significant leap in level of service given the FCT. BKK-FRA less so (you'll use the TG First Class lounge which is nice, only because the TG business lounges are pretty grim), but the whole on board product is a decent improvement. Assuming you are not transiting at FRA, but staying there, you can use the FCT. A transit at FRA puts you in a 1st class lounge, not the FCT, which isn't quite the same experience.
GMG
GMG
Air New Zealand - Airpoints
Member since 06 Jul 2015
Total posts 8
So if I am flying AMS - FRA (2+ hours transit) - EWR I don't get to try the FCT?
Joe
Joe
Member since 03 May 2013
Total posts 181
Now had it been Qantas "First" you were considering I'd say STAY WHERE YOU ARE in J!
Libertyscott
Libertyscott
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 19 Aug 2011
Total posts 19
You can if you want to, usually passengers would just go in transit and head to one of the First Class Lounges (which are good too, with similar standards of catering), but yes you wouldn't have the full FCT experience. See this review:
Wingflex
Wingflex
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 13 Feb 2015
Total posts 12
Is it worth the difference? In my opinion not at all for the flying part, maybe just for the ground services as already noted, especially in FRA. In BKK even though you can use the TG F Class lounge you can't use their fantastic spa as it is only for TG flyers...