What is it Like to Fly First Class on Lufthansa Airlines?

If there’s one word you can use to describe Lufthansa’s First Class service it is “consistency.” For many airlines, the type of First Class service you get depends on a number of factors, including the type of plane and the number of First Class seats available. This is not true with Lufthansa. Whether you’re flying in a modern Boeing 747-8 or one of the older Airbus A340-600 designs, the service is just as First Class as the amenities.

Unlike many airlines in the United States where you have to book a flight months in advance to get a First Class seat, with Lufthansa a couple of weeks is generally more than enough time. Many of the flights have a sparse 8 seats available in First Class, but despite this apparent limitation the availability remains basically the same. This translates into a less crowded flight experience.

To begin with, the expected amenities kit, including pajamas and a pair of slippers, is given to you upon boarding. You will find the trademark Lufthansa rose waiting for you at your seat when you find your roomy seating area. You sit down and are in front of a 17 inch display for in-flight viewing, actually smallish considering the competition is offering screens as large as 32 inches. Also, their selection of new releases is limited compared to other airlines, but the question is whether you have the time to view even two movies during a single flight.

That said, you get a set of Bose noise-canceling headphones for your listening pleasure. On longer trips you will have access to satellite Wi-Fi, which greatly broadens your choice of entertainment options. For your myriad mobile devices, all first-class seats have power outlets and USB ports to keep you powered up.

Once the plane settles into its flight plan, you will find a mini-bar set up in the cabin, where you can get a selection of drinks. With Lufthansa they don’t offer just run-of-the-mill drinks. You have the opportunity to buy Johnny Walker Blue Label and other top-notch quality brands.

When you get settled in the appetizers come your way. You may get served caviar or any number of simpler main course warm-ups that whet your appetite. There is also the appetizer sampler, so you can try some new tastes without having to make a full commitment. You will be offered a nice assortment of dishes, from the pan-seared scallops and grilled shrimp, to black-pepper crusted duck breast, or several salad selections for the light of heart.

Actual passenger reviews on the main course meals have been mixed, and is probably the weakest link in the chain of First Class services you will get from Lufthansa. The problem with food is that everyone’s tastes and expectations are different. The choices are the expected beef, fish, and veggie options, but they are definitely not ordinary. There is grilled beef filet with cabernet au jus and sautéed baby spinach, pan-seared salmon filet with steamed jasmine rice, and Turkey roulade with saffron mashed potatoes, and cream of celery root with sautéed corn and red bell peppers.

Dessert is one of Lufthansa’s specialties, as passengers give consistently high marks to choices such as Raspberry compote dark chocolate Pot De Crème and warmed Blueberry crumble with vanilla ice cream.

For those who are tired and want to take an in-flight nap, Lufthansa offers a turn down service where someone comes and sets up your seating area as a bed for a restful sleep. You may not find this necessary as the seats are very comfortable, but on the longer flights you likely want to stretch your legs.

You may find a window in the airplane’s lavatory! This is both a bit novel and a bit odd. When you stop and think about it though, it relieves the claustrophobic feeling you get when trapped inside. Think of it as a room with a view.

What has been left for last is the high level of Flight Attendant service that is as consistent as the amenities offered aboard a First Class Lufthansa flight. One flyer reported that when they couldn’t decide between one of their two delightful desserts, they were given both! You get very personalized service, which you should expect when the Flight Attendants are taking care of only 8 people. But perhaps that is exactly the reason many of their First Class sections have only 8 seats – to give every First Class passenger the finest service possible.