I haven’t taken a review trip in a couple of months now, due to a combination of us having a newborn, plus my mom’s health issues. I’ve now gotten through my backlog of trip reports, and that means it’s time to travel. After all, while writing this blog is my hobby, it’s also my job.
I’ve been given a four-day hall pass to hop around, and you can bet that I’ll be maximizing it, as I’m just finalizing a review trip. Let me explain what I have booked, and then I’m open to feedback, as I haven’t completely finalized the return portion of this trip yet!
In this post:
I’m flying Lufthansa’s new A350 Allegris first class!
As y’all know, I like to stay on top of the latest new first and business class products, and there’s one seat that I’m more desperate to review than any other — that’s Lufthansa’s new Allegris first class. After all, I can’t update my rankings of the world’s best first class products without trying this.
I’ve now booked Lufthansa’s A350 Allegris first class on a flight from the United States to Munich, so I’ll be checking that out. Unfortunately there’s no way to redeem miles for Lufthansa’s new first class. However, I still managed to get a bit of a deal.
Long story short, I booked an attractive business class fare (I’ll use the return portion for a future trip), and then I upgraded with cash. In the past, I shared my frustration with trying to upgrade to Lufthansa’s Allegris first class, as there was an error message during the upgrade process. I eventually found out this was a glitch and not intentional, and it has since been fixed (you’re welcome, Lufthansa!).
I’ll share more details about what I booked when I publish the review, but for now I’ll simply say that I booked a ticket directly on Lufthansa’s website, and I went through the upgrade process like anyone else. I can’t wait to experience Lufthansa’s brand new first class product, and see how it stacks up.
I’ll return in American’s new 787 business class
My plan is to return to the United States in American’s brand new Boeing 787-9 business class, given that American recently took delivery of its first Dreamliners with all-new cabins. This is currently only available from London to Chicago, so that’s the market in which I’ll be flying the product.
I managed to redeem American AAdvantage miles for this flight at a reasonable cost, though I’m still monitoring options, and might move it around a bit, depending on how pricing and availability evolve. Either way, I figure it’s time to see how American’s new business class experience is.
I might throw in a quick Middle East detour
After arriving in Europe and prior to returning to the United States, I might add in a quick detour to the Middle East. This is the part of the trip that I haven’t yet decided on, as I’m open to feedback.
Long story short, I found some award availability using American AAdvantage miles to Abu Dhabi in Etihad’s new Boeing 787-9 business class, so I think that’s worth giving a shot, since it’s a product that I haven’t flown, and I’m curious how good it is.
I’d literally just be flying there and turning around, so I have two options for getting back to Europe. The first option is to redeem Etihad Guest miles for Etihad’s A380 first class, and then pay cash to upgrade to The Residence, which is the most exclusive product in commercial aviation.
I haven’t reviewed this since long before the pandemic, when this was a totally different experience. I plan to give this another try, it’s just a function of whether I do it now or later. The reason I’m maybe considering holding off is because I’d like to fly Etihad’s new A321LR first & business class soon (it’ll enter service in a couple of weeks), and I could potentially try that on the same trip.
The second option is to make my way over to Dubai, and then return to Europe in Emirates’ new A350 business class. The A350 is the first new type of aircraft for Emirates in many years, and I’m keen to check out that experience as well. 
If OMAAT readers have any preferences, please let me know now. Whichever product I don’t try now, I plan to fly during my next review trip, which I hope will happen next month.
I have an ulterior motive with taking this trip
So, there’s another element to this trip that I should probably explain. As longtime OMAAT readers know, I try to take as many trips with my parents as possible. My mom and dad aren’t together, and in recent years, I’ve certainly prioritized traveling with my mom, given her terminal cancer.
My dad has been very patient and supportive of that, though I still feel bad about the lack of trips I’ve taken with him, and my plan is to take a lot of trips with him in the coming years. My dad is retired, and he’s basically a full time walker, as he walks for hours per day. So really, he just appreciates having a change of scenery (and temperature) for his walking, especially this time of year, given that he lives in Florida.
With that in mind, I’ll essentially be taking my dad over to Germany, then I’ll spend a couple of nights with him in Munich, and then I’ll leave him there, so he can enjoy Germany for another week (my parents are both from Germany, so he loves spending time there). Since we’ll be in Munich, I look forward to reviewing Koenigshof, the new Marriott Luxury Collection property. I figure this is a good happy medium between being able to take a review trip while also spending some time with my dad.
But here’s my question for OMAAT readers — my dad plans to stay in Munich for around a week and has Marriott status, so any tips on which Marriott property is best in terms of the combination of being relatively affordable, having a central location, and ideally having a club lounge?
It seems that the Marriott properties with club lounges aren’t very central, while the limited service properties (and maybe the Le Meridien) are more central, but lack benefits. So if anyone has any thoughts or experiences, I’d value the feedback!
Bottom line
I know y’all want trip reports, so it’s time for me to get on the road (or into the skies) again, even if it’ll be a quick trip. I definitely plan to fly Lufthansa’s new A350 first class and American’s new 787 business class. I also probably plan to fly Etihad’s new 787 business class, and am trying to decide between Etihad’s A380 The Residence and Emirates’ A350 business class.
Thanks for reading and stay tuned! In the meantime, I’d certainly welcome any feedback on which return journey y’all would most like to read about, plus any tips regarding my Munich hotel question.
Always the same airlines. There are so many other airlines out there but the reviews and trips are always on the same group of common airlines.
You may wish to consider dropping the phrase "y'all", since you are reaching out to an international audience, and not just to the "hillbilly" audience.
US presidents have spoken this term. Weird to police language like this.
A'lle miteinander, snowflake.
Did someone offended a hinterwaldler?
Where's the Kickstarter?
Sounds like a great trip. My personal preferences would be the Residence > EY A321 > EK A350. But all 3 would make great reviews, so if I were you, I'd just vibe it!
P.s. as someone who lives in a country where 'hall pass' is not a regular expression, with my only exposure to it being that terrible Owen Wilson comedy, I can't help but chuckle every time you use it to describe a review trip :p
American should reap what they sow . 1 out of 5 or zero out of 5 star review. Just make sure your Aadvantage account is protected well in case some sleuth tries to retaliate towards you internally.
Ben, an after thought …. is there any chance that you would consider doing another live blog flight review like the AF La Premiere flight?
Since taking a tour of the Residence we could not …..
A. Justify the additional cost for two people over two adjoining suits.
B. The small French bed with access on one side only does not work for us.
C. The claustrophobic seating area is a negative too.
Our preference has been for suites 3&4 A or 3&4 K, with the central partition lowered the spaciousness is more apparent. Likewise the...
Since taking a tour of the Residence we could not …..
A. Justify the additional cost for two people over two adjoining suits.
B. The small French bed with access on one side only does not work for us.
C. The claustrophobic seating area is a negative too.
Our preference has been for suites 3&4 A or 3&4 K, with the central partition lowered the spaciousness is more apparent. Likewise the SQ A380 suites are much preferred to the Residence.
That said, I am looking forward to reading your review Ben.
I did fly Emirates Business Class from LAX to Dubai and then on to JNB.
They were really great comfortable flights, even with the 17 hours between LAX and Dubai.
Have flown twice SAN to MUC Lufthansa Allegris business class which was also very good.
Doing the same next month. Seen the only two First Class seats (not worth the price difference)
My preference is a side trip to Egypt.
Really looking forward to this trip. Please know also, Ben, that I have been thinking about your mom and wish your family the very best.
Would definitely prefer seeing a review of EK A350 over The Residence
Regarding Roomers, the location is okay but it’s just not the best location. There’s a lot of traffic on Landsberger Straße.
Your dad loves walking and it’s only 40 minutes to Marienplatz. But it’s not an overly nice walk.
Normally i would’ve recommended „Louis Hotel“ or „Cortiina Hotel“ which are members of Design Hotel and in the old town (but not Bonvoy…?).
Westin is in a posh but also quiet and somewhat boring area...
Regarding Roomers, the location is okay but it’s just not the best location. There’s a lot of traffic on Landsberger Straße.
Your dad loves walking and it’s only 40 minutes to Marienplatz. But it’s not an overly nice walk.
Normally i would’ve recommended „Louis Hotel“ or „Cortiina Hotel“ which are members of Design Hotel and in the old town (but not Bonvoy…?).
Westin is in a posh but also quiet and somewhat boring area (Bogenhausen). But it’s a nice walk to the English garden.
Four Points Arabellepark used to be a Sheraton and was recently rebranded.
Munich Marriott is in the north but also a bit off-site.
Location-wise the Königshof and the Courtyard are the best, followed by Four Points and Westin.
I would love to see a review of Etihad's A321LR premium products, so I think waiting to do the Etihad Residence with that would be better. I like the EK A350 J review idea. Perhaps you could fly Condor's A330neo to one of their Western Asia destinations and then position over to Dubai if you have enough time?
I vote for Etihad Residence, but only if you bring Shawn Mendes along for a throwback :)
@ Carvalho -- FUN TIMES!!!
Is it only me, Ben, or does it feel like most of your recent reviews are to France and Japan (or Europe and Northeast Asia in general)? For very good reason, of course; knocking out five out of six Airelles properties over the last three years has been a major motivation of yours. Not to mention, specifically, ski resorts like Airelles Courchevel and Park Hyatt Niseko.
I, personally, would be happier if you could do...
Is it only me, Ben, or does it feel like most of your recent reviews are to France and Japan (or Europe and Northeast Asia in general)? For very good reason, of course; knocking out five out of six Airelles properties over the last three years has been a major motivation of yours. Not to mention, specifically, ski resorts like Airelles Courchevel and Park Hyatt Niseko.
I, personally, would be happier if you could do more exotic trips in the coming months, though with two children I understand that can be tough to manage. For example, you haven’t visited India since 2018, and while now might not be a great time in the aftermath of the AI171 crash, I do hope you’ll give the AI A350 or 787-9 a try before 2025 ends!
I am curious what the AI crash has to do with this not being a great time to visit India?
If a plane had crashed in UK or USA or France or Germany or anywhere else, should people stop visiting those countries?
@Norita: I said that because employee morale at AI is still very low, and people are still reeling at the grief of losing their loved ones. In a few months this will hopefully blow over.
@ Proximanova -- I 100% hear you, and I have plans for two very "exotic" review trips before the end of the year, which I'm in the final stages of planning. I'm just not doing it this time around because I only want to be gone for four days, and that's a little tight of a timeline for knocking that all out.
He may not want to visit India because he does not want to suffer.
Don’t knock it if you haven’t been there Allen.
Apologies Alen, I missed Mr Apple’s AI suggestion …. again.
@Alan Smithee
This.
Why would anyone go to a place where you can do nothing but to suffer.
VT-CIE just gaslight Ben into thinking India is "exotic".
I doubt Ben will ever set foot in Spiti, Nicobar or even Meghalaya, unless there's a Virtuoso with breakfast and $100 credit.
You'll never see Ben do an overnight bus review to those "exotic" places.
Now go back and visualise yourself flying Qsuites or Air France or JAL or something of that kind! ;)
What a good person Ben is, to still care about someone who made you to change the whole trip just to suffer on an awful plane of a mediocre airline.
I like the Westin Grand in Munich. It's a bit dated, but has lounge with an amazing view over Munich, is at the metro U4 (direct connection to Munich main station), and is within walking distance of the English Garden.
You might want to try the Roomers hotel, Autograph Collection. It is reasonably priced,I’ve had pretty good luck there with upgrades, and the status breakfast is outstanding. No lounge though.
@ David -- That's what I was leaning toward for him. What did you make of the location?
Stick to the widebodies, Lucky. We’ve seen enough A321 reviews recently.
There haven’t been *that* many of them…
@Aaron
Even a single post covering such an awful plane that is A321LR/XLR, is more than enough
Awful to you. Not to most.
Love the LH & AA angle, but why not spend some time in London and review a hotel(s) there instead of blitzing to the ME and back?
@ Super -- It's a good question/idea. Maybe I can squeeze in a quick Park Hyatt London review, as I've been meaning to check out that hotel as well...
After you fly Lufthansa Allegris first class (and maybe the old or new Stihad first class), will you still have left Starlux first class on the A350 to review?
Regardless, I look forward to the next refreshed list of the world's best class, when I imagine Oman Air, which dropped its first class last year, will fall off the list.
@ hanchicago -- Yep, Starlux is the last one! I'm still struggling with that, because it's so damn expensive, so I'll probably just do an intra-Asia flight, but that also doesn't give you the full experience.
I also plan to revisit Garuda Indonesia first class in the near future. And I have to get this list out before SWISS introduces its new first class. :p And then there's Air Côte d’Ivoire, which is reportedly...
@ hanchicago -- Yep, Starlux is the last one! I'm still struggling with that, because it's so damn expensive, so I'll probably just do an intra-Asia flight, but that also doesn't give you the full experience.
I also plan to revisit Garuda Indonesia first class in the near future. And I have to get this list out before SWISS introduces its new first class. :p And then there's Air Côte d’Ivoire, which is reportedly introducing first class on its A330-900neos:
https://onemileatatime.com/news/air-cote-divoire-airbus-a330neo/
Personally I’d want to see you fly Etihad’s new A321LR. Maybe not as exciting as the Apartment or Residence, but it could be a good comparison to your recent narrow body flights on EI and IB.
There will be a last minute change of equipment to the A340
After reviewing the Königshof i'd highly recommend the Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor. Excellent hotel and really nice comfy location, excellent connected with public transport, and as a "füll time walker" LOL..... he can walk around to the English Garden, Petuelring, Luitpoldpark and just around Schwabing.
Also very fast in Lehel, Haidhausen etc. and then return to have a relaxed evening at the Andaz Spa or a drink at the rooftop bar.
Just stayed in the Le Meridien in Munich as a Titanium and the location was very central and convenient but service was poor and didn’t receive any upgrade. The breakfast was also nothing special.
I’m personally more interested to see how Allegris First compares contemporaneously to regular Ethiad First vs the Residence.
Also very interested in the AA 789P review!
Looking forward to following along whatever you may do.
I flew Etihad A380 Apartments from AUH-YYZ yesterday and it was great. Interesting that nobody took the Residence upgrade offer. How do I know this? The regular shower was not working so they let me shower in the Residence bathroom. I would have been annoyed if the Residence was occupied and I couldn't get a shower on my first flight with Etihad.
Although not necessarily central, the Munich Marriott Hotel City West is a nice hotel that also features a modern club lounge with a good selection of food & drinks. For me the best value for money, when it comes to Marriott properties in Munich.
If you want to venture out of Munich a bit, there is a nice hotel at Tegernsee called Caro & Selig. Also highly recommend! You can get there easily within 1 hour by train from Munich central station.
Or the Arabella Alpenhotel just a little bit further out. I will try it next month.
Yes I would highly recommend the Munich Marriott Hotel City West, I stayed for a conference a few months back and the M lounge was great and pretty quiet after breakfast, rooms were functional and staff helpful.
An HOUR away from the central station? For an elderly man who loves to take walks and is, by the way, from Germany. You want to stick him in an office park?
Please stop wasting people's time. It's quite disrespectful to Ben's dad.
The tram stop is just outside the hotel that goes directly into the city centre.
Yes, and Tampa airport flies right to Munich. Why even overnight there, right?
I *guarantee* you Ben is not abandoning his father a literal hour outside the city in a dark office park.
Cuz he’s not just overnighting he’s staying in Munich for an extended period of time while Ben does his ME review trip!
So even less reason to stick his poor father in some random hotel hours away from downtown.
You people, I swear.
lol dam I fed the troll! Too many whiskey macs I fear!
No, just a European. Please stop coming here and stop being loud.
you're not flying Delta™ why exactly?
#Premium