After being grounded for over three years, Lufthansa started to bring back some of its Airbus A380s in the summer of 2023. Since then, the airline has progressively brought back more of these planes, and at this point, all eight remaining Airbus A380s are flying again (initially there were 14, but six were permanently retired).
Continue reading: Lufthansa A380 Routes 2025: Seven Destinations, Including Denver(!!!)
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Is altitude one of the considerations for deploying A380s to Denver? How much extra fuel would be required for a fully laden A380 to take off vs a lighter jet?
Denver based:
oof. I really do look forward to being in the international baggage hall after a 380 arrival. That place is overwhelmed as it is. (Hasn't been expanded since the airport was built).
I don't think so. It's just a little longer takeoff roll, right? Denver's runways can certainly handle it even in summer.
I think the bigger issue is the gates at DEN. From my understanding none of them are setup for an a380. At this point, I can't imagine DEN would invest in that either, nor could it be done by April unless it has already started.
There are some gates with two jet bridges but none, I think that can do two levels. Makes me wonder how long boarding and disembarking will take.
Ironic that this was published mere moments after I finalized a MUC-DEN booking for this September. I'm currently seated in the Allegris bulkhead so the A380 feels like a downgrade. C'est la vie -- maybe F will open up on my dates!
I wish Lufthansa would bring there A380 to Atlanta. It’s been a while since we last had A380 service.
How do you rate the United lounges being ready (or not) to handle that extra capacity?
Denver Monthly Visitor.
Although I have passed through DEN every month for just over two years now, I have not had the pleasure of transiting through the commercial passenger terminal.
I will have to join the masses when I retire later this year …. is it really so bad?
I would be pleased to know if you are minded to ‘spill the beans’ Bob?
DEN has two gates that can physically accommodate an A380. A41W (which this flight will use) and A37W; both have A380 stop bar markings. Neither have dual-level jet bridges.
I don't think altitude an issue. As DANDAVE said, the planbe just needs a longer takeoff roll, which is no nog deal in DEN due to the long runways.
Air France used to operate the A380 to MEX without any issues. MEX is about 2100-ft higher than DEN and has shorter runways. Add to that, MEX-CDG is 500-mi longer and I do not think I ever saw any reports of the A380 having poor performance. With 4 engines, I'm sure AF just loaded up more fuel and used more engine power to get off the ground.
since when did fresh flowers make places look trashy? are you just trying for a troll take or something
You're making this far more complicated than it actually is. Denver has multiple category-F gates, any of which would be capable of handling the A380 and 747-8 without obstructing other gates.
Even if it didn't, the other solution, is to simply park at a corner and block the adjacent gate. Not optimal, but airports everywhere do it every day, to accommodate a large arrival when needed. Even some of the busiest international gateways out there do it.
I think it speaks volumes to how big Denver is a hub for UA and can offer many connections.
UA offers a daily flight to both FRA & MUC and will continue to offer a daily 789 flight to MUC. Meanwhile LH will also be using an A350 from FRA daily. That’s a lot of capacity.
I think it speaks volumes to how big Denver is a hub for UA and can offer many connections.
UA offers a daily flight to both FRA & MUC and will continue to offer a daily 789 flight to MUC. Meanwhile LH will also be using an A350 from FRA daily. That’s a lot of capacity.
I know ! Right ? I remember the nice carnations that USAir used to place on F Class trays ans it was so nice !
I don't know. I fly AA/BA not United, so I'm not in the United Clubs often enough to get a sense of how full they are.
The economy on the back of the upper deck is a great hidden gem 2-4-2. You need to pay to assign these seats but it is worth the money. I think it’s the only economy on any upper deck!
Is it possible to upgrade a business class award to first class? If so, which currency is best to use and how would I do it? Is it possible to book with miles/points and pay to upgrade at the time of booking or shortly after? Or can I call LH and ask if there is a paid upgrade option that can be utilized in advanced? Appreciate the help.
Many other A380 operators also have economy seating on the upper deck (Asiana, Qatar, etc.)
Does anyone know if these will have the new redesign for Business Class yet? Super excited to see this!
Lufthansa has those handy window storage slots on the upper deck like other A380s, right? That is very cool. Often you can put what ever was going under the seat there and have more footroom.
I suppose they could use the front jet bridge to board the upper deck through the stairs, and the rear to board the lower deck. Plenty of A380s board with just two jetways, one lower one upper.
Ngl I kinda wanna do this flight just to experience the grand staircase lol I know most airlines block them off
I hope this inspires emirates to fly the A380 to SEA as they’ve indicated wanting to do in the past. SEA can accommodate the A380, it just lacks multiple jetways. They have a four hour turn time anyways, so the biggest bottleneck will be the SEA lounges and S satellites small size.
Although with added competition from QR and TK maybe the demand is gone
Does this mean the remaining a380s will feature a new business class cabin when they enter service this summer as per your previous article or will they simply be pulled for the refresh down the road?