Lufthansa first class is the long haul first class product that I fly the most. That’s not because I think it’s the world’s best first class, but rather because it’s bookable with miles close to departure, and it’s one of the most comfortable ways to cross the Atlantic.
Lufthansa’s first class hard product isn’t much to get excited about, but the airline generally has friendly service, a very comfortable bed, and a great ground experience, between the Lufthansa First Class Terminal Frankfurt and Lufthansa First Class Lounge Munich.
Lufthansa currently offers first class on three aircraft types, so in this post I thought it would be fun to look at which plane offers the best first class experience, should you have the choice between them.
In this post:
Lufthansa’s three first class experiences
Currently Lufthansa offers first class on a variety of routes operated by all Boeing 747-8s, Airbus A380s, and Airbus A340-600s. If you had the choice of which plane to fly, which offers the best first class experience?
The first thing to understand is that all three types of aircraft have eight first class seats, and the seats are identical. The only difference between the first class products is the layout of the cabin, the general traits of the plane, and some of the unique aircraft specific amenities.
So if I could board a Lufthansa first class flight on the 747-8, A380, or A340-600, which would I choose? Below is my thought process, starting with my favorite…
Lufthansa Boeing 747-8 first class
As an aviation geek, it’s such a treat to be able to fly on the Boeing 747, as there are very few airlines still flying these planes. What I particularly love about Lufthansa’s 747-8 first class is that it’s in the nose. There are three rows of seats, with the first two rows having two seats each, and the third row having four seats. There’s simply not another aircraft in the world where you literally sit right underneath the cockpit, and in the nose of the jet.
I love sitting in seat 1A or 1K for the cool feeling of being at the very front of the aircraft. And I also very much like seats 2A or 2K, thanks to the amount of privacy they offer, as there are no center seats in that row either. The 747-8 also has two spacious lavatories in first class, and they each have a window.
I’d say one main downside is that I don’t love the pair of center seats in the third row, so if I’m traveling with someone and really want to sit next to them, the 747 might not be my first choice. Furthermore, the 747 isn’t as quiet as the A380, and it also lacks some of the cool amenities. But that’s a small price to pay for being able to sit in the nose of the plane.
You can read a Lufthansa 747-8 first class review here.
Lufthansa Airbus A380 first class
From a passenger comfort standpoint, the Airbus A380 is my favorite plane to fly. The jet is just so quiet and smooth. While there aren’t that many in service anymore, there are a lot more than of the 747. Lufthansa’s A380 first class is on the upper deck, spread across two rows in a 1-2-1 configuration.
The cabin definitely affords less privacy than on the 747-8, since there’s more of a traditional layout. That being said, there are several things to love about Lufthansa’s A380 first class:
- There are two massive lavatories at the front of first class, and they even have urinals, which are the only ones you’ll find on commercial planes
- While minor, I love how Lufthansa has tail cameras on the A380 that you can watch from your personal television
- To give the cabin a more spacious feel there are no overhead bins, but rather each passenger is given a private locker in which they can place their belongings
Honestly, I love both the 747-8 and A380. If traveling alone I have a slight preference for the 747-8, while when traveling with someone, I really like the A380 as well.
You can read a Lufthansa A380 first class review here.
Lufthansa Airbus A340-600 first class
The Lufthansa Airbus A340-600 first class cabin is spread across two rows and in a 1-2-1 configuration. The layout is identical to what you’ll find on the A380, minus any of the A380-specific amenities.
The plane isn’t as quiet, the lavatories aren’t as big, there are overhead bins, and there’s no tail camera. It’s still a very nice experience, but it’s definitely the least remarkable of the three products, since there’s not much that makes it unique (well, aside from the economy bathrooms in the cargo hold).
You can read a Lufthansa A340-600 first class review here.
What about Lufthansa’s new first class?
Lufthansa intends to introduce a new first class product, as part of its new Allegris cabins. This will initially debut on newly delivered Airbus A350-900s to be based in Munich. However, this product has been delayed considerably, and there are even questions about whether Lufthansa will move forward with this on a widespread basis.
For all practical purposes, I’d just consider Lufthansa’s current first class product to be the only one that’ll be available for the foreseeable future.
Bottom line
Lufthansa offers a solid first class experience across the Atlantic, and it’s available on 747-8s, A380s, and A340-600s. All three planes offer exactly the same seats, though what’s different are the aircraft specific amenities, as well as the cabin layouts.
Personally, the 747-8 offers my favorite first class, as I love the window seats in the first and second row, and I also love sitting in the nose of the jumbo jet. The A380 offers my second favorite experience, thanks to the A380’s quiet cabins, as well as the large lavatories and tail camera. Then the A340 also offers a great experience, but it’s the least exciting of the three.
I’m curious to hear what OMAAT readers think — what’s your favorite Lufthansa first class cabin?
Just came back flying LH first class 747-8. I flew them on 2017 and was really happy with everything, but compared to this trip I was extremely disappointed. Airplanes where dirty, ground service in MEX has eliminated services such as accompanying to aircraft. Lounge in MEX disgusting. On my return flight, even though I checked in really early and saw there was 4 of 8 seats free, out of nowhere while boarding they said I...
Just came back flying LH first class 747-8. I flew them on 2017 and was really happy with everything, but compared to this trip I was extremely disappointed. Airplanes where dirty, ground service in MEX has eliminated services such as accompanying to aircraft. Lounge in MEX disgusting. On my return flight, even though I checked in really early and saw there was 4 of 8 seats free, out of nowhere while boarding they said I had to be downgraded to business, because my seat was not working. When boarding I explained situation to head purser, and said I was welcome to seat on broken seat and can be made into bed manually. When I get into cabin I see LH lied to me, my original seat was given to other person who was flying with whole family, so I guess that person was a HON member or something, but found LH attitude very unprofessional. Besides seat not working, cabin was dirty, tired, small screens, attendants kept missing requests. I think Allegris product will be nice, but comparing services on ground, LH first class lounge, food and attitude, that product will be not worthy. I know you’ve said BA First class is the best business class out there LOL, but rather have that for the whole package
I have tested the LH 1st class on the 3 planes mentionned.
The A340 was my 1st experience and really enjoyed it. Of course, nothing to compare with the A380 which is my best choice, better than the B747 !
Not to forget the 1st Class lounge in Munich or 1st Class Terminal in Frankfurt which are just great !
Missed the old days of 747-400 upper deck first class.
For a short time, they had a seperate bed next to the seat.
I like the new 2017 business class, had many dreams about it while leaping over other sleeping passengers to reach the toilets on night flights.
The Lufthansa A380 first class bathrooms are overrated. When you look past the novelty of having a urinal there’s nothing really remarkable about it. The interiors look bland and the seating area isn’t that large. It just looks like a larger business class or economy class restroom. SQ’s first class bathrooms look way more stylish for example. Considering Lufthansa doesn’t have a lounge or anything special on their A380s those bathrooms sort of feel like...
The Lufthansa A380 first class bathrooms are overrated. When you look past the novelty of having a urinal there’s nothing really remarkable about it. The interiors look bland and the seating area isn’t that large. It just looks like a larger business class or economy class restroom. SQ’s first class bathrooms look way more stylish for example. Considering Lufthansa doesn’t have a lounge or anything special on their A380s those bathrooms sort of feel like a wasted opportunity.
Personally I do like LH first class. Seats are very comfortable, no doors but I am not a big fan of diors anyway, still have privacy and feeling of big open space in the same time. Service is always good ( travel relatively often ), food and alcohol selection too. The only minus is their entertainment system. Screens are far too small and with low resolution. I like to fly with them and always pay with cash - prices are often reasonable compared to other airlines.
They're both winners, to me. Best first class in the world, by a long shot!
Not sure what the big deal of LH first class is. While some of the details such as the carpeting or finishes on the seats are nicer, it gives the look of business class, much like other "first class" products. Probably not worth the price.
Have you noticed? On my devices for Miles and More there is no IAD as a destination. Search by city and no Washington ????
No Ashton, VA either ;-)
Frustrated trying to switch from FRA a on A340 to Munich A380 & FCL for next July Birthday trip home. Flying to FRA from DXB EK B77W 1st Cabin I’ll take a train between the two cities
Which business class do you prefer on LH?
Because, I usually only get F as an upgrade, not confirmed.
Lufthansa First Class gets way too much coverage on this blog. It’s interesting but not THAT interesting. How about covering Air France first class ?
@ Mendel -- I've covered Air France first class a lot on this blog, but there's no way to get a deal for flying in it, which is why I don't cover it as much on an ongoing basis.
One advantage of sorts for the A380 and 340: a bit better for people traveling together as there are more seats together.
Except middle seats are kinda awful. Rather be across the aisle or in tandem
Nah, they’re not awful.
Ben, I have seen you (and countless other blogs) review and write about LH First Class so many times, and everytime I see an article and the picture, I really wonder about a few things -
1. To me, this seems like the least private first class seat/cabin among those that are routinely reviewed by miles/points enthusiasts. I believe most of today's standard business class seats provide more privacy than these seats
2....
Ben, I have seen you (and countless other blogs) review and write about LH First Class so many times, and everytime I see an article and the picture, I really wonder about a few things -
1. To me, this seems like the least private first class seat/cabin among those that are routinely reviewed by miles/points enthusiasts. I believe most of today's standard business class seats provide more privacy than these seats
2. May be its just the picutes, but the cloth seats just look so old and non-premium to me.
3. Combine this with the carpet that looks well past its prime, dull/muted baige interiors, and you have (at least to me) the least appealing FC cabin to step into.
4. I even question the value proposition of spending 100k+ points on this seat for an 8+ hour flight across the pond (when I can spend 40-60k points for a much superior, again in my view, business class seat), but I won't get into that since it is such a subjective thing.
I get that the FC terminal is amazing and all, but I hope that's not (and hopefully not for those stupid ducks that Matthew Klint seems to be obsessed with) why you/most bloggers are giving this product such high marks.
@ DMoney -- All fair points. I'm curious, what's your preferred way to get across the Atlantic, and how do you book it?
I think a lot depends on where your final is. If I was going to MUC/FRA then yeah, LH would make sense. I tend to fly SEA-LHR a lot on BA F, and yes BA F is not by any objective measurement a great FC product but its quite serviceable. While I'm sure many will disagree, I don't much mind LHR. The CCR while not anywhere as good as LH FCT/L is not bad. They...
I think a lot depends on where your final is. If I was going to MUC/FRA then yeah, LH would make sense. I tend to fly SEA-LHR a lot on BA F, and yes BA F is not by any objective measurement a great FC product but its quite serviceable. While I'm sure many will disagree, I don't much mind LHR. The CCR while not anywhere as good as LH FCT/L is not bad. They have LPGS, the food in the last month or two has started to improve (it still has a ways to go), and its comfortable place to spend time if your connecting or before your flight ex-LHR. Add to that you have a lot of flight options for most destinations.
@ Ryan -- British Airways first class can be a good option, I agree with you, especially if going to London. My question was more for those who think a Lufthansa first class award isn't a decent deal. If you fly British Airways first class, you'll pay 85K miles plus $900 or so in taxes and carrier imposed surcharges. Meanwhile you can buy the LifeMiles needed for a Lufthansa first class ticket for just over...
@ Ryan -- British Airways first class can be a good option, I agree with you, especially if going to London. My question was more for those who think a Lufthansa first class award isn't a decent deal. If you fly British Airways first class, you'll pay 85K miles plus $900 or so in taxes and carrier imposed surcharges. Meanwhile you can buy the LifeMiles needed for a Lufthansa first class ticket for just over $1,000. So I'd say from a value perspective, Lufthansa first class is a much better option.
Oh yeah for miles ticket I'd agree, if you can be flexible and find last minute award seats LH is great for that. BA doesn't open up F awards very much on west coast-LHR flights, but they often are reasonably priced (comparatively) and the Chase+AARP discounts help. Often I get r/t for ~$5K which is not bad.
Ben, how far in advance does LifeMiles generally show LH F award space? Is it more of a last minute thing like on other carriers or is it something that can be booked in advance? This is the first time I've been aware of such a good deal and with a potential trip to Germany next September, it would certainly be useful to check something off my bucket list.
Hi Ben,
We have two under 2 year olds and one 7 year old in the household, so more often than not, we are constrained by award availability, schedule, and school calendar. Having said that, we have done our share of AF economy to Europe (with FB miles), EY business to India (with Aeroplan miles) and Westjet Economy for Canada travel using Delta miles, and AC domestic first to Mexico using Aeroplan miles in the...
Hi Ben,
We have two under 2 year olds and one 7 year old in the household, so more often than not, we are constrained by award availability, schedule, and school calendar. Having said that, we have done our share of AF economy to Europe (with FB miles), EY business to India (with Aeroplan miles) and Westjet Economy for Canada travel using Delta miles, and AC domestic first to Mexico using Aeroplan miles in the last 18 months. We aim to use LifeMiles and FB for our travel as the kids go past 2 year mark and need their own seats.
@ DMoney -- That's totally fair, and it can be tough to find first class availability for a family. I was just curious what you consider to be a superior business class product across the Atlantic that's bookable consistently for 40K-60K miles.
1. AF/KLM new business class for 50k FB (55k previously) - often less when transferred with 25-30% bonus; even less for my situation since kids under 12 get 25% discount
2. Singapore Business for 60k with Aeroplan
3. Condor Business with Alaska for 60k
4. New Turkish business with Turkish Miles and Smiles for I think 35k/50k miles
5. Although not in the same league as above products, I quite like...
1. AF/KLM new business class for 50k FB (55k previously) - often less when transferred with 25-30% bonus; even less for my situation since kids under 12 get 25% discount
2. Singapore Business for 60k with Aeroplan
3. Condor Business with Alaska for 60k
4. New Turkish business with Turkish Miles and Smiles for I think 35k/50k miles
5. Although not in the same league as above products, I quite like AC business for 60k Aeroplan/63k Lifemiles
I completely get that these business class products are not in the same league as LH first class, but like I mentioned, they offer things that are probably very important to those who choose to spend 2x/3x amount (cash or miles) on premium products. Unfortunately, those things are missing from LH First and hence my view that it is an overrated product for the price it asks.
Could you perhaps review the FRA FCT now? I wonder how its changed from 2021.
I was there in July and it was a complete mess. Crowd, noise and dirty during the morning. 1 hour to have a shower available. The restaurant also fell a lot: poor service and they replaced the white towels with placemats, which I found unacceptable for a first class terminal.
I got to do the 747 1K AND 2K as the flight was only half full in F. One for sleeping and one for "hanging out" :-)
I suspect the new FC never sees a paying customer, at least in its current form. The whole double seat thing is about the dumbest thing an airline has done in the history of aviation. Its not at all practical for 2 people, so they basically have 2 FC seats available for sale, which are separated by the useless unsellable seat. Given the investment required, and that LH had over a decade to think on...
I suspect the new FC never sees a paying customer, at least in its current form. The whole double seat thing is about the dumbest thing an airline has done in the history of aviation. Its not at all practical for 2 people, so they basically have 2 FC seats available for sale, which are separated by the useless unsellable seat. Given the investment required, and that LH had over a decade to think on this its almost impressive levels of stupid that after all that time and, I assume, many levels of review and approvals everyone was like...yeah this is a good idea!
not at all true i bought 2 firstclass tickets way ahead of time and prices were reasonable (4000 euro pp) compared to last minute BC
Thai also has (had?) first class in the nose of 747. My favourite LH F is 747-400 with a seat and a separate bed. Those are now retired I think.
I also loved the 747-4 after they were converted to the 8 seat First class. I only flew it once while it still had 16 seats (on a miles ticket to EZE using my dads expiring miles…).
Also me and my +1 got the entire First cabin of a 747-8 for us alone back from HND some years ago. That was pretty cool.
Still my favourite in todays fleet is the A380. I’d love to fly it once again before Lufthansa decides to retire them for good.
Yes I loved the 747-400 with the seat plus bed on the upper deck! LH still has a few 747-400s but not for long and they only have business not first.
To be fair, the 747-8 also has the same rear-of-cabin locker setup like the 380.
Not that it matters too much given how sparsely populated the First Class cabin is, even when booked full.
The 747-8 is the clear winner for me.
The 747-8 also has a tail camera. At least the one I flew on recently to ORD did.