Historically I’ve ranked the Lufthansa First Class Terminal Frankfurt as the world’s second best first class lounge. In the miles & points world, visiting the First Class Terminal is basically a rite of passage.
Well, I think my opinion on the First Class Terminal is starting to change. No, not in absolute terms, but in relative terms, as I no longer think the First Class Terminal is Lufthansa’s best lounge.
In this post:
The Lufthansa First Class Terminal Frankfurt is great, but…
The Lufthansa First Class Terminal Frankfurt is a one-of-a-kind concept in commercial aviation. It’s literally completely separate from the main terminals at Frankfurt Airport, allowing you to skip the main part of the airport altogether. You can pull up directly to the First Class Terminal, clear security there, and then be driven directly to your plane.
That’s the single biggest selling point of the lounge, in my opinion. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a perfectly nice lounge otherwise, with restaurant quality food, beautiful shower suites and nap rooms, a great drink selection, and collectible ducks. The decor is admittedly a bit sterile, but that’s true across Lufthansa lounges.
However, there are some downsides to the lounge. The two things that stand out to me the most are the following:
- The lounge has no views of the airport, really, and just overlooks the airport crew building
- If you’re not originating your travels in Frankfurt, the only way to get here is to clear immigration (if coming from a non-Schengen destination), leave security, and walk along the outside roadway of the terminal; getting there is anything but first class, so as an alternative you can use the First Class Lounge in the terminal
- Even if you’re originating in Frankfurt, the First Class Terminal is only convenient if arriving by car; if arriving by train, it’s still a bit of a trek to get there
…is the Lufthansa First Class Lounge Munich better?
The Lufthansa First Class Lounge Munich in the satellite terminal has reopened in recent months, and I’ve now visited it a couple of times (not to be confused with the other Lufthansa First Class Lounge Munich). This has made me realize something — I prefer this lounge to the First Class Terminal.
Okay, the lounge doesn’t have the same convenience for those originating in Munich. The lounge is in the satellite terminal, and if you’re starting out in Munich, it’s quite a trek to get here. However, if you take that out of the equation, I actually prefer just about everything else about this lounge.
The Lufthansa First Class Lounge Munich is located on the sixth floor, and has epic runway and apron views, which you don’t get at the First Class Terminal. Furthermore, it has floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the lounge, so has a lot more natural light.
The Lufthansa First Class Lounge Munich has an open-air terrace, which you don’t get at the First Class Terminal.
Furthermore, I like how you can actually be driven to this lounge if you’re arriving at a remote stand, unlike at the First Class Terminal. A majority of Lufthansa’s passengers in Frankfurt and Munich are connecting rather than originating at the hubs.
Lastly, while both lounges have great service, I do in general find Lufthansa’s Munich staff to be superior. They’re the best at the airline, in my opinion.
In fairness, a lot is similar between the lounges. Both have good food and drinks, and great bathrooms, showers, and nap rooms. I guess the way I would sum it up is that if I could only ever visit one of the lounges again for the rest of my life, I’d chose the First Class Lounge Munich over the First Class Terminal Frankfurt.
So I guess to sum up my take:
- If I had the choice of originating in Frankfurt or Munich, I’d probably pick the First Class Terminal Frankfurt, because the convenience of skipping the terminal is great
- However, if connecting, and in terms of the overall lounge experience, I think the First Class Lounge Munich is superior
So, the next time I update my lounge rankings, how exactly do I weigh those factors? I’m curious to hear what y’all think!
Bottom line
While the Lufthansa First Class Terminal Frankfurt offers unrivaled convenience for those originating in Frankfurt, I’d argue that the Lufthansa First Class Lounge Munich offers an all-around better experience. The lounge boasts amazing views, a beautiful outdoor terrace, and you can actually be driven to the lounge when connecting, unlike at the First Class Terminal.
What’s your take — do you prefer the Lufthansa First Class Terminal Frankfurt or Lufthansa First Class Lounge Munich?
Do you have a strong opinion about the FCT vs FRA first class lounges? Have you been to both?
I was at FCT in the first week of July. During the morning, it was really really crowd and noisy. 1h30 to have a shower available, and any nap room available on my 6 hour stay. Idk what was happening, but it was complete different from the old times.
Very few lounges are worth it. Agree with another comment that they are glorified waiting rooms.
It's all about marketing. Just as with everything travel, the PR and pictures are all about that ONE flagship experience/suite/cabin.
Reality is only a handful get to experience it. Even those with unlimited means, since it's but a choice few locations/rooms/ seats that are available anywhere.
The only lounges that are worth it are LH FRA/MUC...
Very few lounges are worth it. Agree with another comment that they are glorified waiting rooms.
It's all about marketing. Just as with everything travel, the PR and pictures are all about that ONE flagship experience/suite/cabin.
Reality is only a handful get to experience it. Even those with unlimited means, since it's but a choice few locations/rooms/ seats that are available anywhere.
The only lounges that are worth it are LH FRA/MUC and CX HKG. Haven't been to Singapore or Dubai, but assume they'd make the list.
As for business class lounges, the only worth mentioning is Swiss ZRH.
None in THE USA are any good. Polaris is awful, even the EWR and IAD.
I consider many business class or *A lounges superior to not having lounge access (unless the airport is really nice).
The likes of United Clubs barely make that cut, but even there it's usually more space, a power plug,...
I definitely enjoy Lufthansa Lounges in MUC, FRA,... for their showers after a long haul or a long trip so far and they tend to offer a decent bite.
It's a bit shocking to hear how LH treats first class passengers with a connection in Frankfurt, which I'm sure is the majority of passengers for this medium-size city. AF has way more premium passengers with final destination in Paris and still does a better job with these connecting passengers.
"The lounge has no views of the airport"
Does the Air France first class lounge in Paris lose points for that as well?
Speaking of Air France, it's too bad Lufthansa doesn't do the same as they for arriving transit passengers.
@lucky, you didn't answer the most important question: Does the Munich FCL have bathtubs and ducks? Or can you only get the ducks at FRA?
That's a YES to both questions.
Although the ducks in MUC are smaller than in FRA. (Not that it matters but worth noting)
I like B gates lounge in FRA since it’s often empty and still get car transfer.
What a collection of mostly moronic comments!
Did you have anything meaningful to say, or were you just dropping a moronic comment?
Coolest part is when you are driven to your plane. Outside of that check the box experience, the lounge is meh. I was denied a rubber ducky too, so I might be a bit butt hurt.
Why were you denied a duck?
If I +ever+ fly Lufthansa first it'd probably be a 'once in a lifetime' experience, in the literal rather than purely metaphorical sense. I'd be annoyed if I didn't get my duck....
In the FCT.
I’ve always commented that I think the fct is overrated. I thought the Munich lounge was a nicer experience when including the fact that you have to walk to the Fct. I have a huge premium to seeing planes landing and taking off.
I’m begging for the next article too “Qantas first class lounge at lax. Is it actually not as good as everyone says?” Lolllll.
I find the benefits of the lounges is snob appeal and showers (in some cases). If the lounge lacks a view of the planes, that's a big minus particularly if regular cattle passengers have this view from the gate. If I am not sweaty, then the gate would be just as good if I have a seat and a flat area to write or work on. As far as food, if I want food, it's...
I find the benefits of the lounges is snob appeal and showers (in some cases). If the lounge lacks a view of the planes, that's a big minus particularly if regular cattle passengers have this view from the gate. If I am not sweaty, then the gate would be just as good if I have a seat and a flat area to write or work on. As far as food, if I want food, it's usually available in the terminal albeit at a cost and maybe a short wait for paying.
I do realize that re-booking help is better in a lounge that waiting with cattle.
For me it's primarily about calm space where I can easily find space and there's relative peace. Of course, not all lounges can deliver this (LH lounges are particularly bad in this regard) but those that can are priceless. *Good* lounges are virtually the only reason for me to be loyal to an alliance and try to achieve a status.
First class / business class check-in and priority security definitely are big pluses and reasons I have been loyal to attain status.
Priority boarding and extra luggage also are nice, even if the latter I only use maybe once or twice a year (on vacation trips).
Not everyone cares about views, for others a quiet lounge, not too crowded, good food and service, nice showers, etc, matter more.
If they simply had a way to get there (even just a shuttle bus from one of the other lounges) airside, or did car service, it would be a total game changer. Having to clear immigration to walk there on the street kills the whole experience. And if you're not totally in the know and were just connecting in FRA, you would never even know it existed.
I've always felt that all lounges are overrated. It's a glorified waiting room with meh food at best. Typically it's like being at a wedding reception but you don't know anyone.
The only real benefits are the shower/resting rooms, if available.
I agree. While some lounges are very snazzy and I like the free food and drink, it's not something I've ever got overly excited about. I've been to some lounges that are beige and dull, and yet metres away in the normal area of the terminal are way nicer areas to wait for your flight, drinking a (admittedly paid for) wine at a bar overlooking the tarmac.
I’m one who doesn’t get the hype. I have been in almost all the “top 10” lounges that bloggers pimp and have yet to agree with the enthusiasm.
Believe it or not, one of the best lounge experiences I have experienced was at Flagship First dining in JFK. The chef was testing some different dishes and sharing, looking for feedback. The bartender was on point and only one other person was there.
Private...
I’m one who doesn’t get the hype. I have been in almost all the “top 10” lounges that bloggers pimp and have yet to agree with the enthusiasm.
Believe it or not, one of the best lounge experiences I have experienced was at Flagship First dining in JFK. The chef was testing some different dishes and sharing, looking for feedback. The bartender was on point and only one other person was there.
Private room coupled with golf cart transfer was solid. Free flow solid champagne makes me happy!
I had a memorable experience there as well. Flew CX-F transcon to YVR. And they were still serving Krug in Flagship dining at that time
I thought the FCT was great when originating at FRA. They had the ability to return my Mietwagen for me. I don’t know if they do that at MUC.
Yeah,there is a First class valet service for both private and rental cars but in both locations you have to pre-book it at least 30min before arrival.
In Munich via Phone, in Frankfurt via App.
Totally agree, the F class terminal in FRA is underwhelming. Nobody understands why they can provide car transfers from arriving Schengen flights to the main terminal but not to the F class terminal. So you have to leave the secure area, trek across (literally!) a taxi stand and do security again.
I thought I was going to spend my long layover in the FCT but after I did a loop in there I’d decided to head into the city to grab a bite/drink there. It’s one of the best airports for quickly and easily getting into the city. The novelty of being driven to the plane sure if fun but I don’t think I’d go out of my way to experience it again.
If I remember correctly, the First Class Terminal did have nice views until the started construction of the pier A extension that added the Z gates.
Years ago AVIS had a special at FRA where LH F passengers could rent a Porsche 911 for 3 hours for 99 euro, and there was valet rental car return at the FCT. The agent working the AVIS counter was very helpful, suggesting which autobahns were likely to have less traffic at that time of day. Perfect for a 7-hour connection from a Schengen flight - get picked up by car from a remote stand,...
Years ago AVIS had a special at FRA where LH F passengers could rent a Porsche 911 for 3 hours for 99 euro, and there was valet rental car return at the FCT. The agent working the AVIS counter was very helpful, suggesting which autobahns were likely to have less traffic at that time of day. Perfect for a 7-hour connection from a Schengen flight - get picked up by car from a remote stand, go to AVIS, enjoy a Porsche for 3 hours, drive up to the FCT and leave the car there, have about 2 hours at the FCT to collect your rubber duck...
It's a shame they got rid of this. The whole 911 and FCT experience is on my personal points and miles Mount Rushmore.
Ben - it seems like if you're originating in Munich, the experience should be pretty good as well, albeit no driving to the lounge. This is from Lufthansa's website:
"First Class passengers arriving by car are greeted in Munich at the curbside check-in. While you are making your way straight to the check-in counter, a staff member will park your car or take care of the return of your rental vehicle."
@ Super -- Indeed, but you still have to get the FCL in the satellite terminal on your own. It's not a huge deal, but it takes 10-15 minutes, and includes taking a train.
Having visited the reopened Munich F satellite lounge this year after the FCT last year, I agree that the Munich lounge was better. Staff was friendlier. I would almost call the FCT a bit crowded on our last visit. Munich was nice and empty. The extra snacks and candy around the lounge were a nice touch as well.
Weirdly enough I only finally checked the FCT off my bucket list last year and I was... Not impressed. It's possible that my expectations were sky high after hearing and reading everyone and their mother raving about it, but it was not a memorable experience for me. It was of course completely fine and comfortable all things considered, but it was over crowded, the food was fine and service just alright, and the "private transfer"...
Weirdly enough I only finally checked the FCT off my bucket list last year and I was... Not impressed. It's possible that my expectations were sky high after hearing and reading everyone and their mother raving about it, but it was not a memorable experience for me. It was of course completely fine and comfortable all things considered, but it was over crowded, the food was fine and service just alright, and the "private transfer" to the plane was just a fully packed van with 6 of us in it. And of course getting to the terminal itself is not super convenient. So def a bit overrated for me, and would not go out of my way to be there again honestly. The Munich one looks much more attractive.
Lucky, there is one major upside to the FCT in FRA… and that is you are guaranteed to be driven to the plane in a car. In Munich, I find a drive to be far less certain as most planes I am going to are not at remote stands there. And the drive to avoid the terminal and the traditional (anything but first class quality) boarding agents and process for Lufthansa is worth it’s weight in gold here.
Yes, recently it’s been overcrowded, My last few visits I’ve been better off in the lounge in the terminal.
Also, I feel that the food has gone slightly downhill, but the offerings are still better than the lounges in Munich.
But it’s high quality for European airline. I rank it 2nd best in Europe.
Was in both lounges this past week. Tend to agree with you on FCT. Add in apprently back in March they dropped DO&CO catering for Käfer. Gone are the gummy bears! The A la carte menu is a shadow of its former self. Basically 2-3 mains (burger and filet of beef) and the seasonal menu. They also kept Schnizel, with a different presentation, but that is pretty much it. The Munich version was superior. It's...
Was in both lounges this past week. Tend to agree with you on FCT. Add in apprently back in March they dropped DO&CO catering for Käfer. Gone are the gummy bears! The A la carte menu is a shadow of its former self. Basically 2-3 mains (burger and filet of beef) and the seasonal menu. They also kept Schnizel, with a different presentation, but that is pretty much it. The Munich version was superior. It's still cool to be driven to your connecting flight, especially considering the maze of gates in that airport.
Oh no, the gummy bears!!! No! :'(
Glad you got to experience the outdoor terrace this time, Ben!
The whole connecting part and being driven to the lounge makes a very strong case for choosing Lufthansa when flying to anywhere in Europe, IMO. The lounge isn't "blow you away" amazing, but it is a nice place to spend some time, and the seamless car transitions make for a relaxing trip.
Even if I were flying to London, I'd seriously consider Lufthansa and...
Glad you got to experience the outdoor terrace this time, Ben!
The whole connecting part and being driven to the lounge makes a very strong case for choosing Lufthansa when flying to anywhere in Europe, IMO. The lounge isn't "blow you away" amazing, but it is a nice place to spend some time, and the seamless car transitions make for a relaxing trip.
Even if I were flying to London, I'd seriously consider Lufthansa and connecting in MUC over flying straight there with BA. More cost efficient if using points and (debatably) a better experience overall.
If you are connecting in MUC will you automatically be driven to this satellite FC lounge instead of the other one?
Also when connecting from schengen flight to LH F in FRA, I was driven to the exit and then walked the rest of the way like above. Is that others’ experiences?
@ Pete -- It depends where you're connecting to. I believe you'll typically be driven to the lounge closest to your departure gate. Yes, in FRA at best you'll be driven to close to the exit, and then you'll have to walk the rest of the way.
I would also like to know this! The couple times I've gone I have been driven to the Satellite facility, but that may have just been luck?
Website note - have you tried it in dark-mode on mobile? The blue links are unreadable on the darker background.
Lufthansa, writ-large, is massive overrated. I have no idea why they get so much airtime on this site.
@ Louis -- It's the only transatlantic first class product that can consistently be booked with transferable points currencies and without fuel surcharges. Isn't that worth something? I've never claimed that the carrier's first class is the best in the world, and I've consistently called the airline out over its lackluster business class product.
Ben, how much did you pay for taxes?
I like the FC lounge at Frankfort because it has its own little security check and imigration. It is also like they are expecting you when you arrive.