The airline world is continuing to heal…
In this post:
Lufthansa FCT Frankfurt reopens as of today
The Lufthansa First Class Terminal Frankfurt has reopened as of today (September 1, 2021). For context, this special lounge closed at the beginning of the pandemic, so it was shut for nearly 18 months. Lufthansa has been taking a gradual approach towards reopening lounges — the First Class Lounge Frankfurt reopened as of June 1 (and has now been closed again, more on that below), and the First Class Lounge Munich reopened as of July 1.
The First Class Terminal offers Lufthansa’s absolute best first class ground experience, and I consider it to be the second best lounge in the world, after the Air France La Premiere Lounge Paris.
For those who haven’t been in the First Class Terminal, it’s completely separate from the rest of the airport, so customers can pull up to the First Class Terminal, and skip the normal terminal entirely. After clearing a private security checkpoint, you can enjoy the lounge’s amenities, ranging from a la carte dining, to nap rooms, to a cigar bar, to bathtubs, to private offices. Then when it’s time to board, passengers are driven to their plane by car.
The reopening of the First Class Terminal also represents the resumption of Lufthansa’s ground transfers for first class passengers. Up until now these haven’t even been available from other lounge locations.
The First Class Terminal can be accessed by Lufthansa first class and SWISS first class passengers, as well as Lufthansa’s top-tier HON Circle members. I would imagine the lounge will be about as quiet as it has ever been, given Lufthansa’s significantly scaled back first class network, as well as reduced business travel (most HON Circle members are business travelers).
Lufthansa’s special coronavirus duck
Lufthansa has made rubber ducks a fun part of its first class experience. Specifically, Lufthansa has long had rubber ducks in its First Class Lounges. These are gifts for passengers — they’re typically placed near the bathtubs in the shower suites, or you can just ask one of the shower room attendants, and they’ll give you one.
Over time these have become collector’s items, and the airline has really embraced this. We’ve seen dozens of limited edition ones over the years, reflecting the seasons (like Christmas ducks) or special events (like Oktoberfest).
With the First Class Terminal reopening, Lufthansa has today also released a new “very limited edition” duck. FlyerTalk member Surface Interval has the first picture of the duck. Lufthansa’s newest duck is coronavirus-themed, and it’s wearing a face mask and has some hand sanitizer as well.
OMG this is amazing, and I’m only slightly kidding when I say I’m tempted to book a Lufthansa first class ticket to be able to pick one of these up. I need to add it to my collection.
Lufthansa FCL Frankfurt closes as of today
As I mentioned above, the Lufthansa First Class Lounge Frankfurt reopened as of June 1, 2021. That lounge will be closing again as of today, September 1, 2021. In other words, the Lufthansa First Class Terminal will be replacing the Lufthansa First Class Lounge. However, the Lufthansa Senator Lounge in the B Concourse will have a sectioned off area for first class passengers, which is better than nothing.
What are the implications of this?
- The First Class Terminal is always the best option for those originating in Frankfurt, since it’s totally separate from the terminal
- Those in transit in Frankfurt will have the option of going to the first class section of the Senator Lounge, or can walk on their own to the First Class Terminal; this requires going through immigration, so could cause problems for some, given complicated entry requirements
I imagine first class demand is still very limited, so I can’t fault Lufthansa for not being able to justify keeping both lounges open. I’d say this arrangement is significantly better than the previous one.
Bottom line
The Lufthansa First Class Terminal Frankfurt has reopened as of today (September 1, 2021). This is an exciting development, given how long the lounge has been closed for. Lufthansa enthusiasts will also love the awesome new limited edition duck that has been introduced in light of the times.
Unfortunately Lufthansa has closed the First Class Lounge Frankfurt, which isn’t ideal for transit passengers, but I’d still consider this to be a net win. I think visiting this lounge in the coming months should be about as good as it gets, as I’d bet the FCT hasn’t been this empty in many, many years.
Anyone planning on visiting the Lufthansa First Class Terminal soon?
(Tip of the hat to SINJim)
Hi all,
I already posted earlier but had one other question. I am surprising my wife for an upgrade and am wondering where to sit. While we could sit as a couple, seat 1K is available (not 1A) and was also considering sitting in 2A and give her 1K. Or is flying as a couple without windows ok? any recommendations?
Flying to SA from Frankfurt towards the end of the month (first time in 747-8) - cannot wait to experience this terminal again. Last time was 05/19 to SIN (A380) ; it’s been too long
Transiting through Frankfurt for the first time prior to going to Sao Paulo. Having never flown Lufthansa, what will the transit be like? Is there still the car transfer despite not having access to the first class terminal (as you mentioned its easier to go to the Senators lounge)? Is there ground staff to help navigate the airport once we land from our departure city?
Thank you!
If you’re flying to Sao Paolo in first class via Frankfurt I would definitely recommend you go to the FTC. Worst thing that could happen is that you have to go through security etc, which is quite swift (at least from my experience). Being driven to the plane is only offered if departing from the FTC if I’m not mistaken.
Thank you DE1999! My only concern (which isn't much of a concern) is the fact that I have 1:20mnts between both flights. As such I am unsure whether or not I would have enough time to go to FCT but I guess it doesn't hurt to try...
The new duck is amazing I loved it. There was a huge delay at the first class terminal today but now that I’m in and going to shower I’m happy.
I saw there are 5 flights departing to the US all around the same time that offer First Class. An additional few flights to the US also at the same time but don’t have first class cabins . I imagine it will be busy. Sounds like you’ll want to arrive when they open at 5:30. I will try to save a duck for someone. Sounds like the Covid ones are already gone.
Question for ya'll and sorry if its not directly related to convo: im Flying Lufthansa Biz class DFW-FRA-AMS with a long 5 hour layover in FRA. Theres no first class on my plane. Are my options just the lounge? any beds? thanks!
Im in the FCT now. Like it was mentioned, it was a real pain getting here as I arrived fron NY and I had to exit through immigration and walk to the terminal by foot. But they are extremely well staffed, at least now at 9:30 am, and so far, it has been a pleasure. Im happy i made the extra effort instead of going to the Senator Lounge lol.
I’m sitting in FCT rightnow. It’s September 2nd, the 2nd day after its opening. Nap room was occupied so I use lounge chair. It’s so packed, like 30+ passengers and there are only 3 wait staffs so they run around like maniacs. No covid duck available!! So I was told, only Olympic ones... at least I got a new design to my collection
Onthe 3 times I went to the lounge I never got a DUCK!!!
Being the millennial police who is easily offended by everything, isn't the duck doing a halt or a salute gesture?
This might offend certain group of people for reminding them of the hardship or pain and suffering during the occupation.
Germans, halt gesture, chemical bottles, wearing masks. Doesn't feel right.
But I'm probably over thinking everything and making a big deal like what the most Americans are doing everyday.
And yes this post is full of sarcasm.
You can actually type in Lufthansa First Class Terminal in the Uber app. Better go with Uber select for this occasion. Just found out the railroad workers are going on a five day strike starting tomorrow. I wanted to day trip Stuttgart and go to the Porsche museum.
Is the closure of the FCL temporary or permanent?
Since they've significantly lessened the amenities available to F class and HON passengers connecting through FRA, I take this as a data point that the majority of F class and HON travelers still flying through FRA are originating in FRA.
Your abbreviations FCT/FCL make this more difficult to read.
Was just at the FCT. It was actually packed. Had a hard time finding a seat, showers and tubs are also currently out of order, apparently they need maintenance after being closed for so long and there was plumbers actively working on the situation
"It’s not the end of the world, but how can a “terminal” truly be considered one if it only handles outbound passengers?"
Seriously? Who give a f'ck what they call it or define it as.
@jordan23
The only thing more comical than this thread is Frankfurt’s football team. I think I walked by the captain and head coach on my way to the team shop today. No it’s not the first class lounge it’s a terminal.
@eoj
"That means having to exit through arrivals and walk a quarter mile past the taxi stand to check back in and re-enter the secure area."
BOO-HOO!!!!!
As opposed to Emirates, which involves 1/4 mile of walking indoors.
I love the FCT but it has a major flaw which is that one cannot be driven to it, only from it. That means having to exit through arrivals and walk a quarter mile past the taxi stand to check back in and re-enter the secure area. I have walked it several times and once you are used to it then fine, though it has rained heavily on me a couple of times.
It’s not...
I love the FCT but it has a major flaw which is that one cannot be driven to it, only from it. That means having to exit through arrivals and walk a quarter mile past the taxi stand to check back in and re-enter the secure area. I have walked it several times and once you are used to it then fine, though it has rained heavily on me a couple of times.
It’s not the end of the world, but how can a “terminal” truly be considered one if it only handles outbound passengers?
I’ll hopefully be there on Friday morning, and my black duck can’t wait to meet his nw brother!
@JBM
See you there !
I will take my time with that cigar and enjoy it.
You can find me at the bar drinking ALL the scotch!