Our incoming flight from Seattle parked at the “C” gates while our connection left from the “A” gates (which are located on top of the “Z” gates) so we began the long journey there, which sure felt awfully Heathrow and de Gaulle-esque. We decided to go to the “Z” gates since there’s a nicer lounge there and it’s in the same area. Totally random tangent, but am I the only one that thinks “Z” is a horrible name for a concourse in Germany? Saying “your flight is leaving from zhee gates” seems like it could lead to a German episode of “Who’s on first.”
Our aircraft upon arrival
After clearing security we headed to the non-Schengen Senator Lounge, located near gate Z50. As a reminder, there are several other options available in Frankfurt if you have a credit card with lounge access.
Senator Lounge entrance
Lounge reception
Lounge entrance art
Once in the lounge I decided to first take a shower. To my surprise there was no queue, and I have to say the shower rooms were lovely. I find most European airport showers in business class lounges to not be especially nice or large, and because of how small they are they get super-hot and you end up sweating to the point that the purpose of the shower is defeated.
Shower room area
These shower rooms were spacious and beautifully designed.
Shower room
Shower room
Shower room
Shower room
The shower had a single dispenser for soap/shampoo.
Dispenser
After a quick shower it was off to the rest of the lounge to catch up on some work. This particular Senator Lounge is the size of an IKEA, and it really is amazing how much it fills up.
Senator Lounge seating
Senator Lounge seating
Senator Lounge seating
Senator Lounge seating
Senator Lounge seating
Senator Lounge seating
Senator Lounge seating
Senator Lounge seating
Senator Lounge seating
Senator Lounge seating
Senator Lounge seating
Duty free display
The food spread was fairly good and consisted of the two staple items of any good German’s diet — pretzels and Fanta.
Buffet area
PRETZELS!
Buffet area
Buffet area
Buffet area
Anyway, on the whole this is one of the nicest Senator Lounges I’ve been to. I do wish it would’ve been a bit less full because it felt more like a terminal than a lounge, but at least the food spread was decent, it was nicely furnished, and the Wi-Fi speed was fairly good.
At around 11:45AM we left the lounge to clear passport control and head towards the Schengen gates in the “A” concourse.
Walking to departure gate
Walking to departure gate
Frankfurt Airport is nice aside from the lounges?! Who knew?
We made it to our departure gate, A1, at around noon, shortly before boarding began.
Departure gate
This also has to be the coolest departure gate ever, given that the plane parks “sideways” and doesn’t even have to pushback — awesome!
Our plane to Nice
Membership is free and takes no more information than commenting as a guest. Earn status points for good contributions, and see fewer ads as your status grows.