- Introduction: A Spring Trip To Italy & France
- My Eurowings Discover Flight Was Canceled, And I Messed Up (Kind Of)
- Review: Eurowings Discover Business Class A330 (TPA-FRA)
- Review: Lufthansa Senator Lounge Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
- Review: Lufthansa A321 Business Class (FRA-VCE)
- Review: St. Regis Venice, Italy
- Review: Gritti Palace Venice, Marriott Luxury Collection
- Impressions From Our Trip To Venice, Italy
- Review: Trenitalia Business Class (Venice To Milan)
- Review: Bulgari Hotel Milan, Italy
- Review: Trenitalia Executive Class (Milan To Chambery)
- Review: Les Airelles Hotel Courchevel, France (WOW!)
- My Experience Learning To Ski In Courchevel
- Review: SWISS Senator Lounge Geneva Airport (GVA)
- Review: SWISS A220 Business Class (GVA-FRA)
- Review: Marriott Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
- Review: Luxx Lounge Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
- Review: Singapore Airlines A380 Suites (FRA-JFK)
We had a roughly two hour layover in Frankfurt, as we were arriving from Tampa in Eurowings Discover’s A330 business class, and connecting to Venice in Lufthansa’s A321 business class. We ended up spending most of our layover in the Senator Lounge, and it reminded me of just how weak Lufthansa’s lounge game is, minus the First Class Terminal, of course.
While other major European airlines (in particular Air France & KLM) have significantly improved their lounge experience, Lufthansa’s lounges haven’t evolved much at all.
In this post:
Lufthansa Senator Lounge Frankfurt location & hours
Lufthansa has several lounges in Frankfurt, given that it’s the carrier’s largest hub. Our flight was departing from gate A56, so we decided to visit the Lufthansa Senator Lounge near gate A50, located in the Schengen zone (however, the non-Schengen lounge is virtually identical, in my experience). This required first going through passport control, and then also passing through the below tunnel.
From there we followed the signs toward gates A50-A69.
Frankly I have a hard time maintaining a decent pace walking through the airport, since I get so easily distracted by all the pretty planes. Long live the 747-400!
Eventually we found the entrance to the lounge. Once there we scanned our boarding passes and were admitted, without the lounge agent saying a word, even though I said (in German) “good morning” and “thank you.”
For what it’s worth, this lounge is currently open daily from 5:30AM until 9:30PM, covering virtually all Lufthansa departures.
Lufthansa Senator Lounge Frankfurt entry requirements
Lufthansa has a unique lounge system:
- Lufthansa Business Lounges are the carrier’s business class lounges, which are open to all Star Alliance business class passengers
- Lufthansa Senator Lounges are more premium, and are open to Star Alliance Gold members plus Star Alliance first class passengers; the airline technically markets this as a first class lounge, so that it doesn’t have to let Star Alliance first class passengers into its real first class lounges
- Lufthansa First Class Lounges are the carrier’s best lounges, though they’re reserved for HON Circle members and Lufthansa first class passengers; Lufthansa gets away with this by marketing this as a HON Circle lounge that Lufthansa first class passengers just happen to get access to
In this case we were using the Senator Lounge on account of my Star Alliance Gold status, which I earned through a recent Singapore KrisFlyer promotion. So this is supposed to be better than a business class lounge. Similarly, if you were flying Singapore Airlines Suites from Frankfurt to New York or Singapore, you’d be directed to use a Lufthansa Senator Lounge.
Lufthansa Senator Lounge Frankfurt seating & layout
The Senator Lounge was really, really crowded during our brief visit. Unless I’m looking to eat (which I’m not usually in the mood for between two premium flights), I’m often just happier finding an empty gate area and sitting there. Because seriously, this lounge was so busy.
The lounge had a variety of seating options, including your typical chairs arranged in rows, some dining tables, some communal high-top seating, and more. It’s interesting how they plaster Audi ads throughout the lounge.
Along the forest wall below there are some seats in a pre-reclined position, but they were all occupied while we visited.
There’s also an office area, with cubicles, as well as a few phone booths.
There was also a selection of reading materials, including magazines and newspapers.
The lounge does have great views of the apron. However, they’re hard to photograph due to the “lines” in the windows, presumably intended to control the temperature in the lounge.
Lufthansa Senator Lounge Frankfurt food & drinks
The main buffet was back toward the entrance to the lounge, and the selection was pretty standard for Lufthansa lounges.
There were a few types of salads, pretzels, rolls, curry with rice, sausages, potatoes, and more.
People seem to go nuts over those massive German sausages, and I witnessed plenty of people putting four or more sausages on their plate. I guess it’s a nice taste of Germany for those just having a layover. As someone who doesn’t eat pork, I guess I’m not the target guest for the lounge’s most popular food item.
There was also a selection of desserts, including a couple of desserts in jars, plus a bunch of snacks that could be scooped out of bigger jars.
Lufthansa Senator Lounges typically have better alcohol selections than Lufthansa Business Lounges, so credit to Lufthansa for that. There was a large selection of soft drinks, liquor, wine, beer, etc.
There were also some Lavazza coffee machines, as well as a selection of tea.
Despite the lounge’s large size, there’s only one main buffet area, and it gets pretty crowded. There was one smaller self-serve station at the other end of the lounge, featuring a coffee machine, water, and some sweets.
I had a cappuccino, plus of course I couldn’t resist having a pretzel.
Lufthansa Senator Lounge Frankfurt bathroom & showers
While the Senator Lounge has showers, there was a long waiting list to use them, so I couldn’t snap a picture of those rooms. The toilets as such were at least clean, though they didn’t smell great (I suspect that’s not Lufthansa’s fault, though).
Am I the only one who finds Lufthansa’s lounges to be disappointing?
I fully recognize the challenges that airlines face with lounges:
- Real estate in airports is not only expensive, but often simply not available, so even if Lufthansa wanted to expand lounges, that might not be an option
- It can be hard to control crowding in lounges, especially with standardized access rules at the major global alliances
That being said:
- Lufthansa markets this as a better-than-business-class lounge, and I just have a hard time seeing how that’s the case, aside from a modestly better alcohol selection
- Very little effort goes into the soft product; how about a bartender making cocktails, barista-made coffee, or any other amenities that set this place apart?
- When you look at competing lounges in Europe, this simply can’t compete — Air France has a gorgeous new Schengen lounge in Paris, KLM’s flagship lounge in Amsterdam is top notch, and even British Airways’ business class lounge in London offers a very nice experience nowadays, with a la carte service
While the Lufthansa First Class Terminal is phenomenal, aside from that, most of Lufthansa’s lounges simply aren’t very good, in my opinion, and haven’t evolved. Add in Lufthansa’s subpar long haul business class seat, and the airline offers a lackluster experience. Yet oddly it’s also the only airline in Europe to have a Skytrax 5-star rating (though it’s not too hard to figure out why that’s the case).
Am I the only one who feels that way?
Bottom line
The Lufthansa Senator Lounge Frankfurt can get very crowded, and is completely unremarkable, especially when you consider that this is supposed to be a premium lounge that’s better than your typical business class lounge. When you compare a lounge like this to what European rivals are offering, I don’t think Lufthansa is competitive anymore.
I suppose if you really want some sausage or booze then stop in here, but otherwise I’d rather sit in an empty gate area, at least when the lounge is this busy.
If you’ve visited the Lufthansa Senator Lounge Frankfurt, what was your experience like?
I used the lounge on Christmas eve in 2023 when there was less than 10 customers in there. Perhaps I was a bit luckier than op. But I had one of the worst experiences about airport lounges ever; a huge mouse came out under a seat near me, which completely destroyed my appetite. On top of that, I saw flies around chocholates.
You have got to be kidding. I just flew American from Charlotte to Frankfurt and the lounge in Charlotte was nasty, like a flea market. Disgusting food, whatever little they had, and rude AA personnel. On my connection to Thailand I was flying Thai in business but i have Gold Star Alliance status, so I was able to visit the Senator lounge. It ea spectacular, the food, the ambiance, the decor, everything. The only lounge...
You have got to be kidding. I just flew American from Charlotte to Frankfurt and the lounge in Charlotte was nasty, like a flea market. Disgusting food, whatever little they had, and rude AA personnel. On my connection to Thailand I was flying Thai in business but i have Gold Star Alliance status, so I was able to visit the Senator lounge. It ea spectacular, the food, the ambiance, the decor, everything. The only lounge that comes remotely close tto this one is the Delta International lounge at JFK.
Disappointing? I just found the Senator Lounge in FRA to blow away any lounge in the USA. That includes Centurion lounges. Showers, no wait to get in, incredible food and unlimited beverages you can actually get yourself make this one of the best lounges I have been in that wasn't a dedicated first class lounge.
Not sure what you're expecting but compare your experience to any lounge in the US. Not even close.
"Lufthansa Senator Lounges are more premium, and are open to Star Alliance Gold members plus Star Alliance first class passengers; the airline technically markets this as a first class lounge, so that it doesn’t have to let Star Alliance first class passengers into its real first class lounges"
Is or was there a Star Alliance First Class Lounge in Frankfurt, separate from the Lufthansa lounges? End of 2018, I flew with Thai First Class from...
"Lufthansa Senator Lounges are more premium, and are open to Star Alliance Gold members plus Star Alliance first class passengers; the airline technically markets this as a first class lounge, so that it doesn’t have to let Star Alliance first class passengers into its real first class lounges"
Is or was there a Star Alliance First Class Lounge in Frankfurt, separate from the Lufthansa lounges? End of 2018, I flew with Thai First Class from FRA to Bangkok and I was taken to a lounge, but I can't remember the name or location, but it was not a Senator lounge and I don't think it was the LH first class lounge. It had a cocktail bar and you were served in your seat, which doesn't happen in Senator lounges. As Thai is Star Alliance, I wondered if Star Alliance partners run their own first class lounge, since this was definitely not a Senator lounge. Any idea what, or where this was, as I can't remember. Any ideas?
The last time I had to use that long tunnel in your photo was 1989.
You should try eating pork, it is delicious. Many Jewish people eat it.
You should try eating donkey. It’s delicious too.
interesting to learn that you rate the lounge offerings disappointing, when comparing it with what you get at a United Club, where you are directed to in the US. There you get no food, apart from packaged snacks, no drinks (unless you pay), no decent coffee, no deserts.
regarding the sausages, mostly those are turkey sausages catering also for Muslims not eating pork
The Senator Lounge should be better than a Business Class Lounge. Just go ahead and compare the United Polaris Lounge to the Senator Lounge... The Polaris lounge is way better!
Sadly the Senator lounges have become a joke, they are literally worse than AA Flagship Business lounges... I'm LH Senator and One World Sapphire, I know both worlds. Lufthansa used to be very good, but now they are even worse than some US-Carriers.
I think the primary issue with the FRA Senator lounges is their size, not necessarily the amenities. Sure, a little couple more flourishes would be nice, but (and I'm not a pork consumer either) the food selection is consistently pretty good, with reasonable variety, and the space is comfortable. The main issue tends to be finding a seat and getting into a shower when desired.
The Senator lounge in FRA (and MUC) are unfortunately the ones I visit most often. (A couple of hundreds visits by now I guess
Sub-par in comparison with BA Gold
etc.
By far sub-par.
What differentiates the Senator lounge from 'normal' business class lounge is that the latter one is much less crowdy.
Food etc is same
No wonder they don't allow ribbon clerks like you into the First class lounge. Most First class lounges all have the policy of only their high highest mileage and first class passengers. Air Canada has a Signature lounge in Toronto for revenue psgrs in biz class on AC only. I've only been in it once. No biz award ticket holders or any any other Star Alliance carrier psgrs. LH lets F class award ticket holders...
No wonder they don't allow ribbon clerks like you into the First class lounge. Most First class lounges all have the policy of only their high highest mileage and first class passengers. Air Canada has a Signature lounge in Toronto for revenue psgrs in biz class on AC only. I've only been in it once. No biz award ticket holders or any any other Star Alliance carrier psgrs. LH lets F class award ticket holders into its' F lounge surprisingly. You should apologize for your depracating comments about German food. FRA is not in the USA. I suppose Chees whiz could be served to keep you happy. Pork is a basic part of German and also of China.
Meanwhile, Aegean has just opened a brand new lounge in Athens and it looks impressive:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/aegean-airlines-miles-bonus/2074323-pictures-new-a3-lounge-ath-2.html#post34136644
Kudos to Aegean Management for investing in premium facilities: just the opposite of what Lufthansa has been doing in the last decade.
Maybe it's an emotional connection, but I still enjoy SEN Lounges. Some, I believe have bartenders making cocktails (MUC non-Schengen, I'm nearly certain). Also, I do enjoy the sausages. The pictures of the food you took don't look bad. The wine selection you photographed actually looked pretty decent, and the self-serve German draught beer is nice if all you're doing is transiting FRA.
I think the biggest problem with 'premium' services with LH Group airlines...
Maybe it's an emotional connection, but I still enjoy SEN Lounges. Some, I believe have bartenders making cocktails (MUC non-Schengen, I'm nearly certain). Also, I do enjoy the sausages. The pictures of the food you took don't look bad. The wine selection you photographed actually looked pretty decent, and the self-serve German draught beer is nice if all you're doing is transiting FRA.
I think the biggest problem with 'premium' services with LH Group airlines is just the sheer number of passengers with *G status. This is evidenced in security lines and lounges.
I love the little airplane gummy bears in the lounge
We must be living in alternate universes or you might have been grumpy from a long flight. I just flew through FRA and once again had an enjoyable experience in the Senator Lounge. COVID restrictions have reduced food offerings in pretty much every lounge I have been in over the last few years so I would not make too much of this. I find Senator lounges consistently more comfortable and spacious than any Air France...
We must be living in alternate universes or you might have been grumpy from a long flight. I just flew through FRA and once again had an enjoyable experience in the Senator Lounge. COVID restrictions have reduced food offerings in pretty much every lounge I have been in over the last few years so I would not make too much of this. I find Senator lounges consistently more comfortable and spacious than any Air France or United Lounge I have been in. Every Lounge has a rush hour so I wonder if you are comparing apples to apples. I think that the only thing we may agree on is that the pretzels are great.
Hi Jeff, reading Bens other articles about Lufthansa, my impression is that he is biased (but not in favor of Lufthansa).
Back in the days when he started flying, he grew up with Lufthansa and he still remembers the good old times. I have the impression that there are always double standards when he reviews Lufthansa. He keeps pointing out that he likes Lufthansa and therefore is less tough, but I think the exact opposite...
Hi Jeff, reading Bens other articles about Lufthansa, my impression is that he is biased (but not in favor of Lufthansa).
Back in the days when he started flying, he grew up with Lufthansa and he still remembers the good old times. I have the impression that there are always double standards when he reviews Lufthansa. He keeps pointing out that he likes Lufthansa and therefore is less tough, but I think the exact opposite is the case. In Ben's defense: Lufthansa claims to be the best airline in Europe, so the reviews have to be tougher. And yes, also in my memory Lufthansa used to be better. But I think it still is a good airline with a good overall onboard and ground product.
Unfortunately, Frankfurt Airport is not making any progress with regard to transit, but rather regress. Heathrow or Frankfurt or Paris: Same level for transit chaos
One small wrong assumption here: LH does not "trick" here, but the Star Alliance rules differ in this respect greatly from oneworld: Whereas when you travel in AA First, you will have access to e.g. Cathay First Class lounge, Star Alliance rules do not provide for anything similar: You have lounge access, but not First Class lounge access. The same applies for SkyTeam: If you have a Korean Air First Class ticket and travel from...
One small wrong assumption here: LH does not "trick" here, but the Star Alliance rules differ in this respect greatly from oneworld: Whereas when you travel in AA First, you will have access to e.g. Cathay First Class lounge, Star Alliance rules do not provide for anything similar: You have lounge access, but not First Class lounge access. The same applies for SkyTeam: If you have a Korean Air First Class ticket and travel from Paris to Seoul, you will have no access to AF La Première Lounge (except for Code Share). This is even more true if you happen to "only" have Star Alliance Gold status: The Star Alliance rules only give you "lounge access" and business class check in. LH is the only airline in the Star Alliance that gives "foreign" Star Gold card holders First Class check in (and Senator lounge access).
Hello Lelf,
that is something I never understood about Lufthansa: Even with SAS or Aegean Gold status you have Priority Lane, First Class Check In and access to the full seat map when flying Lufthansa.
But when flying SAS, the Senator Status does not give you access to Copenhagens Fast Lane or a free seat (in Economy) on Aegean. Also, no Economy Plus on United.
The SQ lounge allowed TG F passengers into their first class lounge before COVID at Terminal 3 Heathrow
Yes, unfortunately the Lufthansa lounges at Frankfurt airport are not very good compared to KLM (Amsterdam) and Paris (CDG). Of course, one can now say there are many European carriers whose airline lounges are even worse (Iberia, SAS, Air Europa, Aer Lingus, Luxxair, Croatia Airlines, Air Serbia, Tarom) or somewhat equivalent (TAP, LOT, Austrian, old Alitalia). But: Lufthansa claims to be premium and therefore the lounges in Frankfurt have to be better.
However, often I...
Yes, unfortunately the Lufthansa lounges at Frankfurt airport are not very good compared to KLM (Amsterdam) and Paris (CDG). Of course, one can now say there are many European carriers whose airline lounges are even worse (Iberia, SAS, Air Europa, Aer Lingus, Luxxair, Croatia Airlines, Air Serbia, Tarom) or somewhat equivalent (TAP, LOT, Austrian, old Alitalia). But: Lufthansa claims to be premium and therefore the lounges in Frankfurt have to be better.
However, often I think you should generally be more balanced in your reporting: The Lufthansa lounges in Munich are simply better (Senator Cafe and the lounges in the Satellite). Also, it should be outlined that Lufthansa follows a concept with many smaller lounges rather than a central lounge (KLM Amsterdam). Those smaller lounges are less impressive, but closer to the departure gates.
Where Lufthansa is better than most competitors is the quantity and quality of lounges abroad, which are often better than the Frankfurt lounges: Boston, Washington, JFK and Detroit are great. Newark, Athens, Dubai and Milan are okay. The Lufthansa Lounge (intra-europe lounge) in London is actually also good, but well - the international lounges of SQ, AC and UA in the same terminal are better. The Paris lounge is okay - if you like bunkers.
KLM has exactly one lounge outside of Amsterdam: Houston.
Outside of Paris, Air France only has a lounge in Bordeaux and Lyon. Both are just okay. AF in Munich and Frankfurt are okay. AF also has some lounges in the USA and Africa, at least the one in Boston was also only okay.
I am not sure about IAG: Do they have any impressive lounges outside of London?
Have you ever been to Madrid for the flagship lounges of Iberia? Or to Warsaw for LOT?
Doesn't look like it. These lounges are faaaar better than LH lounges, that's not even close.
I mean, kind of silly to talk about this as though this would be the lounge that first class non-LH flyers would use. This is the Schengen lounge. This is specifically for short haul flights. Longest flight from FRA to Schengen is what, 3 hours?
The non-Schengen SEN lounges are different and have more services and are usually less crowded.
@ Grey -- My point was simply that this is a lounge that has stricter entry requirements than the standard business class lounge. The non-Schengen lounge is perhaps less crowded some times of day, but not consistently, in my experience. And what extra services does the lounge offer? Because I've found Lufthansa's Schengen and non-Schengen lounges to be very similar.
The schengen and non schengen lounges are identical, and are built one on top of the other with the same layout if I recall.
Schengen and non-Schengen have different food/drink and different occupancy
Honestly in comparison to most north American lounges, especially Star Alliance lounges, LH product isn't so bad imo especially since you can access it on "domestic" flights where most premium/first north American lounges you can't. However for their major hub I agree it doesn't live up to the European competition by the other big carriers, especially the skyteam ones (AF/KLM)
@ Dan -- The forward cabin on flights within the US is no doubt very different than the forward cabin on flights within Europe, and both have their advantages. In fairness, in the US you actually get a bigger seat when you fly in first class, and you can also get unlimited complimentary upgrades as an elite member. Furthermore, I find the forward cabin on flights within the United States to often be more reasonably...
@ Dan -- The forward cabin on flights within the US is no doubt very different than the forward cabin on flights within Europe, and both have their advantages. In fairness, in the US you actually get a bigger seat when you fly in first class, and you can also get unlimited complimentary upgrades as an elite member. Furthermore, I find the forward cabin on flights within the United States to often be more reasonably priced when paying cash.
On balance I'd take business class within the US over business class within Europe, with the exception of airlines like Turkish, but that's just me.
Have used the Senator lounge many times. It is not horrible but I was flying SQ first class and thought it was just OK.
We visited a few weeks ago and thought it was decent. We were little frustrated because the one in the middle of the concourse wouldn't honor both of us (Star Alliance Gold + Amex Plat) to enter, so we made the trek to the other side of the airport. They hardly looked up. The drinks were good and the food was fresh. Far, far, far better than the lounge options in the Non-Schengen area for an AA departure.
That is crowded? With so many empty seats? You should visit the Finnair Schengen lounge at Helsinki during peak times, with people eating standing up as there is no place to sit.
(And the food in the Finnair lounge looks like it is leftovers from the local elementary school cafeteria...)
@ Daniel from Finland -- Hah, I was strategic about taking pictures, and took them as people got up and spaces emptied out. As you'll similarly see in my hotel reviews, there are almost no people in my review pictures. So that gives you a sense of how crowded this lounge really was.
When did “Europe” become a single airline market? Comparing lounges across countries is kinda silly given most frequent travelers through any airport are nationals or residents. Countries with large domestic markets (US is head of the line) have weak lounges because they can. You will use the airport because you live there. Airports that are at transfer stations (hong kong, Singapore ect) have nice lounges to drive demand from transit passenger because local market is...
When did “Europe” become a single airline market? Comparing lounges across countries is kinda silly given most frequent travelers through any airport are nationals or residents. Countries with large domestic markets (US is head of the line) have weak lounges because they can. You will use the airport because you live there. Airports that are at transfer stations (hong kong, Singapore ect) have nice lounges to drive demand from transit passenger because local market is limited). That a “travel expert” cannot put that together is a bit weak. But whining is fun too.
I think that you and Lucky both made valid points, but on the premise of apples and oranges. I believe that Lucky was simply stating that the Senator lounge was not too nice give that how Lufthansa markets it as a better than business class lounge. If so, one should rightfully expect more unless it was simply marketing ploy. Also, it is fine for Lucky to compare the various aspects of the airline experiences by...
I think that you and Lucky both made valid points, but on the premise of apples and oranges. I believe that Lucky was simply stating that the Senator lounge was not too nice give that how Lufthansa markets it as a better than business class lounge. If so, one should rightfully expect more unless it was simply marketing ploy. Also, it is fine for Lucky to compare the various aspects of the airline experiences by comparing it to other carriers in Europe as he reviews them as collective individuals in a region. It is like how many frequent or even infrequent travelers compare their experiences when flying in or between Asia. How many times have we seen or heard about the comparisons between JAL and ANA or CX and SQ? So, both are good points that you two made but on different perspectives.
@ Miamiorbust -- First of all, Frankfurt is a major transit hub. A majority of passengers at the airport are connecting. So if you're suggesting that major hubs have nice lounges to drive demand for transit passengers, well, that should describe Frankfurt pretty well.
Furthermore, I compare Lufthansa to other European airlines because the airline doesn't have a single full service rival in Germany. What else could I compare it to, airberlin's lounges? ;-) In...
@ Miamiorbust -- First of all, Frankfurt is a major transit hub. A majority of passengers at the airport are connecting. So if you're suggesting that major hubs have nice lounges to drive demand for transit passengers, well, that should describe Frankfurt pretty well.
Furthermore, I compare Lufthansa to other European airlines because the airline doesn't have a single full service rival in Germany. What else could I compare it to, airberlin's lounges? ;-) In the case of nearly all major European carriers (except British Airways and Virgin Atlantic), there's only one major global airline per country.
I'm not suggesting everything in Europe is the same, but I do think comparing the experiences between European airlines is fair, especially since these airlines all carry a lot of transit passengers.
This is the first I’m hearing of the Panorama lounge. Is that a SEN lounge or a separate lounge altogether?
How is the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at FRA these days?
I was in FRA today and visited the MLL, where I was informed that it was closing at 15:00 (tho my AC flight was at 17:05). I spent a half hour there and it largely seemed its old self. I observed a broken seat. Buffet had someone serving the food, and some of the alcohol.
I moved on to the Senator Lounge where I saw the same food offered as at the MLL, plus the...
I was in FRA today and visited the MLL, where I was informed that it was closing at 15:00 (tho my AC flight was at 17:05). I spent a half hour there and it largely seemed its old self. I observed a broken seat. Buffet had someone serving the food, and some of the alcohol.
I moved on to the Senator Lounge where I saw the same food offered as at the MLL, plus the usual sausages and pretzels. They did have a staffed bar serving cocktails and fancy coffee. I didn't partake, so have no comments. I did enjoy a pretzel, sausage and beer.
Frankly, I've had several different Senator Lounge experiences in FRA; it really depends on which specific Lounge you use.
The central Schengen A50 lounge is for the masses. Pros use either the Panorama lounge or the Business Class lounge at gate A25 (which used to be a first class lounge and a 5 minutes walk away).
I'm 100% with you, Lucky. IDK if you ever visited the German VFT forum but the fanbois there really think the Lufthansa Group lounges are on par with the competition.
The truth: Both LH and LX Senator lounges get extremely crowded. F+B has been substantially enhanced since C19. OS has slightly improved its lounges (they switched the caterer and the new one is somewhat better) but it's nothing to write home about.
Fact is, there...
I'm 100% with you, Lucky. IDK if you ever visited the German VFT forum but the fanbois there really think the Lufthansa Group lounges are on par with the competition.
The truth: Both LH and LX Senator lounges get extremely crowded. F+B has been substantially enhanced since C19. OS has slightly improved its lounges (they switched the caterer and the new one is somewhat better) but it's nothing to write home about.
Fact is, there are dozens of lounges in Europe of higher quality than what LH group has got. I'm not just talking about CX, QF, QR, VS, or Amex Centurion lounges in LHR. No, you don't need to visit Europe's most valuable hub to find good lounges. ATH has surprisingly good lounges. Finnair in HEL and IB in MAD are decent.
At the big hubs, there are several great lounges in addition to the LHR ones mentioned above. Think Privium in AMS, TK in IST. And off-hub, there are some decent ones as well (e.g., Pau Casals in BCN).
I frequently travel nowadays form London to Frankfurt and enjoy senator lounge, London senator lounge is far better then Frankfurt as London lounge offer nice breakfast lunch and dinner , food is tasty and keep refilling all the time , drinks options are decent but can improve lot , Frankfurt has amazing collection of beverages including champagne and many others fancy liquor but food option is not up to the standards I guess if Lufthansa...
I frequently travel nowadays form London to Frankfurt and enjoy senator lounge, London senator lounge is far better then Frankfurt as London lounge offer nice breakfast lunch and dinner , food is tasty and keep refilling all the time , drinks options are decent but can improve lot , Frankfurt has amazing collection of beverages including champagne and many others fancy liquor but food option is not up to the standards I guess if Lufthansa improve food form Frankfurt and drinks form London lounge done at Frankfurt lounge .
What?
Actually, the lounge looks relatively empty compared to what it usually looks like. Most Lufthansa lounges are crap, the ones in Athens, Milano and Hamburg (because of the patio) being notable exceptions.
Yes, the LH Group lounges are usually worse than third party lounges. In some cases, better *A airlines like TP or SQ are using third party lounges instead.
you shouldve checked out the Panorama Lounge which reopened recently. It is the former VIP Lounge (for real VIPs) and is currently rented from Fraport. It still has the former design...
@ Klaus -- That I didn't know about -- I'll need to check it out next time!
We were there a few months ago going to/coming back from Tbilisi. The Non-Schengen lounge Senator Lounge was deserted, but sadly lacking in almost any food. Almost as sad as what they call their non-longhaul business class. Terrible.
Still a "New Member" ;(
@ RetiredATLATC -- Promise I haven't forgotten it. There's something wrong with the system that's still being troubleshooted, and we're working on getting it fixed. I'm really frustrated by how long it's taking as well. I'm sorry, but promise all posts are still counting, just a function of when the system will be fixed.
Slight correction -- I think the FCT and FCLs are also open to Swiss F pax.
The lines (and dots in some places) on the windows are to stop birds from flying into them.
Indeed, but that’s because Swiss belongs to LH…;-)
I was in the same lounge a few weeks ago coming from Dubai and connecting on United to IAD. I arrived early and found the lounge with very few people. However, within a couple of hours, it was very busy. The agents at the desk were helpful but not overly friendly. The service staff were incredibly helpful and kept the lounge clean and tidy.
Especially late in the morning, the buffet was busy, but...
I was in the same lounge a few weeks ago coming from Dubai and connecting on United to IAD. I arrived early and found the lounge with very few people. However, within a couple of hours, it was very busy. The agents at the desk were helpful but not overly friendly. The service staff were incredibly helpful and kept the lounge clean and tidy.
Especially late in the morning, the buffet was busy, but the food stayed refreshed. I was able to rest on the recliner seats, and even when the lounge was busiest, that area stayed quiet.
I expect lounges to be a place of order, relaxation, comfort and service. This particular lounge checked all the boxes for me. I will say that several of the leather seats need to be replaced and multiple charging plugs did not work. That’s just an indication of heavy use.
With the crowds at gates, I’ll take this lounge any day and twice on Sundays.