The Lufthansa First Class Terminal is one of the best lounges in the world. I’d argue it’s the best first class ground experience in the world for those actually originating their travel at a hub airport, since you can skip the terminal altogether when using this lounge. Being driven to your plane in a Porsche doesn’t suck either.
Well, if you’re looking for that experience but Lufthansa first class isn’t in your travel plans, there’s good news — another airline has a comparable experience.
Last year Uzbekistan Airways opened their new CIP Lounge, which really can only be compared to the Lufthansa First Class Terminal. Uzbekistan Airways doesn’t even have first class, so all international first class passengers can indulge in this service.
The lounge is completely separate from the rest of the terminal, so you can skip the terminal altogether. Or something like that. Unfortunately the entrance was wired shut when we visited, so we had to go through a security checkpoint, take the elevator up a level to the main concourse, go to another security checkpoint, and then another security checkpoint, and then we were in the business class lounge. Minor details.
There was a private check-in area, and then a private customs checkpoint, where your bags are screened. And then there’s a private immigration officer. Well, at least that’s the case once you wake him up from his nap because you’re the first premium passenger he has seen all day.
On the ground floor is a stunning room with an extensive selection of the world’s finest full flavor soft drinks.
But the real treat is upstairs in the dining area.
There’s a huge selection of carbs for your eating pleasure, and there’s even Dom Perignon (for purchase).
Lounges are all about relaxing, and this one gets that exactly right. By not offering Wi-Fi, you’re guaranteed to disconnect during your stay.
When your flight is ready for boarding, the experience is basically the same as in Lufthansa first class, as you’re driven to the plane. Except you first go through yet another security checkpoint. And rather than getting a Porsche, you’re driven in a shared bus that stops at a couple of different flights. And rather than being encouraged to take pictures, the security officers confiscate your phone and make you delete them (he was fantastic at deleting, but apparently didn’t know about the “recently deleted” folder… oops!).
All joking aside, this was actually an extremely impressive experience. Tashkent Airport is a dump, so this separate area they have for premium passengers hugely exceeded my expectations. The private check-in, private security, private immigration, private bus to the plane, etc., was awesome. And they even had properly made cappuccinos. Now if only they had functioning Wi-Fi!
Stay tuned for the full review.
Funny post
This is a gem. Thank you! Recently deleted? #sorrynotsorry
It actually looks very nice in terms of design (especially the dining room). Shame about the food and drink selection, but, honestly, that was to be expected. Hope they can improve it, as well as the whole security thing, though.
No wifi=no lounge in my book. It's like having a beautiful building with no floor. You step over the threshold and fall straight down to the foundation. A lounge is supposed to be a peaceful place where you can work and take care of what you need to in a relaxing environment. Everything else is just a bonus to enhance that experience. Without the Wi-Fi, there's nothing to build around. (Incidentally, I don't use the...
No wifi=no lounge in my book. It's like having a beautiful building with no floor. You step over the threshold and fall straight down to the foundation. A lounge is supposed to be a peaceful place where you can work and take care of what you need to in a relaxing environment. Everything else is just a bonus to enhance that experience. Without the Wi-Fi, there's nothing to build around. (Incidentally, I don't use the CIP lounge in IST for this reason. It's a nice lounge, but the dysfunctional Wi-Fi there makes it a non option for me.)
Absolutely hysterical. I needed that laugh, Lucky. Your blog, you write what you feel like writing.
That was unpleasant and condescending and quite offensive to be honest.
I thought they actually did make quite an effort, and cannot see why you choose to mock them in such an uncharacteristic manner.
Most people read the blog for information. We can find more suitable outlets for humour.
Lol. A sarcasm because you still pissed cannot paid the hotel in soms? Hahahahahaha
I mean you did choose to travel to this random country haha
MEOW! Kitty likes to scratch!
You are not guaranteed your own Porsche when departing from any of the first class terminals from Lufthansa. I had to share a Mercedes van with other passengers for my first class flight. I was super pissed. I paid tons yq for this experience or lack there of.
After your experience on the flight what were you expecting for the lounge?
I didn't know you were capable of having multiple sarcasms!
Thank you for the laugh... now you may have a cigarette :-)
@Lucky - thanks for the weekly dose of queeny snark with this post.
Yeah, UZ has the weirdest security process, you got lucky having that lounge. The boarding process is pretty funny to watch, just a mass of people all trying to get through the jet bridge door at the same time.
@Lucky Hi Ben if you can visit Tehran one day, they just opened a similar service. There is wifi service at CIP lounge at Tehran Airport!
Get ready for all of the security check points you have to go through in Dushanbe as well. One when you enter before check in, one after check-in follow directly by another one. Also there won't be any line but rather a mass brawl of however can push their way to the front.