Wednesday newsletters all the time characteristic a resort or flight evaluate.
Early July, I loved certainly one of my finest holidays ever, an ultra-luxe safari in Botswana with Wilderness, Africa’s award-winning, main eco-tourism firm. My precise itinerary with Wilderness in Botswana will be discovered right here (this website additionally lets you e-book the identical journey). You may learn my journey reviews right here:
Immediately: Evaluation of Lufthansa’s Boeing 747-8 First Class (Johannesburg to Frankfurt)
For my return journey from Southern Africa, I flew in First Class on board a Lufthansa Boeing 747-8 from Johannesburg to Frankfurt (after Lufthansa accepted my on-line bid for an improve from Enterprise to First Class). On the time when this First Class product was launched, virtually twenty years in the past, Lufthansa select for open seats, primarily based on passenger suggestions. However these days, Lufthansa’s First Class product feels dated, particularly compared with the newer and visually extra hanging First Class merchandise of the Center East airways. Nonetheless, a Lufthansa First Class flight nonetheless delivers, with flawless service, nice meals, comfy bedding and entry to the First Class Terminal in Frankfurt. And flying in Lufthansa’s First Class on board the iconic Boeing 747 stays one of the vital sought-after experiences within the skies for aviation lovers. FYI, Lufthansa will quickly introduce a brand new First Class cabin with totally enclosed suites on its newly delivered A350 plane.
Have you ever ever flown in Lufthansa’s First Class cabin? If that’s the case, what was your expertise? Go away a remark.
- Journey: Johannesburg (JNB) to Frankfurt (FRA)
- Airline: Lufthansa
- Plane kind: Boeing 747-8
- Plane registration quantity: D-ABYA (in-built 2012)
- On time departure: Sure (7:30 pm)
- On time arrival: Sure (5:30 am)
- Distance: 5400 miles (8690 km)
- Flight time: 10 hours
- Seat: 2K (decrease deck)
- Class: First Class
On this evaluate (extra info & images under my YouTube video):
- Value of my ticket
- Airport Lounge
- First Class cabin
- First Class seat (+ finest & worst seats)
- Facilities & bedding
- Meals
- Leisure
- Onboard web
- Different inflight experiences
- My verdict (rating)
1. COST OF MY TICKET
I paid 2575 euros for my spherical journey Enterprise Class ticket from Frankfurt (Germany) to Maun (Botswana) through Johannesburg (South Africa). The Frankfurt-Johannesburg leg was operated by a Lufthansa Boeing 747-8 whereas the connecting flight from Johannesburg to Maun was operated by an Airlink Embraer 135.
For the return leg (Johannesburg to Frankfurt), Lufthansa allowed me to put a bid for a cabin improve from Enterprise Class to First Class. Solely for the aim of this weblog evaluate, I positioned a bid of 1000 euros (which was the minimal bid). In the future previous to my scheduled departure, Lufthansa let me know by electronic mail that my improve bid was accepted (and solely charged my bank card at the moment).
2. AIRPORT LOUNGE
At Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport, Lufthansa’s First Class passengers have entry to South African Airways’ flagship lounge. The SSA Platinum Lounge reopened early 2024 following an in depth renovation and is simply open to First Class passengers and top-tier members of South African Airways’ frequent flyer program.
The chic lounge – which is without doubt one of the finest lounges I’ve ever visited – boasts modern design furnishings and fittings in addition to a fastidiously curated native artwork assortment. On the middle of the lounge is an impressive bar space, whereas a powerful buffet (with fantastically introduced cold and warm dishes) is situated within the nook of the lounge. Visitors have the choice to be seated with a view over the airport ramp or work in one of many focus cubicles or just chill out in a quiet zone. The lounge additionally options convention rooms for enterprise conferences and fairly zones with sleeping pods.
3. FIRST CLASS CABIN
Lufthansa’s First Class cabin is situated within the nostril of the Boeing 747 on the decrease deck. The small and intimate cabin feels ethereal and spacious as a result of it doesn’t have overhead bins and lacks utterly enclosed suites like those you discover on the A380s of Emirates and Etihad Airways.
The First Class cabin options 8 seats, with 3 seats on both sides of the cabin and one pairs of seats within the middle (row 3). The 4 seats on the aspect are perfect for solo vacationers, whereas the 2 seats within the center (row 3) are good for journey companions. A small moist bar (with water, Champagne, and orange juice) is situated in entrance of the 2 middle seats, which is utilized by the flight attendants to retailer the wine and small plates throughout the in depth meal service (extra on that under). There are additionally a number of non-public lockers within the cabin’s entrance (every passenger is assigned one locker upon boarding).
The cabin’s clear traces and muted colours – gentle yellow panels contrasting with darkish brown seat covers – create a really feel of understated luxurious. The decor shouldn’t be as opulent as on Emirates nor as refined as on Qatar Airways, however it feels heat, stress-free, and above all, very German. A small vase with a single purple rose is hooked up to every seat wall, including an aesthetic contact to the gentle and creamy coloured area.
Click on right here for the seat map of Lufthansa’s Boeing 747-8.
4. FIRST CLASS SEAT (+ BEST & WORST SEATS)
As already talked about, Lufthansa’s First Class seat doesn’t characteristic a closed suite design which is now normal for many First Class merchandise. This was a well-balanced alternative although of Lufthansa, primarily based on buyer suggestions. Whereas visually much less hanging and spectacular as enclosed suites, I choose an ‘open seat’ over an enclosed suite as I don’ like being ‘locked up’ for hours in a small, typically claustrophobic field. And Lufthansa’s ‘outdated’ First Class seat combines the very best of each worlds, since you possibly can elevate a partition to remodel the seat in a semi-suite with full privateness if that’s your most well-liked seat configuration.
The seat is comfy in all positions and options beneficiant dimensions with a width of 31 inches (78 cm) and a pitch of 90 inches (230 cm). One arm relaxation holds the seat controls in addition to the management for the privateness display, whereas the opposite arm relaxation holds the handset for the inflight leisure system, a USB port and two common adapters.
The window aspect of every window seat (or the central aspect of the 2 center seats) options two storage bins, a cupboard with the inflight magazines and the security briefing, and a small fastened desk (for drinks & snacks); it additionally holds a really massive tray desk which want be pulled out for any use. In entrance of the seat is a big retractable ottoman, which will be positioned to create the best footrest and doubles as a storage field. A 17 inch leisure display is fastened above the ottoman, which is on the small aspect contemplating some airways now supply 30 inch TV screens.
Upon request, the flight attendants flip the seat into a totally flat-bed with a size of 81 inches (205 cm). The mattress is roofed with a snug mattress topper and temperature-regulating quilt, and dressed with Fleuresse cotton sheets, a throw, and a thick pillow. The mattress(ding) is excellent and I used to be capable of sleep for a few hours throughout the flight.
What are the finest First Class seats on Lufthansa’s Boeing 747-8? Click on right here for the seat map of Lufthansa’s Boeing 747-8.
- Solo vacationers ought to go fo the window seats, whereas companions ought to select the 2 center seats.
What are the worst First Class seats on Lufthansa’s Boeing 747-8?
- There aren’t any dangerous seats in Lufthansa’s Boeing 747-8First Class cabin.
5. FIRST CLASS AMENITIES & BEDDING
Lufthansa’s First Class passengers obtain the next facilities on longhaul flights:
- An amenity equipment which is introduced as a marine blue bag. The bag incorporates the important gadgets for longhaul journey (e.g. eye masks, ear plugs, a comb, shoe horn, toothbrush, and toothpaste) and Augustinus Bader toiletries (face cream and physique cream)
- Very good bedding, together with a mattress topper, temperature-regulating quilt, Fleuresse cotton sheets, a throw, and a thick pillow.
- Bose noise-cancelling headphones (collected by the crew previous to touchdown).
- Porsche Design-branded pajamas, with prime and backside individually packed.
- A pair of slippers.
6. FIRST CLASS MEALS
Throughout this flight, a dinner was served (after takeoff) in addition to a breakfast (90 minutes previous to touchdown)
I select the next choice from the menu:
- Appetizer: caviar conventional garnishes
- Trio of starters:
- Chili and lemon flavored prawn with lemon & olive oil dressing accompanied by tomato onion and coriander sambai
- Grilled zucchini roll stuffed with goat cheese, moutbal and kalamate olive
- Combined subject greens, bell pepper julienne, grilled asparagus, cocktail tomato and olive, introduced with delicate dressing
- Primary course: grilled beef filet enhanced by chimichurri, garlic and herb polenta, butternut pumkin and child marrow
- Dessert Apple crumble tart
Two hours previous to landing, breakfast was served, which included:
- Contemporary fruit, combined berry compote with strawberry
- Muesli with yoghurt or milk
- Smoked salmon trout
- Peppered kassler and smoked beef
- Brie and cheddar cheese
- Scrambled eggs
- A number of breads and rolls, croissant, Danish pastry
7. ENTERTAINMENT
Lufthansa’s Boeing 747 inflight leisure is managed by both touching the display immediately or by a handheld distant, however sadly, scrolling with the handset by the number of films and TV exhibits may be very sluggish. This system itself has a dated format, however nonetheless it presents a good selection with greater than 100 movies in as much as eight completely different languages. Hollywood blockbusters, new German and European productions and movies from Japan, China, India and plenty of different international locations cater for all tastes. There are additionally 200 TV applications accessible in addition to a wide selection of leisure content material for households and kids. As well as, you possibly can comply with the most recent information through the stay TV channels CNN and Euronews, in addition to sports activities highlights through Sports activities 24. The audio part options a big number of CDs, audio books, playlists and podcasts from around the globe. Bose noise-cancelling headphones are supplied to ensure the very best sound high quality. Lufthansa’s B747s are additionally outfitted with a stomach and nostril cameras, whose broadcasts are immediately streamed on the TVs.
8. ONBOARD INTERNET
In 2004, Lufthansa was the primary airline to supply inflight web to its passengers on worldwide flights. What’s just about the norm nowadays, was a floor breaking change on the time. Lufthansa presents onboard web through Deutsche Telekom. Lufthansa’s First Class passengers get a voucher for complimentary WiFi.
9. OTHER INFLIGHT EXPERIENCES
# CREW: The 2 Lufthansa Fitst Class flight attendants on this specific flight had been superior, environment friendly and superfriendly. As I’ve talked about earlier than, I all the time really feel secure when in Lufthansa’s skilled palms.
# LAVATORY: tlisted below are two bathrooms for the First Class passengers, each of them situated on the aft of the cabin. Each bathrooms include a window and are stocked with toiletries & shaving kits.
10. MY VERDICT
- Seat consolation (upright): 9/10
- Seat consolation (mattress place): 10/10
- Privateness: 3/10
- Meals (high quality): 8/10
- Meals (amount): 8/10
- Inflight leisure : 5
- WiFi: 9/10
- Service: 9/10
- Cabin design: 5/10
- General expertise: good – 7/10
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