Lufthansa 747-8 First Class Review Chicago to Frankfurt

My Lufthansa 747-8 First Class review Chicago to Frankfurt is part of a last-minute work trip to Paris. The opportunity to fly on a 747-8 is a treat, with so few airlines flying it still (Air China, Korean Air and Lufthansa). The trip was probably once-in-a-lifetime. Lufthansa first class is perfectly consistent, even if it’s a little less exciting than some other airlines.

Gate and Boarding

I landed on an inbound from Charlotte on United at around 9pm. By the time I made it to the United Polaris Lounge (here is a review from my previous visit), I was informed that the lounge would close soon. Lufthansa departs from Terminal 1. Lufthansa passengers were told to go to the United Club near Gate C10 to wait until boarding was called.

About 10 minutes before boarding started, a Lufthansa agent greeted me by name and escorted me (and the three other passengers in First Class) to the gate. She checked our passports and scanned our boarding passes. Once the green light to board was given, she motioned us to enter the jetway and bid us a good evening.

Cabin and Seat

Boarding the 747 is such a treat! We boarded through door 1L, where the friendly cabin service director greeted each of us. I was seated in seat 1K. Another flight attendant escorted me to my seat, where she helped me store my carry on and asked me what I wanted for a pre-departure drink.

The Lufthansa first class seat is a very spacious but not very private. There was a fresh rose waiting at my seat next to a small light fixture. A small drinks table was on the inside-side of the seat. There was a plush pillow waiting on the seat (the rest of the bedding was stored until turndown service was requested). A large IFE screen was attached to the wall.

As soon as I sat down, I started exploring the rest of the seat. Two windows were controlled by electric dimmers. On the side were the seat controls. A simple set of controls was readily available, with more options for controls inside the armrest. The IFE control was on the opposite armrest. There was also a small reading lamp located on the side of the headrest.

There was a small storage locker where you can store a laptop or a book. There was also a reading light on the side of the headrest.

A small locker, where you could store your personal item and/or shoes, was located underneath the buddy seat/footrest. Universal power outlets and USB A chargers were found on the inside armrest.

Amenities

Flying on Lufthansa First Class you get a lot of a amenities. A very comfortable pajama set was provided for each passenger. A very comfortable pair of slippers accompanied them.

The amenity kit was stocked with all the usuals. Socks, pen, comb, earplugs and tooth kit. Unique items included a shoe horn (I have never in my life been able to figure out how to use them!) and a really nice notepad. Cosmetics from La Prairie were also included. This amenity kit was one of the best stocked I have received.

Departure and Take Off

Soon after getting settled, I was brough a glass of rose with macadamia nuts. I also asked for a water which was quickly offered as well. During boarding, flight attendants had set up the champagne and macadamia nuts in the middle of the cabin. It gave an air of both elegance, but also reminded be of a bar. Not sure if that was the intent, but, for a late night departure, it seemed nice.

With our late departure, flight attendants asked each passenger whether they wanted to stay wake for dinner or sleep through. Of the 5 total passengers in first class, only 2 decided to stay awake for dinner. All of the passengers except me were German.

When the captain came on the PA to announce our departure and flight plan, he expected us to arrive a little early into Frankfurt. Around the same time, the cabin service director came by and spoke with each first class passenger. As we pushed back from the gate, the safety video was played.

We took off into a clear night on our way to Frankfurt.

Dining

On this flight, I was served dinner and breakfast. First, I was brought my choice of hot or cold towel. The menu read as follows:

Main Meal

For dinner, I started with an amuse bouche with shrimp. I was very surprised at how flavorful it was.

Right after, the cabin service director set my table. Flight attendants brought out a choice of bread. I picked garlic bread and a pretzel roll. Both were served warm, accompanied by butter and olive oil.

For my starter, I ordered all three appetizers plus a caviar service. I hadn’t tried caviar in a long time and wanted to try it again. Caviar is not for me. The remaining appetizers were delicious. The turkey starter and the shrimp and salmon starter were memorable.

For my main course, I ordered the steak. It was cooked medium perfectly, but the demiglace sauce was a little cold which made the steak and the sides a little cool.

For dessert, I had the chocolate mousse. It was decadent and I really enjoyed it.

In-flight Snack

When I woke up from sleeping, I was offered an espresso with a box of chocolates. I went back to sleep right after, but tossed and turned most of the time. I can’t understand why it’s so hard for me to sleep on planes.

Pre-Arrival Meal

For breakfast, the table was set and I was brought orange juice and a smoothie.

A cold started of smoked salmon, cheese and cured meats with warm pastries. I also asked for some tea.

For my main I requested the scrambled eggs with fresh bacon, cucumber and a tomato. The bacon tasted fresh! First time I had ever experienced fresh bacon on a plane.

Seat and Sleep Comfort

After dinner, I asked the flight attendants to set up my seat as a bed. At this point, we were over Nova Scotia. Lufthansa First Class offers turn down service, and the mattress pad and blanket were very comfortable.

I was able to sleep for about an hour and a half until I woke up due to turbulence. A flight attendant quickly noticed I had woken up and offered to bring me something to drink and the small box of chocolates. I asked for some coffee and then tried to sleep a little again. I ultimately slept for another hour and a half, waking up about two hours away from Frankfurt.

Wifi & Entertainment

Lufthansa offers wifi on their 747-8s. First class passengers are offered a free wifi pass for the flight. While I tried to use the wifi, the speeds were not very fast (I had issues loading Instagram, for example). However, offering free wifi to premium passengers is always appreciated. With more and more airlines offering free wifi, I expect that the new Starlink service that Lufthansa will begin installing will make a huge difference in terms of speed and usability.

The IFE library was pretty good. The high-resolution screen was great for the flight, however, I was disappointed on the limited episodes per TV series. Otherwise, most of the flight (while I was awake) the IFE screen stayed on the moving map.

Notes on Service

The crew of this flight was fantastic. Attentive and very proactive, they were an awesome example of what first class service should be. During breakfast, they asked each passenger whether they wanted their coffee refilled, or if they wanted anything else. During dinner, they were very mindful of the sleeping passengers and laid down plates carefully. They also focused on being intentional when walking around the cabin so as to minimize disruption.

The lead flight attendant came by after dinner and after breakfast to confirm that the service had been to our satisfaction. The cabin service director asked the same question when he came by at the end of the flight. There seemed to be a direct focus on ensuring that service was top notch.

Landing and Arrival

About 45 minutes prior to landing in Frankfurt, the first officer came on the PA system to announce our early arrival into the city. It was a cloudy morning in Frankfurt. The cabin service director when to each passenger to ask whether the flight was enjoyable and whether the crew had provided good service.

I visited the first class bathroom (one of two) before landing. I have always enjoyed aircraft bathrooms with windows!  A loo with a view over the clouds is always a treat!

Our approach to Frankfurt was uneventful, with some nice views of, what I think was, Eintracht Frankfurt’s stadium.

After a slow taxi to the gate, I was off to clear customs and then to the LH Fist Class terminal ahead of my flight to Paris.

Conrado’s Thoughts

It’s so cool to fly on the 747! There are such few airlines flying the aircraft (Lufthansa being the largest operator of both the 747-8 and the 747-400). Flying in first class means sitting in the pointy nose of the aircraft. Seat 1K lets you feel the curvature of the plane into the nose.

Lufthansa first class is extremely elegant, albeit not very flashy. It’s not the most private or comfortable seat, but the service is excellent. The food was very good and the crew was very attentive. Top-notch amenities round out an excellent soft product. I would not hesitate to fly Lufthansa first class again, especially on the 747!

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