Lufthansa Business Class: LAX-FRA B747-8i

We needed a flight to attend the Hungarian Grand Prix earlier this year and I was able to snag 2 Business Class seats on Lufthansa using 77,000 United miles and $41.30 in taxes per person one-way for LAX-FRA-VIE. Flying into Budapest was soldout using miles, but a few hours on a bus or train from Vienna wasn’t bad as our only option. Lufthansa flies their Boeing 747-8i on the LAX-FRA route so we were in for a treat as I was able to secure seats in the Upper Deck.

After boarding, we proceeded upstairs to the Upper Deck where there are just 32 Business Class seats making it very private & quiet. We were seated in 84H & 84K which are behind the exit doors so there is a bit more legroom in the footwell area. Business Class on Lufthansa is great if you are traveling with people you know, but otherwise not ideal for solo travelers who want privacy. Van Laack PJ’s were handed out during the boarding process along with a Porsche Design amenity bag. The amenity bag items were nothing to write home about. Most airlines have cut the quality of amenity kits over the recent years. The PJ’s were comfy.

With an afternoon departure from LAX, dinner was served after takeoff. I forgot to snap dinner pictures 🙁 For the appetizer, pan-seared scallops and grilled shrimp were served. I opted for the grilled beef filet as the main course which was good. I skipped the dessert and headed off to bed to catch some rest. The seat converts into a lie-flat bed which is decently comfortable. I was able to snag 7 hours of sleep prior to landing into Frankfurt. FlyNet® inflight WiFi was available on the flight for EUR 25 for the entire flight with advertised speeds of 4Mbps. I was able to get 4.3Mbps down and 2.3Mbps up during a speed test. This was plenty fast to stay connected. Prior to landing, breakfast was served. I selected the Classic Quiche Lorraine. It was a light breakfast, but just enough to provide some energy during our 5.5hr layover in Frankfurt.

After landing, we decided to take the train into the city instead of staying at the airport for 5+ hours. It was an easy transit to get into the city. We were able to grab amazing German beer while enjoying the summer weather. If you have a long layover during the day in Frankfurt, head into the city unless you have access to the Lufthansa First Class Terminal.

 

Conclusion: Lufthansa service is very German which makes it an enjoyable flight. Nothing above and beyond, but solid service. If you’re heading to Europe in Business, give Lufthansa a try and snag a seat on the Upper Deck if flying on their B747-8i. I wouldn’t hesitate to fly Lufthansa again.