I’m currently on a trip to Germany with my parents, and we’re having an unforgettable time. As I plot our return journey, I wanted to share how I’m going about this, to hopefully make my dad happy, and also to make OMAAT readers happy.
In this post:
I admit it, Lufthansa first class reviews are boring
As I’ve written about before, when I promised my dad a trip to Germany, I said we’d fly back from Germany in Lufthansa first class, since it’s an experience he hasn’t had in years, and asked for. He really wants to spend time in the Lufthansa First Class Terminal, smoking a cigar and drinking cognac (and then probably falling asleep onboard while sitting upright, not actually using the bed… but I digress).
When I think of planning travel, there are two main things I consider:
- What can I book that makes for interesting reviews here on OMAAT
- What can I book that makes my travel companions happy
As much as I enjoy Lufthansa first class, let me be the first to acknowledge that reviews of it are kind of boring, simply because nothing has changed about the experience:
- I’ve reviewed Lufthansa’s Boeing 747-8 first class and Lufthansa’s Airbus A340-600 first class
- I’ve reviewed Lufthansa’s First Class Terminal Frankfurt and Lufthansa’s First Class Lounge Munich (and even the other Lufthansa First Class Lounge in Munich)
With that in mind, I wanted to talk a bit about how I’m going to make this review a bit more interesting… at least as interesting as I can make it, while fulfilling my promise to my dad.
Lufthansa A380 first class & SWISS First Class Lounge Zurich
Okay, so this first part is only slightly exciting, but Lufthansa recently brought back its Airbus A380s, after storing them for years, and they’re now back in service. So we’ll be crossing the Atlantic on the Lufthansa Airbus A380.
The A380 is one of my favorite aircraft to fly, so I’m looking forward to that, The catch is that Lufthansa is so consistent across the board when it comes to the cabin, the amenities, the food, and the service, that there’s not much else to report on there, probably. Nonetheless I’ll do a full review. And of course I’m looking forward to using the only urinal in commercial aviation!
But here’s the much more exciting part, in my opinion. While you can redeem partner miles for Lufthansa first class, you can’t book SWISS first class with partner miles. The SWISS First Class Lounge Zurich is exceptional, and I rank it as one of the best in the world. Actually, there are now two first class lounges there, with one in the Schengen area and one in the non-Schengen area.
I’ve only visited the non-Schengen location once (seven years ago), and I haven’t visited the Schengen lounge, which opened in 2018. In order to access the SWISS First Class Lounge, you need to be flying either SWISS first class or Lufthansa first class same day.
So, you can guess what I’m doing. I’m headed to Zurich, just so I can originate my return journey there, and then connect back through Germany to fly to the United States. I’m planning on reviewing both SWISS First Class Lounges.
It’s my understanding that there are no issues visiting the SWISS First Class Lounge in the non-Schengen area when flying short haul to Munich, but please someone correct me if I’m wrong in terms of immigration proceedings.
Bottom line
I’m having an awesome trip to Germany with my parents. My dad really wants to fly back on Lufthansa first class, while I at least want to be able to review some new experiences. So we’re getting the best of both worlds — we’ll be flying Lufthansa’s A380 first class across the Atlantic, but I’ll be making a bit of a detour to Zurich, to check out the excellent SWISS First Class Lounge Zurich, which I haven’t visited in years.
Has anyone else ever originated a Lufthansa first class trip in Zurich just to check out the SWISS First Class Lounge?
How you will access E First lounge if you're flying ZRH-MUC (inside Schengen area)?
It's not a problem, I've done that many times. Of course you have to go through the passport control but that's worth it imho, since the E lounge is vastly better (and less crowded) than Schengen lounges.
If I understand you correctly, you haven’t visited and reviewed the Schengen F Lounge, as yet. Fair enough, based on my experience it is a nice lounge, catering specifically for those passengers connecting to FRA/MUC and flying F from there. It’s also the starting point for those taking the limo transfer to the Non-Schengen F Lounge and flying Swiss F.
However, I don’t think they will offer you the limo transfer to the Non-Schengen lounge,...
If I understand you correctly, you haven’t visited and reviewed the Schengen F Lounge, as yet. Fair enough, based on my experience it is a nice lounge, catering specifically for those passengers connecting to FRA/MUC and flying F from there. It’s also the starting point for those taking the limo transfer to the Non-Schengen F Lounge and flying Swiss F.
However, I don’t think they will offer you the limo transfer to the Non-Schengen lounge, if you are holding a BP for a Schengen flight to FRA/MUC. Also I don’t see it’s worth the hassle doing it by yourself. Automatic immigration gates are often not working, so you should plan for 30 mins each way … that makes one hour just for an excursion to the Non-Schengen lounge you have reviewed before … Better enjoy the Schengen F lounge!
The International Terminal (non-Schengen area) at ZRH is pathetic. I don't think you should have any problems through immigration to get to the non-Schengen area. Having said that, I am not sure that it's actually worth the hassle. The SWISS First are lackluster lounges in my opinion.
I have originated from Zurich to Frankfurt connecting onwards with LH F. Use the A lounge first, then ask for a limo transfer to the E concourse. There is an exclusive immigration for F pax for Schengen exit. Head straight to the E lounge.
Unfortunately there is no limo service the other way around, so you need to take the Heidi train and re-enter Schengen again with the crowd.
Speaking from my experience in 2018, not sure it’s still the same now.
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S Hall Guest
August 17, 2023, 12:17 am
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Alex Guest
August 17, 2023, 12:54 am
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Alex Guest
August 17, 2023, 12:52 am
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2 more repliesI travel internationally several times a month. I would avoid Lufthansa at almost any opportunity to take another carrier. When. Lufthansa loses your bags ... and they will ... you can expect no personalized support regardless of 1st or business class ticket. Just go to website and wait 3 days for them to update status. Terrible service.
I fly almost exclusively Lufthansa. They never lost my bag and I find their service outstanding, both on board and on the ground.
Nothing has changed.
I really enjoyed the ZRH F lounge last year - but there's no way I'd go out of my way to visit it. It's solid, but not incredible (especially drink-wise) and I am perfectly happy with the LH FCT/FCL's!
Would love to know more about how your mom and dad manage to travel together, even with your mom’s current partner, without fuss. Of course not at the risk of invading their privacy. Could be relevant to many of us.
Otherwise, Lufthansa First is simply a boring product and lacking a soul, like much of industrialised Germany.
Charter a plane. Trans continental or intra Europe Fractionals. Report your experience to get it catered. Report on the FBO(s). Cost:experience. Etc. Seems like the level-up you’re ignoring? I’m sure many fractionals would be keen for the exposure/publicity to a wider (your) audience, and with a disclaimer before your article about cost sharing or however you negotiate it with them we’d understand and be very interested to read about your experience(s).
I have been there recently, but I prefer the E First Class Lounge over the a Lounge. But why don't you book:
FRA-ZRH-MUC- USA on one ticket. I doesn't cost more on one ticket if you book it as award (for example with Miles&More). Then you can start in the FCT, move to the Swiss First A Lounge and also use the FCL in Munich.
FCT has gotten worse since the new caterer Käfer has taken over.
I'm not sure if a review of the Swiss First Class lounge makes it all that much more interesting. I'd rather see a review of Swiss First Class in the air, but hey, to each their own...
Such I worthwhile diversion, I love the LX ZRH E lounge!
It's lucky you're not traveling with Miles, LX is not particularly kid/baby friendly, it's only premium airline we've traveled on since having our first child which has no baby/child amenities in any of the lounges, not even a high chair. Its tricky to have a nice meal in that lounge with a squirmy 10 month old on your lap picking at your food!
Such I worthwhile diversion, I love the LX ZRH E lounge!
It's lucky you're not traveling with Miles, LX is not particularly kid/baby friendly, it's only premium airline we've traveled on since having our first child which has no baby/child amenities in any of the lounges, not even a high chair. Its tricky to have a nice meal in that lounge with a squirmy 10 month old on your lap picking at your food!
LH on the other hand has kids play areas, high chairs, on board amenities, etc etc. Same with most other premium airlines and F/J lounges we have experienced post baby (QR, SQ, BR, QF, NZ, (BA)). Even the new Private Room has a kids menu and highchairs!
Will you be able to squeeze in a visit to the F Terminal in FRA? I suppose you would have to fly ZRH-FRA-MUC-US in order to be able to visit the LX F lounge, the F Terminal, and the A380 if they only fly from MUC? Not much time for your dad to enjoy cigars and cognac in that case!
Can’t wait. Thanks.
You can access First Class Lounges in ZRH and FRA on the same day only if your booking includes First Class flight on LH or LX and all your flights are on one ticket (if you fly ZRH-FRA on a separate ticket and then First Class from FRA on another ticket, you will not have access to First Class Lounge in ZRH, only FRA).
Ben,
That is a nice story about your parents being able to travel together even as they are no longer married. If you can do it while being respectful of their privacy and your own, I do hope you can illuminate how your family pulls this off. Many divorced parents have trouble even with basic civility at graduations and weddings. To transcend whatever obstacles they had in the past and focus on things they...
Ben,
That is a nice story about your parents being able to travel together even as they are no longer married. If you can do it while being respectful of their privacy and your own, I do hope you can illuminate how your family pulls this off. Many divorced parents have trouble even with basic civility at graduations and weddings. To transcend whatever obstacles they had in the past and focus on things they still love together in the present--their children and grandchildren, and the adventure of travel--that seems like a rare gift and I imagine readers would enjoy whatever window you are comfortable sharing.
Even if the service has not changed, another review and the month and year helps when people read about it later.
Hey Ben,
How reliable is last minute Lufthansa awards these days? We're planning to return from Europe the first week of October, and business class awards seem super rare. Curious if we could risk it.
You will be able to pass through immigration with an EU passport to use the lounge no problem, I do it regularly at ZRH as am HON.
Two points to note:
1) as your flight to Munich will depart from A, they will NOT provide the A to E shuttle for you, you will have to make your own way there (and back) via the Heidi Train. Even if your MUC flight departs from...
You will be able to pass through immigration with an EU passport to use the lounge no problem, I do it regularly at ZRH as am HON.
Two points to note:
1) as your flight to Munich will depart from A, they will NOT provide the A to E shuttle for you, you will have to make your own way there (and back) via the Heidi Train. Even if your MUC flight departs from a remote stand, they will not drive you from FCL E, only from FCL A.
2) there are recent reports on FT of denied access if the LH F long-haul is not on the same ticket as the feeder ex-ZRH. Book the feeder on the same ticket as you book the long-haul to avoid this risk, as you could get very disappointed.
Can someone explain non-Schengen vs. Schengen? Thanks in advance.
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MK Guest
August 16, 2023, 11:04 am
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James Guest
August 16, 2023, 11:08 am
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Rob Guest
August 16, 2023, 6:09 pm
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RichM Diamond
August 16, 2023, 9:55 pm
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john Guest
August 17, 2023, 9:50 am
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4 more repliesThe EU lets you move through countries like the US allows you to move through states. Schengen areas are like inter-state/domestic terminals. Non-Schengen are international areas for flight leaving the EU.
Schengen is a small town in Luxembourg where the Schengen Agreement was signed that removed border controls in most EU countries and some neighbouring nations. It’s now become a term for flights between nations in this borderless zone. So a flight from Germany to France or Portugal would leave from the Schengen area of that airport. But a flight to the US or Ireland say would leave from the non Schengen area.
Schengen is for EU plus Norway and Iceland arrival/departure and there is no passport control if you arrive from one of these countries.
Non Schengen is for non EU countries ( including UK - after Brexit ). Gates E and excellent first class lounge are in Non Schengen area.
SChengen is not all EU countries. I believe Ireland and Cyprus, while in the EU, are outside Schengen, and the UK was always outside Schengen, even when it was in the EU.
Schengen area =
European Union
+ Norway, Iceland, Switzerland & Lichtenstein
+ De facto: San Marino, Monaco, and Vatican City
- Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus, Ireland and some French & Dutch overseas territories
You can move without any problems around. At ZRH at passport control they might ask you and if you just want to visit another Lounge that is absolutely fine.
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Nelson Diamond
August 16, 2023, 10:38 am
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InternationalTraveler Gold
August 16, 2023, 1:39 pm
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Samo Guest
August 18, 2023, 8:50 am
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2 more repliesTrue! Have the same experience.
With an EU (and if I remember an USA) passport you can use the fully automated passport control gates and no one will ask any questions.
They aren't always open though, I sometimes have to speak to an officer. It's never been a problem for me though, lounge is accepted as an answer to where am I flying to :)
I have a UK passport - non EU- and it’s always a human -often end up with many stamps making connections .
Sorry. In answer to the other question no I’ve not seen automated passport control when transiting.
Did you have to show boarder control that you had an onward ticket? I always worry about this when booking a one-way Aeroplan ticket to Europe or Japan.
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RetiredATLATC Diamond
August 16, 2023, 10:13 am
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Ben Schlappig OMAAT
August 16, 2023, 10:15 am
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RetiredATLATC Diamond
August 16, 2023, 11:21 am
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2 more replies*border
@ RetiredATLATC -- Since I have both a US and German passport, I don't need proof of onward travel in this case.
Have you ever had issues in Asian countries?
You will of course have to pass through immigration twice - out of Schengen to gate to gates E and then back in again. Be prepared for immigration to refuse and direct you to the lounge at A/B gates… but hopefully they won’t worry!
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Ben Schlappig OMAAT
August 16, 2023, 10:14 am
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Justin Guest
August 16, 2023, 10:19 am
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Nelson Diamond
August 16, 2023, 10:34 am
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Mike Guest
August 16, 2023, 11:10 am
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Samo Guest
August 16, 2023, 10:16 am
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Justin Guest
August 16, 2023, 10:31 am
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5 more replies@ Justin -- Hmm... anyone know if they have automated passport gates at ZRH? I have an EU passport, so if there are automated gates, I can't imagine it would be an issue? But if it could be, would love to know in advance, so I can plan accordingly. Thanks!
I’m a UK passport holder - so not EU- I’ve always had to see a real person - end up with several passport stamps per visit!
@ Ben, yes they have several automated passport gates at ZRH, so would be no problem.
I’m a bit confused here- aren’t you arriving from Germany? If so there is no border check and you can just exit.
Anyway I’d recommend entering the Schengen F lounge using the escalator next to the check-in hall. Its kind of Al-Safwa style only that after passing the LD you are directly at the “private” security check similar to the one from the FCT. Passing the LD should be no problem assuming its a same day departure in LH F and both legs are on the same ticket.
Does that ever happen? I've used the E lounge when flying within Schengen multiple times and never had a problem with immigration. Sometimes they ask where I'm flying to, I'll explain the situation, they return my ID card without a comment and I'm on my way.
I can only speak from my experience and it’s not consistent.
The Schengen lounge is nothing to write home about; it's pretty small in comparison to the non-Schengen lounge in the outfield concourse.
The fun thing is that when you want to transfer from the Schengen lounge to the non-Schengen lounge, they'll take you either via a car or a minibus, and the minibus is kitted out to make the seats look like SWISS first class seats. Either way, it's a fun ride.
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Ed Guest
August 16, 2023, 10:40 am
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TravelinWilly Diamond
August 16, 2023, 11:54 am
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1 more replyI asked for a transfer back in May and was told they don't provide that service.
Interesting. On my last trip on SWISS in first LAX-ZRH-JNB (March of this year), I asked how to get to get myself to the Schengen terminal and was then escorted down a long hall where they hooked me up with a driver.
Maybe they’ve stopped this?
Kudos to you, Lucky. Appreciate your attempt to generate good content.
I'm sure you'll have no trouble. I've accessed the GVA Schengen LX F lounge with a connecting LH F ticket, and this is probably no different