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I thought the First Class pavilion was a must in FRA. But friends told me that when transiting, I would be better off in the First Class lounge in the main building. Looking at the map, there are 3 of them... Since I am due to spend 3 hours there, I'd be happy to go straight to the right pace. Any suggestion?
Thanks.
Swissdiver: You did not indicate which airline you were using ... ?
But if flying LH first class then the First Class Terminal has to be seen to be believed. It's located airside and close to T1. No other carrier offers anything like it.
A 3 hr transit will provide ample time to sample the facilities (these include dedicated immigration and security clearance). But the Terminal's highlight has to be the C/D transfer direct to your plane on the apron.
http://www.lufthansa.com/us/en/Position-of-the-First-Class-Lounges-in-Frankfurt#ancAbT0
Thanks, LondonCity. Yes, it is LH. Sorry not to have been more specific.
When connecting (from a short haul flight), I was told it was complicated to get there. If it is a separate building, how am I supposed to get there?
For a three hour transit, stay in the terminal and visit the first class lounge. It offers near identical facilities to the first class terminal, with the additional benefits of runway views and not having to leave the terminal to get there. And because most first class / HON members use the separate terminal the lounges are usually quiet.
I did read that LH offered a transfer from T1 to the First Class Terminal but not sure if it's the case nowadays.
But it's about a couple of hundred metres walk from T1's arrivals area - see link:
http://www.fodors.com/community/air-travel/question-lufthansa-first-class-lounge-in-frankfurt.cfm
As ZKSmith says, the terminals within the transit area will be more convenient and you'll be spared the walk outside.
But to me the Terminal's USP is the C/D car direct from the lounge to your particular flight. LH can offer this service because passengers clear immigration and security once they enter the Terminal. For that reason, you have to ring the bell to gain admittance.
When connecting a few years back, I was told by LH to exit and go landside. I did this they got me a car from the First class check in area. The lounge had only really opened so they didnt quite have the slick transfers set up. Im sure there must be a slicker way which sees you remain airside. Super lounge though, best I have seen and I am a regular user of the QR terminal in Doha!
Thanks.
If I understand well, as I'll be connecting, the 1st class lounge in the main terminal would make more sense. That said, I can walk for 10 minutes if the 1st class terminal is worth it. Is it?
If connecting from a shorthaul flight, LH will have a car waiting for you down the airplane stairs. You can request the driver to drive to the FCT, he might drop you just outside leaving you to walk through T1 (no need to pass immigration or whatsoever, depending on where you come from) and then turn left and walk to the FCT. Once you have arrived there ring the bell, you'll be buzzed in and go up the elevator and the hostess will take it from there. Agreed with earlier post, the First Class lounge offers similar service including limo transfer to the plane and is indeed normally more quiet. However, if you have never experienced the FCT I would definitely pay a visit.
Thanks, Kglavimans.
I am not sure I'll be entitled to the car as I upgraded with miles... I'll be there on January 7th so probably a relatively quiet time for the FCT (German kids will be back to school and long haul outbound traffic should still be quiet) so FCT might well be the right option for the 3+ hours I've to spend in FRA.
They only offer spa services for a fee, so in that respect the FCT is not on par with Thai or Qantas. I have not made use of the service myself so cannot comment. Make sure you will go for a shower / bath however to get one of the famous LH FCT rubber duckies (only available in showerroom which features jacuzzi, ask for it). When are you flying? Enjoy and sorry for the late response.
Thanks, Kglavimans. Travelling tomorrow to IKA via FCT. So I'll chase the duck at the FCT :-)
Have a succesful trip. Let us all know how you get on using the FCT.
Teheran? You are a brave man ;) Enjoy your experience, as mentioned by LondonCity, please let us know your experiences! Cheers
Well, Kglavimans, the nationality suggested by my pseudonym helps... So I don't feel particularly brave. But I have to say, going there for the first time, I am quite excited...
Reporting from the cigar lounge of the FRA FCT.
As feared no pick-up from my previous flight. So lots of walking as usual in FRA. And interestingly no one could give me a clear indication of where the FCT was. Not even LH staff... Thanks to my iPhone, I found it. Next time, when transiting, I'll probably go to the First Class lounge in Terminal B.
So far for me, the best lounge in Europe was by far T5 Concorde. So I'll take it as comparison. I hate to write this, but the FCT terminal overall clearly beats it. Let's start with the two weak points of the FCT:
- Wine choice is OK but no more and very weak in comparison to the Grand Crus Classés offered at T5
- No Spa (there is a spa for a fee at the other lounge in terminal B)
For the rest,
- Personal service for all the staff. I feel they care which is nice
- Security screening was almost a pleasure
- Food is much better with some very good tapas, salmon, ...
- The cigar lounge offers a disappointing cigar choice but I could buy some better at the duty free lounge
- Talking about duty free, there is one just for the FCT (better than choosing on a list)
- Bathrooms are far better
- They have an equivalent to the cabanas although I prefer the T5 ones
- Last but not least, a limo will bring me to my plane
So all together a brilliant facility when travelling First Class.
Oh, and most importantly, I have my duck!
@ Swissdiver
have one of the assistanst find out, why you werent picked up:
- booking glitch?
- nobody cared?
- or what?
So next time it will be better. And, if you like Whisky, they have a HUGE sortiment of Malts and others.
Enjoy!
Greetings from Tehran!
@millionsofmiles: They pick up only if the plane isn't docked. Mine was...
Malt: Love it but nowadays prefer wine...
Good to hear you go the rubber duck!
Agreed on the wine choices, however, the spirits (and as millionsofmiles stated specifically the malts) are outstanding and so is the food from Do&Co. I also enjoy the immigration, as the officer looks at you and gives you your passport as he recognises you from the photo (at least I have had that all the time I flew).
How was the onboard service? Was the load 100% (in essence only 50% full if you travelled old first).
Enjoy your trip!
@Kglavimans: Yep, same swift emigration experience!
I'll right separately about the flight. In a nutshell great experience although the seats and screens are merely business class level. Oh, and I had the upper deck all for me :-)
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