{"id":213,"date":"2014-09-28T17:01:29","date_gmt":"2014-09-28T15:01:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.miles-around.de\/?p=213"},"modified":"2026-02-19T20:22:30","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T19:22:30","slug":"lufthansa-boeing-747-400-first-class-frankfurt-to-vancouver","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.miles-around.de\/en\/trip-reports\/first-class\/lufthansa-boeing-747-400-first-class-frankfurt-nach-vancouver\/","title":{"rendered":"Lufthansa First Class Boeing 747-400 to Vancouver"},"content":{"rendered":"

As a summary of my first First Class flight with Emirates from Bangkok to Hong Kong, I wrote that I really wanted to try out the First Class experience on a longer route. Now the time had finally come! You can find out what an experience Lufthansa First Class in the Boeing 747-400 is in the following trip report.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contents<\/div><\/div>
  1. How much does a Lufthansa First Class flight cost?<\/a><\/li>
  2. Check-in at Leipzig Airport<\/a><\/li>
  3. Lufthansa Business Class flight to Frankfurt<\/a><\/li>
  4. Exclusive chauffeur service to the aircraft in the Lufthansa First Class Terminal<\/a><\/li>
  5. What is the cabin and seat like in Lufthansa First Class on the Boeing 747-400?<\/a><\/li>
  6. What food and drinks are available in Lufthansa First Class on the Boeing 747-400?<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    How much does a Lufthansa First Class flight cost?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    At the end of August, the plan to begin our trip in a truly special way \u2013 in Lufthansa First Class \u2013 took shape! Our wedding in May provided the perfect occasion for this luxurious experience. Thanks to the miles I'd accumulated over the years in my Miles & More account, we were able to make this dream a reality. An online search revealed attractive award flights to Hong Kong and Vancouver, but after a brief deliberation, we opted for Canada. Booking through the Miles & More Service Center was seamless: After just ten minutes and the use of 230,000 miles, plus approximately \u20ac1,000 in taxes and fees, we held the coveted tickets for Lufthansa First Class on the Boeing 747-400 in our hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How much did we save? A regular Lufthansa First Class ticket would have cost almost \u20ac14,000 during our travel period \u2013 a hefty sum! The return flight from Los Angeles was somewhat less glamorous: since we lacked the miles for another First Class award and there were no more award seats available in Business Class, we flew back in Economy Class. Nevertheless, the outbound flight remains a highlight, worth every penny and every mile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Check-in at Leipzig Airport<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Our travel day began early \u2013 the alarm clock rang at 4:00 a.m. With the car packed, we set off at 4:45 a.m. Despite the dense fog, which gave the roads a mystical feel, the drive from Halle (Saale) to Leipzig Airport was pleasant. After a few minutes, we reached our reserved parking space, which was a five-minute walk from the terminal. The shuttle bus was already waiting, and we were off quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Arriving at Leipzig Airport, we were looking forward to the exclusive First Class service. However, our anticipation was dampened: at the Lufthansa First Class check-in, we surprisingly had to wait longer than the Economy passengers \u2013 a somewhat bumpy start to our premium travel experience. Nevertheless, our excitement for what awaited us \u2013 the comfort and exclusivity of Lufthansa First Class \u2013 outweighed the initial disappointment!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    \"First<\/a>
    First Class Check-in Counter (Leipzig)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \"Leipzig<\/a>
    Leipzig Airport Terminal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Lufthansa Business Class flight to Frankfurt<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    After security, we quickly grabbed a coffee in the empty lounge. There's not much to report about Leipzig itself. But we're not complaining, at least the airport has one!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    \"Lufthansa<\/a>
    Lufthansa Business Lounge Leipzig (seating area)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \"Lufthansa<\/a>
    Lufthansa Business Lounge Leipzig (buffet)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The Boeing 737-500 (registration D-ABIL "Memmingen", first flight February 19, 1991) for our flight LH157 was fully booked. Shortly after takeoff, a small cold breakfast of rolls and cold cuts was served. Nothing special, but we planned to eat in the lounge in Frankfurt anyway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    \"Boeing<\/a>
    Boeing 737-500 \u201eMemmingen\u201c (D-ABIL)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \"Our<\/a>
    Our freedom<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \"Breakfast<\/a>
    Breakfast on board in Lufthansa Business Class<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \"Mainhattan\"<\/a>
    Mainhattan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The approach to Frankfurt and the taxiing to the apron took almost as long as the actual 25-minute flight. Upon disembarking, we were greeted by a young man holding a First Class sign and escorted to a waiting Mercedes-Benz Vito. It was very comfortably equipped with individual leather seats in the rear and other extras. It also appeared to be the latest Mercedes model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Pick-up
    Pick-up by Lufthansa First Class Service on the apron<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    We were driven to Terminal 1B and the driver explained the short route to the First Class Lounge, located opposite Gate B22. Just 10 minutes after leaving the aircraft, we were in the very nice, spacious lounge. A detailed report about the You can find Lufthansa First Class Lounge B in our lounge reviews.<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Entrance
    Entrance area of the Lufthansa First Class Lounge B<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Since we wanted to stretch our legs a bit before our long-haul flight, and of course to enjoy the flight experience as much as possible, we set off for the Lufthansa First Class Terminal around 9:45 a.m. This meant we had to briefly "enter" Germany again and then make our way through the hidden corridors of Frankfurt Airport down to arrival gate A1. From there, it's just a short walk past the taxis to the terminal. A detailed report about the Lufthansa First Class Terminal Frankfurt is featured in the lounge reviews.<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Lufthansa
    Lufthansa First Class Terminal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Exclusive chauffeur service to the aircraft in the Lufthansa First Class Terminal<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    After a wonderful time in the Lufthansa First Class Terminal, where we fully enjoyed the excellent service and luxurious atmosphere, we were picked up by our personal assistant shortly before 1 p.m. Together we went down one floor to collect our passports from the Federal Police. These had already been sent there upon our arrival at the terminal, so we didn't have any additional waiting time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    After a friendly farewell and a few helpful travel tips for Vancouver, we boarded our vehicle, which took us directly to the aircraft. Since we were sharing the transfer with three other guests, we were chauffeured in a comfortable Mercedes Vito \u2013 although we secretly wished we could have driven to the plane in a Porsche. Driving across the tarmac, past countless aircraft, we finally reached Gate C15, where our flight LH493 was being handled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Driving
    Driving across the apron<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The car was parked directly under the gangway, and the elevator took us comfortably to the waiting area, which was already completely empty. All passengers were already on board, so only the five of us First Class guests were waiting for us. This exclusive service perfectly complements the luxurious stay in the Lufthansa First Class Terminal and makes traveling in First Class a truly special experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    \"Drive<\/a>
    Drive your luxury car directly to the airport.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \"Lufthansa<\/a>
    Lufthansa Boeing 747-400 \u201eD\u00fcsseldorf\u201c (registration D-ABVH)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    What is the cabin and seat like in Lufthansa First Class on the Boeing 747-400?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The Boeing 747-400 "D\u00fcsseldorf" (D-ABVH), whose maiden flight took place on March 14, 1991, offered us an impressive experience in Lufthansa First Class. After boarding, we went directly up the stairs to the upper deck of the aircraft \u2013 one of the most exclusive areas of the "Queen of the Skies." Our personal chauffeur even accompanied us to our seats and bid us farewell there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Lufthansa
    Lufthansa First Class flight in the Boeing 747-400<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The Lufthansa First Class cabin on the Boeing 747-400, with only eight seats, is designed to be exceptionally exclusive. Each passenger benefited from an innovative concept: next to the seat was a fully equipped bed. This bed wasn't just a simple sleeping surface, but a proper sleeping arrangement with a thick mattress, soft pillows, and a high-quality duvet, all perfectly prepared upon arrival. Switching between working, eating, and sleeping was therefore seamless and effortless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    \"Comfortable<\/a>
    Comfortable bed with a large lying area<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \"Bed<\/a>
    Bed with a view<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The beds were located by the windows, of which each passenger had four \u2013 ideal for enjoying the magnificent view during the flight. The seat itself impressed with its high level of comfort and functionality. The brown reclining seats, installed on the upper deck of the 747-400, replaced the older blue seats and offered a significantly improved travel experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Seat
    Seat in Lufthansa First Class on the Boeing 747-400<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The Lufthansa First Class cabin on the Boeing 747-400 was equipped with numerous well-designed storage options. Overhead compartments provided space for personal items, while a spacious storage compartment under the bed offered additional room. Measuring over 50 cm wide and 40 cm deep, it was large enough to securely stow hand luggage or other belongings. These practical solutions ensured a tidy environment and allowed for a relaxed and trouble-free journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    \"Faulty
    Faulty entertainment system on board<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \"Outdated
    Outdated in-flight entertainment system with a 4:3 screen and no HD resolution<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The only downside was the outdated in-flight entertainment system with its 4:3 screen and lack of HD resolution. However, the high-quality Bose active noise-canceling headphones partially compensated for this. Nevertheless, it wasn't possible to listen to music and watch the airshow simultaneously, which somewhat limited the entertainment options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What food and drinks are available in Lufthansa First Class on the Boeing 747-400?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The service in Lufthansa First Class impressed us from the very beginning. Upon boarding, we were warmly greeted with a glass of Pommery Brut Apanage Prestige champagne, a glass of water, and a bowl of macadamia nuts. A particularly lovely touch: the crew congratulated us on our wedding, treating us to this moment with genuine warmth and personal attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Champagne
    Champagne Pommery Brut Appanage Prestige<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Despite a 45-minute delay \u2013 caused by minor technical issues \u2013 the time was put to good use. A flight attendant surprised us with a Polaroid camera, captured the moment, and presented us with the photos in a nice display case as souvenirs. After takeoff, the purser personally greeted us, handed out the menus, and gave us valuable tips for our destination, Vancouver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Menu
    Menu in Lufthansa First Class<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The culinary journey began shortly after flying over the North Sea coast with a complimentary amuse-bouche: trout canap\u00e9s with passion fruit and mango, an exquisite combination that we particularly enjoyed in the air. The service continued with the stylish setting of the table, accompanied by warm bread, olive oil, and butter imprinted with "First Class." The small pepper and salt mills were also a lovely touch. I'd love to have one of those at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    \"Warm<\/a>
    Warm cloth<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \"Greetings<\/a>
    Greetings from the kitchen: Trout canap\u00e9s with passion fruit and mango<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \"Set<\/a>
    Set table<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \"First<\/a>
    First Class Butter<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    One highlight was the caviar service, which was served with classic accompaniments such as lemon, onions, egg and a fine Beluga vodka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Caviar
    Caviar service (lemon, onion, egg and a Beluga vodka)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The menu, put together by star chef Christian Eckhardt from Villa Rothschild in K\u00f6nigstein im Taunus, offered a variety of appetizers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n