Fly the Queen of the Skies – Lufthansa First Class 747-8i Review

The Lufthansa Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental, known as the “Queen of the Skies”, is the world’s longest passenger airplane. After a few flights between Chicago and Frankfurt, I can tell you that the Lufthansa First Class 747-8i experience is fabulous.

Dine

After pre-flight champagne and macadamia nuts, flight attendants offer caviar with traditional garnishes.

Confit of Artic Char with red quinoa salad, watermelon radish with wakame and seasonal greens followed the caviar.

I chose zucchini wrapped monkfish with chanterelle mushrooms accompanied by lemon and almond couscous as the main course. The dessert selection included a lukewarm sea salt brownie with vanilla ice cream, followed by a selection of chocolates.

Drink

I wish I had more time to sample the extensive wine list – 1999 Cuvée Louise Champagne from Pommery, 2008 Tignanello from Marchese Antinori, and 2013 Simonsberg Paarl Chardonnay Limited Release from Anura were just a few options.

Sleep

The sleep enhancing comforts offered to Lufthansa First Class 747-8i passengers make slipping into slumber easy – a generous duvet, feather pillow, plush mattress, and turn down service. Yes – turn down service. While I changed into the comfortable van Laack PJ’s provided to First Class guests, the flight attendants transformed the First Class living room into a First Class bedroom.

Re-Fresh

After a deep and restful full sleep, I was grateful for the gentle awakening and thoughtful touches like the warm washcloth adorned with a rose petal, followed by café-quality cappuccino and breakfast. The Lufthansa First Class amenity kit by Escada includes typical offerings as well as La Prairie lotions and lip balm. The amenity kit is a standout from my perspective because it converts into an iPad or tablet case.

Transfer Service

Lufthansa First Class passengers whose flight lands in Frankfurt at a non-gate position enjoy a special VIP service. Passengers are met upon deplaning and transferred through Frankfurt Airport in a luxury vehicle.

The Lufthansa First Class transfer service is one my favorite things about the Frankfurt Airport, apart from the Lufthansa First Class Lounge.

Lufthansa First Class Lounge

There are two First Class lounges and a First Class terminal at the Frankfurt Airport. If you depart from Frankfurt you will utilize the First Class terminal. If you are in transit through Frankfurt, you have a choice of First Class lounges located in Frankfurt Airport Terminal 1; one near at Gate A13 in Pier A and the other in Pier B between Gates B22 and B24.

Spa Bathrooms

You can reserve a spa bathroom complete with Etro amenities including bath salts, and the Lufthansa First Class rubber duck.

Restaurant

The Lufthansa First Class Lounge restaurant includes a varied menu, as well as access to buffet items.

Bar

The bar selection at the Lufthansa First Class Lounge in Frankfurt is extensive. Choose to sit at the bar or enjoy a drink in the spacious lounge area. There is also a well-stocked cigar lounge.

Sleep Rooms

Reserve a sleep room if you feel like a nap.

Candy Bar

Children (and some adults) huddle around the Lufthansa First Class candy bar like pirates over a chest of bullion.

Lufthansa First Class 747-8i Travel Tips

• The Lufthansa First Class cabin on the 747-8i is in the nose of the aircraft and includes eight seats. The first and second rows contain two seats separated by an aisle. The third row contains four seats with one seat at each window and two seats together in the centre. If I am on my own, I prefer one of the seats in the second row because they offer the most privacy. The third row is an excellent choice if you are travelling as a family.
• If you are flying in or out of Frankfurt and your aircraft is in a non-gate position, it means the aircraft is parked out on the tarmac. If you are a First Class passenger on Lufthansa, SWISS or Austrian Airlines, you will enjoy VIP transfer service. Business and economy passengers will transfer via buses.

You might enjoy reading about flying First Class on the Lufthansa A330 or flying SWISS First Class.