Lufthansa is the flag carrier of Germany, and one of the largest airlines in the world. The airline mainly operates out of its primary hub of Frankfurt, but also has a large presence in Munich. Lufthansa owns or has significant shares in many other airlines including Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Swiss International, Eurowings and Germanwings. The airline was a founding member of the Star Alliance of which Air New Zealand is a member.
The Difference
- The name Lufthansa translates to ‘air’ (luft) and ‘guild’ (hansa).
- Lufthansa’s new fleet of Boeing 747-8 aircraft have windows on the front of the upper deck, so you’ll be able to get a pilots-eye view!
- Lufthansa was a founding member of the Star Alliance, as well a co-creator of Amadeus, an IT system now used by travel agents around the world to make clients air bookings.
- Having being unable to do so during the partition of Germany, Lufthansa restarted flights to Berlin just 25 days after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
- Lufthansa have traditionally been a very financially successful airline, not even going into the red after 9/11, and they didn’t lay any staff off then either!
- If flying First Class from Frankfurt you will have access to a special terminal which features a full service restaurant, bar, cigar lounge, offices, full bathroom facilities and has 200 staff catering to a maximum of 300 guests! To top it off, they then drive you from the terminal to your waiting plane in a Porsche or Mercedes Benz.
The Classes
PREMIUM ECONOMY In addition to the benefits of Economy Class, in Premium Economy you’ll receive up to 50% more space, an amenities kit with toiletries, a larger screen on the entertainment system, a welcome drink and water. Checked luggage allowance is two pieces at 23 kilograms each. There’s also the option to pay a fee for access to Lufthansa lounges (varies depending on airport).
BUSINESS CLASS In addition to the benefits of Premium Economy, in Business Class you’ll receive much larger seats which convert to lie flat beds nearly two metres long, an expanded meal service, airport lounge access on departure and ‘Welcome Lounge’ access in Frankfurt where you can shower etc. Checked luggage allowance is two pieces at 32 kilograms each, cabin is two pieces at 8 kilograms each.
FIRST CLASS In First Class you’ll receive all the Business Class benefits above, but also have even larger seats which also lie flat, your own cabin giving you a more private sanctuary, First Class bathrooms with luxury amenities, an expanded food and drink service and on the Boeing 747-8 aircraft you’ll have views from the front of the plane like the pilots do! Checked luggage allowance is 3 pieces at 32 kilograms, cabin is two pieces at 8 kilograms each.
Destinations
Lufthansa do not fly to New Zealand as this stage, but do connect through various Asian and North American hubs, mainly with Star Alliance partners Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways.
The Hub
FRANKFURT AIRPORT. Also known as ‘Frankfurt am Main’, Frankfurt is the largest airport in Germany and the 4th largest in Europe, seeing about 60 million passengers annually. The airport has flights to 264 destinations in 113 countries around the world, making it the airport with the most international destinations in the world. Of course all of this requires a massive airport, which is what Frankfurt is. If transferring between terminals, be prepared to walk as gates are often long distances away. The signs can be confusing too, so we recommend checking with staff as you make your way through the airport to ensure you not heading in the wrong direction. Also if travelling from a non Schengen country (basically anywhere other than the EU), you will have to go through two lots of security. We recommend you have three to four hours up your sleeve here if possible. The airport has a great selection of shops and food outlets, as well as a good WiFi connection.
