After a grand debate with myself between flying British Airways or Lufthansa First class, in the end I opted for Lufthansa. The opportunity to fly on a 747-8 and visit the First Class terminal outweighed flying British Airways. The 747-8 is among my favorite planes, even if Lufthansa’s First class seat and product isn’t world class. The flight from Sao Paulo to Frankfort was great, and every so short. I have reviewed Lufthansa’s First class serval time, so this post will be a bit shorter.
First Class from Sao Paulo
The ground experience at GRU is nothing special. The airline utilizes the same lounge for both First Class and Business class passengers. The Espaco Banco Safra lounge, the former Star Alliance lounge is also a priority pass lounge. Lufthansa will offer first class guests an escort to the lounge and the gate, but priority service is not provided. Meaning first class passengers still must queue for security and passport control.
Once on the plane, First Class service is great. The plan was only booked with 5 of 9 seats full. Diego and I opted for the two seats next to each other so we could talk and enjoy dinner together. Then when it was bed time, the suites next to the window were made into our beds. This was great as it meant we could sleep when we wanted and didn’t have to worry about waiting for the crew to make our beds.
Shortly after boarder we had our standard welcome 2005 Noble Brut champagne and macadamia nuts. The crew provided us with amenity kits and porch design pajamas.
Lufthansa First Class Meal Service
After take off the champagne kept flowing and we indulged in the welcome caviar. For being an airline that claims to serve 5% of the world’s caviar, the supple was in short tonight. The crew only had enough for each person to have one serving. Albeit a large one! Clearly some cuts as items appears to not be loaded in Frankfort for the flight down. Similarly, the crew only had large pajamas despite asking for two pairs of mediums. Oh well, it was still delicious!
The meal continued with three starts and a salad. At this point the food and meal out have honestly ended. It was more food than we needed. Yet this is first class, so we were just getting started.
So far, the food was fine, but noting special. Next up was the main course. I opted for the fish, but after taking one bite I sent it back and had the chicken instead. Even the cabin crew was not impressed with the look of the meal, and apologized when dropping it off. No big deal, honestly, we all know GRU is not known for their catering!
Diego opted for the steak. It was decent, but as always, overcooked. Lufthansa First Class is known for overcooking their meat, and they did not fail today either. 🙂
The meal continued with dessert where Diego opted for the yogurt ice cream and I had a cheese plate. Both, underwhelming for first class.
And of course when all was said and done, the best part of dessert was served. Lufthansa First Class famous chocolate truffles and petites.
After over eating, I laid down and went to bed and slept for nearly 8 hours. This was likely the best sleep I had ever had on an airplane! I woke up in time for just 1 cup of coffee before landing. Sadly I had to skip the freshly scrambled eggs. Which is the best way to have eggs on a plane, freshly cooked!
Bottom Line
With the flight being a short 11 hours, besides eating and sleeping for 8 hours, I did not experience much. Yet then again, sleeping for 8 hours on a plane is a win. Especially as the flight left Brazil at 7pm, way to early for sleeping typically. Thus meaning that everything about this flight was worth it. The meal itself and the seat, really not that over the top. Yet then again, I’m comparing it Emirates First Class or even JAL First Class, which is not fair. For European carriers, Lufthansa offers a stable product that is slightly elevated. I don’t think Lufthansa deserves all the praise they receive for their product or even food and beverage offerings. Yet, it’s a well rounded product that is a step above business class.
What really made the flight great? Three worlds: First Class Terminal.
Breakfast on arrival was also delicious and better than any airplane food! Salmon Eggs benedict, yes please! This is why people really love Lufthansa’s first class!
