Lufthansa B747-8i business class, Frankfurt to Mexico City
Flight: LH498
Departure time in Frankfurt (FRA): 14:10
Arrival time in Mexico City (MEX): 19:05
Aircraft: Boeing 747-8i
Seat: 5D
Duration: 10h 55m
Date of flight: October 24, 2013
* This is an award travel,
Business Class flight #36
In 2012, Lufthansa became the launch carrier of Boeing's 747-8i, the longest aircraft in the world. And since they have the newest business class seats installed in these aircraft, I made sure Mike and I would be able to test them one day. I checked which routes they were using the new "Queen of the Skies" and found out that they have started using the 9th of its 20 brand new 747-8i on their FRA-MEX route. Without hesitation, we booked two seats on this beautiful aircraft and I have to say, it was definitely something to be experienced.
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge
Having a Star Alliance Gold card (Mike and I both have Gold status with Turkish Airlines), we could visit a lot of business class lounges in the airport. Since the Air Canada Lounge had just recently opened, we thought it was the best choice. You can find the lounge details for Air Canada Lounge
here.
Aircraft, Boeing 747-8i
There she is! The beautiful 747-8i 😍
Boarding, Gate B26
Boarding at Gate B26 was delayed, although it did not affect our flight time.
Business Class Cabin, Main Deck
The business class cabin on the main deck as passengers board.
Seat 5D
Welcome to seat 5D 😊
The table, entertainment control and the headset were all placed together in a compartment between the two seats.
I just love the seat controls, very modern and chic. I wonder how the ones in first class look like.
I thought the entertainment control was okay but the headphones was pretty basic, maybe not really in par with other airlines offerings like Thai or ANA.
From the movie selection, I ended up watching Planes, The English Teacher and Now You See Me.
The duvet was already placed on the footrest when I came to my seat.
The magazine rack is located below the TV monitor.
Under the magazine rack was a stowage containing the business class amenity kit and a bottle of mineral water.
There is also power outlets in case you need to charge your mobile phone or laptop.
I couldn't help but be intrigued by the first class cabin so I zoomed my camera and took a picture of a cabin attendant distributing roses to each seat 😍
Stairs to the upper deck
While waiting for the meal service, I decided to make a tour of the business class cabin located in the upper deck.
View of the small "serving station" from the upper deck stairs.
The business class cabin on the upper deck has a 2-2 configuration.
Pre-departure Beverage
My pre-departure drink was a glass of bubbly 😉
Dining
The menu card on the Frankfurt to Mexico flight.
Late Lunch
For my after-departure drink, I had a glass of mango maracuja which came together with a small pack of cashew nuts.
Appetizers
Variation of Trout and Char with Cucumber Salad in Dill Cream 😋
The other two choices were Assorted Cold Cuts: Escalope of Veal Tegernsee Style, Tyrolean Bacon, crunchy Bavarian Landjäger Salami jerky, Potato Salad and Gherkin and Pumpkin Salad, marinated dumpling Slices and Camembert Cream
Trout and Char with Cucumber Salad
Main Course
Prime boiled Beef with Horseradish Cream, Savoy cabbage and Potatoes 😋
The other choices were: Seared Pike-perch on Sauerkraut with Mustard sauce and Chive Mashed Potatoes and Spätzle - German Cheese noodles with fine Onions and pink Peppercorns.
The cheese was Allgau Alp Cheese, Bavaria blu and Bavarian Cheese Spread with Red Radish while the choices for dessert were Poppy seed Mousse with Mountain Cranberries or Fruit Salad.
Poppy seed Mousse with Mountain Cranberries & a chocolate bar
Lavatory
The toilet and lavatory was always kept clean. A Nivea hand cream, shaving cream and shaver, wet towels, comb and small bottles of mouthwash were also available.
Turndown Service
And then it was time to sleep, with a seat that turns into a fully flat bed.
Light Snacks
About halfway to Mexico, some light snacks were served which included a sandwich and small bowl of grapes.
Dinner
Before landing, we were served the Hearty Goulash Soup and Seasonal salad with Oyster Mushrooms accompanied by Sweet Mustard Dressing. For dessert, they had Plum Cake with Vanilla Cream.
Arrival in Mexico City
After more than 12 hours of flying, we finally landed at the Mexico-Juarez International Airport. Going through the immigration went fast and after collecting our luggage, it was time to see and feel what it's like being in Mexico for the first time.
CONCLUSION
I have to admit that I didn't have high expectations from Lufthansa because I've read many reviews saying their business class was not that good. The aircraft though was something I was impressed with. It may not be that popular as the Super jumbo but it definitely has the capabilities of competing with it. It was very quiet during take off and landing. regarding the service, it was very professional and friendly at the same time. The food tasted excellent. On the other hand, I thought the herringbone seat configuration was not that convenient. I would have loved that the TV monitor is directly facing the passenger, specially when the seat is in bed mode. Also, using the internet is quite expensive being 20 Euro for 24 hours or 10 Euro for an hour. The amenity kit wasn't that impressive either. If you were to ask me, I still prefer flying with some of the carriers from Asia. Overall, a very nice experience flying business class with Lufthansa. Danke Schön and Auf Wiedersehen 😍
Comments
Post a Comment