Lufthansa First Class Review

Lufthansa’s first-class product has long occupied a prominent position within premium long-haul travel, particularly because of its combination of onboard comfort and one of the strongest ground experiences in commercial aviation. The airline operates this product primarily from its hubs in Frankfurt and Munich, where dedicated first-class facilities and personalized airport services play a central role in the overall journey.

In this review of Lufthansa’s first class, we will examine how the product performs across different parts of the journey, including cabin design, seat comfort, onboard dining, lounge access, and the airline's highly regarded airport experience.

Lufthansa’s first-class ground experience centers primarily around Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and Munich Airport (MUC), the airline’s two largest hubs. At both airports, the airline provides dedicated first-class check-in areas, priority security access, and expedited immigration procedures, which significantly reduce waiting times compared to the standard terminal process. The experience focuses heavily on efficiency and privacy, allowing premium passengers to move through the airport with minimal stress before departure.

At both hubs, Lufthansa staff assist first-class passengers throughout the airport process, from check-in to lounge access and boarding coordination. Premium travelers also benefit from priority boarding and baggage handling, which simplifies layovers and shortens waiting times after arrival.

Frankfurt Airport generally delivers the more extensive premium experience because of the standalone Lufthansa First-Class Terminal, while Munich Airport offers a quieter and more streamlined in-terminal setup. Both airports, however, maintain a noticeably more exclusive atmosphere for Lufthansa first-class passengers compared to the airline’s standard business-class ground services.

One of the most recognizable parts of the Lufthansa first-class experience is the private tarmac transfer service. Depending on the departure gate, passengers may transfer directly to the aircraft in Porsche or Mercedes vehicles as opposed to boarding through the main terminal. This service is available at both Frankfurt and Munich airports.

The Lufthansa first-class terminal at Frankfurt Airport is one of the strongest premium ground products offered by leading airlines. The facility operates as a completely separate terminal exclusively for Lufthansa first-class guests and HON Circle members.

Inside the terminal, passengers complete private check-in, security screening, and immigration formalities without the crowds and congestion typically associated with major international hubs.

Each departing first-class traveler also receives help from a dedicated personal assistant, who coordinates the boarding process, monitors departure times, and escorts them through the terminal when necessary. The service creates a highly personalized experience from arrival at the airport until boarding.

The first-class terminal includes several facilities designed for both relaxation and productivity:

• Full-service restaurant dining facilities with à la carte meals
• Premium wine, Champagne, and spirits selections
• Private shower and bath suites
• Quiet seating and relaxation areas
• Office spaces and workstations
• A dedicated cigar lounge
• Private duty-free shopping areas

In addition to the standalone first-class terminal in Frankfurt, Lufthansa also operates several first-class lounges at Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and Munich Airport (MUC) for departing and connecting passengers.

The Frankfurt first-class lounges provide a similar dining and relaxation experience in the standalone terminal, although passengers board directly through the main terminal rather than through a separate building. These lounges become particularly useful for connecting passengers who may not have enough time to visit the dedicated terminal before their next flight.

Lufthansa first-class lounges typically feature:

• Restaurant dining with made-to-order meals
• Premium bars with international wines and spirits
• Private shower suites
• Quiet seating and relaxation areas
• Business workspaces and private phone booths
• High-speed Wi-Fi and charging stations
• International newspapers and magazines

At Munich Airport, Lufthansa’s first-class lounge also offers expedited immigration access and, on certain flights, private tarmac transfers directly to the aircraft.

Outside Germany, Lufthansa’s first-class guests can access Star Alliance and partner premium lounges.

Lufthansa’s first-class experience varies by aircraft, but the airline maintains a consistent focus on spacious cabins, understated luxury, and high levels of comfort across its fleet. Historically, Lufthansa offered a first-class cabin exclusively on Boeing 747-8 and certain Airbus A340-600 aircraft. However, the introduction of the new Allegris first-class cabin in 2025 is expanding the product to Airbus A350-900 aircraft, with Boeing 787-9 and Boeing 777-9 aircraft expected to follow in the coming years. Lufthansa also plans to retrofit the Boeing 747-8 fleet with the new suites, which will create a unified premium experience across long-haul routes.

Currently, this is Lufthansa’s first-class fleet:

• Boeing 747-8: The Boeing 747-8 is the most recognizable Lufthansa first-class aircraft. Its first-class cabin occupies the nose section of the aircraft and includes eight seats spread across three rows. The first two rows follow a 1-1 configuration, while the third row uses a 1-2-1 layout. This design gives passengers exceptional space and a quieter atmosphere away from the main business-class cabin. Window seats in the nose section are particularly popular because each passenger benefits from four windows and additional side storage areas.
• Airbus A340-600 and Airbus A380-800: Both aircraft use an eight-seat cabin, with first-class seats arranged in a 1-2-1 layout across two rows. Compared to the Boeing 747-8, the cabin feels slightly more private because the seats are spread more evenly throughout the space.
• Airbus A350: The new Allegris first-class suite represents a major shift in Lufthansa’s premium product. The cabin has only three seats, arranged in a 1-1-1 layout. Each seat features floor-to-ceiling walls and fully closable doors for significantly more privacy. The center position is a separate enclosed suite called Suite Plus, a larger double suite with its own sliding door, designed for two passengers to dine and recline together, with a full-size bed and no divider between the seats. Although presented as a 1-1-1 layout on seat maps, the Allegris first-class suite has, in fact, two seats in the middle that passengers flying together can book on request. Solo travelers can also book it for extra space, at an additional charge.

Lufthansa’s first-class seats are created for comfort during long-haul flights. The seats are wide, heavily padded, and designed to provide substantial personal space for both relaxing and sleeping. Each seat converts into a fully flat bed with a mattress topper, duvet, and multiple pillows, creating a setup that feels closer to a hotel bed than a traditional aircraft seat. Turndown service also plays an important role in the experience, with the cabin crew preparing the bed while passengers dine or change into sleepwear.

The classic first-class seat includes several practical features that improve comfort throughout the flight:

• Large tray tables that provide enough space for work or dining
• Multiple storage compartments for smaller personal items
• Adjustable lighting and seat controls
• Privacy dividers between seats
• Power outlets and USB charging ports for electronic devices

Passengers traveling on the Boeing 747-8 also benefit from private lockers beside the window seats, which add extra storage space during the flight.

The Allegris first-class suites introduce a much more advanced seat design. Each suite includes:

• A 39-inch-wide seat that transforms into a spacious bed
• Wireless charging stations
• A 43-inch entertainment screen
• Bluetooth audio connectivity
• Personal wardrobes
• Individual climate controls
• Companion dining space within the middle suite

These upgrades create a noticeably more private and technologically advanced experience compared to the airline’s previous first-class cabins.

Dining is one of the defining parts of the Lufthansa first-class experience. It rivals the world’s best fine-dining restaurants, with a multi-course service that delights the senses. Dishes are elegantly displayed on trolleys, allowing guests to see and select their preferred options. The experience is elevated by bone china tableware, crisp linens, bespoke cutlery, artisan salt and pepper mills, and a trio of mineral waters showcased at the dedicated first-class bar.

First-class guests departing from Germany can pre-order their main courses up to 24 hours before their flight. Moreover, all first-class passengers, regardless of where they fly from, enjoy à la carte flexibility: they decide when they would like to eat. This is particularly helpful during long-haul flights, when some passengers might prefer to maximize their sleeping time.

Lufthansa begins the meal service on long-haul flights with a trio of amuse-bouches, such as Arctic char with green asparagus, green curry with apricot, and roasted yellow beets with coriander.

The signature caviar service, complete with a mother-of-pearl spoon and a full suite of traditional accompaniments, follows. The accompaniments include blini, chopped egg, lemon, shallots, and crème fraiche.

Next, passengers receive a curated selection of appetizers, with guests welcome to sample as many as they want. These range from gourmet salads and smoked salmon to herb-crusted veal. Warm German pretzel rolls and artisanal breads, served with olive oil and branded butters, further enhance the experience.

Before the main course, guests can also request light dishes like salads or soups.

Main courses are plated individually, and guests can either choose their favorite dish or combine several in tasting-sized portions.

The menu generally includes:

• Beef dishes, like braised beef roulade with Pommery mustard sauce and potato and leek purée
• Seafood options, such as fried pike-perch fillet with beurre blanc sauce
• Poultry selections, for example, chicken breast with herb beurre blanc, roasted red peppers, and seasonal vegetables
• Vegetarian options, like sweet potato gratin with coconut applesauce and mango

During festive periods, passengers can expect regional German specialties, like goose with red cabbage and dumplings, to make a guest appearance.

Dessert includes a cheese trolley, hand-crafted sweets, a selection of pralines, and a generous selection of liqueurs, coffee, and tea. First-class passengers can opt for a single dessert or sample all three options, also receiving a box of luxury Lindt chocolates as a memorable finale.

Pre-arrival dining runs on the passenger's schedule, and guests can order from the “anytime selection” menu whenever they would like. The menu features made-to-order eggs, poke bowls, sandwiches, fresh fruit, charcuterie, cheeses, yogurts, and snacks. Breakfast dishes can also include caviar on request.

Upon boarding, the cabin crew greets first-class guests with a glass of Champagne from prestigious houses, such as “La Grande Dame” from Veuve Clicquot. The Champagne selection rotates monthly, and each glass is served with premium macadamia nuts and olives.

Lufthansa’s first-class wine menu features an impressive array of Champagnes, German and international wines, and a full spectrum of classic and signature cocktails. The spirits list includes top-shelf liqueurs and rare aperitifs, complemented by international beers, artisanal soft drinks, and a curated water selection.

Guests can also opt for non-alcoholic beverages such as specialty coffees and teas.

Lufthansa’s first-class crew undergoes dedicated training to deliver a tailored, intuitive service style that balances attentiveness with discretion. They make a personal visit to every first-class seat, greeting each guest by name and expressing gratitude for their loyalty. Before landing, the crew also offers each guest a box of chocolates and a handwritten card. Their excellent service skills, attention to detail, and gastronomic know-how make the first-class experience truly memorable.

Travelers can find two entertainment systems on Lufthansa’s first-class aircraft:

• An older version is present on Boeing 747, Airbus A340, and Airbus A380 aircraft. The screens are 17 inches wide and have lower resolution and no touchscreen capabilities. Passengers can control the screens with a remote control.
  
• A newer version is featured in the Allegiant first-class cabin aboard the Airbus A350 aircraft. These are currently the largest screens in the industry, with an impressive 43-inch width. The screens also have Bluetooth connectivity and 4K resolution. Travelers can control them from a touchscreen tablet.

On all of its aircraft, Lufthansa offers a vast catalog catering to a global audience:

• More than 100 blockbuster movies in up to eight languages
• Two hundred TV programs
• A large selection of content for families and children
• Popular TV shows
• Audiobooks and podcasts

Guests can enjoy these privately thanks to the premium Bose noise-canceling headphones they receive during the flight. The headphones are paired with a protective cover for hygiene.

Wi-Fi is available on all long-haul aircraft through FlyNet, Lufthansa’s on-board internet service. First-class travelers, along with HON Circle members, enjoy free access when logging in with their Miles and More account on FlyNet. Travelers can send and receive messages, use social media, browse, stream TV shows, and more.

Lufthansa’s first-class experience is enhanced by the following onboard amenities:

• Leisure wear: Prior to takeoff, guests receive a set of Van Laack pajamas, elegantly packaged and designed for comfort, along with a pair of comfortable, padded slippers.
• Amenity kits: Lufthansa collaborates with luxury wellness brands like Doctor Babor to offer travelers premium amenity kits for added indulgence. These kits contain skincare products, socks, dental items, an eye mask, and additional grooming products.
• Lavatory amenities: Lufthansa’s spacious first-class washrooms are fitted with a selection of high-quality toiletries from Augustinus Bader and other luxury brands.

Lufthansa is at the forefront of sustainable aviation in Europe, offering travelers the option to offset their carbon emissions with just a few clicks. The airline also continues to invest heavily in next-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft, like Airbus A350 and Boeing 787.

Comprehensive recycling programs are standard in lounges and on board, while in-flight catering uses responsibly sourced materials to reduce waste.

The Frankfurt first-class terminal is one of the strongest premium ground products in commercial aviation because it combines private security, dining, and direct boarding coordination.

Lufthansa’s new Allegris first-class product significantly improves privacy through enclosed suites and upgraded technology.

The luxurious and flexible dining service is one of the strongest elements of the first-class onboard product.

Ground service defines much of the Lufthansa experience, especially at Frankfurt Airport, where a separate first-class terminal includes private security, à la carte dining, bath suites, and direct tarmac transfers in Porsche or Mercedes vehicles. The older Boeing 747-8 cabin still feels spacious and quiet thanks to its nose-section layout, although the seat design now falls short of newer enclosed-suite competitors. Lufthansa’s new Allegris suites on Airbus A350 planes introduce floor-to-ceiling doors, 43-inch 4K screens, wireless charging, and individual climate controls that dramatically improve privacy and technology. Dining is a highlight of the first-class experience, with caviar service, flexible meal timing, and restaurant-style presentation. This product is worth flying if you value ground service and refined onboard dining more than cutting-edge suite consistency across the fleet.

Hub Experience: Frankfurt First Class Terminal

Best Cabin: Allegris First Class

Signature Service: Private tarmac transfers

Dining Style: Flexible dining with luxury caviar service

Reviewed: May 2026

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