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Lufthansa First Class seat 747-8.
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entertainment menu.
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the rose.
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First Class
9 December 2012
Carrier: Lufthansa
Flight Number: LH 419 departing IAD @ 17:40
Duration: 7:00
Class: First
Aircraft: Boeing 747-8
Check-in experience:
With Washington's landmark Dulles International Airport a hub of Star Alliance partner United Airlines, Lufthansa's First Class passengers check in at a dedicated Star Alliance First Class desk in a quiet zone completely removed from other passengers. No one was waiting at the First Class check-in, so the entire process was quick and smooth, affording a cursory glimpse around the airport's main terminal, an Eero Saarinen-designed architectural milestone that introduced the use of soaring ceilings and massive windows in airport terminals to suggest the notion of flight. Taoyuan International Airport in Taiwan is directly modelled on this terminal.
Lounge:
Lufthansa maintains separate lounges for Business and First Class passengers here, and the First Class Senators Lounge is appropriately named for this airport serving the US capital. An interesting selection of high-quality food included organic salads and vegetarian chili among the many hot and cold dishes offered. Free wifi allows to catch up on e-mails. The lounge is very close to the departure gate.
On-time performance:
The flight departed slightly behind schedule and arrived 20 minutes early due to strong tailwinds across the Atlantic.
Seat/Cabin conditions:
Lufthansa has just introduced new First Class and Business Class seats and service on its 747-800 aircraft, and the reality is as splendid as the expectation. With only eight seats in the First Class cabin, there is space, space, space everywhere, from the airy cabin itself to the many storage compartments surrounding each seat. The seats are wonderfully comfortable; every cushion is individually adjustable to make the seat perfect for each traveller. Privacy screens create a self-sufficient, personalised travel space. A nice touch is the built-in vase at each seat filled with an individual rose, elegantly illuminated by its own small light on takeoff.
Food And Beverage:
An extensive menu provided no shortage of options for any preference. From Russian caviar to Asian salads among the appetisers to lobster tail and beef tenderloin among the possible main courses, the number of choices (4) in each category was as impressive as the culinary experiences they represented. Naturally, the fine dining is accompanied by fine wines, champagne, and spirits.
Service:
The cliché about all things German is mechanical precision, but that often leaves the human element overlooked. On Lufthansa, the service matches the hardware in excellence; contrary to the stereotype, many German people have a sharp sense of humour and enjoy a good laugh as much as the rest of us. The purser introduced himself to every passenger in First Class and seemed to exchange a bon mot with everyone. With two smiling flight attendants dedicated to the First Class cabin, attention was constant and was offered with an abundant generosity of spirit that served to reinforce the feeling of being in good hands.
Entertainment:
Lufthansa's mediaworld offers a huge array of entertainment options from films and television programs to language lessons, games, and detailed flight information. Well-padded headphones are comfortable to wear.
Arrival:
The flight arrived twenty minutes ahead of schedule and passengers exited the plane without delay.
Overview:
Lufthansa continues to raise its standards of excellence ever higher while offering an unrivalled array of destinations across Europe and the world.
lufthansa.com
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