One of my favourite airport lounges is the Lufthansa First Class Terminal in Frankfurt (FCT). It was a great way to spend my 12+ hour layovers when I was younger. At one point, I even considered how I could move the most efficiently into the First Class Terminal.
The FCT was temporarily closed during the pandemic in 2020. It reopened in September 2021. The lounge has not been visited in a while. This post will provide a detailed look at the FCT's current status. We had plenty of time, since we arrived in Miami in Lufthansa first-class at 8AM and left for Paris at 4PM.
What is the Lufthansa First Class Terminal Terminal?
Lufthansa's exclusive first-class lounge at Frankfurt Airport is the Lufthansa Lufthansa First Class Terminal. This terminal is unique because it is completely separate from the rest. Upon arrival at Frankfurt Airport, you can drive to the FCT and be checked in. After clearing security, you will be driven straight to your plane. This allows you to skip the terminal which I consider a blessing in Frankfurt.
The FCT also offers a wide range of amazing amenities that Ill discuss below.
How can you get to the Lufthansa First Class Terminal
Two ways can you gain access to the Lufthansa First Class Terminal
Fly Lufthansa first or SWISS second class on the same flight. It is fine to connect onto a regional flight following a flight in Lufthansa/SWISS first class. As long as you arrive the same day and depart on Lufthansa/SWISS or Austrian.
You can become a Lufthansa HON Circle Member by taking any same-day departure flight on Lufthansa or SWISS (this would also include domestic economy flights within Germany). HON Circle is the highest tier status in Miles & More. It requires 600,000. status miles to earn over two years.
OMAAT readers will be accessing the Lufthansa FCT based on a Lufthansa first-class ticket. Let me share some lounge access examples.
If you fly Lufthansa's first class from the United States, to Frankfurt and then connect to Frankfurt that day in economy or Business class, you will have access to the FCT. However, you won't be able to access the FCT if your stay in Frankfurt is longer than one night.
If you fly Lufthansa First Class from the United States to Frankfurt and connect the same day on any Lufthansa SWISS or Austrian flight, you will be able to access the FCT. However, access is not possible if your connection is on another airline like Brussels, Eurowings, United etc.
If Frankfurt is your final destination, you can't use FCT. This isn't an arrivals lounge; it is a departures lounge.
How can you get to the Lufthansa First Class Terminal
It's easy to get to the First Class Terminal if you are driving from Frankfurt. You will see an exit on the right side of the road that allows you to pull up directly at the FCT as you approach Terminal 1. The process is less smooth for all others, even those arriving by train or connecting. Even if you connect, the airline will not drive you to the FCT.
We flew Lufthansa first-class from Miami to Frankfurt. The jet bridge was not being used so we were picked up at Frankfurt by a first-class van. These vans don't take you to FCT; they just drop you off near the immigration and baggage claim areas.
Lufthansa's first class van
Once you have cleared immigration, go through baggage claim at Terminal 1. Follow the signs towards the exit. Turn left and remain on the arrivals level, regardless of where you exit.
Frankfurt Airport (FRA), exiting the terminal
Continue walking along the roadway on your left after you have turned left.
Walking towards the Lufthansa First Class Terminal
In a matter of minutes, you'll be able to see the taxi line and a small cafe where taxi drivers often hang out. You're still going to the right away. In fact, you can actually see the FCT in this picture, which will show you how close it really is.
Walking towards the Lufthansa First Class Terminal
Follow the pedestrian crossing on the other side after the taxi stand. You will find the Lufthansa crew centre, where pilots and flight attendants are waiting for their flights. The Lufthansa FCT is just beyond that.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal Exterior
You will see two doors when you approach it. You used to have to push a button to be buzzed in. Nowadays, the door opens automatically.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal Entrance
On the lower level, you will find an unstaffed reception desk and an elevator to your left. You can then take that elevator up to the main floor.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal lower level lobby
The total distance from the airport to the exit should not exceed five minutes. If you are a fast walker, it might take three minutes. It took us about 15 minutes to get from the time we got off the plane to reach the FCT. That's not too bad.
Review of the Lufthansa First Class Terminal
Let's get to the review of the Lufthansa First Class Terminal from start-to-finish.
Although the FCT is advertised as 1,800 square metres (19.400 square feet), it's mostly made up of areas where guests don't spend much time like the check-in area and the lower level where they get driven to their plane. The actual FCT's airside usable space is probably around two-thirds, if I have to guess (and this is just my speculation). The lounge is decently sized, but not huge.
Lufthansa FCT Arrival & Security
You will be greeted by one of the Lufthansa representatives once you reach the second floor. They will take care of you while you are in the terminal. You will find a seating area and a few desks here. You will need to bring your passport, boarding passes, and proof of negative coronavirus testing.
Check-in at the Lufthansa First Class Terminal
Check-in at the Lufthansa First Class Terminal
After confirming your entry, the Lufthansa employee will quickly take you through security. The FCT has a private security channel which is a great feature. You don't have to wait and the staff are always more friendly than the main terminal.
Lufthansa FCT Bar & Restaurant
You will see the signature bar to your right as soon as you enter FCT. This is the middle of the lounge. It is physically right in the middle of FCT, but it also means that the majority of service in the lounge takes place from this bar. You will find endless options for drinks, an espresso machine, and much more in the bar.
Lufthansa First-Class Terminal bar
You can either choose to sit high up at the bar, on an island nearby, or you can eat anywhere in the lounge.
Lufthansa First-Class Terminal bar
Lufthansa First-Class Terminal bar
You can get light snacks at the bar but the majority of the food is in the restaurant.
Snacks at the Lufthansa First Class Terminal Bar
The restaurant is located right next to the bar and has approximately a dozen tables. We'll talk about the food service in more detail, as it has changed dramatically since my last visit. But this gives you an idea of the layout.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal restaurant
Lufthansa First Class Terminal restaurant
Lufthansa First Class Terminal restaurant
Lufthansa FCT seats areas
The majority of FCT is made of leather chairs and couches. Although the FCT looks very industrial and minimalistic across the board, I find it well-maintained and fitting for Germany. The FCT almost entirely features floor-to ceiling windows. This allows for lots of natural light. Mother Nature's cooperation is required.
There are several sitting areas located inside the entrance. Although there are many partitions that can be used to provide privacy, the area is largely without outlets.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal seating
Lufthansa First Class Terminal seating
Lufthansa First Class Terminal seating
Lufthansa First Class Terminal seating
There are also three relaxation chairs in the area. You can relax with a blanket if you like. I find it difficult to get comfortable in these chairs, and sometimes feel like I'm in a dentist's chair.
Relaxation area at Lufthansa First Class Terminal
There are additional sitting areas in the middle of the lounge. The lounge is usually not crowded, so most guests can enjoy a little privacy from others.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal seating
Lufthansa First Class Terminal seating
Lufthansa First Class Terminal seating
Lufthansa First Class Terminal seating
The FCT's lack of views is my main complaint. The FCT is located on the outside of the terminal building and airport roadway. There are no views from this location of the apron or any planes. It's all good.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal View
Lufthansa FCT office cubicles
Five cubicles with sliding glass doors are located inside the entrance. This is where I spend most of my time in the FCT. It has five cubicles with sliding, frosted glass doors and easy charging.
Workstations at the Lufthansa First Class Terminal
Workstations at the Lufthansa First Class Terminal
Lufthansa FCT cigar lounge
FCT is well-known for its cigar lounge. It is located in the entrance to the right, down a hall and then on the left.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal cigar lounge entry
There are approximately 12 leather chairs in the cigar lounge.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal cigar lounge seating
Lufthansa First Class Terminal cigar lounge seating
Lufthansa First Class Terminal cigar lounge seating
Lufthansa used to offer complimentary cigars and, more recently, a whisky set-up. Today, there is a limited selection of soft drinks.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal cigar lounge area
Lufthansa FCT naprooms
Two nap rooms are located further down the hall, just past the cigar lounge. These rooms are not as lavish as the SWISS first-class lounge's nap rooms, but they can be a great place to rest after a long flight. These rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis and you have no limit to how long you can stay in them.
Nap room in the First Class Terminal of Lufthansa
Each room has a twin-sized bed with quality bedding. The bedrooms do not have private bathrooms and are very basic. You will need to go down the hall to access the bathroom.
Nap rooms in the First Class Terminal of Lufthansa
Nap rooms in the First Class Terminal of Lufthansa
Ford took a three-hour nap in one of the rooms. This was to help him pass the time and ensure he was well rested before he arrived in Paris.
Lufthansa FCT bathroom & shower rooms
The FCTs bathrooms are located just past the nap rooms and cigar lounge. You can ask for a shower or a nap room at the reception desk. The duck is the most interesting thing about FCT.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal Shower reception area
You can also use the bathrooms by gender if you are just using them. There is a shared area with sinks. However, the toilets are private and each man gets his own toilet and urinal.
Bathroom in the First Class Terminal of Lufthansa
Bathroom in the First Class Terminal of Lufthansa
Bathroom in the First Class Terminal of Lufthansa
Shower suites are also available. Shower suites can be quite large and include a sink, walk in shower and toilet. Additional bathroom necessities can be requested from the attendant.
Lufthansa First-Class Terminal Shower Suite
Lufthansa First-Class Terminal Shower Suite
Lufthansa First-Class Terminal Shower Suite
Lufthansa First Class Terminal Shower Suite Toiletries
There are some bathtub-equipped shower rooms, but they were not operational when I visited.
Lufthansa FCT food and drinks
How is the First Class Terminal's food and drink selection? There are always servers available in the First Class Terminal lounge to help you with your drinks. When I arrived, I was seated in a cubicle and ordered a cappuccino as well as sparkling water. They were quickly served to me.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal drink services
You can order almost any cocktail from the lounge staff. Nowadays, there is no actual drink or cocktail list. When I inquired about a wine menu, I was told it was what was available. This is quite odd considering that there was only red wine.
I had about five glasses of champagne while flying from Miami to Miami. I couldn't bear to have any more. Sorry team!
Lufthansa First Class Terminal wine selection
Lufthansa First Class Terminal wine selection
Ford and I went to the restaurant shortly before we flew to Paris. The original menu included a large buffet and a lengthy dinner menu. However, this has been reduced. Today, the buffet is almost empty. In my case, it had some small servings of appetizers, desserts and bread.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal Buffet (or lack thereof).
Lufthansa First Class Terminal Buffet
Lufthansa First Class Terminal Buffet
Lufthansa First Class Terminal Buffet
Lufthansa First Class Terminal Buffet
Lufthansa First Class Terminal Buffet
A menu is also available, but it has been reduced in size. Here's the lunch menu:
Lufthansa First Class Terminal Lunch Menu
Ford and I ordered two items each. For a starter, Ford ordered the pumpkin soup with lemon ricotta and pine nuts.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal Lunch
Lufthansa First Class Terminal Lunch
I chose the salmon teriyaki for my main, and Ford the bell pepper chicken.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal Lunch
Lufthansa First Class Terminal Lunch
The FCT has had a poor food quality. These dishes were clearly microwaved and tasted piping hot. The mains also tasted a little dry.
I ended the meal with an americano.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal Drinks
Lufthansa FCT ducks
People are either inexplicably fascinated with this or simply can't care less about it. Lufthansa offers adorable collectible ducks in its First Class Terminal as well as other lounges for first-class passengers.
There have been many standard editions in the past. However, limited editions celebrate everything, from the Olympics to the World Cup to Oktoberfest to the holidays. You will find all the ducks in a display case as you enter FCT.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal Ducks
These ducks were originally kept in bathrooms to be used for showering or bathing, but they have become collectibles over time. If you have the FCT you can request to take one home. You should ask the attendants at the shower, as they will have many of them (but usually one per passenger).
You should see the adorable ducks Lufthansa has on offer right now. They are from Lufthansa flight attendants in Porsches.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal Ducks
Lufthansa First Class Terminal Ducks
Lufthansa FCT car service & departure
The best thing about First Class Terminal is the fact that you don't have to keep track. Employees in the lounge will help you find your flight time.
Before we go into the details of the process, I have always loved the FCT departures board. It lists all departures for passengers currently in the lounge. It's always interesting to see the destinations of fellow FCT visitors and how they change throughout the day. Sometimes you can determine with almost certainty who is a first-class passenger and who is a HON Circle member (not that it matters). If they are connecting from another long haul route, then there is no first class to Dallas.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal Boardings
I digress
You will be taken to the lower level by one of the elevators when it is time to leave.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal departure elevators
The immigration desk is located at the lower level. However, you don't need to go there if you are leaving the Schengen area. Since we were only traveling within Europe, and had already cleared immigration clearances, we didn't have to go there. Instead, we went to the Lufthansa employee who checked our boarding passes. He then introduced us to the driver who would take us to the plane.
Lower level of the Lufthansa First Class Terminal
The selection of cars available today isn't as exciting as it once was. It was almost exclusively Mercedes-Benz and Porsche cars back in those days, but nowadays, the most popular car is the Volkswagen van. Even though we were the only ones driving, we were actually driven in a four-person Volkswagen van.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal cars
If there are more than one person on the plane, you might have to share a ride. If you're flying in first class, it is likely that there will be other passengers in the First Class Terminal. If you're connecting intra-European, I find it more common to see no other passengers.
The amazing views and driving across the apron are heaven for geeks.
Views from the Lufthansa First Class Terminal
The driver will then park at your plane and let you go.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal Car Service
You are met by the driver at the gate of the plane. The plane was actually at the gate and not at a stand.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal Car Service
Lufthansa First Class Terminal Car Service
We were then taken up the stairs to the jet bridge and down to the door of our plane. The escort generally moves you faster than everyone else so it can make you feel special or awkward depending on your perspective.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal Car Service
Bottom line
Lufthansa's First Class Terminal is still one of the most popular lounges in the world. It offers great service, a beautiful layout, nap rooms, ducks, and it's also fun to drive to the plane. This lounge has been a favorite of mine all my life. I always look forward to a long layover there.
Despite this, it is important to acknowledge that the current experience isn't as good as it was. Food quality and selection have been reduced significantly. The cars have been downgraded somewhat (yes, it's a first world problem).
This is an incredible first-class ground experience. It's flawless if you're originating in Frankfurt. However, it doesn't feel seamless if you are connecting. You must leave the terminal and walk to the FCT. Then you have to go through security again. Although I like the idea of getting some steps in, many people find this confusing, especially if the FCT is not easily accessible.
What was your experience at the Lufthansa First Class Terminal?
