Review : Lufthansa A380 | First Class | IAD-MUC

We were planning a trip to Europe to attend the Untold music festival in Romania with friends. As Romania is a country with little Aeroplan service, we knew that a stopover in Europe would be necessary. So we were quite flexible, both in terms of departure date and stopover city.

Airline tickets are generally divided into four classes:

1. Economy
2. Premium Economy
3. Business
4. First

However, First Class is still a fairly rare option, and some carriers, like Air Canada, don’t even offer it on their aircraft. That’s why I often prefer American routes, especially via East Coast cities like New York, Chicago or Washington, when I travel to Europe.

Because of the high demand, airlines are more inclined to offer First Class options, and Washington, being the capital of the United States, benefits from particularly good service. This also makes it easy for me to readjust my plans, as Air Canada operates several direct flights a day to these destinations. So, as soon as I saw availability on Lufthansa, with the A380 as a bonus, I decided to seize the opportunity without hesitation, even if it meant leaving on a Tuesday.

And for those who think you have to book a year in advance, I booked my flight in May for departure in August, just three months before the trip. Admittedly, I was lucky, but I’d like to stress once again that with the right tools, you can really multiply your chances of finding interesting options, even at the last minute.

The easiest way to earn Aeroplan points is to sign up for one of these Aeroplan credit cards. Not only will you earn Aeroplan points as a welcome bonus, but you’ll also earn points on all purchases charged to your Aeroplan credit card.

Note that you can also earn Aeroplan Points through the American Express Membership Rewards program. You can transfer your American Express Membership Rewards points into Aeroplan points at a rate of 1:1. 10,000 Membership Rewards points = 10,000 Aeroplan points. Many American Express Membership Rewards credit cards are available in Canada.

Here’s the link to the Lufthansa website to view the Airbus A380-800 cabin plans.

You’ll notice that First Class is at the front of the upper deck, with just 8 seats. For our flight, we were just two couples. We chose seats 1A and 1D, while the other couple opted for tandem seats 2D and 2G.

The A380 is already an impressive aircraft, but entering the First Class cabin totally transforms the atmosphere. After climbing the stairs from the lower deck, you immediately feel the difference: the space is calmer, brighter, as if you’ve stepped into another world. The moment you step into the cabin is almost like a revelation. The space seems to expand around you, and the higher ceiling, more generous than elsewhere, enhances this feeling of freedom.

The seats are carefully arranged, and there’s nothing too tight, nothing that makes you feel trapped. It’s quite the opposite: wide open, with a feeling of calm and comfort. You feel as if you’re in a semi-private room, far from the hustle and bustle of the plane.

Two major elements contribute to this feeling of luxury and tranquillity:

1. There are just 4 seats for the entire width of the cabin (to give you an idea, in economy class there are 10).
2. There’s no overhead luggage compartment, so you can take full advantage of the rounded shape of the cabin on the upper deck – a feeling of space not available on the lower deck.

There is, however, one small downside: although the First Class is truly impressive, it is beginning to look a little dated. That’s why Lufthansa is gradually introducing its new Allegris concept, although it will only be installed on A350s and B777s. As it stands, the cabin offers good isolation, but the seats do not benefit from the same attention to detail. There are no doors or partitions between the seats, which can be a real lack of privacy, especially for a solo traveller. Compared with the standards of today’s best cabins, this can be noticeable.

That said, in our case, being a couple with only two other passengers on board, it didn’t really bother us. So the lack of separation didn’t affect our comfort.

In terms of design, the cabin remains true to Lufthansa‘s traditional colors, with warm tones of yellow and brown reminiscent of the golden hues of their logo. However, with the launch of the Allegris concept, the company is moving towards more modern, cooler hues, notably soothing blues, in line with current trends.

We mention this for the sake of transparency, but to be honest, these elements in no way affected our onboard experience.

Finally, the fresh red rose, one of Lufthansa’s visual signatures, is still very much in evidence. This elegant detail, timeless and subtle, adds a refined touch and continues to make a lasting impression, reinforcing the atmosphere of quality and attention expected in First Class.

The First Class seat on this Airbus A380 is both comfortable and spacious, offering the ideal position for relaxing or working. Its ergonomic design guarantees optimum comfort, whether for a moment of relaxation or a more active moment. The seat also converts into a bed, a common First Class feature that proves particularly useful on long-haul flights, enabling you to enjoy a restful sleep. The seat is easy to adjust, so you can quickly find the ideal position for an overnight flight or a restful break.

This seat features a number of practical and clever storage options. Each passenger benefits from a lockable mini wardrobe for safe storage of personal belongings. In addition to the wardrobe, you’ll find a compartment under the ottoman seat and in the armrests, keeping the space organized while providing easy access to your personal belongings.

This seat’s ottoman is a real asset. Mobile, it can be moved forwards or backwards to suit your needs. Depending on the use, it can serve as storage, a footrest or even an extra seat for a passenger. Personally, I really appreciate this feature, as it allows me to share a meal face-to-face.

In the past, I’ve had the opportunity to test the ottoman for sharing a meal face-to-face with other airlines, such as Asiana Airlines (First Class A380), Thai Airways (First Class B747) and Etihad Airways (First Class B787), as you can see from a few photos of these experiences. On this flight, we again used this feature to enjoy breakfast together, which further enhanced the pleasant and intimate aspect of the experience.

The in-flight entertainment system is equipped with a decent-sized screen, well-sized but not exceptional. The range of programs is standard, with a classic selection of films, series and other entertainment. However, as this was a night flight, we made little use of the screen, preferring instead to enjoy the gastronomic experience and sleep during this nocturnal flight. That said, the screen remains a pleasant option if you want to entertain yourself during your trip.

Comfort: ergonomic seat converts to a flat-bed for optimum comfort.

Space: Spacious seat offering great freedom of movement.

Storage: Mini lockable wardrobe, compartments under the ottoman and in the armrests for maximum organization.

Mobile ottoman: Footrest, additional seat or storage space for greater flexibility and comfort.

Beyond the “hard product”, i.e. the aircraft, cabin and seat, the Lufthansa First Class experience is particularly distinguished by its “soft product”: the service, meals and little touches that transform the journey.

The staff on board are extremely attentive, watching over every detail to ensure that your experience is optimal. As soon as we board, we are called by name, and throughout the flight, the staff regularly check that everything is to our liking. Flight attendants, while discreet, are always available to respond to any requests. This level of personalization makes every moment pleasant without ever being intrusive.

In terms of gastronomy, the offer is excellent. Although the refinement is perhaps a little less pronounced than with some other airlines, such as Air France, the quality of the dishes is undeniable. You’ll find yourself enjoying a meal worthy of a 4-star restaurant. Each dish is carefully presented, and the attention paid to service gives a real sense of luxury. What’s more, the caviar option is particularly generous, and if you’re a real caviar lover, don’t hesitate to ask for more – the flexibility of the service is a welcome touch.

Another point I found particularly pleasing: the sleeping experience. The seat easily converts into a bed, and if necessary, a member of the crew will come and make your bed, allowing you to fall asleep in optimal conditions. If you’d like a little privacy, you can also press a button to raise a partition halfway up the cabin, providing a light but effective separation.

As for the first-aid kit, it’s pretty standard. Nothing exceptional, but everything you need for extra comfort during the flight is included. And as in all Première cabins, pyjamas are provided – a real comfort to feel at ease.

Lufthansa First Class makes a point of offering a total comfort experience, and this even includes the bathroom. On board this Airbus A380, there are two bathrooms dedicated to First Class passengers, located on either side of the staircase leading to the upper deck. With a ratio of 2 toilets per 8 passengers, this is an nice luxury that guarantees great availability and remarkable privacy, especially in comparison with other cabins where the number of toilets may be more restricted.

During our flight, since there was only one other couple on board, we essentially had our own private restroom for most of the journey, an aspect that left a lasting impression on my wife, and rightfully so!

In terms of size, these restrooms are surprisingly spacious, almost like a small hotel bathroom. This provides a true sense of space, especially in-flight, where restrooms are often cramped and inconvenient. But what surprised me the most was a unique little detail I had never encountered before: in addition to the standard toilet, each restroom also features a urinal—a practical feature for men who might appreciate this option in such a roomy space. This unexpected detail further reflects the attention to comfort in First Class.

Lufthansa First Class aboard the A380 embodies the perfect balance between exceptional comfort and attentive service. The spacious and elegant cabin, combined with an ergonomic seat that transforms into a bed, delivers a refined travel experience without compromise. What truly sets it apart, however, is the discreet attentiveness of the crew, always anticipating your needs. This is complemented by exquisite dining and a rare sense of privacy in the air. A journey where every detail, from the seat to the plate, creates a feeling of effortless luxury.

After a peaceful and luxurious flight aboard the A380, the First Class experience doesn’t end upon landing, as the First Class lounge in Munich stands as a true haven of tranquility, perfect for extending the journey in comfort. Conveniently located near the arrival gate, it offers a serene and elegant atmosphere. The staff, just as attentive as on board, is there to cater to your every need.

This lounge is not just a waiting area; it becomes a true extension of the comfort and exclusivity experienced in-flight. And here’s one of its major advantages: the private customs counter. Exclusively reserved for First Class passengers, it allows you to clear customs before even entering the lounge. No more dealing with the hustle of airport queues! You can be swiftly taken care of and continue your experience in peace. Once this formality is handled, you can relax in a calm space, enjoy impeccable service, and refresh yourself to your heart’s content.

Here you can take an invigorating shower, or even… a bath! Yes, you read that right. For a rare occasion, a bath is available, offering a surprisingly luxurious way to relax before leaving the airport. After a well-deserved break, you can set off again serenely, stress-free, and return to the city in complete freedom.

A little something extra for Av Geeks

But wait, it gets even better! Lufthansa, always attentive to its aviation-loving passengers, is offering a little surprise for aviation enthusiasts and collectors: an exclusive series of rubber duckies! These little plastic ducks, with their unique design renewed every season, are a real collector’s item. For those who like to hunt out limited editions, just ask at the lounge reception desk, and you’ll be able to leave with the latest version. An amusing wink and an original souvenir of your stay in Première Classe.