Airline: Lufthansa
Flight: LH1034
Duration: 9 hours, 40 mins
Plane: Boeing 747 - 400
Seat: 84F
WiFi: Yes (For a fee)
Inflight Entertainment: High-Definition Screen
Inflight Meal: Dinner, Snacks, and light meal
Snacks: Mid-Flight – Wine, beer, spirits, Soft drinks, coffee, tea, chips, granola bars, chocolate bars.
Cost for this ticket: $1500 (CDN) Flex price one way
Ratings: 8.2
Check-in and Boarding: 9
Business Upper deck Seating area : 7 (flying alone) 9 (flying with a companion)
Cabin Staff: 10
In-Flight Entertainment: 6
Meals and Snacks: 9
Introduction
In October 2024, I embarked on my first long-haul cross Atlantic international flight, a 9-hour and 40-minute journey from Vancouver to Frankfurt, Germany. This memorable trip was aboard Lufthansa’s iconic Boeing 747-400 in Business Class. Known as the "Queen of the Skies," the 747 has always been a dream plane for me, and I was thrilled to experience it finally.
The 747 is unique in aviation history, admired for its elegant design and unparalleled legacy. Unfortunately, as production has ceased, opportunities to fly this remarkable aircraft are becoming increasingly rare. However, with Lufthansa planning to update the interior of its 747 fleet, these majestic planes will grace the skies for a bit longer.
Stepping aboard this legendary aircraft was an unforgettable experience, and I couldn't wait to enjoy the journey on this beautiful bird.
Check-in and Boarding
Booking through Air Canada’s website was straightforward. The platform’s intuitive interface made navigating and confirming travel preferences easy. Passengers could select seats and add extras like baggage.
Lufthansa’s check-in counters at YVR were well-staffed, and the process was seamless. I arrived at the airport early, around noon, for my 16:20 flight. Despite my early arrival, a long line had already formed when the check-in counters opened. The anticipation of the journey ahead kept my excitement high as I waited my turn.
My final destination was Paris, and I could fly via Montreal or Frankfurt. I chose Frankfurt, eager to experience the 747-400 and spend some time in one of Europe’s major aviation hubs.
After completing check-in and clearing security, I headed to the Maple Leaf Lounge. Since Lufthansa doesn’t operate its own lounge in Vancouver, Business Class passengers are granted access to Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounge. This lounge at Vancouver International Airport stands out for its chef-inspired menu, with meals prepared fresh by an on-site sous chef—a delightful start to my journey.
Inflight Services
Noise Level and Privacy
Business passengers benefited from spacious seating arrangements and noise-cancelling headphones, creating a more serene environment.
Seating Area
The Business Class seats on Lufthansa's Boeing 747 400 are manufactured by Zodiac Aerospace (now part of Safran Seats). These seats feature a lie-flat design and are arranged in a 2-2 configuration on the upper deck and a 2-2-2 configuration on the main deck. While the seats are known for their comfort and functionality, they are slightly older compared to the newer designs in Lufthansa’s other aircraft, which is why the airline has announced plans to modernize the interiors of its 747 fleet. I did get an excellent 4-hour sleep (too excited).
The Lufthansa 747-400 upper deck Business Class features a 2-2 configuration with 20 seats. Here's an overview of the layout:
Rows: Typically, rows are numbered 81 to 86 (as the upper deck numbering starts in the 80s for differentiation). I was in 84K.
Seats per row: Two seats are on each side of the aisle: A-C (left side) and H-K (right side).
Windows: Passengers seated in window seats (A or K) enjoy excellent views due to the iconic hump of the 747's upper deck.
The upper deck is quieter and feels more private than the main deck.
Due to the curvature of the fuselage, overhead storage bins are slightly smaller, so personal carry-ons should be compact.
The upper deck of the 747 is a premium experience within Business Class.
Business Class passengers were treated to thoughtfully designed amenity kits filled with high-quality essentials to enhance the journey. These kits included comfortable socks, an eye mask, earplugs, and premium skincare products.
As expected in Business Class, the experience was elevated with lie-flat seats, complete with a blanket, pillow, and mattress pad for added comfort. Lufthansa also offers a sleep shirt, a delightful extra touch that ensures passengers can relax and rest well during the flight.
The seat has ample counter space, which helps you organize your belongings as you get settled in. However, be careful to take all your belongings, as you may forget them in many places.
In between the seats in the center console, you will find a 110V AC power outlet.
The remote for the in-flight entertainment screen is also in the storage bin. Although the screen is touch-screen, using the remote can be lovely, mainly when reclined.
The armrest in the center console is where you will find the seat controls.
A light on your headrest is helpful if you wish to read a book at night or work on your laptop. I like this light better than the overhead one as I can better adjust the angle of light.
Cabin Staff
The cabin crew on LH1034 exemplified professionalism and attentiveness. From warm welcomes at the door to consistent service throughout the flight, their dedication to passenger comfort was evident. Requests were handled promptly, and the crew maintained a friendly demeanour even during busy periods.
Restrooms
The restrooms were clean and well-maintained throughout the flight. The crew frequently checked and restocked them, ensuring a pleasant experience for passengers even during peak usage times. The upper deck has two washrooms at the front, which were not overused.
In-Flight WiFi
Wi-Fi was available for purchase and provided a stable connection for most of the journey. However, it is disappointing that It is not included in the business package.
In-Flight Entertainment
The in-flight entertainment system offered impressive options, including movies, TV shows, music, and games. High-definition touchscreens provided a modern viewing experience, and Business and First Class passengers were treated to noise-cancelling headphones for enhanced immersion. Standard headphones were provided in Economy—functional, though not as immersive.
That said, the interface for the in-flight entertainment felt dated. Navigation relied on a controller housed in the armrest, which was less intuitive than modern touchscreen systems. It took some time to get the hang of it, and the select button wasn’t always responsive, leading to occasional frustration. While the content was excellent, the interface could benefit from an upgrade to match today’s expectations for seamless usability.
Meals and Snacks
Catering was a flight highlight, but it could have been improved by offering a traditional Bavarian dish like schnitzel. Business and First Class passengers enjoyed gourmet multi-course meals paired with an extensive wine selection.
Mid-Flight snack
Snacks and beverages were available throughout the flight, catering to all appetites. This was conveniently placed on the platform just in front of me.
Conclusion
Flight LH1034 from Vancouver to Frankfurt delivered a top-notch experience, reflecting Lufthansa’s dedication to passenger comfort and satisfaction. Flying Business Class on the upper deck of the iconic 747-400 added a unique and intimate touch to the journey, making the transatlantic trip both enjoyable and memorable.
Would I recommend Lufthansa LH1034? Absolutely. It’s an excellent choice for travellers seeking a reliable, comfortable, and premium transatlantic experience.
When in Vancouver
Hotels:
Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa: https://www.pointspals.com/post/hotel-review-hilton-whistler-resort-spa-whistler-canada
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