Greetings to all. The current United scheduling for direct flights from Frankfurt to Newark shows a United flight and a Lufthansa flight (with a 747). I’ve flown both airlines on this leg over the last 10 years but never flown on the Lufthansa 747.
Does anyone have opinions on pros and cons for either option? I tend to prefer flying on United, but the Lufthansa flight is cheaper. Thanks.
I have flown Lufthansa dozens of times from Newark and LAX through Frankfurt and Munich.
We have lots of United miles and use them for Lufthansa as they’re part of the star alliance.
Lufthansa is a very good airline. Maybe the best in Europe. Everything is a step below the Asian airlines for service.
Flown every type of aircraft including the A380 and 747. All the same from the back of the bus. LOL
Lufthansa is superior to United. If I had a choice AND Lufthansa is cheaper, too, it is a no-brainer.
Lufthansa is one of the worst airlines I’ve flown with and United is way ahead in terms of customer service. Lufthansa is a disgrace.
The opposite of my experience, but obviously YMMV.
Depends on whether you are flying business or economy. I love the 747 upper deck business class. It has a very exclusive feel, has ample room to the side for windows, etc. For Economy, it is a 3/4/3 configuration. If you can get an aisle and a window and keep the middle seat empty, it’s definitely worthwhile. Downside is the lack of Economy Plus, so if you typically want the extra couple of inches of legroom, you won’t get it on Lufthansa.
I love flying in the bubble in 747s. Not many left out there
We live near Newark airport, some nights the departing flights go right over our house. I always know the Frankfurt flight, 747, usually lower than others. Several times only 2500 ft elevation. Take a picture every now and then but does not come close to how big that plane is at low altitude. I want to book that flight just to be on the Queen of the skies.
The A380 is stunning at first sight. Massive. Then the next thing that comes to mind is just can’t possibly fly.
Don’t know if you’re tied down to Newark, but Singapore flies their A380 on a fifth-freedom flight NYC-FRA.
Sorry forgot they took away the A380 in the spring. It’s now a 777, but still a great business and first product.
Lufthansa is a great product as well. Otherwise, flying a 747 is a rare treat, especially upper deck. Something that isn’t going to be around much longer.
If you are flying Premium Economy, LH’s product is far better than UAL’s but Economy Plus certainly is better than LH Coach.
LH coach is a penalty box - worse than United. Econ Plus on United is better than LH coach. Premium Econ is probably better on LH, but it depends on the exact seat (imho). Business also depends on the seat - 747 Upper deck wins but United Polaris is more private if traveling alone. LH First is the best (non-fifth-freedom) way across the pond, especially ex-FRA where the catering is better.
On the short daytime flight to EWR, I’d be tempted to take Econ Plus on United and save some cash. But I’ve done the 747, and if you haven’t, don’t miss it while it’s still possible, especially if you can sit upstairs!
Thanks everyone. Interesting set of comments.
Just my two cents - for Business Class Lufthansa can’t compete with United Polaris transatlantic until they complete the retrofit of their business class to Allergis.
