Lufthansa LH456 / LH457 – LAX ✈ FRA ✈ LAX

I will admit I love flying Lufthansa, just about any class. And I have flown this route a few times in all classes except Business. This route used to be flown on the 747-400 but is currently serviced by the A380.

JANUARY 2017
LAX – FRA Upper Deck: 97G Economy
Like Singapore Airlines (SIA), Lufthansa has a tiny pocket of Coach on the upper deck of the A380, and I thought I would give it a try. I liked it on SIA, cozy and fewer folks per bathroom. And yes indeed, this is a cute little area, except for one big problem… the overhead bins are about half the normal size, due to the rear slant of the A380, or something like that. So not the normal room for those who bring larger carry-on’s. But, once the flight is ready ton go, they can stow your bags in business, so no need to get grumpy. Other than that, it is quite pleasant up there and exiting is a bit faster on the Upper Deck.

FRA – LAX Lower Deck: 82K Economy
When flying alone in Coach I always book an aisle seat, so why I booked a window seat, and over the wing (what is there to see), I have no idea… and the Lufthansa site and ap wouldn’t let me change my seating, so I was kinda stuck. But luck have it, there was a bigger reason… good size snow strom hits Central Europe and I got a great view of the de-icing of an A380, which was fascinating to a plane geek like me. The 40 minute process is amazing to watch. They take all the large planes to a special area, and when done, off you go for an instant take off, super cool.

AUGUST 2015
LAX – FRA 55A Premium Economy
Lufthansa was just rolling out Premium Economy at this time, and for me the main reason was to get the extra luggage to bring the road bike to Italy for no additional charge. So viola!… not just fussy, but frugal. With the window seat here, it is so far from the wall and window, can’t really lean into it for a good sleep. Everything is a little better and you have a bit more room, but it’s still no Flat Bed Seat.

Of note: During the summer peak season, Lufthansa has added a 747-8 to this route. Overall I think is a better plane than the A380, but the Economy seats are a bit narrower, so the A380 may be a better bet for standard Coach Passengers.

AIRLINE: Lufthansa
FLIGHT # LH456 / LH457
AIRCRAFT: Airbus A380
TO / FROM: LAX – Los Angeles / FRA – Frankfurt

ROUTE FLOWN: Jan 2017, Aug 2015, Jan 2012
FLYING TIME: 11:00 hours
FLYING DISTANCE: 5790 miles
SEAT / CLASS FLOWN:
2017: to FRA Upper Deck: 97G / to LAX 82K
2015: to FRA 55A Premium Economy
2012: to FRA First on 747-400, will add in the future, a good story on this flight… Heart Attack and emergency landing in Toronto. Fun!

LUFTHANSA