For those looking to fly across the Atlantic in style, Lufthansa is a popular choice thanks to its strong award availability and premium cabin experiences. But when faced with the decision between spending 70,000 miles for business class or 100,000 miles for first class, is the upgrade worth it? Kara and Nate’s review compares Lufthansa’s first and business class experiences, breaking down the key differences to help you decide. 👇
Lounge Access: A First-Class Advantage
Flying first class out of Frankfurt unlocks access to the exclusive Lufthansa First Class Lounge, which offers private dining, top-shelf champagne, and even personal chauffeur service to the plane in a Porsche. Meanwhile, Lufthansa’s business class lounge is more standard, with a self-serve buffet and ample seating but lacking the personalized experience that first class passengers enjoy.
Key Lounge Differences:
First Class: Full-service dining, premium drinks, private security, and Porsche transport.
Business Class: Buffet-style dining, standard seating, and a less personalized experience.
The Boarding Process
First-class passengers enjoy a private car ride directly to the aircraft, skipping crowded boarding gates altogether. Business class travelers, on the other hand, must navigate the airport and board the traditional way. The difference in convenience and exclusivity was pretty significant.
Space vs. Privacy
First Class Seat:
Extremely spacious and open.
Full privacy with adjustable partitions.
High-quality bedding and a mattress topper for extra comfort.
Business Class Seat:
Lie-flat seats but less privacy compared to first class.
Cozy but with a more open cabin layout.
Basic bedding without a mattress pad.
One major downside to Lufthansa’s business class is the lack of privacy, making it feel more crowded compared to the secluded experience in first class. While both offer lie-flat beds, first class provides a superior sleep experience thanks to higher-quality bedding and an extra mattress pad.
In-Flight Dining
First-class meals are an event in themselves, with an extensive multi-course menu featuring luxurious items like caviar and premium wine selections. Meanwhile, business class still delivers high-quality meals, but the selection is more limited.
Champagne Showdown:
First Class: Premium bottles, costing upwards of $150 per bottle.
Business Class: A still-respectable $25 bottle, but noticeably different in quality.
Business class passengers still enjoy an elevated dining experience, but first class offers finer details, a wider selection, and more exclusive service.
The Extra Perks of First Class
Lufthansa’s first-class amenity kit is a step above business class, featuring a clear travel bag, high-end lotions, and a nice eye mask. Oooh. Aaah. Business class provides a more basic kit, but it still includes essentials like socks, hand cream, and earplugs.
Both cabins offer Wi-Fi, but first-class passengers receive a complimentary voucher, whereas business class travelers must pay extra for full browsing access.
The Sleep Experience
One of the biggest advantages of first class is the enhanced sleep experience. With a plush mattress pad, high-end duvet, and significantly more space, first-class beds are among the best in the sky. Business class still provides a comfortable lie-flat bed, but without the same luxury bedding and extra space.
Is First Class Worth the Extra 30,000 Points?
Choose Business Class if:
You just want a comfortable flight with a lie-flat seat and good service.
You want to save miles and still enjoy a premium transatlantic experience.
Choose First Class if:
You love the flight experience as much as the destination.
You value privacy, top-tier service, and premium dining.
You want access to the exclusive First Class Lounge and Porsche transfer.
For those who prioritize comfort, exclusivity, and the full luxury experience, spending 30,000 extra miles for first class is absolutely worth it. But if your main goal is simply to travel in comfort, Lufthansa’s business class still provides an excellent experience at a lower mileage cost.
Whichever you choose, Lufthansa offers one of the best premium flying experiences in the world—and when booked with miles and points, the value is unbeatable. Happy flying, everyone!
