Frankfurt and Mainz

Feb 16-18, 2024
AC842 YYZ-FRA , LH402 FRA-EWR, AC8885 EWR-YYZ

For those keeping track, this was the original end of our business-class Venice to New Zealand round trip flight. As we’d just been in Venice and had covered all that we wanted, we modified the plan and chose to stay in Frankfurt instead. Our trip back was always a points ticket, and I took advantage of that fact, to jump on an upgrade from Business to First Class. First Class on Lufthansa is both a rare and special experience as it is only offered on select routes and is only made available on points sparingly, and only at the last minute. With no firm plans, I quickly jumped on the availability through Newark, and was happy to relive Lufthansa First Class after a long break.

Feb 16

As we were flying back from NZ in paid business class, we of course had access to Air Canada’s Signature Lounge in Toronto. We had a multicourse meal and tested out multiple champagnes before the overnight flight to Frankfurt.

Pondering the menu over champagne

Having already dined on the ground, we went right to sleep, and didn’t wake up until the breakfast service before landing.

Feb 17

With only one day in Frankfurt, we stayed at one of multiple hotels connected directly to the airport. Luckily when we landed, they had a room ready for us, and we could freshen up before we decided how to spend our day. Having explored the city of Frankfurt on our last layover, I decided it was worth heading back to Mainz, where we had stayed on our very first trip to Germany about 20 years earlier. It’s a short commuter train hop, and has a lovely old city.

Heading along pedestrian Heiliggrabgasse towards the central square

Mainz's imposing cathedral is a highlight even with some scaffolding

Last remains of the Markt Square morning market

Cathedral interior

Heunensäulen - circular column of sandstone that were made, but never used, 1000 years ago for the Cathedral construction

Ornate Markt Square fountain

Various carved columns outside the cathedral

Very fancy Heiliggeist Mainz, operating as a restaurant since 1863

"Iron Tower" one of multiple watch towers that remain from the original city walls

Stretching our legs on a nice walk along the Rhine

Since our first visit, we always enjoy Germany's unique take on crossing figures.

Having covered most of the Mainz old town, we headed back to the commuter train and headed back to the airport station and our hotel. We checked out the lounge evening service before getting some sleep.

Feb 18

As it had been a number of years since our last First Class experience, I headed out early to explore the airport and reorient myself to the walk to Lufthansa’s First Class Terminal. Back at the hotel, we checked out for real and headed on the brief walk to start our First Class experience. A unique feature of the service is that for passengers starting in Frankfurt, Lufthansa has built an exclusive terminal with dedicated security, passport control, and staff that look after your needs from arrival until departure. Although typical passengers would arrive driven in cars, we walked over from the hotel, and after showing our passports, were guided through security and into the giant lounge space.

The rubber ducky is part of the experience, and we were greeted at the entrance with a case of various special editions that had been produced through the years

As we were there for a long time, I started with a breakfast pretzel paired with Champagne

After taking advantage of the nap room after breakfast, we were presented with a new duck for our collection. I didn't need to take a bubble bath this time to earn one.

We had time for a quick lunch prior to our flight time

Since there are no jet bridges at the First Class Terminal, we were driven to the gate after dedicated passport control across the airport apron in a Porche

Our retro painted 747-800, colloquially named "Yankee Tango" after its registration D-ABYT. We would have a good portion of the main deck front cone, below the pilots.

Tom seems to have enough space with four windows to himself

Fancy mechanical blinds allowed dimming or blacking out the sun

Caviar service to begin the main meal with LH's signature First Class rose at each seat

Enough time for a good nap before arrival in Newark

The outside camera was one of the highlights on the entertainment system

We arrived in Newark more or less on time, and waited in the relatively new United Club in Terminal A before our flight to Toronto, and the end of Toronto to Venice to New Zealand to Toronto to Frankfurt to Toronto journey.