To make the journey even more memorable, I book a connection in Frankfurt to experience the exclusive Lufthansa First Class Terminal. While that part of the trip is unforgettable, this review focuses on the flight itself — an experience that lives up to its legendary status, with a few bumps.

Award Flight Booking (8/10)

This flight comes together just 30 hours before departure — an ultra-last-minute booking spurred by a trip I planned only a day earlier. Using Avianca LifeMiles, I lock in the First Class seat for 85,740 miles and $91.80 in taxes and fees (including the mandatory $25 partner booking fee LifeMiles adds at checkout). Thanks to my LifeMiles+ subscription, I receive 10% of the miles back, reducing the net cost to 77,166 miles — making this one of my most memorable and value-packed redemptions.

Note: At the time of my booking (July 2024), the standard Avianca LifeMiles redemption rate for Star Alliance First Class flights between the United States and Europe is 87,000. Since this time, Avianca made a massive devaluation – without notice – to their partner award chart. This flight now costs (Dec 2024) an astonishing 120,000 miles – a 50% increase! Similar routes on Air Canada Aeroplan are bookable for between 90,000 – 100,000 miles.

Now, the Avianca LifeMiles program has a unique “quirk” I took advantage of for this booking. As you can see, my flight did not cost the standard 87,000 miles for First Class, but an amount slightly lower. This is thanks to the LifeMiles pricing system. When an itinerary, such as mine, includes a mix of cabin classes – such as First Class and Business Class – the price is prorated based on the percentage of time spent in each class. In my specific case, 90% of my itinerary is First Class and 10% is Business Class.

Credit. John Walker. Avianca LifeMiles First + Business Class Booking “Quirk.”

On top of this, the Avianca LifeMiles program offers other ways to potentially reduce the overall cost:

• Discounts for LifeMiles+ members
• Partner Transfer Bonuses (Transfer Partner Guides: American Express, Capital One, Chase, and Citi)
• Direct Purchases Of LifeMiles

Given these perks, LifeMiles remains a strong contender in the points-and-miles ecosystem, despite recent devaluations (which also created some new premium class award “sweet spots”).

My Verdict

While the Avianca LifeMiles program delivers incredible value, I deduct one point due to the devaluation, which makes replicating my exact booking less compelling. I also dock another point because Lufthansa only releases First Class award availability to Star Alliance partners within two weeks of departure. For most travelers, this short window is impractical — though a refundable backup booking can help make it feasible.

Related: The 10 Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards

Airport Check-In (9/10)

Lufthansa operates out of Terminal J at Miami International Airport (MIA), which poses some logistical challenges. Unfortunately, the terminals at Miami airport are not connected airside. As I arrive on a positioning flight, this means I must exit my arrival terminal and clear security again at Terminal J. Since Miami is an American Airlines (AA) hub, my American Airlines positioning flight arrives at Terminal E. So, I make the trek to Terminal J for my full Lufthansa First Class experience. The things I do for an incredible flight deal!

Lufthansa operates just one daily flight from Miami to Frankfurt, along with seasonal flights to Munich. As a result, the check-in counter opens only three hours before departure – in my case, at 1:40 PM for a 4:40 PM flight. Although I have a mobile boarding pass, I need to check a bag. This means waiting outside security for a couple hours until the counter opens. I knew this ahead of time and plan accordingly.

Note: If possible, when booking a positioning flight, book an airline in the same alliance as your main flight. In this specific case, as Lufthansa is part of Star Alliance, a positioning flight with an airline like United – also part of the Star Alliance – is ideal. Often, you are able to link reservations, which allows you to check your bag through to your final destination. 

Lufthansa First Class Check-In

Credit. John Walker. Lufthansa First Class Check-In At Miami International Airport (MIA).

Thankfully for me, the Lufthansa check-in desk actually opens slightly early at 1:20 PM. As a First Class passenger, I am immediately treated to an elevated experience. Lufthansa literally rolls out the red carpet for First Class passengers in Miami. At the counter, the check-in agent confirms my status as a First Class passengers, attached a special First Class / HON Circle tag to my bag (this is one step above the standard Star Alliance Gold tags), and hands me my boarding pass in a sleek First Class-branded envelope.

Note: Star Alliance Gold members may also use the Premium Check-In lane. 

After check-in, I am introduced to my personal escort, a hallmark of the Lufthansa First Class service. My escort walks my to the front of the security line, ensuring the process is seamless and stress-free. Once I clear security, he escorts me to the airport lounge and checks in regularly to see if there is anything I need. The best part? The escort assures me there is no need to monitor the boarding display or gate. When it is time to board, he will personally come an find me – and other First Class passengers – and deliver me to the boarding gate.

This check-in process feels incredibly luxurious and sets the tone for the rest of the journey. While the “delayed” counter opening and the isolation of Terminal J from other terminals at MIA are minor inconveniences, I did this to myself. These are non-issues for travelers who do not need a positioning flight. Overall, the Lufthansa First Class check-in at MIA delivers a top-tier experience that sets a high bar.

Airport Lounge (6/10)

Credit. Lounge Buddy. LATAM Lounge At Miami International Airport (MIA).

After check-in and security, I arrive at the LATAM VIP Lounge in Terminal J; just a few gates award from the Lufthansa departure gate. Instead of operating an independent lounge in MIA, Lufthansa contracts this space for First and Business Class passengers from LATAM. As Lufthansa is part of the Star Alliance, I may also access the Turkish Airlines lounge in Terminal H – the only terminal which connects to Terminal J. However, as the Turkish Airlines lounge is both farther from the Lufthansa departure gate and a Priority Pass lounge (prone to overcrowding), I stay in the LATAM lounge. My escort confirms that I make the right call.

This is not my first visit to the LATAM VIP Lounge; I was here just six weeks prior when I flew LATAM Business Class to Peru. Overall, the lounge is function and pleasant, though it lacks the luxury touches associated with Lufthansa First Class.

Lounge Highlights

The buffet is the centerpiece of the lounge and offers a decent selection of food and beverages. The staff does an excellent job keeping the spread stocked and ensuring plates, silverware, and drinks are readily available. Seating options are varied, with more casual areas near the entrance and another section tucked between the apron and terminal view areas.

The lounge offers partial apron views and some natural light in one small section, but the space overall feels a bit dim. On the positive side, it never feels overcrowded — a refreshing contrast to the chaos of many U.S. credit card lounges like the Centurion Lounge. Bathrooms, while clean, are small and unremarkable, though the availability of showers is a nice touch.

The Bigger Picture

While the LATAM VIP Lounge is a solid option, it is not what I expect for Lufthansa First Class. Unfortunately, Miami is an American Airlines hub, so Star Alliance flights are more limited, and there is no premium lounge at MIA on par with the Lufthansa First Class lounges elsewhere. For context, the American Airlines Flagship Lounge in Terminal D is a standout in terms of quality at MIA, but Star Alliance does not have anything comparable here.

That said, I appreciate having a quiet, uncrowded space to relax before the flight.

Related: The Best Credit Cards For Priority Pass Lounge Access

Related: The 10 Best Priority Pass Lounges In The World

Aircraft Cabin And Layout (8/10)

Credit. John Walker. Boarding A Lufthansa 747-8 At Miami International Airport (MIA).

When it is time to board, the same escort from check-in returns to collect the five First Class passengers for the flight. Without interacting with a gate agent or hearing any boarding announcements, he guides me directly to the gate. There, the escort removes the scannable portion of my boarding pass, hands it to the gate agent, and leads me down the jet bridge. This seamless and personal boarding process once again sets the tone for the exclusive First Class experience.

As I wait in the jet bridge for the aircraft door to open, I finally catch a glimpse of the majestic Lufthansa Boeing 747-8 that will take me to Frankfurt. With fewer commercial 747s in service, flying aboard the “Queen of the Skies” feels like a true privilege. This aircraft, with its distinctive humpbacked design, remains an icon of aviation and adds to the excitement of this journey.

The First Class Cabin

Credit. Aerolopa. Lufthansa Boeing 747-8 Seat Map.

Credit. Live And Let’s Fly. Lufthansa 747-8 First Class Cabin Entrance.

The First Class cabin is located on the main deck, right in the nose of the aircraft, beneath the cockpit. This unique placement creates a sense of exclusivity and intimacy. The cabin features just eight seats, arranged in a 1-1 configuration across two rows, followed by a single 1-2-1 row. The seats in the first row are positioned closer together due to the tapering nose of the aircraft, enhancing the cozy, private feel of the space.

Adding to the luxurious touches, a small countertop bar in front of seats 3D and 3G is stocked with wine and champagne after takeoff, adding a touch of elegance to the in-flight experience. Behind the same row are individual lockers, providing designated storage for each passenger. Combined with overhead bins, these lockers ensure ample space for carry-ons, jackets, or any personal items.

The Design And Privacy

Credit. The Points Guy. Lufthansa First Class Cabin On A Boeing 747-8.

Credit. The Points Guy. Lufthansa First Class Cabin On A Boeing 747-8.

One of the most special aspects of this cabin is its seclusion from the rest of the aircraft. Being tucked away in the nose creates a small, intimate environment that feels worlds apart from Economy or even Business Class. There is something undeniably magical about sitting in the very front of the aircraft, where the curvature of the plane adds to the uniqueness of the space.

That said, the design does affect the seating angles slightly, leading to varying levels of privacy. While all seats feel exclusive, some may feel a little more open than others depending on their location.

First Class Seat (7/10)

Credit. John Walker. Lufthansa 747-8 First Class Seat.

Credit. John Walker. Lufthansa 747-8 First Class Seat.

For this flight to Frankfurt, I choose seat 3K, which turns out to be a fantastic pick. With no one seated in the “honeymoon” center seats (3D and 3G) nearby, my experience feels even more private and exclusive. The seat itself is incredibly spacious, spanning four windows. While the design is undeniably dated and shows signs of wear, it is the kind of wear that feels comforting — like a well-loved recliner that is perfectly broken in.

Unlike the fully enclosed Suites offered by some modern First Class products (i.e. Emirates, Etihad, Singapore, etc.), the open layout on Lufthansa may not be cutting-edge, especially with the highly anticipated Lufthansa Allegris cabin on the horizon. However, the open design keeps the space from feeling claustrophobic, offering an airy and comfortable atmosphere.

Seat Features

Credit. John Walker. Lufthansa First Class Seat Entertainment System And Ottoman.

The First Class seat on a Lufthansa 747-8 offers me plenty of storage, particularly by the window, along with an ottoman that doubles as additional storage space. I find the ottoman is positioned quite far from the seat due to the large seat footprint, but there is a thoughtful control to slide the ottoman closer to me for added comfort. Seat adjustments are highly customizable, with controls in the armrest that let me fine-tune four specific areas of the seat to suit my preferences. There are also preset configurations, such as upright for takeoff and landing or fully lie-flat for sleeping.

Credit. John Walker. Lufthansa First Class Seat Ottoman Storage.

Credit. John Walker. Lufthansa First Class Window Seat Side Panel Storage.

While the seat lacks a fully enclosed suite, there is an aisle-side privacy partition that I can raise or lower. The partition is limited to the seat area itself, offering me some privacy if needed. Since the adjacent seats are unoccupied on this flight, I leave the partition down for most of the journey, which makes interacting with the crew and enjoying the service seamless.

Related: The Best First Class Airlines In The World

First Class Bed (8/10)

When converted into a bed, my seat transforms into a surprisingly comfortable sleeping space. The seat itself is already well-padded, but the crew adds a mattress pad, from the storage closet located in the nose of the cabin, for an extra layer of comfort. This thoughtful touch elevates my sleeping experience. While it is not completely private, the layout of the cabin ensures I have plenty of personal space to stretch out and relax.

Credit. Thrifty Traveler. Lufthansa 747-8 First Class Bed.

Thanks to the open design of the cabin, the bed feels more like a proper bed than what I have experienced on other aircraft. There is an undeniable sense of space that adds to the comfort. However, the openness also reminds me of the “shared” cabin — almost like a luxury college dorm room.

On-Board Entertainment (6/10)

The onboard entertainment system offers a decent selection of movies, TV shows, and other content, though it is not particularly extensive. As an AVGeek, I find myself primarily captivated by the flight map, a staple of any great journey. That said, the screens are clearly dated, lacking the crisp resolution of the 4K monitors now appearing in newer First Class, and even Business Class, cabins.

One standout perk for First Class passengers is the complimentary Wi-Fi code provided by the crew. This adds a modern touch to the experience, allowing me to stream, browse, or catch up on work while cruising at 35,000 feet. The Wi-Fi helps compensate for the older in-flight system, expanding my entertainment options significantly.

Lavatory (9/10)

The Lufthansa First Class cabin on a 747-8 features two dedicated lavatories for up to eight passengers (six on my flight), ensuring there is almost never a queue. Both restrooms are impeccably maintained throughout the journey.

Credit. The Bulkhead Seat. Lufthansa 747-8 First Class Lavatory.

The lavatory is spacious enough to make changing into the provided pajamas a breeze — a thoughtful touch for long-haul comfort. Inside, I find drawers stocked with essentials like mouthwash and shaving cream, offering everything I might need to freshen up mid-flight or before landing. A clever design feature is the toilet seat cover, which is concealed beneath a bench surface. When closed, it creates a convenient place to sit while changing.

One of my favorite details is the window in the lavatory. On most domestic flights, airplane bathrooms are cramped, dimly lit spaces that feel like an afterthought. Here, the natural light streaming in through the window transforms the space, making it feel brighter and far more inviting.

Amenity Kit (8/10)

As a First Class passenger on Lufthansa, I am treated to a thoughtful selection of amenities, starting with long-sleeve pajamas and plush slippers, both of which are mine to keep. The slippers are surprisingly well-cushioned for airplane footwear, making them a great in-flight companion. While they may wear down with extended use at home, I still frequently pack them in my suitcase for future trips.

Credit. John Walker. Lufthansa 747-8 First Class Amenity Kit.

The pajamas are exceptionally comfortable, and I have even worn them a few times since the flight. As someone who is relatively tall and slim, I have no issues with the fit, though I can not speak to how well they accommodate other body types. Regardless, the overall quality of the sleepwear adds to the luxurious experience.

Credit. John Walker. Lufthansa 747-8 First Class Pajamas And Slippers.

I also receive a leather zippered bag as my amenity kit. Larger than most Business Class kits, and resembling a chic clutch, it is the kind of bag I can easily repurpose after the flight. Inside, I find the standard essentials, elevated with premium products. Unique touches include a small wooden shoehorn, a foldable hairbrush (though not particularly useful for me), and what appear to be headphone covers — reminiscent of shoe booties.

Food And Beverage (8/10)

Credit. John Walker. Lufthansa 747-8 First Class Post-Departure Champagne.

In my opinion, one of the major differentiators between First Class and Business Class is the food and beverage experience. Lufthansa First Class does not disappoint. While I admit, I know tequila better than champagne, I can confidently say the two champagne options on this flight are of excellent quality. After I enjoy a pre-departure glass of champagne, the crew set up a self-serve bar for the First Class passengers in the middle of the cabin, featuring wine and champagne.

Later in the flight, I test the tequila offering — something rarely seen on flights. To my surprise, the crew serve me a single-serve bottle of Patrón Añejo, which far exceeds my expectations for in-flight tequila and adds a nice personal touch to the beverage service.

The Dining Experience

The food service begins even before takeoff, with a bowl of warm nuts. Once airborne, the crew prepares for the full meal service, starting with hot towels and taking main course and breakfast orders. Meanwhile, other crew members set up the appetizer service. The table setting is done in true fine-dining style, complete with linen tablecloths and proper dinnerware.

Credit. John Walker. Lufthansa 747-8 First Class Caviar Service.

A highlight of the meal for me is the caviar service, which the crew presents from a dedicated cart. The caviar comes with a variety of garnishes, though purists may balk at the use of metal spoons instead of mother-of-pearl, which can slightly affect the flavor. Still, the experience feels indulgent and special.

Credit. John Walker. Lufthansa 747-8 First Class Lobster Bisque Starter.

Credit. John Walker. Lufthansa 747-8 First Class Starter.

Though the menu lists “choices” for the appetizers, the crew serves all of them — a nice surprise. Instead of the fresh greens listed on the menu, I am treated to a lobster bisque with shrimp, followed by a beautifully plated sampler featuring smoked duck breast, flan, and grilled tuna.

Credit. John Walker. Lufthansa 747-8 First Class Beef Filet Entree.

For the main course, I choose the beef filet with gorgonzola and porcini crust, served with Yukon mashed potatoes, a vegetable panache, and asparagus. Every bite is perfectly executed, and I leave nothing on the plate. For dessert, I opt for vanilla ice cream garnished with a refreshing mint leaf — a simple yet satisfying end to the meal.

Breakfast Service

Credit. John Walker. Lufthansa 747-8 First Class Breakfast.

When awakened for breakfast, I am served scrambled eggs with chives and bacon. The freshness of the eggs is immediately noticeable, and the quality elevates what is often a standard in-flight meal. While breakfast is lighter than the dinner service, it is more than sufficient to keep me satisfied until landing.

Staff And Service (10/10)

If there is one area where the Lufthansa First Class experience truly excels, it is the exceptional staff and service. From the moment I check in to the in-flight experience, the service is seamless and consistently outstanding. Every interaction, whether with the check-in escort or the First Class crew, is marked by professionalism, attentiveness, and warmth.

Once onboard, the personalized service begins. The crew addresses me by name, offers me thoughtful recommendations for things to do in Germany, and ensures that my every need is met promptly. Throughout the flight, the cabin staff is proactive in checking on me but does so with a perfect balance — attentive without being intrusive. It is clear their focus is on creating a calm, comfortable environment for myself and the other First Class passengers.

One of the standout moments of my flight is the turndown service. After dinner, the crew notices I am about to change into the provided pajamas and immediately offers to prepare my bed. It is small touches like these that make the service feel truly First Class.

Personalized Touch Of The Purser

Credit. Lufthansa. Lufthansa Purser.

I would also like to acknowledge the exceptional service of the onboard purser. He truly goes above and beyond to elevate the entire flight experience. During dinner preparations, he takes the time to visit each passenger individually for an extended chat. It is a thoughtful gesture that adds a personal touch and makes me feel genuinely valued as a guest.

As the flight approaches Frankfurt, the purser returns to provide personalized updates for the onward journey of each passenger. Using an airport map, he explains our arrival location, where an escort will be waiting, the location of the lounge, and the easiest way to access the renowned Lufthansa First Class Terminal. This attention to detail ensures a smooth transition upon landing and demonstrates the commitment of Lufthansa to delivering a premium experience from start to finish.

Final Thoughts

My journey in Lufthansa First Class aboard the iconic 747-8 is nothing short of spectacular. From the seamless check-in process with an escort to the intimate cabin, indulgent food and beverage offerings, and attentive service, this flight delivers on the promise of a premium travel experience. While the older seat design and dated screens remind me of the aging product, these are small trade-offs for the overall comfort, exclusivity, and thoughtful touches throughout the flight.

The highlights — like the caviar service, the luxurious bed setup, and the personalized itinerary guidance from the purser — showcase why Lufthansa First Class is such a bucket-list redemption for any aviation enthusiast. Flying on the “Queen of the Skies” makes the experience all the more memorable, especially as opportunities to board a 747 continue to dwindle.

The journey does not end here, though. Next, I will experience one of the most celebrated perks of Lufthansa: the First Class Terminal in Frankfurt. With its private check-in, dedicated security, and chauffeured tarmac transfer, it is often considered one of the best ground services in the world.

From there, my connecting flight promises to extend the luxury as I continue my travels…