Lufthansa Boeing 747-400 business class experience on Frankfurt-Singapore route
Consensus Summary
Both articles detail a firsthand account of flying Lufthansa’s Boeing 747-400 in business class on the Frankfurt to Singapore route, highlighting the aircraft’s nostalgic yet outdated features. The 747, first introduced in 1969 and with the 400 series debuting in 1989, remains a rare sight as only eight remain in service, aged between 23 and 27 years. The experience includes a dated layout with 67 business class seats, including 45 lie-flat seats measuring 78 inches (198cm) long, though privacy is limited due to close seating. Baggage allowances are generous, with checked bags up to 32 kilograms each and carry-ons up to 12 kilograms despite initial website claims of 8 kilograms. The flight’s entertainment system, featuring an 11.7-inch screen, is criticized for its outdated technology, while service includes unique touches like an 'Avionic aperitif' and a welcome moment with salted almonds. The fare for the return trip is approximately $6200, and Lufthansa’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050 is noted despite the plane’s higher fuel consumption. Both articles emphasize the aircraft’s historical significance and the charm of flying a 'Queen of the Skies' before retirement.
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Key details reported by multiple sources:
- The Boeing 747 first flew in 1969 and the 747-400 series entered commercial service in 1989
- Lufthansa operates eight Boeing 747-400 aircraft, each configured with 67 business class, 32 premium economy, and 272 economy seats
- Business class checked baggage allowance is two bags of 32 kilograms each
- Carry-on allowance is two bags of up to 12 kilograms (despite website stating 8 kilograms)
- Main deck business class seats have a 64-inch (162cm) pitch, 20-inch (50cm) width, and 18-inch (46cm) depth
- Lie-flat seats measure 78 inches (198cm) in length
- The aircraft has 45 business lie-flat seats on the main deck and 22 seats on the upper deck
- Entertainment screen is 11.7-inch, located 55cm from the seat
- Flight LH0780 operates daily from Frankfurt to Singapore Changi Airport with 16 weekly flights on this route
- Business class return fare from Frankfurt to Singapore is approximately $6200
- Lufthansa aims for a carbon-neutral footprint by 2050
- The eight remaining 747-400s are between 23 and 27 years old, with Lufthansa retiring planes around the 30-year mark
- Flight time is 12 hours and 40 minutes, with a 45-minute departure delay due to an engineering issue
- Fares are based on those available for travel three months from the time of publication
Source Articles
A dated business class on one of the few 747 jumbo jets still flying
Even in business class you’ll find yourself in close proximity to your neighbour and may have to clamber over them when they’re sleeping.
A dated business class on one of the few 747 jumbo jets still flying
Even in business class you’ll find yourself in close proximity to your neighbour and may have to clamber over them when they’re sleeping.