The chances to fly in business class on the iconic 747-400 are becoming limited as airlines retire older jets for brand new aircraft like the 787 and A350.
With options getting slimmer, choosing to board a nearly-30 year old 747 over modern alternatives may seem unusual, but for aviation lovers, it’s a dream come true.
\Lufthansa still flies this classic aircraft on select long-haul routes, including Frankfurt to Delhi, Mumbai, Seoul, and New York.
The downside? A high capacity format in business class, with fewer premium seats and an undesirable configuration.
Yet, the nostalgia, upper deck exclusivity, and the sheer thrill of flying in this legend make it truly worth it.
How to Secure Lufthansa Business Class from Frankfurt to Delhi for 45,000 Miles
Finding a great business class deal can be tricky, but using Air Canada’s fantastic Aeroplan, I secured award seats on the 747-400 for just 45,000 miles.
While Virgin Atlantic offers reward seats from LHR for as low as 37,500 miles, their huge surcharge and lack of availability on my travel dates made them less appealing.
Booking from Europe to Delhi felt like a steal, even though the Lufthansa product is somewhat outdated. I had the privilege and an incredible opportunity to experience this classic jet, and I couldn’t resist.
Transferring 45,000 points from Chase Ultimate Rewards to Air Canada’s Aeroplan took just 2 minutes, making it an easy redemption.
While not as strong as my 55K deal from Auckland to New York, this was still a fantastic way to enjoy a rare ride on an aviation icon.
Steps for Booking Lufthansa Business Class with Aeroplan from Frankfurt to Delhi
Booking a business class seat from Frankfurt to Delhi using Aeroplan is simple if you follow the right steps.
- Sign Up for an Aeroplan account if you don’t have one.
- Check Availability on the Aeroplan website or app to find available flights and avoid ghost award availability, where flight awards appear but are actually not available.
- Transfer Points from Chase Ultimate Rewards to Aeroplan to prepare for booking.
- Book the Flight as soon as you find 1 or 2 seats, and if unsure, consider calling Air Canada to confirm availability before finalizing
| Step # | Action |
| 1 | Sign up for an Aeroplan account if you don’t have one. |
| 2 | Check availability on the Aeroplan website or app to avoid ghost availability. |
| 3 | Transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards to Aeroplan. |
| 4 | Book the flight as soon as you find 1 or 2 seats available. |
| 5 | If unsure, consider calling Air Canada to confirm availability before finalizing the booking. |
Planning your flight early ensures a smooth experience. Securing your seats early can turn an average flight into a luxurious adventure.
Preflight Tips: Navigating Frankfurt Airport (T1), Finding Resting Spots, and Reviewing Lufthansa’s Business Lounge
Arriving at Frankfurt Airport with 5 hours before departure, I hoped to get some sleep and enjoy a decent meal, but transiting through this airport is always complicated.
Moving from 1A gates to 1B gates should be simple in practice, but with confusing signs, unclear indications, and messy lines, it felt unnecessarily convoluted.
As I arrived from Europe via Schengen, I had to transit through the International terminal, passing immigration but skipping the security check, which was a relief in this often frustrating experience.
Frankfurt airport, although modern, has its share of confusing signs. A simple journey feels like a maze sometimes!
The Lufthansa Business Lounge and why it’s not worth it
Advantages:
Flying on the Lufthansa 747-400 Upper Deck Business Class feels like stepping into a polished, modern space designed for comfort. The cabin has a private feel, making it perfect for long-haul flights.
- The comfortable seats offer plenty of legroom and recline fully into a flatbed, ensuring a restful journey. The lounge-like atmosphere adds a touch of exclusivity.
- The charming design with sleek finishes gives the cabin a polished, modern look, making it feel more premium than standard business class.
- Need to make a call? There are private phone rooms, allowing passengers to talk without disturbing others. Plus, the chairs are well-cushioned, making long hours in the air feel much more relaxing
Disadvantages:
Frankfurt Airport felt like a maze, with a 20-minute trek through multiple stairs and elevators before reaching the West Lounge B24.
At the entrance, an employee scanned my boarding pass, and the first order of business was signing up for a shower.
The process was tedious, with limited availability, and when my turn finally came, the attendant spoke little English and simply handed me a towel.
Onboard, the limited privacy in the upper deck made it hard to sleep, especially with a nearby beeper constantly going off.
With only a few rooms available, the space felt cramped. The line for amenities was long, adding to the frustration.
Breakfast was disappointing, with low-quality packaged eggs and sausages that lacked flavor. Even the fourth meal option didn’t improve the overall food experience.
A Letdown to Begin With: Breakfast and Shower at Lufthansa’s Lounge
I had high hopes for breakfast, but it wasn’t the best experience. The eggs were packaged, the sausages lacked quality, and there was little variety beyond bread, yogurt, and cereal.
I grabbed a plate in the main dining area of the lounge, but the meal felt underwhelming. In Germany, I’ve had truly incredible breakfasts, but this fell short.
If I had been hungry, I would have left to find a proper option—there are plenty of choices at FRA.
An Even Bigger Letdown: The Shower Experience
The Lufthansa Lounge shower was a mixed bag—the water pressure was excellent, but the bathroom was small, and the flow lasted only 20 seconds at a time.
This felt cheap for a business class facility, almost the same as the 6€ option all passengers could access at Frankfurt Airport.
The lounge had comfortable lounge chairs and private cell phone rooms, but the sleep room was already fully occupied, with leather cots offering little privacy.
Unfortunately, the LuxxLounge, the only PriorityPass available place, wasn’t much better.
NapCab: My New Go-To Sleeping Spot at Frankfurt Airport
Needing sleep, I decided to try NapCab at Frankfurt Airport, and it was an impressive, clean, and comfortable experience.
I would definitely recommend it for an overnight stay.
Looking back, I probably should have used my Amex Platinum and business class ticket to enter the Senator Lounge for better luck. Instead, I ended up spending 37€ for a two-hour nap, but it was worth it.
Boarding in Europe: Why the Rush?
The Lufthansa app and departure boards showed that boarding had begun at gate B20, but what I saw was a typical mass of European travelers eager to be the first onboard.
The airline crew calls this behavior gate lice, and it felt like a free-for-all. The actual process began 15 minutes later, and half the airplane seemed to be in group 2, including business class travelers.
Before boarding, our India Visas/E-Visas had to be verified, something that could have been simplified through the United app.
A Memorable Journey: Lufthansa 747-400 Business Class Flight from Frankfurt to Delhi
The Advantages of Boarding a 747-400
Stepping through the jetway, I knew this flight would be special. The climb up the stairs to the upper deck felt like entering an exclusive space, far from the busy main cabin. My seat, 86K, was secluded and private, offering a peaceful feeling that only a select few travelers could enjoy.
The two, specially trained, flight attendants provided specialized attention, ensuring every detail was perfect.
This glorious business class cabin, a true workhouse of comfort, made me gain a new appreciation for the 747 and its rich history of long-haul adventures. T
he working crew was attentive, making the journey as smooth as possible, something even airlines like Qantas strive for.
As we flew over stunning places, I sat back, enjoying every moment of this unmatched onboard experience
Settling into my seat, I was offered help with my suitcase, which didn’t fit in the small 1990s-style overhead bins.
A glass of delicious champagne was served, followed by an excellent menu to choose from.
The flight attendants handed out hot towels during preflight, a thoughtful touch that made every transiting passenger appreciate the feeling of being refreshed before takeoff.
However, a baggage loading issue caused a delayed departure by nearly an hour, something common at FRA these days, but the comfort of the airplane made the wait more bearable.
A Review of Lufthansa’s Business Class Seat on the Vintage 747-400
Evaluation of the Seat
The Configuration of the upper deck follows a 2-2 layout, while the lower deck has a 2-3-2 setup. Though the design feels antiquated, the seat itself is surprisingly comfortable, with adjustable cushioning that adds to the comfort.
The footrest is small, but the length of the seat is good, making long flights enjoyable. Despite sitting next to a neighbor, I never felt a lack of space, thanks to the wide and versatile design.
- Storage is adequate but not extensive, providing just enough room for essentials.
- The selection of different positions makes the seat more great for relaxation.
- Though old, the overall experience remains decent, proving that even Lufthansa’s over-exhaustive design choices still cater well to Germans and international travelers alike.
When flying from Frankfurt to Delhi in Lufthansa’s 747-400 Business Class, the Upper Deck offers a distinct, elevated experience that adds a touch of luxury and privacy.
Sitting in seat 86K, the view from the window was impressive, offering a clear perspective of the sky through 3 windows.
However, the curvature of the upper deck did slightly obstruct the full view at times. Despite this, the seating arrangement in this premium cabin was very comfortable, offering ample legroom and a recline feature that made the long flight more enjoyable.
The cabin configuration provides a quiet, spacious environment, making it perfect for both business and relaxation.
The service from the crew was impeccable, further enhancing the overall flight experience.
From the moment of boarding, everything was seamless, with premium meals served alongside top-notch entertainment options.
With the perfect balance of comfort, design, and service, this flight truly captures the essence of premium travel.
The location of the seat also provided a sense of ambiance, making it feel like a first-class experience, despite being in Business Class.
The comfort was consistently high throughout the journey, with every amenity thoughtfully designed for the traveler’s convenience.
Row 86 in the upper deck doesn’t have the side storage bins that some other seats offer, making it feel a bit more open. Each seat has only one electrical outlet, with 2 or 3 outlets per row, which can be limiting for power needs, especially on long flights.
The amenity kit, while simple, comes in a very nice Porsche Design bag, adding a touch of luxury to the flight experience. The kit itself is practical, but it’s clear that convenience takes precedence over excess.
The seat configuration on the upper deck provides plenty of space for comfort and seating arrangement, ensuring a decent level of luxury and comfort during your journey, but storage options are minimal, and the travel essentials are a bit basic.
In-Flight Entertainment on a 25-Year-Old 747: Decent but Not Exceptional
On a Lufthansa 747-400, inflight entertainment is decent but far from extraordinary. The IFE system offers a screen that is bright and has an average resolution, but it’s not a touchscreen, which can make navigating tricky.
Using the cursor on the remote feels like operating a static computer mouse, which is a bit challenging. There’s a good selection of movies and TV shows, with around 100 movies and 30-40 shows, though it’s not quite up to the Qantas standard.
The flight tracker was my favorite feature, offering a simple way to keep track of our journey. WiFi is available, but it’s at a high fee, and unfortunately, business class passengers don’t get complimentary access like those in first class.
Still, the coverage of entertainment options and the quality of media make for a decent flight experience, though the pricing and service limitations are something to note.
Excellent Dining and Service in Lufthansa’s Business Class
The meal service in Lufthansa’s business class was surprisingly great, offering a wonderful start to the flight. As we took off from Frankfurt’s runway 18, the view outside was amazing, with the 747 gracefully lifting into the air.
I watched the outboard aileron deflect in the gusty winds, while the leading edge Krueger slats did their job, sucking airflow upwards and enhancing the wing’s lift.
The appetizer was excellent, and it really set the tone for a luxurious dining experience. The food quality, combined with great service, made the flight feel more like a special experience rather than just another journey.
Every detail, from the flight dynamics to the aircraft design, highlighted Lufthansa’s commitment to both aviation engineering and passenger comfort, ensuring an unforgettable travel experience.
Two Incredible Meals on a Short Flight
The meal service on this Lufthansa flight was nothing short of delightful. I was surprised by how great it was, especially considering how short the flight was.
About 30 minutes after departure, cashews and a refreshing beverage service were served, along with some fine wine to enjoy the stunning views over the Alps.
The first meal included a fresh salad with pomegranate and hazelnut, followed by an appetizer of halibut, which was almost like sashimi—very tasty. The bread & butter were simple but excellent, and the fish was better than I expected, though I found it a bit dry compared to the rest of the meal.
As we approached the Asian continent, the main dish was served, and it was fresh and tasty, though the fish was again a bit dry.
Fortunately, the other options were delicious. I went for the chicken in the second meal, which was an excellent choice, even though I was already full from the first.
The landing was smooth, and the disembarkation was made easy with quick access through the L1 and L2 doors, a perk for business class passengers.
The whole flight experience—from the dining to the service—was exceptional and really showcased Lufthansa’s luxury and commitment to passenger comfort.
| Course | Dish | Description |
| Appetizer | Halibut (like sashimi) | Fresh and tasty, although slightly dry. |
| Salad | Pomegranate & Hazelnut | A refreshing, fresh salad to start the meal. |
| Main Course | Chicken (second meal) | Fresh and flavorful, despite already being full from the first meal. |
| Bread & Butter | Simple but Excellent | A classic pairing that complemented the meal well. |
Good food, great service, and stunning views: the perfect combination for a memorable flight.
Why Lufthansa’s 747-400 Business Class Is Worth the Experience
Flying on the 747-400 is always a special experience, and the Lufthansa business class makes it even more memorable.
I’ve always felt thankful for every flight on this airliner, as it holds a special place in aviation history, often referred to as the Queen of the Skies.
There’s something about the 2-3-2 business class cabin on the upper deck that feels like a step back into a more elegant era of air travel.
Even with the dated cabin and limited amenities, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of nostalgic gratefulness for this gentle giant.
Every minute of flying in it feels like an opportunity to experience the legacy of this aircraft, especially when I get to look out at the winglets from the curved upper deck.
Despite its numbered days, I always look back with fond memories and find myself wishing I could still sit in this unique seat arrangement while controlling the IFE with a cursor.
For me, this flight is not just about luxury or comfort, but about embracing the history of aviation, the aircraft’s legacy, and the unforgettable travel experience it offers.
1Booking Lufthansa Business Class from Frankfurt to Delhi Using Just 45,000 Miles
Finding a great business class deal can be tricky, but using Air Canada’s fantastic Aeroplan, I secured award seats on the 747-400 for just 45,000 miles.
While Virgin Atlantic offers reward seats from LHR for as low as 37,500 miles, their huge surcharge and lack of availability on my travel dates made them less appealing.
Booking from Europe to Delhi felt like a steal, even though the Lufthansa product is somewhat outdated. I had the privilege and an incredible opportunity to experience this classic jet, and I couldn’t resist.
Transferring 45,000 points from Chase Ultimate Rewards to Air Canada’s Aeroplan took just 2 minutes, making it an easy redemption.
While not as strong as my 55K deal from Auckland to New York, this was still a fantastic way to enjoy a rare ride on an aviation icon.
Preflight Experience: Navigating Frankfurt Airport (T1), Top Napping Spots, and Lounge Review
Arriving at Frankfurt Airport with 5 hours before departure, I hoped to get some sleep and enjoy a decent meal, but transiting through this airport is always complicated.
Moving from 1A gates to 1B gates should be simple in practice, but with confusing signs, unclear indications, and messy lines, it felt unnecessarily convoluted.
As I arrived from Europe via Schengen, I had to transit through the International terminal, passing immigration but skipping the security check, which was a relief in this often frustrating experience.
Lufthansa Business Lounge Review: Why It Might Not Be Worth Your Time
Flying on the Lufthansa 747-400 Upper Deck Business Class feels like stepping into a polished, modern space designed for comfort.
The cabin has a private feel, making it perfect for long-haul flights. The comfortable seats offer plenty of legroom and recline fully into a flatbed, ensuring a restful journey.
The lounge-like atmosphere adds a touch of exclusivity. The charming design with sleek finishes gives the cabin a polished, modern look, making it feel more premium than standard business class.
Breakfast That Didn’t Meet Expectations
I had high hopes for breakfast, but it wasn’t the best experience. The eggs were packaged, the sausages lacked quality, and there was little variety beyond bread, yogurt, and cereal.
I grabbed a plate in the main dining area of the lounge, but the meal felt underwhelming. In Germany, I’ve had truly incredible breakfasts, but this fell short.
If I had been hungry, I would have left to find a proper option—there are plenty of choices at FRA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Lufthansa’s 747-400 Upper Deck Business Class so unique?
The upper deck offers privacy and an exclusive atmosphere, making it feel like a special experience. The spacious cabin and exceptional service enhance the overall journey.
How do I book Lufthansa Business Class from Frankfurt to Delhi using 45,000 miles?
Book through Air Canada’s Aeroplan by transferring 45,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Check availability on their website and secure your seat as soon as you find open award options.
Is the Lufthansa Business Lounge at Frankfurt Airport worth visiting?
While the lounge provides comfort and privacy, it has some drawbacks, such as limited amenities, long lines, and less impressive meals, which might not fully justify the visit.
How was the food on Lufthansa Business Class in the 747-400?
The meals were delicious, with fresh and flavorful dishes. However, the fish in both courses was slightly dry, though the rest of the meals were very satisfying.
What’s the seating arrangement like in Lufthansa’s 747-400 Upper Deck?
The upper deck has a 2-2 seating layout, offering more privacy. The seats are comfortable, though storage space is minimal, and the cabin may feel a bit confined at times.
Does Lufthansa’s 747-400 Business Class provide WiFi?
Yes, WiFi is available, but it comes at an extra cost. Unfortunately, business class passengers don’t get complimentary WiFi, unlike those in first class.
How would you rate the in-flight entertainment on Lufthansa’s 747-400?
The entertainment system offers a decent selection of movies and TV shows, but the screen resolution is average. Navigating the system can be tricky with the cursor-controlled remote.
How attentive is the crew in Lufthansa Business Class?
The crew is attentive and provides personalized service. Their exceptional care enhances the comfort and luxury of the flight, making the experience feel extra special.
What’s the quality of service on Lufthansa Business Class flights from Frankfurt to Delhi?
The service is outstanding, with highly trained flight attendants ensuring a smooth experience. From prompt meal service to thoughtful attention to detail, it truly elevates the flight.
What’s the best way to rest during a layover at Frankfurt Airport?
NapCab offers a clean, quiet, and comfortable sleeping option at Frankfurt Airport. For a more luxurious rest, consider using the Senator Lounge, especially if you’re a business class passenger.
Conclusion
In conclusion, flying Lufthansa’s 747-400 Upper Deck Business Class from Frankfurt to Delhi offers a nostalgic and exceptional experience that combines comfort, privacy, and a touch of luxury.
Though the aircraft is older and its design a bit outdated, the exclusivity of the upper deck, outstanding service, and spacious seating make the journey feel unique.
While there are some drawbacks, like limited storage and lackluster food, the overall experience embodies the essence of premium travel, providing passengers with a rare chance to fly on an iconic aircraft.
For aviation enthusiasts and those seeking a more intimate, elevated journey, this flight is truly memorable.
Stephanie Kiley, founder of PilotXplore, is a commercial pilot and Doctor of Education based in Connecticut. I shares expert aviation insights, travel tips, and airline reviews, making air travel easier for all. Passionate about flying and learning, she loves exploring new destinations and simplifying aviation for travelers.