Lufthansa Senator Lounge

Lufthansa Senator Lounge – Frankfurt (FRA) near gate Z50 (Non-Schengen)

The humongous Lufthansa Senator Lounge at Frankfurt airport near gate Z50 serves primarily Star Alliance passengers departing to the United States. The club welcomes Star Alliance Gold and Lufthansa’s Miles & More Senator passengers. (Business class passengers who don’t hold Star Alliance Gold status may use the adjacent Lufthansa Business Lounge.) The Senator Lounge also doubles as a First Class lounge for Star Alliance carriers, as Lufthansa reserves their luxurious First Class Terminal and First Class Lounge for their own First Class customers.

Lufthansa Senator Lounge FRA design

Lufthansa Senator Lounge – Frankfurt (FRA) near gate Z50 (Non-Schengen)

The sheer dimensions of the Lufthansa Senator Lounge at Frankfurt airport near gate Z50 are striking—the club is probably the airport’s largest lounge, and yet, it manages to fill up at peak times. The space boasts Lufthansa’s latest décor and underscore the massive investments that Lufthansa made into their lounges with the expansion of Terminal 1.

The design is modern, functional and casually elegant. Light colors and natural tones dominate the ensemble, with an nuances of whites and shades of beige that flow from the hardwood floors to the furniture. Indoor plants, dark glass partitions and pictures of forest scenery provide a welcome hint of contrast.

While effortlessly modern with a few bold touches such as the droplet-like ceiling lights above the buffet area, the design remains decidedly conservative, with a strong focus on efficiency and consistency. Lufthansa has replicated the décor around the world (for example at London Heathrow and New York/Newark airports), and there isn’t much of a local flair. Some will even find the ensemble perhaps a tad impersonal or cold – especially considering the use of white LED lighting. Yet, there’s a lot to love about the balance that Lufthansa has achieved between privacy and space efficiency, quiet areas and dynamic zones, bright zones and secluded spaces.

Lufthansa Senator Lounge – Frankfurt (FRA) near gate Z50 (Non-Schengen)

The open layout provides every patron with a generous amount of personal space and facilitates movement between areas. Numerous seating options are available: comfortable individual chairs with side tables, café seating, large communal tables, and counter-top seating. Western European style power outlets are located at most seats, but are lacking in the dining area.

Large windows let plenty of natural light in and reveal exciting views on the tarmac. In addition, individual lamps at every seat give the space a cozier feeling, while doubling as privacy dividers.

Lufthansa Senator Lounge FRA amenities

The Lufthansa Senator Lounge at Frankfurt airport near gate Z50 features a complete line-up of amenities.

Lufthansa Senator Lounge – Frankfurt (FRA) near gate Z50 (Non-Schengen)

As expected from Lufthansa, the food and beverage offering is a highlight. There are several serving areas throughout, with the main buffet located close to the entrance. Patrons will find a wide variety of snacks and appetizers, a salad bar, cold and hot entrees, and desserts. There is an emphasis on German food with staples such as pretzels and potato salad, a few Lufthansa traditional favorites (gummy bears!), as well as the occasional food cart offering cooked to order food. Selections rotate often and are always tasty and generous. Kids even have their own little food stand, with a mix of healthy options (fruit) and snacks.

The drink selection is strong – and all self-serve. In addition to a soda fountain, patrons will find a variety of soft drinks in glass bottles, a broad wine selection (including sparkling wine), German beer on tap, and a wide array of liquor and spirits. There are a few occasional gems such as tasty German eau de vie – to be enjoyed with moderation!

Lufthansa Senator Lounge – Frankfurt (FRA) near gate Z50 (Non-Schengen)

The Senator Lounge offers many well thought out relaxation areas. For a private but dynamic vibe, pick a recliner facing the window and enjoy the tarmac activity at one of Europe’s busiest airports – a treat for plane lovers. For a more subdued and soothing experience, head further into the lounge and look for the large backlit pictures of forest scenery. Facing the fake but relaxing landscape are leather chaises with side tables and tall lamps that serve as dividers. There is also a small and coveted area with three Panasonic massaging chairs – although it’s right across the buffet and feels a bit exposed.

If you’re in need of a nap, Lufthansa has you covered, too. A dark slumber room in the back of the lounge features several day beds separated by privacy dividers. Blankets and pillows are provided, and all bunks are outfitted with a side table and coat hanger. However, the room lacks a door and noise may bleed in.

Business amenities include a large business center with work cubicles and computers, newspapers and magazines, and cell phone booths – we like the concept, but the lack of doors tends to defeat the purpose.

Lufthansa Senator Lounge – Frankfurt (FRA) near gate Z50 (Non-Schengen)

Several well-appointed shower suites are available. Intelligently designed in an “S” layout, the suites include a sink, toilet, and rain shower, and come with towels and a bathmat (but no washcloth.) Amenities such as toothbrushes, razors, combs and lotion are available upon request. The shower suites are popular and there may be a wait, so inquire early; you’ll receive a buzzer that will go off when your shower is ready.

Other amenities include bag lockers and a smoking room.

Lufthansa Senator Lounge FRA bottom line

Lufthansa Senator Lounge – Frankfurt (FRA) near gate Z50 (Non-Schengen)

The Lufthansa Senator Lounge at Frankfurt airport near gate Z50, serving passengers departing for the US, is excellent in many regards: with comfortable seating, private spaces, great food and drinks, and a wide range of amenities, it caters to virtually every travelers’ needs.

The space is brilliantly designed from an efficiency standpoint, though the décor lacks a bit of a soul. Interestingly, the Senator Lounge near gate B43, which serves passengers departing to other non-Schengen destinations except for the US, features a fun bar area and barista service, which make the space feel more alive.

The lounge does get busy and occasionally noisy at peak times, though passengers tend to congregate in the main areas, so keep walking towards the back for a quieter environment. Also, be sure to leave reasonably early: it is a long walk to the furthest gates, and you may need to go through a passport check.