The Lufthansa Group is on a roll. A few weeks ago, SWISS unveiled three new glorious lounges at Zurich airport Concourse E with high-end catering. At Heathrow airport, the German flag carrier is renovating their lounges. And at their Munich hub, Lufthansa is also about to enhance the passenger experience with a brand new satellite building and an expanded First Class checkin area. Finally, new contract lounges are welcoming passengers around the world.
An expanded worldwide contract lounge network
New lounges are now available around the world for Lufthansa elite and premium passengers.
- Passenger departing from Orlando (MCO) may now use the brand new The Club at MCO lounge in Terminal 4, which offers a stylish seating area as well as showers and a family room.
The Club at MCO – Orlando, FL (MCO) | © Copyright Airport Lounge Development
- At Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Lufthansa passengers may use the Aspire Lounge, where they will find comfortable seating and a range of snacks.
- At Cancun airport (CUN), passengers now benefit from the small but comfortable Mera Business Lounge Terminal 3.
- At Malé, Maldives (MLE), Lufthansa’s customers have access to the Leeli Lounge (former Plaza Premium lounge) and Neeri Lounge, which both serve hot food.
- Passengers flying from Mauritius (MRU) enjoy access to the brand new Air Mauritius Amédée Maingard Lounge.
- Finally, with the recent opening of the Avianca Lounge at Miami airport (MIA) in January operated by fellow Star Alliance member Avianca, Lufthansa passengers have a new option when they depart from the Sunshine State.
Avianca Lounge – Miami, FL (MIA) | © Avianca
Improved passenger facilities at Munich airport (MUC)
In approximately four weeks, around mid-March, First Class and HON passengers will benefit from an expanded check-in area at Munich airport. The First Class check-in counters will also serves Star Alliance Gold customers.
Lufthansa Senator Café – Munich (MUC)
Lufthansa is also preparing to open a new satellite terminal. Construction is wrapping up, with simulations underway involving volunteers who “fly” in and out of the terminal to help iron out issues with passenger flow, signage and computer systems.
In the new satellite building, 4,000 sq. ft. will be dedicated to lounges with two Business Lounges and two Senator Lounges. A testament to Lufthansa’s commitment to First Class and HON ground service, the new building will also be home to a 1,000 sq. ft. First Class lounge on the top floor, with private rooms and workspaces, gorgeous bathrooms, a cigar bar, a full service restaurant, and car transfer to the aircraft.
For more details, read our blog post on the new terminal at Munich airport.
London Heathrow (LHR) lounge kitchen closures
As of February 15th, 2016, the kitchen that serves the Lufthansa Business Lounge and Lufthansa Senator Lounge at London Heathrow airport will be closed for eight weeks for renovations. Do & Co, the gourmet caterer which provides services at Lufthansa’s flagship lounges, will continue to provide soups and salads, but the overall food selection will be limited, especially the range of hot dishes.
Lufthansa Business Lounge – London Heathrow (LHR)
A fun fact: Lufthansa initially published an announcement on their web site promising to offer one-time passes to the Plaza Premium Lounge as compensation for the inconvenience. The Plaza Premium lounge is the only independent lounge in Terminal 2.
It sounded too good to be true. While the Plaza Premium Lounge suffers from a total lack of natural light, it’s a lovely club with an elegant design and a generous hot buffet with a variety of hot dishes. Best of all, it has shower suites, unlike the Lufthansa lounges. The idea that Lufthansa would pay for access to an independent lounge as compensation for reduced food service felt somewhat excessive and unjustified.
In an amusing change of heart, Lufthansa quickly updated their statement. The statement now reads: “Unfortunately the range of hot meals available during the renovation period may therefore not be as extensive as usual. By way of recompense, our guests will receive a little ‘Gugelhupf‘ bundt cake at the lounge reception desk.” Something tells us that’s a much, much more cost effective option 😉
Plaza Premium Lounge – London Heathrow (LHR) Terminal 2
Featured photo: Lufthansa Business Lounge – London Heathrow (LHR)