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Prologue:

Unlike other members who have been able to resume flying again after a long pause, I am still stuck on the ground and reminisce about past trips. This time I will report on a special trip flying on the 747-400.

in 2009 I decided to go to Israel and at the same time try LH F in hopes of visiting their First Class Terminal after reading so many praises from travelers. I went via FRA and after some much needed relaxation in the pool of the hotel the night before, I woke up somewhat refreshed at 0500A and decided to get an early start and have breakfast at the LH F Terminal.

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I made my way to the station to catch the S8 train and within a few minutes I arrived at the airport. I headed towards the LH F counter where a smiling agent greeted me and issued my boarding pass. I asked if one could walk to the F Terminal and she pointed me in the direction of the building instructing me to walk outside towards it for a couple of minutes It took me less than 10 minutes to get there and when I finally arrived I viewed the imposing building from below. It sure looked impressive and I couldn't wait to get inside its exclusive confines. It sure resembled a heavenly mirage amidst the busy and chaotic turmoil of its surroundings.

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I rang the bell and a voice instructed me to wait for my assistant to escort me inside. In about 2 minutes Kate arrived and welcomed me. She was professionally groomed and had the look of a model. So far the first impression has been great. Then I was escorted through security where the process was performed efficiently and in a very dignified way unlike the mass herding that one is accustomed to at most US airports. Kate asked for my passport and then showed me where to drop my bags. She wished me a good stay and said that she will be back to check on me later on.

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Right after security there is a small duty free shop to the left followed by the entrance to the lounge. Upon entering the bar and dining area are to the right and the office cubicles to the left. Overall it is quite a spacious setting and I proceeded to have some breakfast from the nicely stocked buffet. There is a chef on premise making sure that items were restocked frequently and available for any special orders. There is also a Cigar Room for smokers as well as relaxation rooms and showers.

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Office cubicle.

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Kate eventually came back and escorted me once again through security. I guess this is a formality for all TLV bound psgrs. Afterwards I was directed to passport control and then was introduced to the driver that took me in a Mercedes sedan directly to the plane. The ride from the terminal to the gate was a rare treat that I enjoyed. One seldom has the opportunity to get so close to the aircrafts and have a first look at ramp activities. Once we reached the gate where I saw the 744 majestically parked my driver escorted me through the stairs in the back of the jetbridge and carried my bag all the way to the upper deck by my seat. He then introduced me to the two flight attendants working the F cabin who immediatedly welcomed me and helped me settle down.

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My plane at the gate.

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Today's flight was going to be a very special one as it turned out that I was the only passenger in F. How often does one get this luxury to have an entire cabin to oneself? Although I am no stranger to traveling in F on intercontinental flights I must admit that I don't indulge in it as often as I would like and the very few times that I am fortunate enough to enjoy it I cherish the experience dearly. And no matter how often I fly in Business class there is just no comparison.

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So I settle into my seat and the FA brings me some macadamia nuts and a drink. A minute later the captain passes by and welcomes me onboard. While still on the ground I receive my amenity kit pajama and menu set. I peruse the choices for lunch and everything looks enticing. I am ready to partake in this Lucullian feast.

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Having some time to spare before departure I take out my camera and decide to take pictures of the cabin to document today's journey.

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Once we took off and leveled at 35000 feet the FA started the service and set up the carts even though there was only one passenger. I was offered a red rose - a hallmark of LH F's service since the 50's (maybe late 40's or early 50's) followed by an amuse bouche consisting of pear on top of phyllo pastry with blue cheese.

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Since caviar was featured as an appetizer I couldn't refuse such an offer and I had it along with the Smoked Tuna and the Beetroot with Comte cheese.

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Appetizer cart.

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For the main course I opted for the seasonal Goose which proved to be outstanding. The meat was cooked to perfect tenderness and the sides were delicious.

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After the main course I chose some Crotin and Coutances cheese with grapes and finished with the Delicacy of Chocolate along with a glass of Tokay.

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At one point during the meal service the FA who was serving me apologized that she had to go to the Business class section to help out but assured me that her colleague will look after me. When she returned she made sure that I was taken care of and I appreciated her professional demeanor throughout the whole trip.

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To conclude the meal service in style the FA rolled out the cart with liquors and a box of chocolates with unusual flavors such as cactus pear green tea or mango among others. The service provided was flawless in every aspect and the dishes were nicely presented and prepared.

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After the meal I strolled around the cabin for a bit and checked out the WC's. To my surprise the rear WC in the upper deck had a window.

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Tel Aviv

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Jerusalem.

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Making some new friends.

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Waiting for Goddard.

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========== Frankfurt Intl (FRA) - ==========



Security/Immigration efficiency: 9/10
Access and parking: 9/10
Services and activities: 9/10
General cleanliness: 10/10

========== Lufthansa First Class Terminal ==========



Staff Service: 10/10
Entertainment: 10/10
Business Center: /10
Food: 10/10
Lounge Design: 10/10
Spa and Bathroom: 10/10
Wifi: 10/10

========== Lufthansa - Airline ==========



Cabine comfort: 10/10
Crew: 10/10
Entertainment: 10/10
On-time performance: 10/10
Appetizer: 10/10
Starter: 10/10
Main Meal: 10/10
Main Meal-2: 0/10
Cheese: 9/10
Desserts: 9/10
Alcohols: 10/10
Mid-flight snack: 0/10
Breakfast or light meal before arrival: 0/10

========== Ben Gurion Intl Arpt (TLV) - ==========



Security/Immigration efficiency: 9/10
Access and parking: 8/10
Services and activities: 9/10
General cleanliness: 9/10

Summary:

I was glad to try LH F and visit their famous F/C Terminal. The flight experience and the lounge facility did not disappoint. Although the catering was excellent, it was not as outstanding as the one I had flying LX from MIA-ZRH in 2001. Nevertheless, LH F is a great product and I can imagine that it is even better now with their new F seats

The FA serving me on this flight was amazing and it was a joy to be a passenger under her care. She was proactive, professional, engaging and a great hostess.

Once we landed in TLV my carry on was waiting for me by the stairs and one of the FA's escorted me downstairs. Upon seeing me descend, the FA's in the lower deck stopped the psgrs from exiting in order to allow me through the door first. Now that is service!



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