Which is better for long haul flights in Business Class - Lufthansa or Air France?

Author

Topic

I am looking to take a flight to Caracas in July with either Lufthansa or Air France in Business Class. I was wondering if anyone who has flown either of these two airlines can recommend which airline is better in terms of (1) service (2) seat (3) food and (4) lounges.

Both airlines offer competitve products. However, they are both angled lie-flat not proper flat bed seats. Lufthansa don't have the new lie-flat seats on all aircraft. Food wise you'll be onto a winner with Air France. Both airlines offer AVOD entertainment systems on most flights. Lounges are roughly equal. Service is slightly better with Air France. Due to the unconfirmed flat bed on a flight of this length with Lufthansa, I'd fly Air France.

Greatest of respect to flyboy, but Air France do not have their new seats on all aircraft, and think LH has a greater percentage of coverage. Food used to be better with AF, but their standards are now below LH in my opinion. For transatlantic flights have used LH 7 times in 2006, AF just 5 times and now use mostly BA (although more expensive!). Service is inconsistent for both LH and AF, and you are right to say that their airport lounges for both are simply terrible.

Air France and Lufthansa offer both angeld-lie flat seats. As far as I know, there is only a few 747-400´s which are still flying the old seats, but the Airbus fleet has been refitted, so it is sure that you will experience the new seats on the flight to Caracas.

I flew to Caracas in March business class, and they do offer their new Biz class product - in fact they are rolled out on all their A340/A330 aircrafts. Only the old dinosaurs (B747-400) are partially fitted. Service was I'd say good (still rate them better over AF), definitely not BA, SQ or TG standards. Food was good but for a business class product, lacked that wow factor offered by the abovementioned carriers, FA efficient, polite and I'd say a bit too corporate but helpful and pleasant. Lounge in FRA crowded and not very inspiring. In CCS they share the AA Admiral's Club lounge, nothing to write home about. But I'd tip towards LH

I have experienced both Mexico City I prefer AF particularly because crew member availaibiltiy and friendliness is a lot better there (maybe am I not objective as native French speaking, though I also speack Geman). I agree with Flyboy and pondman statement regarding seatings and inconstitency of service though. Furthermore, if you dont have a Star alliance gold card, then you should not expect much from the LH lounges. (in paris they removed the smoking areas, which gives additional space in the lounges for AF). Personally I flew several times KLM, and I think they offer the best service in business class (lie flat seat, inflights entertainement, acceptable catering) and small business class cabin (in LH you really feel like in the coach cabin though in Business class). and all that for much reasonable prices than AF or LH.

Personally, I'd choose Air France any day. I agree that disappointment is possible with both, but so far I have been rather lucky with AF (I'd say 90% satisfied out of about 20 long haul segments last year) and rather unlucky with LH (about 50% out of 15). I like AF food and entertainment better and find their staff nicer. Seats are, as mentioned, roughly equal, so are lounges, and both CDG and FRA are pretty dismal airports to connect through. enjoy your trip!

All planes that fly the route to Caracas with AF have the new seats so i would certaily go with AF

I have been flying noth new business class, I prefered Air France, much more sympathic crew and better food! Connecting in CDG is no fun but Frankfurt can be a nightmare too, if over Munich it is fine. That said check carefully which plane you fly with, both airlines have the same drawback, the new business class is not on all aircrafts!

I think the LH seats are more confortable in Business Class than Air France. The food is better on Air France but they are less punctual and have poorer baggage handling Check with both whether or not they offer their new Business Class product before booking Lounges much of a muchness at CDG and FRA but Munich LH is very good I think LH service is more efficient

I have flown both airlines to Johannesburg in recent years and much preffered Air France to Lufthansa due to proffesionalism of flight crew and more comortable seating, although this was on the old type business class seats. Food was also better and cannot complain at all.

Sorry, but there are still some 777-200 that have not been retrofitted (four at last count). According to AF promises (but they are two years late on retrofitting schedule), those remaining planes should have new seats by july. Transitting in CDG can be very unpleasant as there are many distant terminals and many flights use buses not jetways.