Disclaimer: This is not my first time flying with Lufthansa in economy, however, this is my first time reviewing it.
My first flights of 2023 involved me flying with an airline I had mixed feelings about. Lufthansa are an airline that, in my view, are overrated and conform to stereotypes about Germany, straight to the point, blunt service and overpriced.
I found a cheap offer for flights from Glasgow to Ljubljana and decided to give them another chance, but would my opinions be changed by this flight?
Flight Details
Date – 13/01/2023 & 16/01/2023
Route – Ljubljana – Frankfurt – Glasgow
Departure Time – 1050
Price – £165 (£85 voucher & £80 cash)
Aircraft Types – Airbus A319 and Bombardier CRJ900
Although I travelled in economy in both directions, this review will specifically focus on my return flight from Ljubljana.
Getting to the Airport – this review was nearly a lot shorter.
My intention was to board the 0810 arriva bus to the airport, arriving at 0845. However, due to the snow that had fell overnight this service as cancelled.
With this in mind I decided to travel on the 0830 bus to the airport, arriving at 0910, but, like the first service this did not arrive. After using Google to find alternative options I realised there was only one more bus to get me to the airport. This service should have departed at 0845 and arrived at 0930.
This service should have been operated by a company called NOMAGO, however, this service was also cancelled due to the weather.
Realising I was running out of options I faced a dilemma, pay for a taxi outside the station that might charge me a very high rate, or attempt to order one.
I found a taxi company online with an app and order one, this arrived at 0930 and got me to the airport approximately 45 minutes later.
Ljubljana Airport in 15 minutes, no chance!
I did not have a bag to check so ran upstairs to security hoping the queue was short. Thankfully I was the only person and the staff were already waiting.
I was through in less than 60 seconds and was at my gate just as boarding began.
I made the flight, €40 out of pocket, but that was better than the €700 rebooking cost, so small victories.
Flight 1 – Lufthansa Cityline LH1459
My first flight was scheduled to depart at 1050, however, this was delayed by 43 minutes to allow for de-icing.
Upon boarding the cabin crew were standing at the door greeting every passenger. I quickly found my seat and was able to fit my backpack under the seat in front.
The flight was nearly full, however, the seat next to me was empty, which is a benefit as the cabin on these aircraft is very small and tight.
After the seatbelt sign was turned off the cabin crew begin the inflight service. On this flight economy passengers are offered a complimentary bottle of water, however, additional drinks and snacks can be purchased onboard.
After this service was completed, the cabin crew passed through the cabin and identified passengers who had connecting flights that would be impacted by the delay. Although my connection was not impacted, it was great to see the crew offer this advice, particularly to non-experienced travellers.
Upon landing, the captain announced that Lufthansa had organised a private transfer for passengers travelling to Manchester to ensure they made the flight. I have never seen this offered before, however, this must be a relief to the passengers who needed it.
Five hours in Frankfurt – pack something to do!
Frankfurt is an airport that is impossible for me to recommend a good layover time. On this trip I had 5 hours 35 minutes between flights, unfortunately, it took me less than 15 minutes to clear the border and transfer concourses.
In my experience, you will always find somewhere to sit in the terminal, however, there is a lack of affordable catering in all concourses of the terminal (a bottle of coke is €4.50, so be prepared).
I would also recommend regularly checking the screens within the terminal, as the gate for my flight to Glasgow changed three times during my layover.
Flight 2 – Lufthansa LH974
My final flight of the trip was scheduled to depart at 1740. We departed at 1752, which is perfectly acceptable for an international flight from such a busy airport.
Upon boarding the cabin crew were standing at the door greeting every passenger. I quickly found my seat and was able to fit my backpack under the seat in front.
The flight was approximately 80% full, and the seat next to me was once again free.
After the seatbelt sign was turned off the cabin crew begin the inflight service. Like the previous service, this consisted of a free bottle of water, and snacks available for purchase. I have a problem with this service, why is the water given in a plastic bottle when alternatives are available? If aviation wants to be come more sustainable it needs to take everything into consideration.
Wi-Fi was available on this flight, at a cost of €14 for four hours. I did not pay for this, however, I was still able to access an in-flight map of our live location to track our progress throughout the trip.
On approach to Glasgow one of the crew passed through the cabin and offered passengers a free piece of Lufthansa chocolate. This is something unique to the Lufthansa group, and is a small thing that sets them apart from their competition.
Arriving in Glasgow
We arrived in Glasgow at 1833, which was 12 minutes ahead of schedule. We were quickly off the aircraft and in the terminal.
This has to be the fastest I have ever got through Glasgow Airport, with no queues at the border and no baggage to collect, I was out the airport in time for the 1858 bus to Paisley.
My only suggestion for Glasgow Airport would be to add a public transport information screen in the international arrivals area, to allow tourists to access the information quickly.
So, did my opinion of Lufthansa change?
Yes, and in a good way.
My experiences on this trip really showed the best of Lufthansa, and how when things go wrong they are able to communicate and assist passengers. All of the crew created a very welcoming environment and the passion they have for their jobs made a fantastic experience.
I would have no issue booking another Lufthansa flight in the future, and would now have no issue recommending them to you.
This may also be a surprise to some, but this experience was on the same level as my business class flights with Lufthansa last year (you can read that review here).
George Nugent Travels 
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