Well, I didn’t think I would be writing one of these this year….but it’s time for a snapshot, looking at the passenger experience on Lufthansa 959 between Birmingham and Frankfurt.
For those who have forgotten, we have two major travel writing styles:
- Trip Reports – These are full deep-dive reports taking you into the experience and the small things… as well as the big things!
- Snapshots – These are bite-sized reviews that show you the basic product in some nice gentle headlines (and normally, only images shot on the phone
Check-in
Check-in was conducted electronically. At Booking, Seat 18A was selected. I swapped this for 8A to increase the physical distancing.
At the airport
Entering Birmingham airport, one way routes are in use. Temperature scans are carried out too on entry into the terminal.
Entering Birmingham airport, one-way routes are in use. Temperature scans are carried out too on entry into the terminal.
Mask wearing compliance was high, with only a few people who had taken off their masks or using their masks as mouth guards/chin guards.
Security
Security was extremely slow, due to reduced lanes being used. Note, that in the U.K., liquids over 100ml are not accepted for security. This includes hand sanitiser.
Departures
People were respecting physical distancing in the departure areas, with shops employing one-ways systems where possible.
Boarding
Boarding was from Gate 48 at Birmingham airport. Boarding pass and identity checks were carried out here. Hand wipes were handed out on boarding the aircraft.
The aircraft
It’s a Lufthansa Airbus A320neo that would be doing the heavy lift between Birmingham and Frankfurt.
The seat
This is one of the more classic examples, with the cabin being fitted with Neu Europa Kabin searing (Recaro seats). Pitch was about 30”
Connectivity and IFE
Even though this is one of the newer aircraft in the Lufthansa fleet, no In-flight entertainment server was installed, nor was there Wi-fi available.
Service
Service was carried out by trolley. A limited service of tea, coffee and water was given. No half sandwich today.
Landing
The aircraft landed successfully at Frankfurt, taxing onto a stand at the Schengen gates.
Disembarkation was by groups of rows, disembarking at the rear. Passengers asked to remain seated until their row was called.
A bus transfer to the terminal was waiting 
Immigration
Immigration was a pain, as my passport had managed to become unreadable again, with a second form of identification requested.
The full review, coming soon.
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