The bad news and good news about Lufthansa First Class – for travelers with and without miles & points
In this business, like any other, it's easy to get spoiled. You're scoring big one day, and then things change – like they always do – and the opportunities vanish like a thief in the night.
The Bad News First
Such has been the case with Lufthansa First Class recently. First Class tickets that once cost just $2,960 were practically falling from the sky – the same tickets that otherwise retail for as much as $16,133 each.
But the airline recently switched to dynamic pricing, and now First Class redemptions have nearly doubled:
- Old pricing: 115,000 miles + $200 in taxes each way
- New pricing: 163,889 miles + $1,153.50 in taxes (New York/Newark to Frankfurt)
- From LAX: Add another 20,000 miles on top
Given that Lufthansa miles cost about 1.38¢ when on sale, that puts First Class round-trips at $6,830. While this still saves you 56% through the airline's Bundle&Go strategy (buying miles and immediately redeeming them), this deal now works for far fewer travelers.
The great availability that made the Bundle&Go deal so attractive? That ship has sailed.
So, what now?
Plan B: The Partner Program Strategy (the Good News)
The loss of one of the best deals in premium air travel reminded me of the way we used to book Lufthansa First Class – and it still works brilliantly.
Lufthansa allows its partners' loyalty program members to book First Class seats starting 14 days before departure. Availability is hit or miss, but if you're determined enough, you can score.
Your Best Booking Options to Get
$16,133 First Class Tickets Close-In
Using Miles OR Points
Air Canada Aeroplan
- 90,000 to 100,000 miles + $28.50 in taxes each way (at the lowest pricing)
- Miles can be purchased during frequent sales
Avianca LifeMiles
- 100,000 to 108,000 miles + $57 in taxes each way (at the lowest pricing)
- Miles can be purchased during frequent sales
United MileagePlus
- 140,000 to 165,000 miles + $5.60 each way (at the lowest pricing)
- Note: Buying miles is a much better deal via Air Canada
Transferable Points Options
American Express Membership Rewards
- Transfer to Air Canada Aeroplan
- 90,000 to 100,000 points needed each way
Capital One Miles
- Transfer to Air Canada Aeroplan
- 90,000 to 100,000 points needed each way
Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Transfer to Air Canada Aeroplan
- 90,000 to 100,000 points needed each way
No Miles or Points? No Problem.
How to Get $16,133 First Class Tickets to Europe for $2,523 R/T
Air Canada runs sales every six to 12 weeks, with miles priced around 1.37¢ each. Their website is much easier to navigate than LifeMiles, which also offers more frequent sales, and their customer service is significantly better. Additionally, Air Canada often has better availability of Lufthansa First Class seats.
Let's look at the potential savings using this strategy:
Air Canada Aeroplan Strategy
First Class to Europe R/T for $2,654 with LifeMiles
If you're between Air Canada sales, be aware that LifeMiles runs promotions more frequently.
Here's your backup plan:
Who Can Benefit from Last-Minute Availability?
This strategy works particularly well for three types of travelers:
- The Last-Minute Opportunity TravelerThose flexible enough to book when space opens up within 14 days of departure.
- The Upgrade SeekerAlready have an award ticket in a lesser class? Cancel and rebook when First Class opens up.
- The Mixed-Cabin Strategist
Can't find round-trip First Class availability? Book Lufthansa First Class for your overnight flight to Europe and return in Business Class during the day.
Lufthansa First Class Availability Cheat Sheet
Understanding availability patterns is crucial for success. Here's what we found after daily research over the last month. It will inevitably change. The most important thing to keep in mind is the patterns.
High Availability Routes (Best Bets)
New York (JFK) - Munich
- Outbound: Within 3 days of departure, solid 2-6 seats available
- Return: Within 3 days of departure, solid 2-6 seats available
New York (JFK) - Frankfurt
- Outbound: Within 4 days of departure, often up to 5 seats
- Return: Within 4 days of departure, often up to 5 seats
Washington - Frankfurt
- Outbound: Within 3 days of departure, frequently up to 5 seats
- Return: Within 3 days of departure, frequently up to 5 seats
Washington - Munich
- Outbound: Within 3 days of departure, often up to 5 seats
- Return: Within 3 days of departure, often up to 5 seats
Moderate Availability Routes
Boston - Munich
- Outbound: 1-3 days prior to departure, typically 2-5 seats
- Return: 1-3 days prior to departure, typically 2-5 seats
Newark - Frankfurt
- Outbound: Within 2 days, good 1-3 seat availability
- Return: Within 2 days, good 1-3 seat availability
Los Angeles - Frankfurt
- Outbound: Within 3 days of departure, sporadic 1-3 seats
- Return: Within 3 days of departure, sporadic 1-3 seats
San Francisco - Frankfurt
- Outbound: Within 3 days, often up to 4 seats
- Return: Limited availability
Challenging Routes
Chicago - Frankfurt
- Outbound: Within 3 days of departure, sporadic 2-7 seats
- Return: Almost no availability
Houston - Frankfurt
- Outbound: Within 3 days of departure, sporadic 2-6 seats
- Return: Very limited
Los Angeles - Munich
- Outbound: Within 3 days of departure, sporadic 1-2 seats
- Return: Scattered single-seat availability
Miami - Frankfurt
- Outbound: Occasionally up to 14 days prior, intermittent 3-seat availability
- Return: Scattered single-seat availability
The Bottom Line
While Lufthansa's switch to dynamic pricing has eliminated one great deal, savvy travelers still have excellent options. By leveraging partner programs and buying miles during sales, you can fly Lufthansa First Class for 79%-84% off retail prices.
The key to success? Flexibility, persistence, and understanding the availability patterns. Check availability regularly within the 14-day window, and be ready to book immediately when space opens up.
At $2,523 to $3,162 round-trip for an experience that normally costs $14,782 to $16,133, this remains one of the best luxury travel values available – if you know how to work the system.
See you up front.