On Tuesday, we reported that
Boeing was now overdue for delivering 43 widebody aircraft to Lufthansa
. However, this isn’t the only delay 
Lufthansa
faces due to an external party. The airline is currently completely remodeling its first class check-in area at 
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
.
According to information published by Lufthansa a year ago, the new area was due to open to eligible passengers in “fall 2024.” Simple Flying now understands from the airline that the reopening has been pushed three-quarters of a year to Summer 2025 due to the extensive technical renovations required.
Extensive technical renovations are required
It seems as though the project to bring a new first class check-in area to Frankfurt Airport is slightly more complicated than Lufthansa and the airport had first envisioned. Noticing that the new area did not seem close to opening on a recent trip through the airport, Simple Flying sought clarification from the airline, who told us,
Due to extensive technical renovations in the entire Lufthansa First Class area in Terminal 1, Hall A at Frankfurt Airport, the reopening has been postponed until summer 2025. The work is progressing well, and the new flooring is currently being laid.
What to expect from the new check-in area
While the check-in area works are ongoing, eligible customers are currently required to use a rebranded area of business class check-in desks. These desks (121-124) are almost identical to the check-in for other passengers, but Lufthansa wants to change this with the new check-in area.
According to the airline, the completed area will offer “an exclusive waiting area” and “a changing room with repacking facilities, elegant high tables with seating, and service bars with assistance from Lufthansa staff.” The area would also have a dedicated terminal entrance, similar to the 
Emirates
business and first class check-in zone at 
Dubai International Airport (DXB)
.
Photo: Dubai Airports
Who is the new area aimed at?
It would make sense that the “first class” check-in area would be aimed at passengers flying in first class. While these passengers would be able to use the facility, ultimately, it is more aimed at those who are flying with the Lufthansa Group and have Senator status in the Miles & More
or 
Star Alliance
Gold status.
|
Passenger Status |
First Class Terminal |
First class check-in |
|---|---|---|
|
First class passenger |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Hon Circle |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Senator |
No |
Yes |
|
Star Alliance Gold |
No |
Yes |
Photo: Lufthansa
In Frankfurt, Lufthansa already has an entire terminal dedicated to first class Lufthansa Group passengers and Hon Circle members of the Miles & More scheme. It would make more sense for these passengers to use the First Class Terminal, given that it is even more exclusive. However, Lufthansa Group passengers who are unaware of the First Class Terminal may still use the new facility. There is also the possibility that an eligible passenger may prefer to travel through the main terminal for one reason or another.
