Recently, I had the pleasure of flying from Frankfurt (FRA) to Seattle (SEA) with Condor Airlines in business class on their A330-900neo. The journey was a memorable one, marked by some excellent aspects, though not without a few bumps along the way.
Booking the Flight
This trip was booked using Alaska Airlines miles, which turned out to be a great deal. The trip was only 55,000 miles and approximately $170 in taxes and fees per ticket. Since the trip Alaska has since increased the partner reward rates and this route is slightly higher.
Pre-Flight: Lufthansa Business Class Lounge
Before boarding, I took advantage of the Lufthansa Business Class Lounge. Condor does not have its own lounges but if you book a business class ticket on Condor you can visit any of the Lufthansa business class lounges. The lounge was a welcome oasis, offering a quiet place to relax before the long flight. If you have not been to Frankfurt airport, it is a zoo. The lounge wasn’t crowded at all, allowing me to enjoy the space and amenities without any stress. The selection of food and beverages were OK, and the comfortable seating made for a perfect spot to unwind before the journey.
Boarding at Frankfurt Airport
Unfortunately, the experience took a slight downturn once it was time to board. The boarding area at Frankfurt Airport was far from ideal. We were crowded into a small corner, with very little space to move around. To add to the chaos, passengers from later boarding groups were crowding the front, making the process feel disorganized and stressful. It was a stark contrast to the calm I had experienced in the lounge.
The Flight: A330 neo Business Class
Once on board the A330 neo, my mood quickly lifted. The business-class cabin was modern, spacious, and designed with comfort in mind. The seats were fully lie-flat, providing a great option for rest during the long transatlantic flight. The in-flight entertainment system was state-of-the-art, with a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and music to keep me entertained. We ended up not sleeping since it was a day flight but certainly laid down to watch a few movies.
Since there were two of us traveling together we opted to sit in the middle seats. Every other row alternates between the middle seats close together and far apart. We were able to book the two seats close together (“honeymoon seats”) which was nice so we could talk without having to lean too far over. These also provide more privacy from the aisle. I would recommend picking these rows if traveling with a partner. For a solo traveler, I would avoid it.
One of the highlights of the flight was the service. The cabin crew was attentive, friendly, and eager to ensure that every passenger had a pleasant experience. The meal service was also top-notch, with a menu that offered a variety of gourmet options, all beautifully presented and delicious.
The A330-900neo itself was a joy to fly on. It’s a quieter aircraft, which made the flight more relaxing. The overall cabin ambiance, coupled with the thoughtful design and excellent service, made for a genuinely enjoyable journey.
Conclusion
Flying Condor Airlines in business class from Frankfurt to Seattle was a great experience overall. While the boarding process at Frankfurt Airport left something to be desired, the quality of the in-flight experience on the A330-900neo more than made up for it. The excellent service, comfortable seating, and peaceful pre-flight lounge experience all contributed to a journey that I would happily undertake again.