I love traveling on the old retro Boeing 747. There is something about the “Queen of the Skies” that makes every journey feel special. Lufthansa LH455, which operates between San Francisco and Frankfurt, uses this iconic aircraft for the route.
The aircraft type for this flight is a quad jet Boeing 747-8. This flight, LH455, departs daily from San Francisco at 14:40 and lands in Frankfurt the next morning at 10:25. It is a 10-hour and 45-minute journey. For those flying this route, you are up for an experience aboard one of the most iconic planes still in the skies.
Let’s take a look inside as well as the seat maps, and also which seats to select and which to avoid.
Lufthansa LH455 – A Boeing 747-8
Lufthansa currently operates 27 Boeing 747-8 aircraft, making it one of the few airlines still flying the jumbo jet. Known for its size and power, the Boeing 747-8 is a quad jet, meaning it has four engines.
This gives it the range and capability to fly long-haul routes such as San Francisco to Frankfurt. Its design is also distinct, featuring both a main deck and an upper deck. For aviation enthusiasts, the upper deck of this aircraft is particularly special, offering more privacy and a quieter cabin experience.
Cabin Classes & Seat Map of 747
Lufthansa has 4 classes on board this Boeing 747-8. It has 8 First Class Seats, 80 Business Class Seats (32 in the upper deck and 48 in the main deck).
It has 32 premium economy and 244 Economy Seats. Of these, 36 economy seats are located in the preferred seating area directly behind business class.
First Class: A Private Experience
Lufthansa’s Boeing 747-8 offers 8 seats in First Class, all located on the main deck. The layout is designed for maximum comfort and privacy.
It has 6 single window seats located at A and K, and 2 middle aisle seats at G and D.
The best seats for a more private experience are along the windows, allowing passengers to relax and enjoy the view. The first class is an open plan cabin unlike the newer first-class suites on board Emirates Boeing 777-300ER where we find with the Emirates Game Changer for example. In fact, you would probably find more privacy flying the Qatar QSuites in Business class than the first class cabin of this particular Lufthansa aircraft.
For those traveling with an infant, seat 2K is equipped with a baby bassinet. This level of attention to detail makes First Class on Lufthansa’s 747-8 a comfortable and convenient choice for families as well as solo travellers.
Business Class: Main Deck and Upper Deck Options
For business travellers, the Boeing 747-8 offers 80 Business Class seats, divided between the upper and lower decks. There are 32 seats on the upper deck, which provide a more intimate and private atmosphere due to the smaller cabin size.
The lower deck has 48 seats, arranged in a 2-2-2 configuration. This is similar to the current A340 600 layout that Lufthansa has. For those seeking a bit more privacy, the upper deck is the place to be.
Business Class Seats:
The upper deck’s standout rows are 82 and 86-87. These rows are away from the bathrooms and refreshment bars, making them quieter and less busy.
Row 88 is located directly in front of the bathrooms, which could be less desirable due to foot traffic.
Similarly, row 84 is situated directly behind the refreshment bar, which might be noisy at times.
Row 81 is positioned right behind the front bathroom and offers slightly less space than other rows.
Additionally, it has one fewer window compared to other seats on the upper deck. For families with infants, rows 4A, 4K, 10A, and 10K on the main deck offer baby bassinet seats. This adds convenience for those traveling with small children.
Premium Economy: Extra Comfort at a Reasonable Price
For passengers looking for something more comfortable than Economy but less costly than Business Class, Lufthansa’s Premium Economy is a solid choice.
There are 32 seats in this cabin, offering more legroom and wider seats than standard Economy. Unlike Lufthansa’s A340 300 Premium Economy which has a 2-3-2 seat configuration, the seat map on this flight on board the Boeing 747-8 is 2-4-2.
Row 22 is especially notable because it is an exit row, providing additional legroom. Seats 22D and 22G are equipped with baby bassinets, making them a good option for families. Premium Economy is designed to offer passengers more comfort during long-haul flights like LH455 without the higher cost of a Business Class ticket. In fact the new Lufthansa Allegris premium economy on board the A350-900 feels like you’re in business.
Lufthansa Boeing 747 -8 Economy Class:
Lufthansa’s Boeing 747-8 is designed to accommodate a wide range of passengers. Its 244 Economy Class seats are spread out in a way that balances comfort with affordability.
Out of these 244 seats, 36 are located in the preferred zone, which is situated directly behind Business Class. These preferred zone seats can be a great choice for those wanting to disembark faster upon landing, as they are located closer to the front of the aircraft.
The rest of the Economy Class seats are located behind Premium Economy. A few rows stand out for specific features. For instance, row 27 offers extra legroom making it a comfortable option for taller passengers.
Row 34 is a bulkhead seat, which provides more legroom and is located directly behind the galley. The seats in this row also offer baby bassinet options, with seats 34K, 34A, 34G, and 34D equipped for this purpose. Families traveling with young children may find this row especially convenient due to the extra space and the proximity to the galley for easy access to snacks or drinks.
What are preferred Seats?
On Lufthansa’s Boeing 747-8, preferred seating refers to a specific section of Economy Class located directly behind the Business Class cabin. On this aircraft, 36 seats are designated as preferred seating, typically found in rows 16 to 20. These seats are considered more desirable for several reasons:
- Proximity to the front of the aircraft: Preferred seats are closer to the exit. This allows passengers to disembark faster upon arrival. It is especially convenient for those with tight connections or who want to spend less time waiting to leave the plane. This private section also works well for travellers who suffer travel anxiety as the galley, toilets and cabin crew are all within reach.
- Quieter cabin: Because this section is right behind Business Class, it tends to be quieter than the rest of the Economy cabin. This makes it a more peaceful choice for travellers who want a quieter experience.
- Slightly more legroom: Preferred seating often has marginally more legroom than standard Economy seats. However it’s not as spacious as Premium Economy or exit row seats.
Windowless Seats
It’s worth noting that row 20, within the preferred seating zone in economy class, is windowless. This could be disappointing for those hoping to enjoy the view.
In the main economy cabin, Row 33 is also windowless. If a view is important to you, this row should be avoided.
Flying Lufthansa LH455
One of the main advantages of flying Lufthansa’s LH455 is its daily mid lunch time flights which makes it convenient for both business and leisure travellers. The departure time of 14:40 from San Francisco allows for a relaxed morning before the flight. The arrival time of 10:25 the following day in Frankfurt makes it easy to connect to other flights within Europe or continue your day in Germany.
The availability of baby bassinet seats in multiple cabins ensures that families with young children are well taken care of, while passengers traveling solo or for business can enjoy the privacy and quiet of the upper deck in Business Class or the spaciousness of First Class.
Final Words
Lufthansa LH455 offers a flying experience on one of the world’s most iconic aircraft, the Boeing 747-8. With 27 of these planes in its fleet, Lufthansa continues to provide passengers with the comfort and reliability they expect. Whether you are looking for extra privacy on the upper deck in Business Class or traveling with your family in Economy, this flight offers something for everyone. If you are a points collector like me, you could grab a business or first class seat free which adds to the ultimate travel experience.
