Lufthansa LH455: Aircraft Type, Cabin Layout & Best Seats

Last Updated: October 2025:

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. It is not like the newer first-class suites on board Emirates Boeing 777-300ER where we find on the Emirates Game Changer. 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

Lufthansa’s Boeing 747-8 has 80 Business Class seats spread over two decks, giving business travellers a real choice between atmosphere and convenience.

🛫 Upper Deck

If you love peace and quiet, this is where you want to be.
There are 32 seats arranged in a 2-2 layout, which makes it feel smaller and more exclusive, almost like a private cabin.

🛬 Main Deck

The main deck has 48 seats in a 2-2-2 layout, similar to Lufthansa’s A340-600. It’s busier but still very comfortable and a great choice for couples or families.

👶 Travelling with a Baby?

Rows 4A/K and 10A/K (main deck) have baby bassinets in Business Class.

💡 Pro Tip

If you’re flying Business Class, pick the upper deck (rows 82 to 87) for the best experience; it’s quieter, more private, and feels more spacious.
🚫 Avoid row 88, which is right in front of the lavatories and gets the most foot traffic.

🪑 Business Class Best & Worst Seats: Quick Guide

🏷️ Cabin Section	✅ Best Seats	🚫 Avoid	💬 Why
Upper Deck	Rows 82 and 86-87	Row 88 (in front of lavatories)	Most private and quiet area; Row 88 gets constant traffic
Upper Deck (mid-cabin)	Standard comfort	Row 84 (behind refreshment bar)	Possible galley noise and foot traffic
Main Deck	4A/K and 10A/K	No major downsides	Bassinet seats — great for families
Extra note	Row 4 window seats	Row 81 (behind lavatory)	Row 81 slightly tighter with one fewer window

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.

💡 Pro Tip

If legroom is a priority, row 22 is the one to grab.
It’s the exit row, giving you noticeably more space to stretch out, ideal for taller travellers or anyone who values comfort.

👶 Travelling with a baby?
Seats 22D and 22G have baby bassinets available. Just request one during booking or check-in.

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.

🪑 Premium Economy Best & Worst Seats: Quick Guide

🏷️ Seat Type	✅ Best Seats	🚫 Avoid	💬 Why
Extra Legroom	Row 22 A/B/H/K	No major issues	Exit row seats with generous legroom
Families with Infants	22 D/G	None specific	Bassinets available
Standard Rows	23–25 A/K	Middle block seats	Middle block lacks direct aisle access

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. 

👶 Travelling with Kids?

• Row 34 has baby bassinet fittings at seats A, D, G, and K.
• Close proximity to the galley makes it convenient for snacks or milk preparation.

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.

🪑 Economy Best & Worst Seats: Quick Guide

🏷️ Seat Type	✅ Best Seats	🚫 Avoid	💬 Why
Preferred Zone (front cabin)	Rows 16–19 A/K	Row 20 A/K	Quiet and near the exit; Row 20 has no windows
Extra-legroom seats	Row 27 A/K	No specific issues	More space for taller travellers
Bulkhead / Bassinet seats	Row 34 A/D/G/K	No major downsides	Bassinets available; great for families
Main cabin windowless	No standout options	Row 33	No windows – skip if views matter

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

🏆 Best & Worst Seats on Lufthansa LH455 (Boeing 747-8)

If you’re short on time, here’s the quick version of everything above; the best and worst seats on Lufthansa LH455 in one easy table.

✈️ Cabin Class	✅ Best Seats	🚫 Avoid	💬 Why
First Class	2A, 2K	None major	Window seats with privacy; 2K offers a bassinet option
Business – Upper Deck	82, 86–87 A/K	88 A/K, 84 A/K	Quieter, more private cabin; avoid seats near lavatory or bar
Business – Main Deck	4A/K, 10A/K	81 A/K	Family-friendly bassinet seats; Row 81 tighter with fewer windows
Premium Economy	Row 22 A/B/H/K	Middle seats (23–25 D/E/F/G)	Exit-row legroom and bassinets; avoid center block if you value aisle access
Economy – Preferred Zone	Rows 16–19 A/K	Row 20 A/K	Quieter and quicker exit; Row 20 has no windows
Economy – Main Cabin	27 A/K, 34 A/D/G/K	33 A/K	27 A/K = extra legroom; 34 = bassinet; 33 = no window

Final Words

There’s something special about hearing the four engines of the Boeing 747-8 spool up; it’s a sound from another era, and Lufthansa keeps that magic alive on LH455.

This flight ticks a lot of boxes: peace and privacy up top in Business Class, a little extra space in Premium Economy, and solid comfort in Economy’s Preferred Zone if you know where to sit.

I’ve always believed that great travel isn’t just about the destination; it’s about knowing the small details that make the journey smoother. And if you’ve mastered the points game, snagging that Business or First Class seat for free is the icing on the cake.

📚 Related Reading

• Lufthansa A340-600 Seat Map, Best Seats & Unique Features
• Lufthansa Allegris: The Most Beautifully Confusing Cabin Yet
• How to Beat Jet Lag
• The Ultimate Packing List
• Unique Gifts for Travellers

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