by Lufthansa Flyer | Dec 5, 2011 | Uncategorized |
BMI has quietly launched a miles sale for its Diamond Club members.
If you are a Diamond Club Member, you can receive a 50% bonus when you buy miles between December 5 and 11. Not a bad deal if you need to buy up miles to get to a redemption level.
I’m going to take advantage of this for my account as well as for the 5 family members in my family plan. Remember, you can buy miles for up to 8 members in a family plan, then transfer the miles to one account for redemption.
BMI historically has some of the best redemption rates for international business class and first class travel on Star Alliance Partners. With BMI Diamond Club still fully functioning until at least April, there’s plenty of time for redemption opportunities. And once Diamond Club’s fate is determined with Lufthansa’s sale of BMI the miles no doubt will still be valid where ever they wind up.
I would not hesitate to buy miles, especially if you’re going to use them in the short term!
Visit your BMI DC account for more details. If you are not a DC member, you can join by visiting www.Flybmi.com. New members get 1000 miles for signing up.
by Lufthansa Flyer | Dec 1, 2011 | Uncategorized |
Now that my UA SWU cleared for the 15 hours to HKG, I feel like I can put some thoughts together. I guess I won on the battlefield today!
In a press release this morning Lufthansa announced it is teaming up with Mandarin Oriental for 2012 to be the Culinary partner for First and Business Class Meals for Lufthansa flights that origninate in the USA.
Since I’m trying to post from an IPad, my edit cababilities are limited (or maybe its user error). But I have cut and pasted the press release from Lufthansa, and from what I gather, it looks like we’ll be eating well next year!!
PRESS RELEASE:
Lufthansa and Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group establish culinary partnership in the U.S.
East Meadow, NY (December 1, 2011) – Beginning January 2012, a new fine-dining experience at 30,000 feet awaits First and Business Class travelers flying on Lufthansa. Through an exclusive partnership with the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, premium guests traveling from the airline’s 17 U.S. gateways to Germany will select from dishes especially created by award-winning chefs at Mandarin Oriental properties in San Francisco, New York and Miami. This collaboration is part of the unparalleled Lufthansa “Star Chefs” program, which began 12 years ago and consists of imaginative in-flight menus created by top chefs from all over the world.
“Premium passengers want to be able to sit back, relax and enjoy fine-dining quality cuisine as they fly on a long-haul journey,” said Jürgen Siebenrock, Lufthansa Vice President The Americas. “After nine months of extensive testing, intense planning, detailed discussions and the tasting of all possible culinary offerings, the collaboration between Lufthansa and Mandarin Oriental came to fruition with a first-rate product that takes the program to an entirely new level,” Siebenrock added.
The featured Mandarin Oriental chefs from Lufthansa’s 2012 “Star Chef” program in the U.S. include: Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco Executive Sous Chef Annie Hongkham; Mandarin Oriental, New York Executive Chef Toni Robertson; and Mandarin Oriental, Miami Chef de Cuisine Joel Huff. Each chef will be featured in two month time frames, which is especially beneficial to frequent flyers as they will continually experience a variety of new menus. All menu offerings arrive fresh onboard despite the logistical challenge of providing a consistent food quality throughout Lufthansa’s 17 U.S. gateways, which are spread across four different climate zones, and ensuring the sourcing of goods for the preparation of the Mandarin Oriental chefs’ meals. The First Class menu consists of five courses, while the Business Class menu offers three courses.
“Mandarin Oriental and Lufthansa are both committed to providing superlative service and a high quality guest experience,” said David Nicholls, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s Director of Food & Beverage. “The chefs at our luxury hotels around the world are known for culinary excellence and innovation, and we are delighted to collaborate with Lufthansa to extend that dining experience to their premium onboard menus in 2012.”
2012 Star Chef launch menu
Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco will be the first featured property in the 2012 “Star Chef” line-up. The hotel’s Executive Sous Chef Annie Hongkham will entice Lufthansa passengers in January and February with contemporary cuisine that melds the techniques of Europe with the flavors of Asia. A sampling of some of Chef Hongkham’s selections include, in First Class: Dungeness Crab and Avocado Salad, served with Lemongrass Gazpacho Dressing; and Braised Beef Short Ribs, accompanied by Fava Bean Purée with Wasabi and Red Cabbage Slaw. For Business Class passengers, menu items such as Vegetable Nasi Goreng, a stir-fried dish spiced with tamarind and chilies, or Roasted Breast of Chicken with Savory Bread Pudding and Tarragon Jus, offer similarly creative and compelling options.
The Mandarin Oriental Star Chef menus will be available onboard all Lufthansa long-haul flights from the U.S. to Germany until February 2013.
BELOW IT REFERS TO PHOTOS BUT I WAS UNABLE TO CUT AND PASTE THE IMAGES
From top left to bottom right: Grilled shrimp horseradish sauce, Semolina gnocchi with tomato cream sauce and fresh garden vegetables, pink peppercorn tuna with sarachi aioli, green tea layer cake with fresh mango (high resolution imagery is available upon request)
About Lufthansa’s “Star Chefs” Program
Lufthansa passengers have been soaring to culinary heights since January 2000, when the airline began developing imaginative in-flight menus created by top chefs from all over the world. In 2005, the airline expanded its “Star Chefs” program to take into account local talents and flavors on international routes. Unique, sophisticated menus currently fly on select long-haul routes from China, Japan, Singapore, India and the United States to Germany, including flights from its 17 U.S. gateways. For more information or reservations, visit www.lufthansa.com.
About Lufthansa
One of the world’s largest and most prestigious airlines, Lufthansa currently flies to 211 destinations in 84 countries, with hubs in Frankfurt, Munich, and with its recent acquisition of Austrian Airlines and SWISS – Vienna and Zurich. From its 21 North American gateways, Lufthansa— recently voted by Fortune as one of the five most admired airlines in the world— and its partners serve over 450 destinations in more than 120 countries. An industry innovator, Lufthansa has long been committed to environmental care and sustainability, operating the most technically-advanced and fuel-efficient fleet in the world. Its long-haul fleet to and from North America includes the Boeing 747-400, as well as the Airbus A300 sub fleet. Currently, Lufthansa has over 150 new aircraft worth about $18 billion on order. It will be the largest European operator of the A380 and is also the launch customer for the new Boeing 747-8, the industries’ two most fuel-efficient passenger aircraft. Known for its premium services, Lufthansa continues its $150 million program earmarked for building new or upgrading existing lounge facilities across its worldwide network and will spend more than $1.4 billion in new onboard products and services by 2015. In 2010, Lufthansa re-launched its broadband wireless Internet service onboard, FlyNet. For more information or reservations, visit www.lufthansa.com.
About Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world’s most prestigious hotels and resorts. The Group now operates, or has under development, 41 hotels representing over 10,000 rooms in 26 countries, with 18 hotels in Asia, 12 in The Americas and 11 in Europe and the Middle East. In addition, the Group operates, or has under development, 12 Residences at Mandarin Oriental connected to its properties. Photography of Mandarin Oriental is available to download, in high and low resolution, in the Media Centre Photo Library at www.mandarinoriental.com.
by Lufthansa Flyer | Nov 30, 2011 | Uncategorized |
As some who have flown with Lufthansa may know, there is a small, relatively secret “amenity” that puts a smile on the face of thousands who fly First Class on Lufthansa. Yes, I am talking about the Rubber Duck that adults go out of their way to acquire (NOT speaking from personal experience 🙂 ).
I did some investigating to find the genesis of these Ducks, and reached out to Lufthansa to find out why and when did all of this happen. Thanks to Benedikt F. at Lufthansa for his invaluable help in providing me with the history and images that you’ll see here.
A brief story of the origin and history of the Ducks as told by Lufthansa:
“During the preparations for the grand opening of the First Class Terminal in November 2004, Lufthansa wanted to add a little portion of “personality” to the first class experience. So while looking around in the First Class Terminal, and finally reaching the bathrooms, Lufthansa had the idea of the rubber duck, which today is placed on the side of every bathtub.”
“To make it an exclusive product which is only available in Frankfurt, Lufthansa First Class Terminal is printed on the front of the ducks. Over the years “event” rubber ducks were produced. These include special editions for the soccer World Championship in 2006, 2010 and for the European Championship in 2008. Introducing LH’s Spa in the Lounge in 2009, a Spa Duck was designed. Also Christmas and Wedding Ducks where introduced during the years. At this point Lufthansa is very proud to see the ducks being offered on ebay as collectors’ items!”
I suspect that Munich got wind of what Frankfurt was doing, and decided that as the capital of Bavaria, that they too deserve to have their own Duck representing their First Class Lounge, and from that came Munich’s exclusive Bavarian Ducks (more on them later).
All of the photographs are courtesy of Lufthansa (thanks again Benedikt!) unless otherwise indicated.
Lufthansa’s Holiday Ducks Throughout The Years:
One Of Several Holiday Versions
A Festive Flock........
Additional Holiday Ducks
Santa Duck
2010 Holiday Edition
Introducing the 2011 Edition
Not to be out done by the holiday ducks, these are just as great:
The Original Classic
Herr Business Duck
For a GREAT STORY about Mrs. LufthansaFlyer and Herr Business Duck, please click here.
Easter is also observed by the Ducks:
Happy Easter!
Just For Kicks – Tributes to Soccer World Cups & European Championships:
The Following Soccer Ducks Are Courtesy Of Milepoint.com’s ParanoiaTX:
Saving Face? The Spa Duck Courtesy of Lufthansa
Green With Envy???
Perhaps The Most Rare, The Honeymoon Edition:
Happily Ever After.......
Even though this post is focused on the origin of the Ducks in the Frankfurt Lounges, I wanted to to make sure that I took a look at the Munich editions. The core of the Munich collection is the male and female Bavarian model dressed in their appropriate Bavarian attire. I have noticed from personal experience that the female’s “Dirndl” is available in both green and brown versions:
Munich's Bavarian Ducks Visit Roman Colosseum - Mrs. LufthansaFlyer
Courtesy of Mrs. LufthansaFlyer
The Bavarian's Holiday to Frankfurt's First Class Terminal - Courtesy Mrs. LufthansaFlyer
Visiting Capri - courtesy of Mrs. LufthansaFlyer
Courtesy of Mrs. LufthansaFlyer
Courtesy of MilePoint.com's ParanoiaTX
For additional Pictures of the Bavarian Ducks from our recent trip to Italy, You can visit my dedicated Duck Gallery page here.
Hopefully I’ve covered the majority of editions that have come from Lufthansa’s First Class Services. If you have one thats not on here, please share a photo. I’ll be creating a dedicated page that will hold a gallery for the Lufthansa Ducks and would love to have as many versions as possible represented.
