By Bryce Casson, Founder · Cardocrat · Updated June 2026
The short answer: Lufthansa First Class is a benchmark product with a private First terminal in Frankfurt, but it comes with the most famous quirk in award travel: Lufthansa releases most First award space to partners only about 15 days before departure. Knowing that timing, and which Star Alliance miles to use, is the whole game.
What Lufthansa First Class is
Lufthansa First offers a spacious private seat and separate bed, exceptional dining, and, in Frankfurt, access to the exclusive First Class Terminal with a chauffeur to the aircraft. It is a defining European first-class experience on the 747-8 and A340.
The 15-day rule
The catch that trips up almost everyone: Lufthansa holds back nearly all First Class award space from partner programs until roughly 15 days before departure, when it opens remaining seats. So if you are using partner miles, you generally cannot book Lufthansa First far in advance, you wait for the short window and pounce. Lufthansa own Miles and More program can see space earlier.
Which miles to use
Because Lufthansa is in Star Alliance, partner programs like United MileagePlus, Air Canada Aeroplan, and Avianca LifeMiles can book First inside that 15-day window, each with different pricing and surcharges. Aeroplan and LifeMiles are popular for value. Compare them, and set award alerts for the window. See Lufthansa booking guide and finding award space.
Who it is for
Lufthansa First is for flexible travelers who can book inside the two-week window or hold Miles and More miles, and who want the First Terminal experience to Europe. Patience with the timing is essential. Award prices and availability change constantly as programs devalue and adjust, so treat every points figure here as a rough, illustrative guide rather than a guarantee. Always confirm the current price and that an award seat is actually available on the airline own site before you transfer points, since transfers are one-way and cannot be reversed.
Frequently asked questions
Why can I not find Lufthansa First Class award space?
Because Lufthansa releases most First award seats to partner programs only about 15 days before departure. If you are using partner miles, you usually cannot book it far in advance, you wait for that short window.
Which miles book Lufthansa First Class?
Star Alliance partner miles such as Air Canada Aeroplan, Avianca LifeMiles, and United MileagePlus can book it inside the 15-day window, while Lufthansa own Miles and More can see space earlier.
What is the Lufthansa First Class Terminal?
A dedicated terminal in Frankfurt for First passengers, with personal assistants, fine dining, and a chauffeur drive to the aircraft. It is a signature part of the Lufthansa First experience.
Can I book Lufthansa First in advance?
Generally only with Lufthansa own Miles and More miles. Partner programs mostly see space inside the roughly 15-day pre-departure window, so plan to book late and stay flexible.
Which Lufthansa aircraft have First Class?
The 747-8 and the A340-600, and only part of the fleet carries First at all. Confirm the specific flight is a First-configured aircraft before chasing the award, since most Lufthansa jets have only business.
Bryce Casson, Founder of Cardocrat. Every card is ranked by what it actually returns, with all points valued at a flat 1 cent and offers verified against issuer sources. About the author.
