Even the big European airlines’ short haul flights these days operate more like low cost carries, where you pay extra for nearly everything like luggage, food, drinks, seat selection, and so on.

    Even though these ‘extras’ are included in a Business Class fare,
I don’t agree it justifies the hugely inflated price. Paying up to five times more than an economy ticket, you get priority check-in and boarding, the same economy seat with a middle seat either blocked or kept empty, and with hardly any extra leg room. The only other perks are a complimentary meal or snack on board and lounge access. Compare this with airlines outside Europe (except perhaps Turkish Airlines), and on their short haul business class flights you will get generous leg room, wide reclining seats, better service and facilities. So for me, short business class journey within Europe, is not great value for money.

      I have travelled with Lufthansa a few times long haul via Frankfurt, on Premium Economy, but the London to Frankfurt sector is always economy anyway. However, on several occasions, I have been offered last minute upgrades on the London-Frankfurt-London part at a small price increase, so have taken up on it. Having flown a few other carriers within Europe, Lufthansa comes out far better in my view.

    Their lounges at Heathrow and Frankfurt, may not be luxurious, but perfectly adequate for a short visit, and a comfortable and enjoyable prelude to the one hour flight itself.

     Lufthansa usually use Airbus A320’s on the London to Frankfurt route. On boarding, I was always greeted with a smile. The flight attendants were professional but not necessarily engaging, although on some occasions they did address me by name and wished me a pleasant flight. No hot towels, welcome drinks or IFE. As I am not tall, the seats, even though no extra leg room (just 30 inch pitch), surprisingly felt comfortable too. Above the tray table the pocket held magazines and safety card, and below, a pouch to store a few small personal items. On the side of the seat was also a coat hook. On all my flights the cabin was less than half full, and all took off on time.