Well, we just got back from a trip to the States, flying Lufthansa A346 both ways in business What an eye opener.
Started off in the Lufthana Senator lounge, which used to be my benchmark for excellent lounges. Sorry Lufthansa, TK at the new IST blows everyone else away. Even SG. But our A346 was quiet, comfortable, and had the usual offerings. Which is nice, they haven't gone on a cost-cutting binge like other airlines.
Boarded our flight, and first of all, the frames we flew on were the cleanest aircraft I've ever encountered. Period. Great entertainment offerings, but it was weird not being able to use my own headphones. That said, they use Bose headsets hardwired into the seats, so it was fine. Very comfortable seats, although I could see how 6 footers on up might be cramped.
But the service......
FA responsible for our section of the cabin stopped by to introduce herself on both flights. Purser followed. PDBs delivered quickly. When the FA came by to ask for our menu choices, no "what is your second choice if we don't have your first choice" nonsense. Are you listening United? The food was OK - not as good as OS, but much better than Polaris, which has gone downhill in the last year. Service was unobtrusive and efficient, and appreciated. Before we landed, FA stopped by to ask us if we were pleased with our flight. Landed, got our luggage, and off on our adventure.
A week later, we were back at the DTW Senator lounge, and it made all other outstation lounges look shabby in comparison. A wide range of food and drink, and the usual comfortable seating. Boarded the aircraft - again spotless - and the crew followed the same routine. Say what you will about Lufthansa's domestic service, but their international front cabin experience is exceptional.
Over the last several months, I've flown Lufthansa UA, TK, LH and TK in business. FWIW, here is how I rank the on board experience:
Senator
KLM
BA
TK
UA
Lounges:
TK
Senator
BA
UA
KL
Had I done this comparison just after United had launched Polaris, they would have fared better, but their penny pinching CEO has ruined their front cabin, and these days, I'm a free agent.
At home in the PNW and loving it