With Oktoberfest starting in Germany this weekend, Lufthansa is elevating the festivities to the skies, a practice that has been a part of the Star Alliance carrier for two decades.
Lufthansa’s exclusive flights featuring Oktoberfest crews
Continuing a 20-year legacy, Lufthansa will operate special flights with crews dressed in traditional Oktoberfest attire (including dirndls for women and lederhosen for men). Specifically:
– On September 19, these crews will manage flights from Munich (MUC) to Bangalore (BLR) and Beijing (PEK)
– On September 27, these crews will operate a flight from Munich (MUC) to Singapore (SIN)
– You will also notice some ground personnel at Munich Airport Terminal 2 in traditional Oktoberfest clothing
This year, the crews are donning new outfits, crafted by Lower Bavarian traditional fashion house Spieth & Wensky. As described, it melds Bavarian tradition with design elements from Lufthansa for the first time. For instance, the crane from the brand logo embellishes the buttons on the knitwear for both ladies and men. The distinct “wing pattern,” a unique Lufthansa design, has also been integrated into the skirt and waistcoat.
Here’s how Heiko Reitz, Lufthansa’s Hub Manager Munich, articulates this:
“For 20 years, our long-haul crews have exchanged their uniforms for Bavarian traditional attire during Oktoberfest season: the initial traditional costume crew departed on 1 September 2006 from Munich to New York. With the modern design, we are perpetuating the long-standing tradition of traditional costume flights from Munich. The details are impressive: this costume was designed exclusively for Lufthansa’s cabin crews and is genuinely one of a kind.”
Lufthansa Oktoberfest treats in lounges and onboard
You don’t need to board one of these special flights to immerse yourself in the Oktoberfest atmosphere. In the next few weeks, Lufthansa will serve Bavarian specialties onboard select flights. In first and business class, the offerings will include starters like white sausage terrine and pretzel tree, mains like Wiesn roast duck and fried chicken, and desserts like apple strudel. In premium economy and economy, Nuremberg bratwurst with Bavarian cabbage and mashed potatoes will be provided.
Meanwhile, in the Lufthansa Senator and Lufthansa Business Lounge Munich, the airline will offer Munich potato soup, roast pork, and steamed dumplings with vanilla sauce. In the Lufthansa First Class Lounge Munich, Bavarian duck breast and sweet Oktoberfest treats will be available.
Bottom line
With Oktoberfest commencing in Munich, Lufthansa is celebrating as per tradition. This involves special flights operated by crews in traditional attire, Oktoberfest-themed meals on selected flights, and offerings in lounges at Munich Airport.
If any OMAAT readers are traveling on a Lufthansa flight through Munich in the upcoming weeks, please share your experiences!