LuxxLounge at Frankfurt International Airport [Review]

I’m not a big fan of landside lounges, but I was willing to change my mind during a visit to Germany this summer. Did Frankfurt’s LuxxLounge blow me away enough to give lounges before security another shot?

The LuxxLounge was the only lounge I had access to on an early morning in mid-August after a friend dropped me off at Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) early. With time to kill, I checked out the LuxxLounge before I went through security.

I wouldn’t recommend anyone go out of their way to visit this lounge. It could be a good stop for a bite to eat after checking in and before heading to security, but the lack of amenities and inconvenient location prevented this lounge from providing a great airport experience for me.

Location

The LuxxLounge was in Terminal 1, on the floor above the check-in counters in the B/C areas. Signs pointed up these escalators, and the entrance to the lounge was at the top.

The lounge was landside, prior to security, which immediately would’ve limited the lounge’s practicality if I hadn’t had extra time on my hands. If you’re on a connecting flight, you’d need to exit the secure area to visit the lounge, then pass through security again to get to your next departure.

Those transiting on international connections from and to regions outside the Schengen Area would need to go through passport control to visit this lounge, which is a hassle most people wouldn’t go through for a lounge — and something I don’t recommend for a small lounge with few perks. Moreover, visiting a lounge outside of security means you can’t reliably estimate how long it will take to reach your gate. It might be a 15-minute walk, but will there be 1 person or 100 in line in front of you at the X-ray machines?

And if you’re already at your gate and then hear your flight is delayed, retreating to this lounge is impractical.

Gaining Access

Large signs in the foyer advertised Priority Pass access to the LuxxLounge, but you can also access the lounge in other ways.

Business-class passengers from several airlines had access, including ITA Airways, EL AL, and TAP Portugal. Diners Club, Lounge Club, Lounge Pass, Lounge Key, and DragonPass membership also provide access.

Alternatively, you can pay to enter the lounge. Prices start at €35 for each adult (~$37). That price grants you a 3-hour visit.

Hot Tip:

If you have The Platinum Card^® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, you have access to certain Lufthansa lounges — and not just at FRA. However, you must be flying on a same-day ticket of a Lufthansa Group airline to gain access.

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

80,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $1,760

Annual Fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

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Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card^® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• With American Express Global Lounge Collection^® you can enjoy access to over 1,400 airport lounges globally, including The Centurion^® Lounge, Unlimited Delta Sky Club^® Access when flying an eligible Delta flight, Escape Lounges, Lufthansa Lounges when flying Lufthansa Group, Plaza Premium, Priority Pass™ Select Lounges, & Additional Global Lounge Collection Partner Lounges subject to visit limitations. Lounges may have their own rules, like additional access rules and guest fees, and for Priority Pass Select, you need to enroll and there are unlimited airport lounge visits for Card Members. With Delta Sky Club Access, Card Members will receive 10 Visits to the Delta Sky Club to be used from February 1 until January 31 of the next calendar year and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access by spending $75,000 in eligible purchases on their Card in a calendar year. To find a lounge, visit the membership section in the American Express^® App or visit http://www.americanexpress.com/findalounge#/loungefinder.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card^®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card^® Members can ride or dine in style with $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding their Card to their Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card^®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card^®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

ELEVATED OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Welcome Offer

Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.

150,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $3,300

Annual Fee

$695

APR

18.49% - 27.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,400 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on Flights and Prepaid Hotels booked through Amex Travel
• Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection (as of 10/2024). Access is limited to eligible Card Members.
• Get 50% more Membership Rewards points (1.5 points per $1) on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2 million per calendar year)

Cons

• High annual fee of $695 (rates & fees)
• Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 10/2024. Access is limited to eligible Card Members.
• Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card^®. Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card^®.
• Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
• NEW! Make the Business Platinum Card^® work even harder for you. Hilton For Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Benefit enrollment required.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points^® on Flights, and Prepaid Hotels Booked through AmexTravel.com
• 1X points on other eligible purchases
• Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR^® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card^®.
• $695 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 18.49% - 27.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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American Express Membership Rewards

Hours of Operation

LuxxLounge was supposed to be open from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. when I visited in mid-August 2023. I was at the door before the lounge opened, and the staff opened the door 10 minutes late.

First Impressions

My first impression was that the lounge opened late. Once the door was open, I quickly got the feeling that this lounge wasn’t worth a detour.

It felt worn yet somehow still had that “just opened, working out the kinks” feel.

When checking in, I told the employee what method I planned to use to get in, but the credit card machine and the scanner for lounge memberships weren’t working. The hostess didn’t know the computer password, so she couldn’t reset the card readers. Thus, I had to write down my name and what membership I was using to access the lounge so that another employee arriving an hour later (and who presumably could log into the computer) could officially check me in.

I also didn’t appreciate the way the employee barked at several guests either. Long story short: The area to the left was only for business class passengers from partner airlines. Anyone who attempted to turn that way after checking in was quickly scolded in an unfriendly way.

All in all, my check-in experience didn’t give me a great first impression.

Hot Tip:

If you’re not a business class passenger, turn right! Don’t turn left!

Seating

There were 2 seating areas available to the right of reception — the areas I could access with my Priority Pass membership. A seating area with 2 dozen plush chairs was right past the entrance. These sat in groups of 4 around small, round tables, and there were end tables between the chairs.

Outlets were available near some chairs, but those along the outer wall (near the window) had the most outlets. The USB ports didn’t work.

Down the hallway and past both the restrooms and buffet area, there was additional seating in a restaurant layout.

This area had long tables with a banquette on 1 side and chairs on the other.

Food and Beverage

Buffet

The buffet was in the center of the lounge, down the hallway past the first seating area. There was milk and 3 kinds of cereal along 1 wall.

Bread and pastries sat near the toaster, and there were several jams.

A case along another wall had cheeses, cold cuts, and hard-boiled eggs that had been dyed like Easter was coming.

The most interesting station for me was the minifridge with yogurt and the nearby hot dogs. Hot dogs aren’t a breakfast food for me, but this lounge had them (or some sort of similar sausage) out in the morning.

Beverages

A coffee machine worked well and was popular, and there were also supplies for making tea.

The lounge had cold water and orange juice on tap and several types of alcohol for making mixed drinks.

A pair of small refrigerators held beer, bottled water, and Coca-Cola products. The lounge also sold bottles of wine, including sparkling wine.

Amenities

Bathrooms

The bathrooms were small. The men’s room didn’t have urinals, just 2 small stalls and 1 sink.

Showers

I was surprised that this lounge had 2 showers. They were near the bathrooms in the hallway between the buffet and the main entrance. The key was at the front desk, and the showers were complimentary.

Workstations

Near the bathroom, there were 2 desks to serve as workstations.

Internet

The lounge had a private Wi-Fi network, with the password listed on placards around the lounge. Speeds were fantastic: a blistering 613.59 Mbps download and 521.5 upload.

Printer

The lounge had a printer near the reception desk. I couldn’t get a clear answer on whether I’d be charged for printing documents (which the employees printed on guests’ behalf).

Service

Service was rocky. The employee who handled the line at opening left something to be desired.
The other employee who arrived later (and then came around to actually check us in) was friendlier, but that didn’t take much to accomplish, even though the second employee’s demeanor was affable, even without a comparison.

A staff member collected dirty dishes and restocked the buffet as needed. I never noticed any trash accumulating or items on the buffet sitting empty, so full marks in this category.

Less barking at people who turned the wrong way and a smoother check-in process would have improved the service at LuxxLounge.

Final Thoughts

This was a very average lounge. Even if they updated the furniture and carpet and worked out the kinks in service, this would probably remain an average lounge inconvenient for many travelers.

I had breakfast with my friend before we left for the airport, so I wasn’t too worried about a hearty meal. And I got free coffee and reliable Wi-Fi at the lounge. So if you come with tempered expectations and have time to kill, it could be worth a visit to the LuxxLounge. But I definitely wouldn’t go through security twice or change terminals to come here.