HON Circle makes history:special memories from the last 20 years
For almost two decades, HON Circle has been more than just a status; it represents a sense of home that accompanies HON Circle Members wherever in the world they go. It’s the special moments that unite members and airline employees and turn HON Circle into a family.
Here’s a collection of selected stories from the past 20 years. These anecdotes are just some of many that have made HON Circle what it is today: a circle that transcends travelling.
More than a VIP
“As a HON Circle Member, I’ve had quite a few memorable moments where I’ve felt like a true celebrity. In Miami, I was escorted by a Lufthansa employee through passport control faster than German football legend Franz Beckenbauer, which certainly got his attention. Then there was the time at JFK Airport where I was allowed to board an Austrian Airlines flight before Austrian government officials. And all because I was a HON Circle Member.
My frequent flying means the crew knows me pretty well by now. There’s a sense of trust and familiarity when the Lufthansa employees already know what I need before I’ve even said it.”
HON Circle Member for 20 years
Si, Signore
“I was one of the first personal assistants at the new First Class terminal in Frankfurt in 2004. My first shift was slightly nerve-racking, as I was finally getting to assist real passengers after months of training. A Porsche Cayenne with an Italian number plate rolled up. I really wanted to be the one to assist this passenger so that I could use my Italian language skills. We chatted in Italian, and it seemed pretty clear to me that he was a typical businessman from Milan. Much to my surprise, he handed me his German passport as we were going through the immigration formalities. We both laughed about it, and from that moment on, we developed a special connection that continues to this day.”
Maria Teresa P. R., employee at the Lufthansa First Class terminal in Frankfurt
Cheers!
“There’s this gentleman who never boards the plane without his ‘champagne to go’. He hardly ever spends any time in the lounge, but we’re always happy to see him, even if it’s just for a short while. With his charming smile and relaxed nature, he always makes us smile. He also doesn’t take himself too seriously, which is precisely what makes him so likeable. We always have his ‘champagne to go’ ready and waiting for him.”
Doris H., employee in the Lufthansa First Class Lounge in Munich
Small gestures, big impact
“It’s often the little things that make my job special. I still have fond memories of little Sophia, who was travelling with her parents. She was only five years old and had forgotten her beloved backpack in the limousine when we drove the family from the lounge to the aircraft. When we finally got it back, we realised straight away how much it meant to her. We wasted no time in getting it to her family that very evening. The following day, we learnt of Sophia’s huge delight in being reunited with her backpack. Her father was deeply moved and grateful for our efforts. I’m always touched by moments like these.”
Veronica L., employee in the Lufthansa First Class Lounge in Munich
No music without records?
“Back in the day, a lot of DJs used to fly with us. They’d often carry large record cases that weren’t allowed on board as hand luggage. One time I was looking after a very well-known DJ, and I was so engrossed in our conversation that I forgot to label his case. No one noticed until after the last flight had left for London, so forwarding the case on to him wasn’t an option. I felt so bad about it when we told him, but luckily, he was completely relaxed about the whole thing. He laughed and said that he now saves almost everything on USB sticks but still likes to take a few records with him anyway. I can’t tell you how relieved I was. Ever since then, I always make sure to check everything twice.”
Maria Teresa P. R., employee at the Lufthansa First Class terminal in Frankfurt
A duck tale
“One time, one of our loyal passengers took great joy in appointing me his ‘duck agent’. Every time a new limited-edition First Class duck comes out, I let him know, and every time we meet, we have a lengthy discussion about his collection and our favourite designs. What can I say? I’ve taken to my new role like a duck to water.”
Mirjam S., employee in the Lufthansa First Class Lounge in Munich
From assistant to front-seat passenger
“There’s one day during my first few days as a personal assistant at the First Class terminal in Frankfurt that I’ll never forget. A passenger suddenly appeared at the entrance saying he couldn’t find the way in his car. On the spur of the moment I decided to accompany him back to his car, where instead of asking for directions, he asked me to jump in. He started driving very fast, and on more than one occasion I had to ask him to slow down. As we rolled up in front of the First Class terminal, my colleagues just stared in amazement as we both stepped out of the car. Even 20 years later, we still laugh about it when we see one another in the terminal.”
Simone R., employee at the Lufthansa First Class terminal in Frankfurt
