Two generations at home above the clouds – an interview with our oldest and youngest HON Circle Member

HON Circle is very much like a family, with different generations connected via the fabric of the exclusive frequent flyer circle. Despite coming from different corners of the world and having different life plans, 90-year-old Professor Walter Wittke and 12-year-old Philip also have a few things in common.

Both are part of HON Circle, and both are passionate about flying.

Professor Wittke is our oldest HON Circle Member. The civil engineer and founder of his own family business is often drawn to the other side of the world for work. Chile, Mexico, Peru … even at the age of 90, travelling isn’t a problem. The fact that he always looks forward to flying may have something to do with it.

Mr Wittke, what is important to you, or what do you enjoy most when you travel?

I particularly enjoy the unparalleled sense of tranquillity in First Class.

Is there a word or symbol that encapsulates HON Circle, in your opinion?

I guess you know the smiling face emoji; it perfectly expresses how I feel about HON Circle: 😊

So a happy, relaxed smile. The same smile that’s written on your face right now. What are you thinking about at this very moment, Mr Wittke?

I’m thinking about the best travel experience I’ve ever had. It was on a Lufthansa flight from Singapore to Frankfurt. We received such a warm welcome, the atmosphere was fantastic, and everyone was in high spirits. Everything was just perfect. The crew plays such an important role; seeing Lufthansa again after a long stint abroad makes you feel right at home.

Do you have a particular ritual when you travel?

Yes, I wear very comfortable clothes and put on my slippers. This makes me feel instantly at home above the clouds.

What item can you not do without when you travel?

Headphones. I definitely have to take those.

Do you have a special bag that you always take with you?

Yes, a small trolley bag. On business trips, I prefer to travel with just hand luggage.

What’s your dream destination?

Some years ago, I flew with Lufthansa from Frankfurt to Tokyo across the North Pole. It was June, and the weather and atmosphere during the stopover in Fairbanks were wonderful. Ever since then, I’ve wanted to holiday in Alaska – I just haven’t got round to it yet.

How does travel today compare to travel in the past, Mr Wittke?

Oh, I can tell you a lot about that. After all, I started travelling in 1965 and have been to every continent. The aircraft were smaller back then, and there were fewer passengers on board compared to today. I somehow found that more pleasant.

Which airline do you prefer flying with?

I like Lufthansa best. I’ve remained loyal to the airline due to the unwaveringly good service in the air and on the ground. I also have great faith in German technology and the care and attention applied to all areas. I always feel well looked after if there’s a critical situation during a flight.

My next business trips will probably take me to South America and Israel or Jordan.

The youngest HON Circle Member is only 12 years old and hails from Austria. Just like Walter Wittke, Philip also loves flying. He wants to become a pilot when he’s older, and already practises a lot on his flight simulator at home. For now, he’ll just carry on travelling as a passenger, earning miles and enjoying many new experiences on his trips.

How come you’ve already earned so many HON Circle Points at the age of 12?

My family and I fly a lot for different reasons. When I have time, I love accompanying my Dad on his travels.

Philip, which route do you fly most frequently?

Mostly back and forth between Vienna and Frankfurt and Vienna and Zurich, which is where I often change planes.

What do you like about flying?

Really, I love everything about flying: the aircraft technology, controlling the plane up in the air, taking off and landing, following flight paths. And obviously the exciting atmosphere at the airport and on the plane. I want to be a pilot one day.

What was your best flight so far?

I’ve been on special flights with every airline I’ve travelled with. Here’s three of them:

I was on the first Austrian Boeing 787 “Dreamliner” flight from Vienna to Frankfurt. The food on board was really nice.
Because I’ve not been on any long-haul flights yet, I really enjoyed the Lufthansa Airbus A350 flight from Hamburg to Munich.
SWISS flights are also really great. I recommend the Swiss chocolate you get to everyone.

Have you got a particular ritual for your travels?

I use my mobile phone to check myself in for my flights. Then I find out where the plane is coming from. Sometimes I even look up the flight path on the Flightradar24 app. It’s fascinating.

Which item do you always take with you when you travel?

I take my iPhone with me, of course, and I also take my AirPods because I really want to listen to music when I travel.

Do you have a special bag that you always take with you?

I always travel with my Lufthansa suitcase. It looks great, doesn’t it?