Mileage Run - Jan 2026 - Chapter 09
The final day in Amman on this trip starts with a leisurely breakfast at the Hilton. After that, I take care of a bit of work in the room before ordering another Careem taxi. Traffic is noticeably lighter today, and I reach the airport in just under 30 minutes.
Security and passport control are also efficient, leaving me with plenty of time before departure. I had actually planned to finally check out the Petra Lounge, but it’s currently closed for a complete refurbishment and isn’t scheduled to reopen before summer 2026. A shame—so I once again fall back on the Crown Lounge and spend the remaining time there until boarding.
The return to Frankfurt is on LH 693 (D-AINB), operated by a nine-year-old A320. Here it is seen on arrival in AMM as LH 692.
Today’s departure gate is 130, right at the far end of the terminal. Across the way is a Starbucks with a few fun signs outside.
The aircraft is maybe half full. I’m seated in 1F with an empty seat next to me.
The flight itself is uneventful, and we land more or less on time in Frankfurt—though at a remote stand. It takes a while until all passengers are on the buses, and after arrival I head to the completely empty First Class check-in area at the A gates to collect my hotel voucher. Once again, it’s a night at the Sheraton, just like last week.
The following morning, I fly back to Athens on LH 1280 aboard a 31-year-old A321 (D-AIRC). Since I didn’t visit the lounge, I opt for breakfast on board instead.
I arrive in Athens in beautiful weather and have lunch in the Lufthansa Business Lounge before taking the shuttle back to the Holiday Inn Airport. The routine here is exactly the same as last week.
Since it’s already quite late, it’s not really worth heading into Athens again, so I spend the rest of the day working on my laptop at the hotel.
The next day brings the final two flights of this trip:
ATH–ZRH: LX 1831, A320neo (HB-JDK) ZRH–DUS: LX 1026, A350-900 (HB-IFA)
What’s exciting is that both aircraft are nearly brand new. The A320 entered service just eight months ago, and the A350 is the first in the Swiss fleet to feature the new Swiss Senses cabin. The aircraft was only ferried from Toulouse to Zurich on October 9, 2025, with its first regular flight taking place on October 25 between ZRH and PMI as LX 2152.
The aircraft has just arrived from Boston and will fly straight back to Zurich after Düsseldorf. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is another familiarization or training flight—similar to last week’s 787-9 rotations between MUC and FRA—to introduce crews to the new aircraft.
I skip breakfast at the hotel and instead take the shuttle to Athens Airport fairly early, planning to enjoy a proper meal in the lounge.
The flight from ATH departs almost 30 minutes late but still arrives ahead of schedule in ZRH. Service begins quickly, and I opt for the gnocchi.
You can really tell how new the aircraft still is—everything smells fresh.
In Zurich, I make a brief stop in Lounge D for a quick cola before the final leg of the journey:
ZRH–DUS on the brand-new A350-900 featuring the Swiss Senses cabin.
As is well known, First Class now consists of just four seats: one double suite and two single suites.
The new cabin follows Lufthansa’s Allegris concept, just with different colors—which I actually like better than Lufthansa’s version. It’s also nice that the A350-900, unlike the 787-9, still features a First Class cabin.
Both the First and Business Class cabins leave an excellent impression, and unlike with the Lufthansa 787-9, all seats are already available for sale.
An Uber is scheduled to pick me up at Düsseldorf Airport and take me home, marking the truly final segment of this journey.
I’ll end the trip report here and hope you’ve enjoyed following along. Maybe there was even a useful tip or two for some of you.
Until next time.