The Oktoberfest festival in Munich is returning this autumn after two years of absence. The beloved event has its 187th edition from 17 September to 3 October without any Covid-19 related restrictions.
To celebrate and honour the return of Oktoberfest, some airlines have decided to include some surprises for their passengers flying during the festival.
1. Lufthansa crew with new dirndl
Two days before the start of the Munich Oktoberfest, the Lufthansa flight attendants took off simultaneously from Munich to Rio de Janeiro and San Diego wearing dirndl. Boston and New York will follow on 26 September.
After five years, the flight attendants present themselves in a new, sustainably produced dirndl this year. The new traditional costume for the long-haul crew was once again designed and tailored by Munich-based costume specialist Angermaier. The flight attendants’ Wiesn dirndl has silver woven flowers with a colour-coordinated apron and metal clasp on the apron band. The men wear short leather trousers with a classically cut waistcoat in the same fabric.
For the first time, the collection is certified according to “Standard 100 By Oeko-Tex”. All components and materials were produced and processed sustainably. To keep transport distances short, the fabrics were woven exclusively in Austria and produced in Europe.
On numerous European and German routes from Munich dirndl crews have been a tradition for many years. Lufthansa’s passenger service staff in Terminal 2 also greet passengers in traditional costume. Instead of the classic Lufthansa uniform, the ladies wear dirndls and the men wear lederhosen.
We are delighted to continue the 16-year history of the dirndl flights and thus also welcome visitors to the Oktoberfest on the ground and on board with Bavarian flair.
Dr. Stefan Kreuzpaintner, CCO Lufthansa Airlines
“In the coming weeks, Munich Airport will once again present itself as an attractive gateway to the Oktoberfest and Lufthansa’s dirndl crews will be part of that”, added Jost Lammers, Chairman and CEO of Munich Airport.
Until 3 October, Lufthansa will also be serving Bavarian specialities in First and Business Class. Guests will also receive roasted almonds, Oktoberfest chocolates and gingerbread hearts. In the lounges in Terminal 2 and in the satellite building, Leberkäs’ (meat loaf), pretzels and Weißwürste will traditionally be served.
This year, the Oktoberfest menu in the Lufthansa First Class Lounge restaurant, which is festively decorated for the occasion, will begin with a festive soup, followed by roasted duck traditional style. The finale will be a homemade apple strudel with vanilla sauce, roasted almonds and rum sultanas.
2. Emirates serves Bavarian treats
To celebrate the world-renowned German festival Oktoberfest, Emirates will also serve beloved Bavarian treats onboard flights to Munich, Hamburg, Düsseldorf and Frankfurt, as well as the respective airport lounges, between the 17th of September and 2nd of October.
The special celebration of Oktoberfest will see passengers enjoy a traditionally German main course and dessert in Economy, Business and First Class, bistro bites in the iconic onboard A380 lounge and a variety of classic Oktoberfest dishes in the world-class airport lounges.
Passengers in Economy can feast on roasted chicken with paprika, served with creamy mustard sauce, potato wedges and braised red cabbage, followed by a Bienenstich- a signature German cream cake with almonds and honey, served with fruit compote. Business and First Class passengers will enjoy braised veal shank, roasted seasonal vegetables and moreish bread dumplings, while First Class passengers can indulge in Dampfnudel for dessert – a traditional sweet, steamed bun with a caramelised bottom and soft pillowy top, drizzled with vanilla sauce and whipped cream.
Tasty Oktoberfest sandwiches and snacks available on-board include Leberwurst sausage sandwich with sweet mustard, Austrian roll with Emmental cheese and gherkin and the ultimate German savoury snack – pretzels. Before landing, passengers will be given a parting gift of individually wrapped gingerbread hearts.
In the airport lounges of Munich, Hamburg, Düsseldorf and Frankfurt, an array of dishes will be available to customers, including veal Weisswurst with parsley and mustard. Guests can choose a light bite of Obazda and pretzel or indulge in some flavoursome chicken with parsley, classic potato salad and Käsepätzle – the German version of mac and cheese, made with egg noodles and Emmental.
