Earlier this month Baxter Media joined members of the Canadian travel industry on an exclusive FAM trip with Discover Airlines to experience the carrier as well as Munich and Frankfurt, Germany.
“Discover Airlines is part of the Lufthansa Group and is positioned as a quality leisure airline within the group,” Wael Seif, corporate account manager for Lufthansa Group told Travel Courier. “This means it combines reliable service standards with a focus on leisure destinations, making it an attractive option for both business and vacation travellers.”
For Canadian travel advisors, Discover Airlines currently operates from Calgary to Frankfurt and Munich, as well as between Halifax and Frankfurt.
“From our hubs in Frankfurt und Munich, travellers can connect to a global network via Lufthansa Group, making Discover Airlines a strong option for both leisure and connecting travel. Our airline opens up opportunities for Canadian agents to offer seamless European and international itineraries with trusted service quality,” he noted. “Importantly, flights operated by Discover Airlines are bookable in GDS under the Lufthansa (LH) code, which simplifies booking and integration into existing systems for travel agents.”
“Discover Airlines is a great example of how Lufthansa Group is expanding its leisure travel offering while maintaining high standards. For Canadian travel agents, this means access to a trusted brand with global reach, easy booking via the LH code in GDS and a product tailored to leisure travellers but backed by Lufthansa’s infrastructure.”
–Wael Seif, corporate account manager for Lufthansa Group
Baxter Media’s Greg Ohman discovers Discover Airlines firsthand
Taking part in the FAM trip was Baxter Media’s Greg Ohman, who last flew to Germany 42 years ago.
“One of the advantages of growing up as a child of an airline executive in the early 1980s was the ability to gallivant around the world for next to nothing. Now, granted, the majority of the time it was lost upon my five-year-old self that spending ample time in airports was not something everyone had the pleasure of experiencing. One trip in particular stuck with me for a multitude of reasons. My father, likely due to my mother wanting an extended break from me, took me with him on a business trip to Frankfurt, Germany,” he shares.
At the time, the element that resonated with him the most was the ability to fly Lufthansa First Class on the return trip.
“It was on one of those grandiose 747s with stairs leading to the first-class cabin, massive plush seats, and of course, the ever-present armrest ashtray,” he recalls. “I fondly remember sitting down and being treated like royalty by the flight attendants, all the while receiving the top-tier bells and whistles associated with flying at the time (stuffed bears, pilots wings, and, of course, the cursory trip to the cockpit to meet the pilots). I’d never experienced anything quite like it.”
Back in Business Class to Germany with Discover Airlines
Fast forward 42 years and Ohman found himself flying in Business and Economy Premium classes on Discover Airlines on the way to and from Germany respectively.
For agents who book their clients on Discover Airlines, he notes that the airline operates regular nonstop flights between Calgary and Halifax to Frankfurt, and from Calgary to Munich.
As it currently stands holiday-seekers can choose to stay in Germany or continue their travels to over 60 destinations across Europe and North Africa via Lufthansa Group’s extensive network.
Ohman reports that Discover Airlines has retained a premium aesthetic by including complimentary meals, entertainment (plus headphones), and key comfort items such as blankets and pillows on long-haul flights no matter what fare class has been purchased. This even extends to baggage, so passengers aren’t met with any uncomfortable surprises upon check-in.
A look at the Business Class meal service for breakfast and dinner on Discover Airlines
Upon entering the aircraft passengers are set to be met with a modern, contemporary cabin paired with fresh amenities, a welcoming, knowledgeable crew, and most importantly, comfortable seating. Those travelling in Premium Economy enjoy a 115cm seat distance, while Business Class passengers are privy to fully reclinable seats with a 200cm reclining surface, which he says allowed for one of the most restful inflight sleeping experiences to date.
Coming in at 9 hours and 30 minutes in length, the flight gets passengers into Germany mid-morning so that they can enjoy nearly a full day in their destination of choice.
DINING DELIGHTS
Germany’s culinary scene is nothing short of exceptional, and that experience begins onboard.
Discover Airlines has put a tremendous amount of thought into inflight dining. Tapping up-and-coming Michelin star recipient Lukas Jakobi (Zwanzig23) to curate their menu. The food reflects the airline’s young and modern yet inviting aesthetic. Each dish brings forth vibrant, authentic flavour profiles that vary greatly from dish to dish. Economy and Business Class passengers alike will be served two full course meals.
Discover’s passenger-friendly ethos also extends to travel advisors. All the booking incentives currently available across Lufthansa Group’s extensive network apply to the Discover product line, so agents can take advantage of one-click group blocking capabilities and other perks that help to make things as seamless as possible.
Travel industry takeaways
Also taking part in the FAM trip was Raj Bhalla, the owner of Multi Culture Travel World based in Calgary, Alberta, who points out that travel advisors can be confident knowing that their clients will be well looked after when flying with the airline.
“Overall my experience with Discover Airlines was excellent from start-to-finish. The check-in and boarding were smooth, and the cabin crew were warm, friendly and very professional. The seats were extremely comfortable with great legroom, and both flights departed and arrived on time, making the journey completely hassle-free,” Bhalla shared. “The meals on board were fantastic, fresh, flavourful and well presented. I especially enjoyed the ginger shot served at the end, which was a thoughtful and refreshing touch.”
Working mainly with clients from the Indian and wider Asian markets, Bhalla believes Discover Airlines will be a great choice for travellers who value comfort, reliability, and friendly service.
“It’s an ideal airline for those looking for a pleasant and comfortable travel experience within Europe and beyond,” he adds. “I learned that Discover Airlines really cares about passenger comfort and good service. It’s a reliable and friendly airline that offers a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.”
Meanwhile, Danielle Slater, travel specialization and sales coach for the Alberta Motor Association based in Airdrie, Alberta, noted that the direct flight to Munich was a huge time saver.
“The check-in process was quick and easy,” she shared. “Travelling on my own, I really appreciated having a window seat in Business Class, which offered nice privacy for the journey. On the return flight from Frankfurt, I chose an aisle seat in Premium Economy that provided plenty of leg room and a nice little footrest, making it a very comfortable experience. The crew was lovely and very helpful throughout both flights, making Discover Airlines a great choice for clients who value convenience, efficiency, and friendly service.”
On arrival at Munich International Airport
When arriving in Munich, Ohman believes clients will be in for quite a treat.
Munich International Airport is currently one of only five airports in Europe to receive a 5-star distinction by Skytrax, which means things such as signage, cleanliness, and service quality are considered exceptional. Additionally, it is visually appealing, and is filled with a multitude of high-end shopping options, restaurants and activities for all kinds of travellers.
While it is considered a large airport, he says it retains a quaint demeanour that conveys the feel of one half its size, and therefore never feels overwhelming. It also employs a ‘quiet airport’ model, with soundproofing and minimal announcements designed to reduce passenger stress, which makes for about as stress-free an airport visit as one can ask for.
Notably, the covered outdoor space between the two terminals is large enough to host indoor volleyball tournaments, concerts, and features a large patio for the airport’s in-house brewery, Airbräu. If up for the challenge, guests can begin their Munich hop-filled experience right away with some weisswurst (traditional white sausage), pretzels, sweet mustard, and the cursory pint or two.
The train is just steps away, making it easy to jump on and be in downtown Munich city centre in just 40 minutes. Significantly less expensive than a cab, the seamless nature of the train after a long flight holds tremendous appeal.
Hello Munich! The FAM group, including Michael Degrace/Air Canada; Danielle Slater/ Alberta Motor Association; Katharina Eichberger/ Munich Airport; Sanjay Kopalkar/Mondee Canada; Wael Seif/Lufthansa Group; Andy Ling/Canada One Travel; Raj Bhalla/Multi Culture Travel World and Andrew Hempstead at Munich International Airport
Upon arrival in Munich, passengers can head to the airport’s in-house brewery, Airbräu, to immerse themselves in German cuisine (and beer!) right away
On the ground in Munich
At first Munich appears quintessentially European, with small roads peppered with bicycles, street vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables, and outdoor cafes filled with locals. Yet, it goes deeper than that. Almost everything is embedded with a rich history of how the city came to be, and the pride with which locals speak of the city is quite unique. Every street seems to have a historical reference to the breweries whose monks have been making beer here since the early 1300s. Locals exude a tremendous amount of pride and knowledge about this tradition, and should you have the opportunity to converse with one, they will likely have a litany of timeless stories to share.
A few of these stories are played out in a dramatic way via the Glockenspiel in Munich’s city centre. Located in Marienplatz, the Glockenspiel is an incredible living piece of modern architecture. Quite literally a living cuckoo clock, it tells a story of tumult and triumph by way of jousting knights and twirling barrel makers performing the Schäfflerstanz (coopers’ dance) who are said to have been instrumental in saving the city following the plague. Marienplatz itself is a bustling open air shopping plaza featuring luxury shopping brands for all walks of life, and a litany of Bavarian restaurants (most notably the authentic Hofbrauhaus). Filled night and day with locals and tourists alike, Marienplatz is also a hub for talented musicians and creative street performers looking for a captive audience, which turns a brief stroll into a vibrant cultural experience.
Exploring Munich by night and day
Just down the road is the Viktualienmarkt. Dating back to the early 1800’s it is filled with bakers, fish mongers, butchers, and farm to table establishments who grow, cultivate and prepare their wares daily. The passion and time invested resonates clearly in the quality of the products on display, so much so that many locals visit the market multiple times a week to fill their pantries as opposed to making their way to the grocery store.
English is spoken virtually everywhere in Munich, and friendly locals are readily willing to assist in giving directions, taking pictures, or stopping for a quick chat.
A room with a view
There are plenty of modest hotels and hostels across the city, but for those looking for quality accommodation, with American-style rooms, Le Meridien is a reasonably priced option located just a minute walk from the train station. It features contemporary decor, friendly staff and an exceptional breakfast (including a majestic honeycomb wall) with all stays.
For any upscale requirements, the Koenigshof Munich is the place to be. More akin to something found in Dubai than central Munich, it caters to luxury clientele and celebrity guests looking for a unique, lavish experience. Ensconced in black and gold features, rooms include extravagant attributes such as push button drapes, large furnished terraces, and small touches such as complimentary champagne. Located on the top floor, and privy to one of the best views of Munich in the city, is Greta Oto, a tapas-style latin american restaurant with modern sensibilities. Since opening in 2024 its unique culinary offerings and majestic views have made it a mainstay for guests and locals alike.
Munich’s rich history seems to know no bounds, and its mixture of contemporary offerings such as art galleries coupled with the aforementioned rustic architecture and big city convenience makes it the perfect trip for anyone looking for a beautiful, fun, and inviting getaway.
“This was my first time visiting Germany, and I discovered that Munich’s charming low-rise architecture, lush green spaces—stunning with the fall colours—rich history, and amazing food make it a wonderful gateway for clients traveling to Europe,” added Slater. “I had the chance to use the Hop On–Hop Off Grand Ticket, which was a fantastic way to see all the major sights of Munich and would be a great recommendation for clients visiting any new city. Le Meridien Munich’s central location makes it the perfect base for exploring everything the city has to offer.”
Accommodation options in Munich include Le Meridien and Koenigshof Munich, great home bases for those seeking to explore the legendary Hofbrauhaus and the historic Viktualienmarkt
On the ground in Frankfurt
While Munich has a distinct small town ambiance, Frankfurt is more akin to bustling big cities such as Toronto or Montreal. Known as Germany’s financial capital and home to over 180 different nationalities, Frankfurt is one of Germany’s most multicultural cities, and that lends to its distinct charm. Whether visitors are in the mood for a mouth-watering shawarma, american fast food, or if brave enough, a traditional German delight such as Schweinshax (roasted pork knuckle), there are no shortage of options.
If taking in the sights or perusing shops in the Zeil (Frankfurt’s main shopping district), an excellent traditional eatery is Restaurant Zum Schwarzen Stern. With menus determined by what is readily available at the local markets, dinner guests can rest assured that each dish is prepared with a farm to table ethos that guarantees a fresh, top notch finished product. A substantial meal consisting of belly warming pumpkin soup, followed by traditional Wienerschnitzel and culminating with apple strudel and ice cream will put a smile on most anyone’s face. The restaurant even has non-alcoholic beer on tap for those who want to partake in the traditional experience, without any regrets.
With the Frankfurt River just steps away, walking off a filling dinner is made easy. Stunningly beautiful and bustling with people well into the early morning, the twinkling city lights reflecting off of the water will make for lasting memories.
The JW Marriott is a 5-star property located in the heart of Frankfurt, so clients can easily explore the city’s attractions and culinary scene
For those wanting a restful night’s sleep in Frankfurt, the JW Marriott is a 5-star property located in the heart of the city. Although geared towards higher-end guests, the rates are reasonable and the atmosphere is inviting and the staff exude a warm demeanour that makes all guests feel welcome. Artwork by German artist Hartwig Ebersbach adorns each of the hotel’s guest rooms, and can be found hanging in a variety of spaces throughout the property, giving it a modern appeal that emanates the feeling of staying in a thriving, liveable art gallery. Similar to Munich’s Koenigshof, the JW is also home to an iteration of the Greta Oto restaurant, where contemporary latin fare and a fantastic breakfast awaits hungry guests.
Reflecting back on his trip, Ohman shared that being given the opportunity to return to Germany as an adult was an incredibly rewarding experience.
“Although many years have passed since that wondrous Lufthansa trip in the ’80s, having travelled to a variety of places in my adult life has given me an appreciation of the reduced complexity inflight, and the simplicity of the trip as a whole,” he notes. “For seasoned travellers or clients who may have apprehension about international travel, the comfortable non-stop Discover Airlines experience, combined with stellar accommodation and the culturally vibrant, friendly, walkable cities of Munich and Frankfurt make this an easy itinerary to recommend, and one that may have your clients thanking you for years to come.”
Lufthansa Group’s Wael Seif outlines what agents should know about Discover Airlines’ Business and Premium economy classes
Business Class:
- Lounge access before departure
- Lie-flat seats on long-haul flights
- High-quality, locally inspired meals
- Enhanced comfort and privacy
- Priority services at the airport
Premium Economy:
- More legroom and wider seats than Economy
- Welcome drink and a hot cookie as a personal touch
- Enhanced meal service
- Priority boarding and increased baggage allowance
- No lie-flat seats or lounge access, but a significant upgrade from Economy
“Discover Airlines is a great example of how Lufthansa Group is expanding its leisure travel offering while maintaining high standards,” he shared. “For Canadian travel agents, this means: Access to a trusted brand with global reach, easy booking via LH code in GDS and a product tailored to leisure travelers but backed by Lufthansa’s infrastructure.”
