OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24913 posts, RR: 60 Posted (3 years 8 months 3 weeks 2 days 3 hours ago) and read 16242 times:
Sometimes you get bored and need to get away for a few days. Its been a while since I flew Swiss so time to treat myself to Swiss Business Class and the Marriott Hotel in Zurich.
I took the bus to Dublin Airport and arrived early.
Check In had not opened yet so I went for a walk.
The now combined Swiss and LH ticket desk. Shame that the lovely Girls at Swiss got replaced by LH !
They have long since left DUB but the barriers remain of the now bust Sky Europe !
Check in opened and it was time to get my boarding pass.
My BP printed and I noticed right away that my pre assigned seat of 3F had been changed to 1F . This always happens with Swiss and its my pet hate. There were 3 rows of Business Class so I dont know why they did it.
Anyway after clearing security I decided to go to the Anna Livia lounge first.
Nice enough lounge but food offerings have been downgraded. Still they have introduced Free Wifi which is the only lounge to do so at DUB.
After a while time to go to the BMI Lounge just across the corridor
Basic food offerings from BMI for their Golds !!
Some sandwiches and or croissants might be nice .
Soon after I decided to go to the Aer Lingus Gold Circle lounge to obtain a copy of Cara in flight magazine. They had a feature on Athens in it and today was the last day it would be available. On the way to the B gates I saw my aircraft land and head to the D gates .
I entered the Aer Lingus lounge and was greeted by a nice lady whom I have seen before. I asked her for a copy of Cara and I noticed they had Septembers edition already on the racks. She went into the back office and came out with a copy of Augusts edition. She made a comment that she had met the photographer who took the cover photo and she thought it was one of the best. I said I was biased as my Family are from Athens. I thanked her very much and she wished me a good flight on Swiss. Nice touch and she really went the extra mile as I was not an Aer Lingus passenger. Was nice to also see that the lounge has been upgraded.
Cover of Cara - showing the new Acropolis Museum
Then it was time to go to the D gates for my flight.
Soon boarding was called and I noticed that the Manager of Swiss Ireland was at the gate whom I know personally so I took a few minutes to have a chat. Then I proceeded to the aircraft.
I was greeted at the top of the stairs by a friendly female crew member and directed to my seat.
It was a great feeling to be inside the stylish Swiss cabin again. Row 1 lots of legroom and nice Recaro seats. I know some people dont like them but I love them.
Soon water and refresher towel was served .
Soon we shut the doors and pushed back .
Being dispatched ...
Not a great day in Dublin for photos
After take off a very nice Male crew member who was French/Swiss came to me and addressed me by name. ''Mr OA260 can I get you an Aperitif before Lunch?'' A very nice touch and always makes me feel welcome.
I opted for Champagne
Then the meal service began. They always serve from the back which surprises me. There were two choices but when it came to row 1 there was no choice. I actually would have chosen the other option but had to take the Veal.
Still sometimes you have to be given something to try it and this instance Im glad I had the Veal because it was lovely. Cooked to perfection and Rice Al Dente.
Then Tea and Coffee were served. My seat mate asked for Tea and then the accident happened !! The male FA went to put the hot Tea on the table and it tipped over onto the ladies lap. It happened so quickly and she burnt her hand and it covered her Jeans. He quickly ran to the galley and got a bag of ice and towels. I handed her my napkin and table cloth to try soak it up. The FA kept appologising and was really concerned. I felt so sorry for him because up to now the service had been 10/10 and he was a very nice natured guy. My seat mate actually tried to play down the event . The FA also brought some anti burn gel which seemed to stop the sting from her left hand. After a few minutes everything was cleaned up and although her jeans were stained she didnt seem to be too hurt.
The Maitre D Cabine came and took an accident report and from my basic German she said that Swiss would pay for any damage to her clothes and also took her Miles and More number. I presume they will give her some miles also.
In the meantime I enjoyed my coffee and chocolate
Anyway back to normal and soon it was time to land .
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24913 posts, RR: 60 Reply 1, posted (3 years 8 months 3 weeks 2 days 3 hours ago) and read 16283 times:
Renovations old viewing terrace
So we pulled up to an off stand . I thanked the crew for a nice flight and one of the crew was standing by the door with a basket of chocolates to give as we left the aircraft.
Some new part I have not seen before. I miss the old gates ! Anyway I finally came to a baggage reclaim area that I knew and then proceeded to the train station.
Soon enough I was in Zurich city center.
My hotel
A five minute walk and I arrived at the Marriott
Nice room , I love the Marriotts are always consistant .
I relaxed for a while then decided to take a strong into the center.
Fashion ??
Soon after I decided to head to a restaurant/cafe that I have been to a few times before. Its called ''Bombay-Karachi'' and is a nice place to have a good curry . Total cost CHF22.50
After a while and feeling full it was time to stroll back to the hotel. I wanted to visit the health club.
Instant sun !
After am hour I decided to get some sleep and wanted to be up early in the morning to go to ZRH to do some spotting. So the next morning I left the hotel early and took the train to Zurich Airport. I was not too sure where to go to get the shuttle bus to the viewing area but it was quite well sign posted.
You pay CHF2 into the ticket machine and this covers the cost of the bus and the terrace. You also have to go through security scanners as you are airside. Bags must be placed in luggage lockers .
After five minutes in a departure type lounge the bus arrived and took us to the viewing terrace. It goes into an underground tunnel under the runway. Quite impressive. Soon we arrived at the terrace and took the lift to the terrace.
Some great views possible from this great viewing terrace.
Brilliant machine to listen to ATC
Soon a new looking aircraft appeared with speakers at the bottom of the stairs
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24913 posts, RR: 60 Reply 2, posted (3 years 8 months 3 weeks 2 days 2 hours ago) and read 16244 times:
A really nice place to be and a nice warm sunny day. Some great movements on the air field.
Soon alot of people gathered at the newish looking aircraft.
It turned out to be the naming event for Swiss's new A330-300 and tables with food and drink were being set up on the terrace as part of the celebrations.
The VIP's had been making speeches at the top of the stairs of the aircraft. They then came to the viewing terrace.
TV and Media interviews
Stairs removed from ''Bellinzona'' and getting ready for its flight.
A guy in Swiss uniform came and offered me a drink. Nice thought. There were not many people there other than the VIP's and Press.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24913 posts, RR: 60 Reply 3, posted (3 years 8 months 3 weeks 2 days 2 hours ago) and read 16234 times:
Then ''Bellinzona'' left the gate .
So a fantastic day at ZRH spotting. Would love to go back soon. It was time to head back into the city and rest at my hotel. That night I went to a Chinese restaurant in the old town and then had an early night.
I left the hotel around 6am and then took the train to Zurich Airport. I checked in at the kiosk and made my way to the lounge.
Good food options.
Free ice cream but not at this time in the morning
I then decided to go to the othr Swiss lounge which is the old Lufthansa lounge.
Not much has changed and the food offerings are very basic also. No Croissants or Nespresso machine etc.. Soon it was time to head to B28 gate which I had not been to before. Its not a great area and very make shift. I miss the A gates .Boarding was by bus .
I was greeted by a friendly crew and shown to my seat. 12 seats in J class with 10 occupied. Not bad in this current climate. Also Economy was full.
Newspapers and water given out
Time to relax
Soon after take off breakfast was served .
It was really nice , plenty of drinks also .
Then I had to buy my favourite chocolates
Swiss Magazine for September with Athens featured again
Around 40 minutes prior to landing drinks were offered.
Before landing the Maitre De Cabine came to each J class passenger and asked if the service had been ok for them. Again a nice personal touch which was much appreciated. Soon time to land into a cold and grey Dublin.
Time to disembark after a nice flight and make my way to arrivals.
Then waiting for my bus home some last views of Terminal 2
So thats the end of my report. Swiss are still as good as ever. I will be glad when all the renovations are finished at Zurich. The viewing terrace is one of the worlds best. All airports should take a note of it. London Heathrow could learn alot from the Swiss. Thanks for reading and I appreciate all your comments as always.
OA260
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
SandroZRH From Switzerland, joined Feb 2007, 3382 posts, RR: 51 Reply 4, posted (3 years 8 months 3 weeks 2 days 2 hours ago) and read 16081 times:
Hey Phil!
Great report as always, it has been a while hasn't it? Glad the service was up to standards. I saw the current issue of our inflight magazine the other day as it is available for reading in our simulator training center. When i saw that it featured Athens, I knew you would like it
Force13 From United States of America, joined Jun 2005, 229 posts, RR: 0 Reply 5, posted (3 years 8 months 3 weeks 2 days 2 hours ago) and read 16039 times:
Wow.... That is one helluva report my friend! I love the viewing terrace in ZHR, really wish we had something like that here in the States. Would love to see DUB and ZRH (need money and a damned passport first) but I suppose living vicariously throught the pic's will have to suffice.
I have one issue though......
There is no wrong hour to eat ice cream. Your comments were harsh
Do not taunt. Do not shake. Do not pander. Add coffee. Subject should be slightly human within an hour.
Shamrock350 From Ireland, joined Mar 2005, 6102 posts, RR: 15 Reply 6, posted (3 years 8 months 3 weeks 2 days ago) and read 15817 times:
Hi Phil!
Nice to see a Swiss report again, it seems they are as good as ever. The meals on both flights look very tasty and the service sounds superb, you have to hand it to Swiss for maintaining this level of service as I can't really think of any other airline offering such a good J product on short-haul in Europe. Great photos at ZRH, in fact all of them were great just took me a while to get through them!
IMO, LX keeps offering one of the best intra-European product on C, with some exceptions as not having hot food in flights less than 2 hours long. I have been with them on my summer flights to London and they have been really nice.
Really lucky you were there to see the christianizing of Bellinzona plane, in such a gorgeous day.
Salut!
Roger
"At reise er at leve" H.C. Andersen (Travelling is Living)
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24913 posts, RR: 60 Reply 8, posted (3 years 8 months 3 weeks 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 14957 times:
Quoting SandroZRH (Reply 4): Great report as always, it has been a while hasn't it?
Hi Sandro, Yes it had been too long. But this Winter I intend to do alot more
Quoting Force13 (Reply 5): There is no wrong hour to eat ice cream. Your comments were harsh
LOL... true but Im not good in the mornings regards food so I stick to the normal stuff...Had it been afternoon or evening I would have raided that freezer.
Quoting Shamrock350 (Reply 6): The meals on both flights look very tasty and the service sounds superb, you have to hand it to Swiss for maintaining this level of service
Hi Kev , yes the meals are always good and a highlight of the flight. I want to get some of those casserole dishes for home !
Quoting Rogerbcn (Reply 7): Really lucky you were there to see the christianizing of Bellinzona plane, in such a gorgeous day.
Hi Roger ,
Yes it was a perfect hot day with blue sky and perfect for spotting and photos. I wish I was there now !
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
Toulouse From Ireland, joined Apr 2005, 2718 posts, RR: 58 Reply 9, posted (3 years 8 months 3 weeks 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 14772 times:
Hi Philip,
Well done on yet another excellent LX report! Have been missing your LX trips. I still can't believe I haven't tried the "now" not so new LX having been a frequent SR flyer for many years. I'll really have to try them out in 2010.
Zürich really is a beautiful little city isn't it. Haven't been in it for a couple of years now (only managed to drive through it twice this year without stopping) but have been to Geneva a number of times (another wonderful little city) and Basel this least (my least favourite of the 3 big Swiss cities).
May I ask what the breakfast was that was served on your return trip? The veal looked great, I always love a good plate of Zürich style veal, a dish I often make here at home.
ZRH From Switzerland, joined Nov 1999, 5540 posts, RR: 40 Reply 12, posted (3 years 8 months 3 weeks 1 day 11 hours ago) and read 14488 times:
Hi Philip
Thanks. Absolutely excellent report and great photos. I really enjoyed to read it and watch them. When ever you would like to have a guide in Zurich don't hesitate to contact me, but I see you know the city already quite well.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 1): Renovations old viewing terrace
"Renovation" is probably the wrong word, the tear down almost the whole Dock B and rebuild it .
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24913 posts, RR: 60 Reply 13, posted (3 years 8 months 3 weeks 1 day 11 hours ago) and read 14466 times:
Quoting Toulouse (Reply 9): Have been missing your LX trips.
Thanks me too . I couldnt wait to get onboard Swiss again.
Quoting Toulouse (Reply 9): May I ask what the breakfast was that was served on your return trip?
It was really nice. Omelette with red and green peppers in filling and a mushrooms with sauce. Was perfect. Also hot baked croissants.
Quoting Neutral (Reply 10): T2 in Dublin is coming along nicely
Yes cant wait to see it open .
Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 11): Did LX move here from the BMI lounge? And how are loads generally speaking on LX400/LX401?
Well Swiss official lounge for J class is Anna Livia and always has been but because they are Star Alliance and I have a Star Gold card I can use any Star lounge. Its handy for lounge hopping lol... Glad you liked the pics.
Quoting ZRH (Reply 12): "Renovation" is probably the wrong word, the tear down almost the whole Dock B and rebuild it
Haha very true . Are there any artists impressions of what it will look like when its re built?
Quoting ZRH (Reply 12): When ever you would like to have a guide in Zurich don't hesitate to contact me,
Thank You very much for your offer its much appreciated. There are still many parts of Zurich I have yet to see.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
Actually the two pictures look a bit different. But fore sure I can tell that the new Dock-B will have two boarding/deboarding levels. One for Schengen the other for non-Schengen flights, therefore each of the gates can be used either way. And also a new viewing terrace will be on top.
Sebjacques92 From United Kingdom, joined Jun 2007, 138 posts, RR: 0 Reply 15, posted (3 years 8 months 3 weeks 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 14245 times:
Wow!! Amazing report!!
You couldn't have written this report at a better time for me, im taking a "spotting" day trip to Zurich in a week and was wondering about what kind of views you get from the deck. I am really excited about my trip after seeing this report!
Looks like you had a nice couple of days, Swiss has always been a product i have wanted to try but the price has never been good for me. The service in business looks ace though.
Excellent Pics and well written, extra thanks for sharing
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24913 posts, RR: 60 Reply 16, posted (3 years 8 months 3 weeks 1 day 9 hours ago) and read 14153 times:
Quoting ZRH (Reply 14): Here you at least find a plan how it should look:
Thanks for that. The one thing I noticed is that they were constantly spraying the site with water cannons. I guess its health and safety.
Quoting Sebjacques92 (Reply 15): You couldn't have written this report at a better time for me, im taking a "spotting" day trip to Zurich in a week
Cool , you will have fun. Take a 2 litre bottle of drink with you as there are vending machines there but quite expensive. In the main terminal there is a Supermarket called Migros and they sell cheap food and drink. Also if its hot and Sunny a Baseball cap and sun cream. You would be surprised how tanned I got just for a few hours lol...
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
SXDFC From United States of America, joined Dec 2007, 2009 posts, RR: 19 Reply 19, posted (3 years 8 months 3 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 13513 times:
Another great TR my friend =)
ALL views, opinions expressed are mine ONLY and are NOT representative of those shared by Southwest Airlines Co.
Gpbcroppers63 From Ireland, joined Jan 2008, 511 posts, RR: 0 Reply 20, posted (3 years 8 months 3 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 13446 times:
Another great Swiss TR Philip. Up to your usual standards I must say. I'm hoping to head to NUE with them on the October bank holiday to rack up some miles & visit a friend. It's been nearly a year since I was on LX and I'm having withdrawal symptoms too. Lol! Keep up the good work!!
Quoting OA260 (Reply 8): Yes it had been too long. But this Winter I intend to do alot more
Could you put up with a straggler or will I have to wait for Stena Plus?
According to one of my colleagues, my problem is that I'm addicted to travel!
Airbuseric From Netherlands, joined Jan 2005, 4015 posts, RR: 52 Reply 21, posted (3 years 8 months 3 weeks 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 13429 times:
Hi Philip!
Great report once again! And also, again perfect service by LX!
Would love to get such enjoyable flights as you had in November, when I've to fly 4 legs on them. I also think that I won't like the B gates lounge, but I think I've no choice on my transfer from AMS to IST.
Great picture! Would be an eyecatcher in Amsterdam if you walk like that on a Saturday night, but in a positive way I think Did you like his style? I wonder how the Swiss 'mountain' people like this modern design of their typical clothing
Regards,
Eric
"The whole world steps aside for the man who knows where he is going"
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6191 posts, RR: 79 Reply 22, posted (3 years 8 months 3 weeks 19 hours ago) and read 13156 times:
Nice report, Phil (even though I had to load the 2000 pictures at work).
LX's product doesn't really disappoint, it seems. Would be very interesting to know how many miles the lady got as compensation.
Great conincidence that you could watch the naming ceremony. I wish much more airlines would do the same. As for Swiss specifically - I'm wondering why large names are only added to the A333s. Numerous A32Xs and A340s have already been renamed (mountains replaced by cities), but these names do not appear on the noses.
Quoting SXDFC (Reply 19): Another great TR my friend =)
Well Bobby thanks for the thumbs up. Glad you enjoyed it. Isnt it about time we had another TR from you ?
Quoting Gpbcroppers63 (Reply 20): Could you put up with a straggler or will I have to wait for Stena Plus?
Haha I guess I could, A Swiss trip I think is on the cards for us this Winter for sure. We just need to decide what city
Quoting Airbuseric (Reply 21): but I think I've no choice on my transfer from AMS to IST.
Hey Eric , well on the outbound you can use the B Gate lounge and the return you can use the nicer one. Be warned that the B gates require you to clear security after the lounge and the ques can be long.
LOL... I was laughing but my friends just said Im jealous , maybe they have a point. Those boots would not fit over my Rugby players legs though
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 22): Nice report, Phil (even though I had to load the 2000 pictures at work).
Sorry lol.. I didnt want to loose the quality of the photos so I used Fotosizer and reduced them but ticked the box to keep 100% quality. I guess that makes them bigger files. You all need 8GB RAM lol...Anyway I guess it was exceptional as there were so many A/C pics and I couldnt decide which ones to leave out.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 22): I wish much more airlines would do the same.
Yes I agree , its a nice idea and good PR.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
Gpbcroppers63 From Ireland, joined Jan 2008, 511 posts, RR: 0 Reply 24, posted (3 years 8 months 3 weeks 14 hours ago) and read 13006 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 23): Haha I guess I could, A Swiss trip I think is on the cards for us this Winter for sure. We just need to decide what city
Sounds good! We'll have a vote and see which comes out tops
According to one of my colleagues, my problem is that I'm addicted to travel!
25 Akhmad: Hi there Philip, Wow! That is what I call a spotting trip. Crisp pictures and a great story of the flight experience with LX. Excellent! ZRH looks ver
26 Infodesk: A very enjoyable report, it seems you had another successful trip on LX! Not a nice situation for either party. Accidents happen and it sounds as thou
27 OA260: Nice , looking forward to your report. Very true and it was dealt with very professionally. I dont know maybe its the low ceilings but I felt a bit t
28 Ba319-131: Hi Philip, Great report, looks like a couple of decent Swiss flights & a nice stay in Zurich. The new viewing deck looks great, must pay a visit next
29 The777Man: Great report with very nice pictures! I have been to that observation deck and there's a great view from there. Nice to know also that the new B pier
30 OA260: Hi Mark , yes they are a regular sight in Summer time but go down to B757 in Winter AFAIK. Yes to have once decent viewing terrace is good but to hav
31 Dtswi: Very nice report - exhaustive. I can only confirm your positive experience with Swiss - see my report that I published today (swiss, LH & TAP in busin
32 OA260: Thanks Im glad you managed to get through it all ok .
33 EIRules: Hey Phil Nice trip report, when I finally managed to wade throught it all!! Swiss looks up to its usual high standard and ZRH is such a fantastic airp
34 OA260: Thanks Fingers crossed one of these days
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