Akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2326 posts, RR: 53 Posted (3 years 7 months 2 weeks 1 day 3 hours ago) and read 13704 times:
INTRODUCTION
Hello fellow A.netters,
Time flies when you are having fun. Or is it time of having fun when you are flying? No matter how I look at it from any angle, I have enjoyed all my flying experiences very much during our Egyptian holiday.
To bring the whole thing to a happy conclusion, we booked Business Class on our return journey.
ON LINE FACILITY
As we did on the outward journey, we have checked us in online the day before. Flying Business Class has definitely its own benefits. Unlike our outward journey for which none of the best seats according to seatguru were available on check in, we managed to secure the first row on the left side for both CAI-ZRH and ZRH-AMS. We decided to collect our boarding passes at the airport this time instead of having it printed out at our hotel in Luxor.
AT THE AIRPORT
Upon our arrival from Luxor, we were met by the local agent who escorted us to the departure level.
Public area of the departure hall
I cannot judge other terminals, but Terminal 3 has a separate Premium security check line before check in. We were the only ones at that time, so in no time we were through.
Our agent insisted on checking us in and proceeded to the check in desk. Again, there was practically still no other passenger around.
LX Business Class check in desk
I could feel the airy feeling of the check in area in Terminal 3.
Our agent returned with our boarding passes and lounge invitation cards.
Boarding pass
Invitation card
He beckoned us to take a seat on the chairs nearby while he was completing the custom formalities. IMHO, he did not really have to.
At the end, we were ushered to a separate Premium passport control lane. After wishing us a pleasant flight, he left. The passport control was a swift in comparison with our arrival. Just one person before us and we were soon attended.
The airside
Past the security, we found ourselves right in the middle of a big shopping arcade. A fellow a.netter has mentioned earlier that by the time of our departure, more duty free shops would be opened and they were.
FIDS
Duty free shops
At the end of the corridor you will find the food court.
View at the shops from the food court
Before visiting the lounge, we dropped by at the shops. My partner wanted to buy a fragrance and this was a convenient way to get rid of the Egyptian pounds as we have still got plenty with us. After some smelling and sniffing sessions, we left the shop with a nearly 100 ml bottle of fragrance, wrapped in a transparent sealed bag. Time to visit the lounge.
I must say, it was not easy to find it. An Egyptair attendant directed us eventually to the E concourse. It is located right after the passport control. Just turning left and straight on, you will not miss it.
The Lounge
The lounge, named First Class Lounge, is exploited by Cairo Airport Authority. I do not really understand why LX does not use the MS lounge instead. Moreover I do not get the role of the Airport Authority on running a premium lounge as Terminal 3 is supposed to be a Star Alliance terminal. Anyway, the lounge attendant took our invitations and waived us through. We were the only ones at that time.
The lounge itself consists of one big hall:
As you enter, you will find what more looks like a mini buffet on the left side. The buffet consists of light snacks, soft drinks, juices and no alcoholic drinks.
Soft drinks
Snack offerings
Juices
On the right side, you will find a newspaper stand with the toilets at the end.
Newspaper stand
The toilets
We took a seat next to the window which had a view of Terminal 2.
Visible aircraft tails due to difference of the ground level
Lounge view from our seats
We took some snacks and each a big glass of fruit juice.
We found the lounge quite disappointing. I noticed that other LX premium passengers thought the same as they entered the lounge later on. Some of them have even left shortly after sipping on a glass of juice.
At 13.35 a call was made to all LX passengers to proceed to the gate F7. We decided that we would better go as the gate was not really in our neighborhood. Still about less than ten minutes walk.
On our way, I thought that we could have probably visited the MS lounge as I saw this marking.
Maybe next time?
View outside
The corridor
Our assigned gate
When we arrived at the gate, a huge line was forming before the security check. It looked bad at the first impression. But at the end, we were through in less than ten minutes.
Waiting room
Finally, I caught the glimpse of our beauty.
With Lufthansa A342 on the background
Close up
From another angle with Lufthansa taking off
Then, I spotted some interesting visitors.
Austrian just arrived with Gulfair on the background
Afriqiyah Airways
Libyan Arab Airlines
BOARDING
Boarding was started about twenty five minutes before departure. I did not even hear any announcement. Everyone just stood up and started queuing. They did not even bother a priority boarding call.
“Oh well, just join the line then,” I thought. And we went down the aerobridge.
At the door, we were greeted by a cheerful Maitre de Cabine, Daniel Leunbergen. He took at our boarding passes .
“Welcome, your seats are there upfront on the left side,” he waived us to the forward C cabin with a big smile.
4A and B would be our home until ZRH. A fluffy pillow and soft blanket have been placed on each seat.
My seat: 4A
When we got seated, Daniel came to us and said, “We have plenty of spaces on this flight. You can pick a seat anywhere. We can give everyone a window seat,”
We thanked him for the information but decided to keep our seats.
Despite the older interior I liked the seat features. I have got the following:
The legroom
Seating control unit
.
Entertainment control unit
[Individual reading light and a laptop plug in
Button to retract the IFE screen
The in seat IFE screen
In the seat pocket, you will find similar things as in Y like Swiss in flight magazine and safety card as I have pictured on my TR of the outward journey. But there are some extra’s:
A hanger provided with the seat number to be hang your cloth at the coat hook
Special magazine for premium travelers
And a magazine rack on the back.
And some views from our seats:
A glimpse of the F cabin
Inside view of the right side
Window view
While I was taking photos, a friendly female cabin attendant approached us.
“Good afternoon, Sir. What can I offer you to drink?” She smiled .
“Can we have a glass of champagne?” We replied.
“Certainly, Sir. Do you care for a newspaper?” She continued.
“No, thank you, I am fine,” I replied.
“Yes, please,” My partner said.
“Certainly, Sir.”
A male flight attendant followed and handed out a headset and a goodie bag.
The headset
The goodie bag
The content of the goodie bag
Our female flight attendant returned with our champagnes and the today menu. Then she emerged with a selection of newspapers.
Our champagnes
The nicely design menu was written in four languages.
The cover
In French and English
In German and Arabic
Story of the participating restaurant on the back
The door closed at 14.59. The pushback was done about three minutes later. Our flight had a light load. I counted four F passengers, seven C passengers and noticed a half full economy cabin.
The aerobridges were disconnected
On this flight, we have got FO Dani Kostenaja (I hope I spelled his surname correctly), Captain Holtz and of course Daniel as Maitre de Cabine in charge. The journey would take 3 hours 45 minutes.
Our female flight attendant collected our empty glasses. Soon our Airbus started to move.
The main screen showed the scenes of the nose camera
OS A320 ready for departure
BMI A332 has joined the party
A departing MS A321 while taxiing
We were first to take off, but we had to wait for some aircrafts to vacate the runway.
MS A332 about entering the apron
A military Casa 235 taking off
A landing MS A320
Entering the runway
On position
TAKE OFF
The four engines spooled up. Once again, our A340 made a powerful takeoff.
Plane graveyard
We made a sharp turn that we could get the last view of CAI:
DURING THE FLIGHT
After eight minutes, we leveled off and the fasten seat belt signs were switched off.
Sara, another female flight attendant, approached us to take our aperitifs. I ordered champagne, my partner whiskey. My partner got even offered three choices of whiskey, Johnny Walker Black Label, Glenvliet and another one I cannot remember.
At that time we were leaving the Egyptian coast line.
Our aperitifs were soon delivered with a bag of pretzels.
The male flight attendant who brought us the headset and the goodie bag, appeared and took our meal order. I took the fish as the main course, while my partner went for the beef.
We decided to try our lie flat seats. It turned out that despite the lie angled design, the seats were not long enough for us.
My seat in full reclining position
It was time to pay a visit to the other parts of the aircraft.
There was one other passenger in our cabin.
And four others in the second cabin.
The nature called. So I went to the toilet.
Amenities
I returned to my seat. Then I found out that my IFE screen was not working. Bummer, but never mind. I could keep myself occupied.
At 15.40 Captain Holtz came to the intercom. In two languages, German and English, he told us that we were on the cruising altitude of 30.000 feet or 11.600 meters, heading for Venice.
In the meantime, the first female flight attendant laid down the table cloth first before serving our appetizer.
She then returned with a basket of warm bread. Afterwards, without being asked, she topped up my champagne. What a lovely gesture!
Apparently my partner and I got different garnishes for our appetizers. I have got mints, my partner some basils. Mine was not bad, though. But I preferred basils to mints as accompaniment of tomatoes and mozzarella slices.
We were about finishing our appetizer when she emerged for the second bread round. My partner and I politely declined the offer.
When the appetizer was finished, she soon collected our plates.
“Do you want anything else to drink?” Again she smiled.
“Can I have a glass of red wine, please?” My partner replied.
“Certainly, we have a Swiss red wine or the French one. Which one do you like?”
“I will have the Swiss one, please.”
“Certainly. How about you, Sir?” She turned to me.
“Well, I think I will stick to the champagne,”
“No problem, Sir.”
Sara was in charge this time to serve the main course.
My sea bass with grilled prawns
My partner’s beef fillet
The whole setting with the Swiss red wine
My fish was delicious. It was cooked into perfection. The accompanying herb sauce gave a nice contrast to the buttery flesh which was tender and melting inside my mouth. My partner was visibly enjoying his beef as well.
Our first female flight attendant came along again with the third bread round. The bread was nicely baked and well kept warm. But we simply did not have any space in our stomach for it.
Our dirty plates were cleared up. Then I went to the other side for some window views.
It was bad weather above the Mediterranean
Then it was time for the dessert.
My partner did not even have time to finish his red wine
The apple tart was superb. Moist, not too sweet with a hint of cinnamon. Usually, I am not into desserts. But this one was just great!
While we were munching on our tart, our first female flight attendant came along with a box of chocolates. Usually, we preferred the chocolates to accompany our coffee but we decided take a pick of it.
After finishing our desserts, the first female flight attendant appeared to collect our plates.
“Do you want some coffee or tea?”
“Can we have a cup of coffee with cognac?” We replied.
“Certainly.”
Our orders were promptly delivered.
The first male flight attendant was in the meantime doing the duty free run. He asked us if we wanted anything from the duty free. Upon our polite “No, thank you,” he carried on.
I was curious about the Y load. So I made my way backwards. It was indeed half full. Some people have got the entire middle row for themselves.
The forward Y cabin
[/i]The rear Y cabin[/i]
While walking back through the galley, I saw the first female flight attendant having her dinner. I wished her, “Bon appetite,” and proceeded to my seat.
Nearly two hours after takeoff, our first female flight attendant has apparently finished her meal and was wondering whether we would like another coffee round. We politely declined her offer.
I went to the galley and had a nice chat with Sara. I told her that Swiss was delivering a brilliant service both in C and Y. She thanked me for that. I was also curious about her working history. Sara has apparently a twelve year working experience. She started with Swissair, before getting hired by its successor, Swiss.
I expressed my surprise to Sara about the light load of our flight. Sara replied that this could happen. Instead, the flight ex ZRH was fully booked.
At the end, I asked her whether I was allowed to have a picture with here. She agreed.
“But, I have got nobody here. Can we wait until my colleague returns? Then I will get back to you.” She continued.
Sara kept her promise. She appeared not long afterwards with Daniel, ready for a photo session.
My partner had in all sudden a greater proposal to take a picture of me together with Sara and Daniel. Daniel has got the most excitement.
“I will take off my glasses as my wife has told me earlier that I look better without. I cannot then see a thing, but I will survive.”
Me, Sara and Daniel
Daniel was deeply impressed that he would come back after gathering couple nice Swiss postcards as our souvenirs. It was not that necessary for me, but surely I appreciated his efforts very much.
About ninety minutes before landing, I approached Sara for two glasses of whiskey for me and my partner.
Me Johnny Walker Black Label, my partner Glenvliet
Our flight was still on progress.
Flight path
Approaching Italian coast line
Daniel did return. He then addressed me personally.
“You are Suryo, aren’t you?”
“Yes, that is me,”
“I was confused in the beginning because you have swept seats. Anyway, I have got some postcards here for you. I have tried to ask the permission of the captain to take a seat in the cockpit, but it was not allowed. Thanks to Nine Eleven. But as a compensation, I would like to give you these postcards. Do you see this one? I have asked all of my colleagues to put their signatures as a remembrance of this flight.”
I was mesmerized and have got barely anything else to say then, “Thank you! Thank you so much!”
The signed postcard
The approach
At 18.15 Captain Holtz announced through the intercom that we left Venice behind us and would start our descent to ZRH within forty minutes. He mentioned further that we would get cloudy weather in ZRH at nineteen degrees Celcius.
About twenty minutes before scheduled arrival time, an announcement was made that the descent was just started and the IFE would be switched off. Then, they put away the magazines and switched on the nose camera.
Sara then distributed hot towels.
The main screen than displayed the passenger information of the ZRH. A pre recorded announcement in Arabic was in the meantime broadcasted. Daniel appeared to personally say goodbye to each Premium passengers and thanked for flying with LX.
When it was our turn, once again he expressed his appreciation of us being fond of LX. He asked whether we would need a further assistance on transit.
“Do not worry. We have got our onward boarding passes already,”
“Well, then have an another pleasant flight with us. Please take your time to visit our lounge in ZRH,”
“We would love to. Thank you very much.”
At that time, I could capture the moments before landing out of my window clearly.
LANDING
A moment before touchdown
And finally the touchdown.
AT THE AIRPORT
We vacated the runway towards the satellite terminal.
I have captured some shots on the way:
The main terminal
Parked next to sistership HB-JMI
Thank you, LX! You are the best!
Last glimpse of the F class
Daniel was standing at the door. Again we said goodbye and thanked each other for the enjoyable flight experience.
Thank you Captain Holtz and FO Dani
ARRIVAL
We made our way to the main terminal.
[ FIDS
We proceeded downstairs to catch the Skytrain.
The train ride was an exciting one, as we would hear piped birdsong and cow noises upon entering the main terminal.
Upstairs to go through the passport control
We did have plenty transit time. As we wanted to sample the lounge, we followed the sign.
Swiss Business Lounge
We arrived around 19.30 at the lounge. After getting our boarding passes scanned, we were waived through.
The main lounge are
On the right corner, there were massaging seats. I decided to sample one.
The main area was crowded. I could secure a pair of couches, while my partner was getting us orange juice. When he returned, I went upstairs for an obligatory visit to the famous Swiss longest attended bar. I found out that it was a smoke bar, so I got my partner to follow me upstairs. He smokes.
View of the longest bar
I then ordered two Bloody Mary’s.
“Spicy?” The bartender asked.
“Yes, please,” I replied.
The spiciest Bloody Mary ever according to my partner
At 07.50, we left the lounge to proceed to the gate. First, we had to go through the security. I must say, it was busy in that Friday evening. Despite our assigned gate being located couple meters away, we were there ten minutes later.
Our assigned gate
Shopping arcade beyond
Our aircraft
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Our itinerary:
Route: ZRH-AMS
Date: 25 September 2009
ETD/ATD: 20.30 / 20.53
ETA/ATA: 22.05 / 22.07
Flight number: LX 736
Plane: Airbus 319-112
Registration: HB-IPV
Delivered: First delivered 25 April 1996 to Swissair
There were lines forming at the gate despite no boarding call. I was guessing what happened. The departure time was readjusted. So there must be something going on.
Soon, it became evident that our flight was overbooked. The LX gate agent made a call for a volunteer to fly the next day on compensation of 380 CHF and an overnight stay in a hotel. It did not take long before someone stepped forward.
BOARDING
The boarding commenced at 20.35. But this time, LX followed an unusual procedure. Economy class passengers sitting in the row 14 until 26 were invited to board first. All other passengers including Business Class were requested to wait for the special call.
Y passengers boarding
Finally, the rest of the passengers were allowed to proceed.
Waiting in the aerobridge
Our plane
At this moment, I started getting confused with the registration of our Airbus. I was quite sure that I have noticed HB-IJO outside, but later on during the flight I saw HB-IPV instead.
We were greeted by Maitre de Cabine Eveline Bodeman at the door.
Welcome greetings
Our seats 1A and C
The cabin was hot. The second time I experienced it. The first time was on our outward flight to CAI. I did not understand why.
It became obvious that there were just two C rows on this flight! It means 8 passengers and the rest were Y passengers.
These convertible Recaro seats do not have as many features as the long haul C seat. But it was still sufficient for short haul:
Reclining control button
Legroom
In the seat pocket, there were as usual the Swiss in flight magazine and a safety card. It was the A319 one!
I wondered, “Could it be misplaced?”
I looked back and noticed one over wing emergency exit door. We were definitely on board of an A319! But, how come I got the idea of HB-IJO?....
View of the right side
Our neighbor HB-IJU
Another female flight attendant distributed refreshing towel and a bottle of water. She was then in charge of Business Class.
Then an announcement was made that we would be experiencing some delay to the Air Traffic Control . I overheard something like a strike was going on. This situation forced us to fly along the eastern of Frankfurt and not a chance to leave earlier than 21.02!
I thought, “OMG, how can we possibly catch the last train back from Schiphol?”
In the meantime, the main screen started broadcasting “Just for Laughs”. I had never realized this program could be such successful with the airlines.
In the meantime, HB-IJU was leaving the gate, revealing this beautiful Avro in the Star Alliance scheme.
Another announcement came that we would still have a shorter flight time anyway as we were allocated another route across Luxemburg and Belgium.
We eventually left the gate at 20.53.
Satellite terminal
Entering the runway
TAKE OFF
The engines spooled up and we rocketed into the air.
I stopped taking outside pictures as it got too dark.
DURING THE FLIGHT
About eight minutes after takeoff, we leveled off. I had to leak so I paid a visit to the toilet.
Today we have got salad with Parma ham and walnuts. There was apple tart as dessert as well. The tart was likely similar to the one we got on our previous flight. But it was still enjoyable.
To drink we would like to have a glass of red wine. We have got a choice between two reds, the French one and the…other one. I was trying to read the label but I could not figure out which language was written. So I took the French one.
The flight attendant did some bread basket offerings which we politely declined. She tried a second round but we were completely stuffed. But I took the opportunity to verify the registration. She surprisingly nodded when I pointed at HB-IJO on my notebook. “Now, I am lost,” I thought.
At 21.25 we were flying above Brussel. The captain announced that we would start our descent and the weather in AMS was twelve degrees Celcius.
There was a coffee or tea run. But we left it out. Before landing, a “Mr. Bean” episode was broadcasted.
About twenty minutes before landing, we were asked whether we wanted anything from the duty free. Again we politely said, “No, thank you,” So as other C passengers anyway. Soon after, the fasten seatbelt sign was switched on.
On the last minutes, Eveline distributed the Swiss chocolates.
LANDING
A pre recorded announcement in Dutch was made during our approach. In the meantime, I tried to capture some outside views.
A moment before touchdown
And finally the touchdown. Luckily it was not the Polderbaan.
AT THE AIRPORT
We vacated the runway towards the Schengen terminal.
Safely arrived
To our pleasant surprise, the priority tag on our luggage was working this time. Ours was among the first to get loaded on the conveyor belt. These crucial actions allowed us to catch the last train from Schiphol to our home.
VERDICT
What can I say? Swiss, you are the best! I have encountered the friendliest crew ever who definitely made my return flight the most memorable one. They were efficient, service minded and hospitable. Would I fly LX again in the future? ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY YES!
With this chapter, I put an end to my Egyptian holiday trip report. I truly hope you have enjoyed my covering so far. Please feel free to leave some comments and suggestions. I look forward to hearing from you.
Force13 From United States of America, joined Jun 2005, 229 posts, RR: 0 Reply 1, posted (3 years 7 months 2 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 13671 times:
WOW! Amazing pictures and great detail! Glad you enjoyed your trip, I certainly enjoyed reading about it
Do not taunt. Do not shake. Do not pander. Add coffee. Subject should be slightly human within an hour.
SOBHI51 From Saudi Arabia, joined Jun 2003, 3008 posts, RR: 17 Reply 3, posted (3 years 7 months 2 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 13596 times:
Great TR. Enjoyed reading it very much. Egypt and Egyptair should hire you for public relation. I am happy that you enjoyed your trip. I lived over 15 years in Egypt and i love that country and its people.
Quoting Akhmad (Thread starter): Today we have got salad with Parma ham and walnuts
This looks more like viande de grison (air dried beef)
Egyptair269 From Egypt, joined Mar 2007, 197 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (3 years 7 months 2 weeks 22 hours ago) and read 13323 times:
Amazing. Simply Amazing. Thankyou so much for all these fantastic installments. Really, you write excellent TRs, and you are infact on my list of prefferred TR writers You really make me feel as if I'm travelling with you.
LX again looks top notch, I love that 'Thankyou for flying Swiss" chocolate at the end You have officialy given us the best ever pics of Cairo T3 on A.net, and concerning all of your installments, probabaly the best pics ever of the Egyptian Aviation and Egypt itself.
The lounge you used in CAI T3, was the temporary lounge until last week, because the official brand new Star Alliance lounge was just opened last week. When T3 CAI commenced operations, the official Star Alliance lounge was not completed, that is why they used the lounge you were in as a temporary measure. How come you didn't use the new (proper) Star Alliance one?? Maybe thats why the old lounge was empty?
I hope you enjoyed my country Egypt, thankyou for visiting, and I'm sure Egypt would definitley welcome you here again anytime.
Rogerbcn From Andorra, joined Sep 2006, 1127 posts, RR: 19 Reply 5, posted (3 years 7 months 2 weeks 21 hours ago) and read 13243 times:
Hola Suryo!
Thanks for this amazing Tr... I have gone through all and I have enjoyed them all.... but this last one is truly superb.
Quoting Akhmad (Thread starter): Afterwards, without being asked, she topped up my champagne. What a lovely gesture!
This is typical LX service... go Swiss!
Quoting Akhmad (Thread starter): "I was confused in the beginning because you have swept seats. Anyway, I have got some postcards here for you. I have tried to ask the permission of the captain to take a seat in the cockpit, but it was not allowed
Woooooowwwww!
This goes beyond all my expectations... the postcard thing was a very nice touch but the idea of sitting on the cockpit is something truly exceptional... really nice gesture.
Quoting Akhmad (Thread starter): The boarding commenced at 20.35. But this time, LX followed an unusual procedure. Economy class passengers sitting in the row 14 until 26 were invited to board first. All other passengers including Business Class were requested to wait for the special call.
This is the typical LX boarding at ZRH.
By the way, which plane did you fly in the end? HB-IJO? HB-IPV? Too many HB-IJO trip reports maybe.
Salut!
Roger
"At reise er at leve" H.C. Andersen (Travelling is Living)
Ryanair!!! From Singapore, joined Mar 2002, 4652 posts, RR: 27 Reply 6, posted (3 years 7 months 2 weeks 20 hours ago) and read 13179 times:
Great end to your holiday, glad to see the service on this flight was superb. My experiences on LX's JCL were rather blah and I had far better and more enthusiastic service on SR, unfortunately.
Welcome to my starry one world alliance, a team in the sky!
Richcandy From France, joined Aug 2001, 694 posts, RR: 0 Reply 7, posted (3 years 7 months 2 weeks 17 hours ago) and read 12960 times:
Hi
Thanks for this trip report, it was a great read. It seams like you had a good trip and a nice crew.
This might just be me, but I have to say that I don't like the dishes that LX use for the main course. I mean they look like the sort of thing you make a flan in or stick in the oven rather than the best china. (might just be a personal dislike)
Airbuseric From Netherlands, joined Jan 2005, 4015 posts, RR: 52 Reply 9, posted (3 years 7 months 2 weeks 16 hours ago) and read 12893 times:
Hi Suryo!
That's what I call travelling back in style. Can't wait much longer now... in about 4 weeks I'm in your place with LX Meals look great for this flight duration, and as you mentioned, good bread! And that's an important item, which lacks sometimes (on other airlines).
Quoting Akhmad (Thread starter): Nearly two hours after takeoff, our first female flight attendant has apparently finished her meal and was wondering whether we would like another coffee round. We politely declined her offer.
How can you refuse a nice cup of Nespresso?
Quoting Akhmad (Thread starter): My partner had in all sudden a greater proposal to take a picture of me together with Sara and Daniel. Daniel has got the most excitement.
I agree with your comment about Daniel. I think this person is very personal and dedicated to his job, and with a lot of history and knowledge already. Good picture!
Quoting Akhmad (Thread starter): The LX gate agent made a call for a volunteer to fly the next day on compensation of 380 CHF and an overnight stay in a hotel.
I accepted such an offer once, for a 15 minute later arrival the same day, via another airport, no hotel, but good money! Any day again
Quoting Semsem (Reply 8): The steak your friend got used to be the standard Y meal on SR until the mid 1980s.
Nowadays this is a supurb meal for the duration of such a flight. You won't get much better elsewhere, and... the 80's are gone a long time ago....
Regards,
Eric
"The whole world steps aside for the man who knows where he is going"
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6079 posts, RR: 56 Reply 11, posted (3 years 7 months 2 weeks 9 hours ago) and read 12339 times:
Hi Akhmad!
Great report with excelllent pictures! Swiss looks great except for the angled lie-flat seats.
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
Quoting Akhmad (Thread starter): Then I found out that my IFE screen was not working.
Too bad. But you had a big choice of empty seats.
Quoting Akhmad (Thread starter): Do you see this one? I have asked all of my colleagues to put their signatures as a remembrance of this flight.”
Fantastic gesture!
Quoting Akhmad (Thread starter): At this moment, I started getting confused with the registration of our Airbus. I was quite sure that I have noticed HB-IJO outside, but later on during the flight I saw HB-IPV instead.
Too much champagne?
Quoting Akhmad (Thread starter): But I took the opportunity to verify the registration. She surprisingly nodded when I pointed at HB-IJO on my notebook.
Oh no, the flight attendants should know better.
Quoting Rogerbcn (Reply 5): By the way, which plane did you fly in the end? HB-IJO? HB-IPV?
HB-IPV - the single over-wing emergency exit shows it was an A319.
Quoting Force13 (Reply 1): WOW! Amazing pictures and great detail! Glad you enjoyed your trip, I certainly enjoyed reading about it
Hi Force 13, thank you for reading. Glad you enjoyed it. It has been my pleasure.
Quoting Kq787 (Reply 2): excellent report and a great read.
Thank you.
Quoting Kq787 (Reply 2): i am sure the F/A can make the trip enjoyable with just a few pax and not a cabin full
And it shows!
Quoting SOBHI51 (Reply 3): Great TR. Enjoyed reading it very much. Egypt and Egyptair should hire you for public relation.
Thanks, it makes me happy to hear that.
Quoting SOBHI51 (Reply 3): I lived over 15 years in Egypt and i love that country and its people.
Really, where do you live?
Quoting SOBHI51 (Reply 3): This looks more like viande de grison (air dried beef)
I think you are right. Thanks for the correction.
Quoting Egyptair269 (Reply 4): you are infact on my list of prefferred TR writers You really make me feel as if I'm travelling with you.
Quoting Egyptair269 (Reply 4): You have officialy given us the best ever pics of Cairo T3 on A.net, and concerning all of your installments, probabaly the best pics ever of the Egyptian Aviation and Egypt itself.
I am flattered. It is my pleasure to share my experiences with you guys.
Quoting Egyptair269 (Reply 4): How come you didn't use the new (proper) Star Alliance one?? Maybe thats why the old lounge was empty?
Probably. We were just following the directions.
Quoting Egyptair269 (Reply 4): I hope you enjoyed my country Egypt, thankyou for visiting, and I'm sure Egypt would definitley welcome you here again anytime.
Egypt is an impressive country with a rich history. A must see for everyone!
Quoting Rogerbcn (Reply 5): Thanks for this amazing Tr... I have gone through all and I have enjoyed them all.... but this last one is truly superb.
Hola Roger, thank you for reading. It has been a pleasure.
Quoting Rogerbcn (Reply 5): This is the typical LX boarding at ZRH.
I did not know that. Next time we will spend a bit longer in the lounge.
Quoting Ryanair!!! (Reply 6): My experiences on LX's JCL were rather blah and I had far better and more enthusiastic service on SR, unfortunately.
Sorry to hear about your experiences with LX. Who knows LX will resume the segment in the future. I silently hope with an extension to CGK or PER.
Quoting Airbuseric (Reply 9): Can't wait much longer now... in about 4 weeks I'm in your place with LX
I have noticed it on your profile footer. I am looking forward to it.
Quoting Airbuseric (Reply 9): How can you refuse a nice cup of Nespresso?
Was it a Nespresso???
Quoting Airbuseric (Reply 9): I think this person is very personal and dedicated to his job, and with a lot of history and knowledge already. Good picture!
Daniel was just adorable. LX can consider herself fortunate to have him employed.
Quoting Airbuseric (Reply 9): I accepted such an offer once, for a 15 minute later arrival the same day, via another airport, no hotel, but good money! Any day again
I would have volunteered as well if I were traveling on my one.
Quoting Airbuseric (Reply 9): Quoting Semsem (Reply 8):
The steak your friend got used to be the standard Y meal on SR until the mid 1980s.
Nowadays this is a supurb meal for the duration of such a flight. You won't get much better elsewhere, and... the 80's are gone a long time ago....
11 yeras in Damascus Syria
13 years in Heliopolis Cairo Egypt
3 years in Ealing London
28 years in McLean VA USA
And for the last 2 years in Riyadh Saudi Arabia
Directorguy From Egypt, joined Jul 2008, 1569 posts, RR: 12 Reply 15, posted (3 years 7 months 1 week 6 days 12 hours ago) and read 11520 times:
Awesome. TR. Just plain awesome. I can tell you that Swiss is an extremely popular choice for travellers from Egypt, ever since the Swissair era. Your TR is proof of that :p
Glad you thought the T3 lounges were okay- I thought they were dissapointing, since it's a brand-new terminal and it could've been better. But overall, T3's a significant improvement over the dodgy, Soviet-style slab of Second World vileness that is T2.
The catering looks good as well-it has this homely look without being primitive and poorly presented.
Awesome photos btw-you dedication in taking them is impressive.
Glad you enjoyed your experience in Egypt. Thanks for sharing
Regards,
Omar
Akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2326 posts, RR: 53 Reply 16, posted (3 years 7 months 1 week 6 days 8 hours ago) and read 11362 times:
Quoting SOBHI51 (Reply 14): 11 yeras in Damascus Syria
13 years in Heliopolis Cairo Egypt
3 years in Ealing London
28 years in McLean VA USA
And for the last 2 years in Riyadh Saudi Arabia
Ronerone From Jordan, joined Aug 2004, 1541 posts, RR: 54 Reply 20, posted (3 years 7 months 1 week 6 hours ago) and read 10628 times:
Salam Suryo!
Thanks for putting all this effort in producing all 5 episodes of this TR. A job well done, with excellent detail. Exactly the type of details all us a.nutters just love!
I was not too impressed with LX's hardware in J, but i must say that their inflight service was in typical Swiss fashion, amazing! .. That postcard had to be the best gesture!
Also nice to know that there exists someone else here that drinks Bloody Mary's!
Thanks for sharing!
Regards,
Roni
A Stop Away From One-Stop, Is Non-Stop : Airbus A340-500
Thanks for putting all this effort in producing all 5 episodes of this TR. A job well done, with excellent detail. Exactly the type of details all us a.nutters just love!
Salam Roni! Thank you for your compliments. It has been a pleasure to share my trips with all of you. I am happy that you enjoyed it.
Quoting Ronerone (Reply 20): I was not too impressed with LX's hardware in J, but i must say that their inflight service was in typical Swiss fashion, amazing! .. That postcard had to be the best gesture!
I have indeed seen better hardware with other airline, but it was no big deal since I have experienced the greatest in flight service ever with LX. The postcard is something I definitely cherish as a remembrance.
Quoting Ronerone (Reply 20): Also nice to know that there exists someone else here that drinks Bloody Mary's!
Hehe, how about having some Bloody Mary's together sometime?
Interesting - I didn't know that BMI operated their wide-bodies into CAI.
Quoting Akhmad (Thread starter): Anyway, I have got some postcards here for you. I have tried to ask the permission of the captain to take a seat in the cockpit, but it was not allowed. Thanks to Nine Eleven. But as a compensation, I would like to give you these postcards. Do you see this one? I have asked all of my colleagues to put their signatures as a remembrance of this flight.”
Fantastic! This is something really unique and personal that goes far beyond what you can expect even in Business Class. But I think it is nice for the crew as well if a passenger shows interest in their job, experiences the flight as something special and shows it.
Quoting Akhmad (Thread starter): It became obvious that there were just two C rows on this flight! It means 8 passengers and the rest were Y passengers.
I guess demand for Business Class on European routes is declining - many companies have to save costs...
once again a fantastic report with great pictures.
Hi Christoph, glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for stopping by.
Quoting Contact Air (Reply 22): Interesting - I didn't know that BMI operated their wide-bodies into CAI.
They do. Just like BA and MS due to the high load of this route. This topic
is interestingly being discussed now.
Quoting Contact Air (Reply 22): But I think it is nice for the crew as well if a passenger shows interest in their job, experiences the flight as something special and shows it.
I know what you mean. Treat others as you like to be treated!
B737100 From United States of America, joined Jul 2004, 131 posts, RR: 0 Reply 24, posted (3 years 5 months 3 days 14 hours ago) and read 8686 times:
I read all 5 parts of your trip report and what a great read it was! You did such a nice job on all the details which made it such a pleasure! Thanks for the great trip report!
All the best,
Will-SAN
Boeing 737 sunjet service
25 Babybus: Wow! What a fantastic trip report. I'm amazed to see that Cairo airport was so modern. I hadn't expected it to look so clean and organised. You remind
26 Akhmad: Hi Will, you are welcome and thank you for taking your time reading my trip reports. Your kind words definitely encourage me to keep on going, hopefu
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You really make me feel as if I'm travelling with you. 
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Meals look great for this flight duration, and as you mentioned, good bread! And that's an important item, which lacks sometimes (on other airlines).
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