OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24916 posts, RR: 60 Posted (3 years 5 months 3 weeks 6 days 20 hours ago) and read 12756 times:
DATE: 27/NOV/2009
AIRLINE: SWISS
FLGHT: LX 401
ROUTE: DUB-ZRH
CLASS: BUSINESS
SEAT: 3F ( MOVED TO 2A)
A/C: AIRBUS A320
REG: HB-IJO
Winter time is upon us and Swiss still have those amazing J class fares so it was time to take an 8 day trip to see the family and get double miles in the process
Its always nice to stop in Zurich for a few hours also and the Christmas Markets have opened.
I left for the airport at 8am , a bit later than usual as I had the comfort of my new car which I only got the day before. My mate drove me as I didnt want to leave it at the airport for a week. I arrived at around 0920am and checked in.
My suitcase went through ok but this had to go to out size baggage. Check in agent was very friendly.
Then time to go to the Anna Livia Lounge where they have free wifi.
I popped into the BMI lounge also and was chatting with the lounge agent. She was interested in seeing the new BMI cards.
Then it was time to head to the gate.
Soon it was time to board and I was welcomed at the top of the stairs by a smiling crew member.
Newspapers were handed out.
And for Mark !!
We finally made our way to the runway ready to take off.
Blanch
Shortly after the meal service began and the pilot came over the PA with some information.
I was then happy to see one of my favourite meals. Anyone know where I can buy that yellow pasta type thing?
Then the famous coffee, although I would prefer it stronger, it was quite mild.
Some snippets from the paper.
Getting cold
Not bad for Athens
Just after the Maitre De Cabine came over the PA and advised that this flight had been selected for a passenger survey.
Full marks
Thats the only pain about Dublin not being in Schengen is that you have to bus it.
Time to land
So after clearing passport control I left my hand baggage in the left luggage lockers which only costs CHF 6 for a small one for 24 hours.
I caught the train into the city for a few hours and looked around the Christmas Markets in the HB. Always a nice atmosphere and I got something to eat and drink whilst walking around. Sausage and mustard with bread and mulled spiced punch.
After that time to head back to the airport.
This always reminds me of the piece out of ''Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'' they drink fizzy lifting drink and get sucked up lol....
DATE: 27/NOV/2009
AIRLINE: SWISS
FLIGHT: LX 1842
ROUTE: ZRH-ATH
CLASS: BUSINESS
SEAT: 3F
A/C: AIRBUS A321
REG: HB-IOH
Time to head to the Lounge.
Then I wanted to take a shower.
Then time for a Nespresso and sandwiches.
Soon it was time to head to the gate passing the Lindt shop.
Time to board and usual story , Greeks racing to get onto the aircraft lol... I cant talk Im the same lol.. must have inherited it .
Greeted by two nice crew at the door.
English/German/Greek and French Newspapers given out, also American ones.
''The party is over in Dubai'' says the headline.
Soon after take off the meal service commenced.
Another lovely meal.
Then a basket of those red ''Thank you for flying Swiss'' chocolates came round and she gave me 8 !! Nice one lol...
Rest of the flight was uneventful, soon we entered from Albanian airspace into Greek airspace and made our decent to Athens. The lights of the city make me smile always, nice to be back.
We landed on a different runway as we passed the old Olympic Airlines B737-400's and A340's. It was quite spooky as it was dark and you could just about see them as we past close by. Shame is was so dark as would have made fantastic photos.
Lots of Olympic Air A320s and A319s all parked up also looking dominant at their base. Also a TK B737-800 that overnights at ATH.
Time to say goodbye to the crew and walk to baggage reclaim. No passport control as Greece is also Schengen.
Good advertising.
Bags all came off ok.
I got the bus to Piraeus and my Uncle had got me a Souvlaki !!
Finally got to bed at 3am and woke the next morning to a lovely Sunny warm day...
So thats the end of the first part of my trip. I hope you enjoyed it and all comments much appreciated as usual.
OA260
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
Knightsofmalta From Malta, joined Nov 2005, 1415 posts, RR: 17 Reply 2, posted (3 years 5 months 3 weeks 6 days 20 hours ago) and read 12663 times:
The pasta like item is known as Spätzli. You can get them at the Migros at Zurich Airport. To cook them either boil them in water for about 3-5 mins or stick them in a frying pan with some butter. They're rather tasty with a bit of nutmeg.
Airbuseric From Netherlands, joined Jan 2005, 4015 posts, RR: 52 Reply 3, posted (3 years 5 months 3 weeks 6 days 20 hours ago) and read 12648 times:
Hi Philip,
it seems your flights were a bit better then the ones I recently had. My tripreport is not online yet, but I hope to manage that soon too. Said that, I have to say that I was also not dissappointed, but I compare already with yours, and during my flights I 'missed' some details.
Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): Thats the only pain about Dublin not being in Schengen is that you have to bus it.
I was from AMS, Schengen, and was also arriving by bus in ZRH. So, that can't be the main reason. The main reason is, that your aircraft was scheduled for a flight departing from the B-gates... (I think).
If you need the bigger image from ATH/your families house by mail, let me know
Regards,
Eric
"The whole world steps aside for the man who knows where he is going"
EICVD From Ireland, joined Mar 2008, 2068 posts, RR: 5 Reply 4, posted (3 years 5 months 3 weeks 6 days 19 hours ago) and read 12629 times:
Hi Philip
Great trip report as usual. Your hometown looks beautiful from the pic you posted. As I said I saw your DUB-ZRH flight pass over yesterday, only noticed it because I hadn't seen LX for weeks now. It gets boring looking up at shamrocks & harps every 5 minutes Looking forward to the return report.
Quoting Knightsofmalta (Reply 2): The pasta like item is known as Spätzli. You can get them at the Migros at Zurich Airport
Brilliant thanks for that I only have one hour transit on the return but I will be passing by again so will certainly get some and try the recomendation by you also.
Quoting Airbuseric (Reply 3): it seems your flights were a bit better then the ones I recently had.
Oh really I look forward to that and to see what happened.
Thanks Eric I showed it to them and they were impressed. Well done
Quoting EICVD (Reply 4): Your hometown looks beautiful from the pic you posted. As I said I saw your DUB-ZRH flight pass over yesterday, only noticed it because I hadn't seen LX for weeks now. It gets boring looking up at shamrocks & harps every 5 minutes
Very true I hope no more carriers go as it will be just any other regional airport.
B747forever From United States of America, joined May 2007, 16575 posts, RR: 11 Reply 6, posted (3 years 5 months 3 weeks 6 days 18 hours ago) and read 12307 times:
Great TR Philip.
Glad that you enjoyed another pair of flights on LX. They seem to have such a high standard of service. Do you find their service to be consistent?
Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): English/German/Greek and French Newspapers given out, also American ones.
Wow, that is a lot of choices on such a flight.
The view from your family's home is just stunning.
I remember when you flew a lot with LX (was it last winter?) back and forth from DUB to ATH to accumulate miles. Will you do the same this winter also?
SXDFC From United States of America, joined Dec 2007, 2009 posts, RR: 19 Reply 8, posted (3 years 5 months 3 weeks 6 days 18 hours ago) and read 12258 times:
Great TR! I am sure LX missed you on their flights ! Love the pictures of ATH as well.
ALL views, opinions expressed are mine ONLY and are NOT representative of those shared by Southwest Airlines Co.
FLIEGER67 From Turkey, joined Sep 2003, 4391 posts, RR: 57 Reply 9, posted (3 years 5 months 3 weeks 6 days 17 hours ago) and read 12125 times:
Hey, Phil,
what a nice Saturday evening read.
With the winter time around the corner here, a really nice idea to catch some sun in Greece
and it seems according to you´re last photo that works really well.
Good LX service and nice pics.
Waiting for the return story.
BA319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8264 posts, RR: 56 Reply 10, posted (3 years 5 months 3 weeks 6 days 16 hours ago) and read 12067 times:
Hi Philip,
Good to see you back on Swiss again
Looks like the meals and service are still top notch, I do like Swiss, wish I had more reason to fly them.
Interesting bmi have changed the tags etc, given their issues I thought they would have bigger fish to fry!
Shamrock350 From Ireland, joined Mar 2005, 6102 posts, RR: 15 Reply 12, posted (3 years 5 months 3 weeks 6 days 14 hours ago) and read 11793 times:
Hi Philip,
Great report, looks like another good experience with Swiss. The one thing that always impresses me about Swiss from your reports is the meals, each time they look like good portions, well presented and tasty!
Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): Soon it was time to head to the gate passing the Lindt shop.
I think I'd have to eat my way through that shop. They'd never fit me on the plane though if I did!
Viscount724 From Switzerland, joined Oct 2006, 21488 posts, RR: 24 Reply 13, posted (3 years 5 months 3 weeks 6 days 13 hours ago) and read 11689 times:
Carlisle From United States of America, joined Feb 2009, 271 posts, RR: 5 Reply 14, posted (3 years 5 months 3 weeks 6 days 9 hours ago) and read 11442 times:
Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): the famous coffee, although I would prefer it stronger, it was quite mild.
Perhaps Turkish coffee would have suited you better?
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24916 posts, RR: 60 Reply 15, posted (3 years 5 months 3 weeks 6 days 8 hours ago) and read 11390 times:
Quoting B747forever (Reply 6): Do you find their service to be consistent?
Hi nice to hear from you. Yes Swiss have a consistant service as always.
Quoting B747forever (Reply 6): I remember when you flew a lot with LX (was it last winter?)
Yes Im not doing so many with LX this Winter as I have racked up alot of miles on BMI to TLV but you never know I never need an excuse to take a last minute Swiss trip .
Hi Markus, Yes some nice warm days and relaxing with the family are always welcome. Athens is lovely this time of year, quieter and more relaxed.
Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 10): Interesting bmi have changed the tags etc, given their issues I thought they would have bigger fish to fry!
Hi Mark, Yes I was pleasantly surprised although nice new cards and tags and then they shed hundreds of jobs !! Doesnt seem right does it .
Quoting Nibog (Reply 11): Philip,just one question,how did you manage to walk PAST the Lindt shop???!!!!.
Haha well I did buy my Aunt a box of Lindt Chocs, but I had some on the flight with my coffee so that gave me my fix. January is diet time Im becoming excess baggage lol...
Quoting Shamrock350 (Reply 12): always impresses me about Swiss from your reports is the meals
Hi Kevin, Yes the meals are 60% of the Swiss experience for me. They are lovely in those casserole dishes! I want to get some myself for home. Always restaurant style quality and great service. I was asked 3 times if I wanted more drinks and I forgot to add that when I had completed the survey the Maitre De Cabine came and thanked me for the comments. I smiled and said the service had been excellent. Always nice to leave good feedback. Swiss certainly have the personal touch. Addressing you by name when giving you the meal is another small detail that they do.
Quoting Viscount724 (Reply 13): How do you compare LX service to the new OA?
Well I would have to compare like for like but they are also two different products and cultures. I will always love both Swiss and Olympic for various reasons but OA Y class offer hot meals as seen in my last reports. Im not sure what Swiss offer on the ZRH-ATH route in Y class so maybe OA would win on meal service. The seats are quite similar and crew also friendly. I will have to do OA J class and compare. Olympic have certainly raised the bar anyway. I need more flights though to make a overall decision.
Quoting Carlisle (Reply 14): Perhaps Turkish coffee would have suited you better?
Great TR - Thanks for sharing
Funny you say that ! Watch out for a TR with Turkish Coffee....lol
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
Rogerbcn From Andorra, joined Sep 2006, 1135 posts, RR: 19 Reply 16, posted (3 years 5 months 3 weeks 5 days 21 hours ago) and read 10617 times:
HoLa Philip!
Back old classic Philip reports are back... Great!
I have just stepped back from my one of my final year runs to TXL on LX of course and it is really great to read your report.
Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): Winter time is upon us and Swiss still have those amazing J class fares
Be aware that they are pulling them out on some routes. Sadly BCN-ZRH-TXL is one of those, not to other German destinations, not to TXL from other Spanish cities as MAD, VLC or AGP. I have already written to them but have got no answer so far. BTW, they are introducing a new flight to BCN leaving ZRH late at night and back to ZRH in the early morning, that is why I do not understand they pull out those low fares, I do not see it as a good move. Time will tell.
Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): Thats the only pain about Dublin not being in Schengen is that you have to bus it.
I think that has nothing to with Schengen, on Friday we wre bused to the TXL flight and today we were bused again coming from TXL. I guess there is a shortage of gates now that Switzerland has signed the Schengen agreement.
As you can see in the newspaper BCN temperatures have been really high for this time of the year... as usual now it is raining and the temperatures are back to normal again, around 10ºC.
Salut!
Roger
"At reise er at leve" H.C. Andersen (Travelling is Living)
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24916 posts, RR: 60 Reply 17, posted (3 years 5 months 3 weeks 5 days 3 hours ago) and read 10121 times:
Quoting Rogerbcn (Reply 16): Back old classic Philip reports are back... Great!
Thanks Roger ıts my favourıte tıme of the year.
Quoting Rogerbcn (Reply 16): Be aware that they are pulling them out on some routes. Sadly BCN-ZRH-TXL is one of those, not to other German destinations, not to TXL
Oh ok I hope they brıng them back sometıme and ıts just a temporary meassure. They also cut DUB-ZRH-BRU whıch ıs a shame.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
Sponsor Message: 
From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24916 posts, 
From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2332 posts, 
From Malta, joined Nov 2005, 1415 posts, 
From United States of America, joined May 2007, 16575 posts, 
From Turkey, joined Sep 2003, 4391 posts, 
From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8264 posts, 
From Switzerland, joined Oct 2006, 21488 posts, 
From Andorra, joined Sep 2006, 1135 posts, 
From Finland, joined Jun 2009, 1705 posts, 
From Spain, joined Nov 2001, 2272 posts, 
Sponsor Message: 
Printer friendly format
