Background
In the middle of the cold and snowy December 2010 my brother and I decided to escape to the US West Coast for a few days in early February. My brother hadn't been to that part of the country yet and he was very interested in visiting Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Francisco. I always enjoy going to California and saw the chance to meet some very good friends again. We came to the conclusion that it would be a good opportunity to exchange accumulated miles for Business Class tickets. After checking all possible flight options on the Miles & More website, it was clear that we would try SWISS' new intercontinental Business Class with lie-flat seats. That innovative product was available on all A330-300s and a few A340-300s. Destinations served by the retrofitted A343s in early February were San Francisco, Boston, Hong Kong, Los Angeles and New York (once weekly).
I was first considering to take an A330 flight to Chicago and an A340 flight from Los Angeles or San Francisco so that we would be able to get both types. But I quickly scrapped that idea because I didn't want to risk being stuck at Chicago in a possible snow storm. So we finally booked Munich-Zurich-San Francisco and Los Angeles-Zurich-Munich, operated by Swiss A340s, a Swiss European Avro RJ100 and a Lufthansa A319. At the end of the convenient booking process we were able to select our seats on all four sectors - and there were still many empty seats, so we got exactly what we wanted: single window seats on the flight to SFO and center seats in the two-row forward section (so-called "Stübli") on the return flight from LAX.
Here's the seatmap: http://www.swiss.com/web/EN/about_sw...ircraft/Pages/airbus_a340_new.aspx
After booking the long-haul flight combo, we added a few more flights to and from Las Vegas and reserved rooms in four different hotels (details to follow).
February 2011
Munich (MUC) - Zurich (ZRH)
Lufthansa LH2366
Scheduled times: 08:00-08:55
Actual times: 07:58-08:49
Flight duration: 00:30 (hrs)
Distance: 162 miles
Business Class, seat 3D
Airbus A319-114
D-AILE (MSN 627), named "Kelsterbach"
Delivered in 11/1996
1st flight on D-AILE
16th A319 flight
63rd A32X flight
The Business Class check-in area was mostly deserted in the early morning. We were immediately called to a counter and the friendly agent quickly issued our boarding passes. Note the ad supporting the Munich 2018 Olympic bid on the carpet:
After quickly passing security, we made a visit to the Lufthansa Business Lounge:
The lounge was quite crowded and clusters of business people were permanently strolling around the buffet, so I didn't take any pictures. We sat down in an area with rather basic chairs and tables, ate a few items and soon left again. The breakfast selection was limited and we knew that we would get plenty of good food later in the day anyway.
Our plane was D-AILE, one of the older frames in the 23-strong A319 fleet:
The middle seats are blocked in LH's short-haul Business Class:
Seat comfort and legroom were decent:
After the friendly flights attendants had offered German and Swiss newspapers and magazines, the captain made a welcome speech and informed about the routing. Several seats had remained empty, load factor in Business Class was around the 70 percent mark.
Qatari oryx surrounded by German cranes:
We left the gate ahead of schedule, taxied to runway 26L and soon broke through the grey clouds:
Picture taken by my brother
Lufthansa A321 turning north after takeoff from runway 26R:
Picture taken by my brother
Only a few minutes later we got a nice breakfast tray:
Everything tasted fine - and I felt really full after finishing the last item. What I particularly liked was the freshly-squeezed orange juice.
The plane was already descending when the flight attendants took away our trays. Giotto wafer bites were distributed prior to landing:
We touched down exactly 30 minutes after takeoff and arrived at the gate six minutes ahead of schedule.
Zurich Airport
After disembarking, we went straight to the Swiss Business Lounge in Zone A. Nice apron view from the corridor near the entrance:
Picture taken by my brother
Swiss' Business Lounge is equipped with 216 seats spread over 1110 square meters and gives access to the famous 28,6 meters long smoker’s bar where you can find another 91 seats:
The lounge wasn't as crowded as its counterpart in Munich - and I really liked the elegant interior:
We had some drinks...
..but didn't try the cold and warm snacks, we were still full after LH's breakfast. We sat down on a comfortable couch wherefrom I could overlook a taxiway and a part of a runway.
The lounge was becoming quite crowded by noon and we headed to the Skymetro train station. Very stylishly designed terminal and shops:
Picture taken by my brother
Picture taken by my brother
Picture taken by my brother
After arriving at Dock E, we passed Edelweiss Air A330-200 HB-IQI...
...and then we encountered HB-JMJ, wearing the famous San Francisco livery:
Honestly, I wasn't amused at all to see that plane...
Picture taken by my brother
...why? Because I had already found out on Zurich Airport's website (departures) on the evening before that HB-JMJ would go to Los Angeles, while our flight to San Francisco would be operated by HB-JMK.
Of course I was disappointed because the chance to get HB-JMJ had been quite good - 1/3, to be exact (two out of five retrofitted A340s were out of question). Anyway, at least we didn't get a replacement plane with the old Business Class. Only a few days before, Swiss had - exceptionally - sent non-refurbished A340s to Los Angeles and San Francisco.
February 2011
Zurich (ZRH) - San Francisco (SFO)
Swiss Int'l Air Lines LX038
Scheduled times: 13:15-16:30
Actual times: 13:18-16:02
Flight duration: 11:11 (hrs)
Distance: 5840 miles
Business Class, seat 11K
Airbus A340-313X
HB-JMK (MSN 169), named "Aarau"
First delivered to Austrian Airlines as OE-LAK in 04/1997
1st flight on HB-JMK
7th A340-300 flight
10th A340 flight
After another passport and boarding pass check, we could proceed to the gate area. HB-JMK is one of two former Austrian Airlines planes in the 15-strong A340-300 fleet:
I really like the mid-field terminal, but the windows need to be cleaned more often:
In a pre-boarding announcement, a young female ground staff member (probably a trainee, accompanied by some older colleagues) informed that First and Business Class passengers should use the right exit, while Economy Class passengers should use the left exit. Well, that was only true for her perspective behind the desk - actually it was the other way round. Mistakes can happen, of course. The result was that all kinds of passengers started to line up on both sides of the desk. However, the first of two dedicated signs was soon illuminated and we could walk down the jetway:
Can you spot the name?
HB-JMK was named "Aarau" in September 2010, almost three years after joining the fleet.
After a very warm welcome at the door, we stepped into the elegant Business Class cabin. The interaction of colors and materials creates a cozy atmosphere, I immediately felt comfortable:
Half of the Business Class seats remained empty, not a single passenger took a seat in the center section. Therefore, I felt very private in that cabin:
My seat of choice for the next 12 hours:
The screens on the A340-300s (10.4 inches) are slightly smaller than on the A330-300s (12.1 inches). Plenty of storage space can be found on the shelf next to the armrest and under the screen:
More than enough room for my legs:
The seat felt a bit hard, but the problem could be solved within seconds by pressing the "softer" button. I also liked the massage function:
High-quality headphones:
Navyboot amenity kit:
"May I take your jacket?", a friendly male flight attendant asked. Sure!
"Would you like a drink?", a female flight attendant kindly asked some moments later. Sure! Champagne, of course.
Now it was time to relax...and to continue spotting. Parked next to us was Swiss' first A330-300 HB-JHA:
While sipping the bubbly, I listened to a nice announcement by the maître de cabine (purser) who - among other things - referred to a flying time of 11 hours and 15 minutes.
We left the gate exactly three minutes behind schedule and started taxiing to runway 16. Privatair Boeing 737-800 HB-IIR operates flights to Newark on behalf of Swiss:
Some spotters on the observation deck:
An Air Canada 767-300ER overtook us on the right:
While we were slowly moving forward, the captain introduced himself, informed about the routing and told us that we were number four for takeoff. The most interesting sentence was this one: "We will take off from runway 16 which requires to fly a 72-degree turn shortly after lift-off." That was indeed great to hear!
Front camera view - Air Canada 767 taxiing behind a Thai A340-600:
Another four-hauler...
It's our turn now!
The four "hairdryers" quietly accelerated HB-JMK...
...which lifted off sooner than expected. Note the Singapore Airlines A380 which had gone tech on the day before:
Some moments later the plane sharply turned left as announced - that was a remarkable maneuver performed by this heavily loaded A340-300!
Winglets in bright sunshine:
Now it was time for my favorite IFE feature:
Just nine minutes after take-off, the friendly male flight attendant (I'll call him M.) started taking the appetizer and main course orders. He always squat down next to the seats - apparently to be on eye-level with the passengers.
Of course I had already read through the menu:
Very interesting intro:
Chef Mattias Roock, responsible for the four restaurants at the Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains in St. Moritz, had created most dishes of today's flight:
Simply mouth-watering:
Wines and more:
My dishes of choice were the smoked salmon and the fillet of beef...which I was really looking forward to.
Shortly thereafter, M. started laying down white table cloths. Interestingly, I failed at folding out the table - it seemed to be a quite complicated mechanism. M. smiled and told me that folding out the new seat's table would indeed require some training...
As soon as all tables had been prepared, salty snacks and drinks were served. Nuts and orange juice for me:
While waiting for the appetizer, I had a look at the various publications in the seat pocket. Inflight magazine:
Personalized service in Swiss' Business Class? No doubt about that!
Dedicated magazine for First and Business Class passengers:
Duty free magazine:
About 25 minutes after the snack service, one of the female flight attendants arrived with the appetizer cart. "Unfortunately, only smoked salmon is left", she regretfully said. "But that's exactly what I want!", I replied. Then she offered four different kinds of warm bread. A younger colleague immediately followed with the drinks trolley and I asked for a medium-dry white wine. "That's a good question", she answered and simply referred to the two available options, without giving further details. Anyway, I decided to try the Chardonnay Panamera from California.
The tray looked mouth-watering - and everything did indeed taste excellent:
M. then served the main course whose presentation could have been a bit better:
I have to admit that the herb crust on the fillet of beef was not to my taste - but everything else was great, above all the meat itself:
After the trays had been collected, the cheese and dessert cart arrived. First of all, I ordered a small cheese plate. The friendly female flight attendant recommended to try some sweet pear bread - and that was a good choice indeed:
The lunch had been great so far - but the crunchy chocolate mousse with mango sauce was simply awesome!
Strong after-lunch espresso:
Finally, M. passed through the cabin with golden boxes...
Picture taken by my brother
The Lindt chocolates were delicious:
After Swiss had fed me, it was time to rest for a while. This is the lounge position:
And here it is - the fully flat bed:
Lying flat, watching the airshow and listening to good music - what else do you need at 39000 feet?
Some time later, a female flight attendant in the mid-20s who I hadn't seen before went straight to seat 9K and started talking to my brother. They were soon joking around and I was asking myself: "Do they know each other???"
Just after I had stopped listening to music in order to investigate, she came to my seat and cheerfully said: "So you are also from Bavaria, right?" She then told me that she came from the city of Straubing - and that a colleague in Business Class had informed her about a compatriot being seated in 9K. Apparently her colleague had identified my brother's dialect. I moved forward to the empty aisle seat 10G for a while and the three of us had a really nice conversation.
After the nice girl had returned to work in Economy Class, I took a closer look at the AVOD entertainment system. Handset:
Main page:
Movies:
Games:
The system is easy to navigate and offers a choice of 22 movies, 40 TV programs, 16 music channels, 300 music CDs and 15 games. That's definitely enough to keep you entertained for a while, but various other quality carriers offer many more options. Swiss should particularly increase the number of movies.
Anyway, I switched back to the airshow channel...
...made my seat flat again, relaxed and tried to find some sleep. It seems I slept almost two hours on that comfortable lie-flat seat - my only criticism is that shoulder space is a bit tight.
Some time later, M. offered Mövenpick vanilla ice cream and I ordered a single scoop waffle cone. M. also handed out a glass of water without having asked - very nice service!
Only 2 hours and 20 minutes left - I really asked myself where all the time had gone:
I couldn't get enough of the new-style airshow:
Lavatory amenities:
Snowy mountains, deep blue sky and a nice wing with white engines:
About 75 minutes prior to arrival, the flight attendants offered a selection of light snacks:
Picture taken by my brother
I'm neither a fan of poultry pate nor celery salad, but both snacks weren't bad at all. My favorites were the warm cheese filled roesti balls and the Cumberland sauce - not to forget the champagne, of course!
M. served dessert this time - and I decided to try both the white chocolate blueberry mousse and the nut cake:
Which one did I prefer? I don't know, both the mousse and the cake tasted great.
I finished off the light meal with a good black tea:
After commencing descent, the captain came on the speaker again and informed us about fabulous weather in San Francisco. Some time later, he recommended to look out of the windows on the left side because we were passing downtown San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge in beautiful sunlight. Some passengers even shortly left their seats to sneak a peek - despite the fact that the seat belt signs were illuminated. Anyway, we hadn't been on final approach yet.
The weather in the Bay Area was indeed fabulous:
This is the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge:
Only a few more seconds to go:
We touched down after a flying time of 11 hours and 11 minutes...
...and quickly taxied to the gate at the international terminal where we arrived almost half an hour ahead of schedule.
Goodbye, Swiss! See you again in Los Angeles in a few days!
We thanked our flight attendants for the good service and quickly walked to the immigration counters. About 45 minutes after landing, we took the BART to downtown San Francisco. I guess I had never felt so relaxed after a long-haul flight before. Story to be continued...
Conclusion
Great seats, great food, great crews: Despite a few minor weaknesses, SWISS offers a great long-haul Business Class product. The new configuration offers lots of privacy, the lie-flat seats are very comfortable and there's plenty of armrest and table space. I enjoyed a warm and personal service, the food was outstanding in most cases. However, the carrier should improve its IFE. The Business Class Lounge in Zurich is much nicer than Lufthansa's counterpart in Munich, but both can become very crowded.
There's not much to say about the very short hop on Lufthansa. The flight attendant was friendly and customer-orientated, the breakfast was fine and seating comfort was decent - however, I wouldn't invest extra miles or money for a Business Class ticket if I were planning to travel a short distance only.
luxair747SP From Germany, joined May 2010, 444 posts, RR: 18 Reply 2, posted (2 years 2 weeks 1 day 11 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW FORUM MODERATOR
Hi PH
thank you a lot for this amazing TR with many high quality pictures.
The J class of LX looks impressive and from my point of view they have the best one in Europe so far.
The food also looked very decent and it was a rather big meal.
I have never seen any airlines giving away icecream in that way, but it is a very nice touch.
The lounge in ZRH also looks nice and the longest bar is surely "unique".
Thank you again a lot for sharing this very nice evening read.
I hope my ride in LX Y class will also be nice .
Cheers
Johannes
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6190 posts, RR: 79 Reply 3, posted (2 years 2 weeks 1 day 11 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Quoting SInGAPORE_AIR (Reply 1): Thanks for posting this PlaneHunter as I'm considering taking SWISS Business to SFO last this year.
Thanks for your comments! You should really try the new J Class product.
Quoting SInGAPORE_AIR (Reply 1): However, it seems that the PTVs are quite small and fuzzy.
No, they weren't fuzzy. Blame my camera...Yes, other carriers have larger PTVs, but I found the size okay.
Quoting SInGAPORE_AIR (Reply 1): Also, it's disappointing that only one proper meal seems to be served.
Well, I'm a hearty eater - and believe me, the quantity of food on that flight was enough. You can also ask for snacks between the meals - I didn't even use that option.
AlwaysOnAPlane From United Kingdom, joined Sep 2010, 299 posts, RR: 2 Reply 4, posted (2 years 2 weeks 1 day 11 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Hi there PH,
Good to see you living the good life. Cool..
More solid action here from LX. About time I get my butt into one of those new J seats. Looks really impressive.
I have always been happy with the level of service on any LX flight I have taken. The food is just right for my taste and I particularly enjoy the Hot Chocolate drink they serve in long haul J.
To agree with you agin, the only weakness I find is the IFE. Down to tase again, but nothing ever seems to fit my tastes. But hey, the main IFE is going on out the window
Thanks for your report mate and very much looking forward to the rest of this adventure with your bro. Im maybe expecting to see some LAX In-N-Out burger action from you, but lets see?
FLIEGER67 From Turkey, joined Sep 2003, 4387 posts, RR: 57 Reply 6, posted (2 years 2 weeks 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Hi, PH,
superb well done.
What a nice and detailed story around you´re LX service to the States.
That meal´s, not everything for me, but everything looks delicious.
That´s the way to go, definitely.
Looking for more, you know.
gjunnar From Germany, joined Sep 2001, 155 posts, RR: 0 Reply 7, posted (2 years 2 weeks 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Great trip report from you as always. I definitely enjoyed the read about my favorite airline out there. Hope I'll be able to fly their business class product some day.
Question: why did you fly LH and not LX from MUC to ZRH also considering the transfer time in ZRH was pretty long?!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): While we were slowly moving forward, the captain introduced himself, informed about the routing and told us that we were number four for takeoff. The most interesting sentence was this one: "We will take off from runway 16 which requires to fly a 72-degree turn shortly after lift-off." That was indeed great to hear! thumbsup
Those turns are the best. However you certainly meant to write "270° turn".
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): The system is easy to navigate and offers a choice of 22 movies, 40 TV programs, 16 music channels, 300 music CDs and 15 games. That's definitely enough to keep you entertained for a while, but various other quality carriers offer many more options. Swiss should particularly increase the number of movies.
I agree 22 movies aren't a lot, there should be room for some more. Particularly considering the fact that it's exactly what Y passengers get as well.
I flew LX ZRH-MIA-ZRH in Y this year. On the way to MIA there were a couple of good movies among the 22; on the return however I didn't find one that I would have liked. Oh well.
Palmjet From United Kingdom, joined Nov 2001, 1051 posts, RR: 16 Reply 8, posted (2 years 2 weeks 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Hello Planehunter - very nice report of your J class experience to SFO. I've only flown LX shorthaul and they've been great. Pleased to read you had a very relaxing flight - the seat looks nice, and the food looked lovely as well. Seems that LX cabin crew were also delightful - as I have found them on flights I've taken out of LCY.
It's funny that so many people rave about how many movies must be available on the IFE. Given the flight time, how many movies is one going to be able to watch, particularly when you factor in other things going in during the flight such as the meal services?
I am sure many people could find at least one movie out of the 22 that they could watch although if you can't, that's too bad! It's the same with cable or satellite TV at home - you can have 500 channels to choose from but how often can you scroll through channel after channel and not find anything that you like to watch?
I tend to not rely on the IFE that much on longhaul flights - making sure that I bring a book and my own music. I tend to look at IFE as complementing my inflight experience.
Looking forward to the next instalment! Cheers P/jet
Luftfahrer From Germany, joined Mar 2009, 965 posts, RR: 5 Reply 9, posted (2 years 2 weeks 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Ever since you told me that...
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 8): [HB-JMJ] touches a raw nerve...more to follow about that subject in one of my next TRs.
I knew we were to see another high-class trip report from your side, PlaneHunter. And "high-class" in this context can be taken literally, seeing you had a great experience onboard Swiss' new business class. What a culinary event! Well done, it really is a good advertisement for their premium product.
Since you obviously fly very frequently, I have always wondered whether you earn a lot of FF miles at that. Really nice you could use them for this journey, they seem well-invested. I believe accumulated miles will eventually be my way to the front section of the airplane, the question is just when...
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Everything tasted fine - and I felt really full after finishing the last item.
Don't laugh: After seeing this picture, I headed to the fridge and grabbed myself one of these yogurts. They really taste good... and it's nice to see LH offering their passengers quality products.
Simply great, especially for aircraft which normally don't have a front-wheel camera because the pilots don't need it (as opposed to the A340-600 or the B773/W).
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6190 posts, RR: 79 Reply 11, posted (2 years 2 weeks 1 day 9 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 6): superb well done.
What a nice and detailed story around you´re LX service to the States.
Thanks, Markus!
Quoting gjunnar (Reply 7): Great trip report from you as always. I definitely enjoyed the read about my favorite airline out there.
Hi gjunnar, thanks for your comments!
Quoting gjunnar (Reply 7): Question: why did you fly LH and not LX from MUC to ZRH also considering the transfer time in ZRH was pretty long?!
I didn't want to get on the ARJ twice - and I wanted to have more time in between the flights. You never know what happens in winter.
Quoting gjunnar (Reply 7):
Those turns are the best. However you certainly meant to write "270° turn".
You're certainly right, thanks!
Quoting gjunnar (Reply 7): On the way to MIA there were a couple of good movies among the 22; on the return however I didn't find one that I would have liked.
Yes, I have been in similar situations on long-haul trips.
Quoting Palmjet (Reply 8): Hello Planehunter - very nice report of your J class experience to SFO.
Thanks for your feedback, Palmjet!
Quoting Palmjet (Reply 8): It's funny that so many people rave about how many movies must be available on the IFE. Given the flight time, how many movies is one going to be able to watch, particularly when you factor in other things going in during the flight such as the meal services?
Well, it's not necessarily a problem for me, but those who fly on the same carrier much more often.
Quoting Palmjet (Reply 8): I tend to not rely on the IFE that much on longhaul flights - making sure that I bring a book and my own music. I tend to look at IFE as complementing my inflight experience.
I tend to agree. Movies aren't a priority for me, but I really like the airshow.
Quoting Luftfahrer (Reply 9):
I knew we were to see another high-class trip report from your side, PlaneHunter. And "high-class" in this context can be taken literally, seeing you had a great experience onboard Swiss' new business class. What a culinary event! Well done, it really is a good advertisement for their premium product.
Many thanks for your kind words, Marius! Good to hear you enjoyed reading.
Quoting Luftfahrer (Reply 9): Since you obviously fly very frequently, I have always wondered whether you earn a lot of FF miles at that.
Actually I'm not frequent a Star Alliance flyer - but using the Miles & More credit card and watching out for special offers helps a lot.
Quoting Luftfahrer (Reply 9): Do you still have a backlog of trip reports?
Better don't ask... Yes, there is a backlog...and a lack of time.
Quoting Luftfahrer (Reply 9): Don't laugh: After seeing this picture, I headed to the fridge and grabbed myself one of these yogurts. They really taste good...
I can absolutely understand that!
Quoting Luftfahrer (Reply 9): Nevertheless, it looks like a great location to spend time in.
If you are a smoker...
Quoting Luftfahrer (Reply 9): I do imagine it would have been great to score HB-JMJ...
Ah, remember what I said about the raw nerve...
Quoting Luftfahrer (Reply 9): Delicious cashews - but they could have been presented nicer, and not in a plastic bag.
I have to agree!
Quoting lychemsa (Reply 10): C looks fantastic. Not worth going in F it seems.
My thoughts exactly. I wouldn't invest so much more for F Class if I get such a great J Class product.
Quoting lychemsa (Reply 10):
Their Y to the US is very average especially eastbound the meals are bad.
I haven't seen such a report recently, would be interesting to see what you get in Swiss' Y Class in these days.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 11): Actually I'm not frequent a Star Alliance flyer - but using the Miles & More credit card and watching out for special offers helps a lot.
Oh yes, I totally forgot about that. I see a quite a few airlines joining partnerships with the huge credit card companies in these days. If the conditions are right for the customer, why not?
Haha, I'm not. It really surprised me that it is a "smoker's bar" indeed (hence my edit above). I was under the impression that the majority of airline lounges were non-smoking areas in general, probably with designated, small smoking zones nowhere as nice as the place at ZRH. But it does look empty in your picture... makes me wonder about the popularity!
[Edited 2011-05-07 15:35:55]
Et là tu montes encore plus haut et ça persiste, alors on vole
aflyingkiwi From New Zealand, joined Nov 2010, 488 posts, RR: 3 Reply 14, posted (2 years 2 weeks 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Hi PH,
Great report and pictures and it's good to see you in J
Swiss' new J product looks very impressive and is probably one of the best ways to burn your M&M miles. The food also looks very good though I am a tad disappointed by the fact that they don't really have a proper second meal. After all it is an 11 hour flight.
Overall though LX J product looks like one of the best in the Europe and I'm looking forward to reading your report of the return leg (as well as your Intra-US flights).
767747 From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 1750 posts, RR: 26 Reply 16, posted (2 years 2 weeks 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Another excellent report, PH!
Looks like you had a really nice flight with Swiss! The food looks amazing ... I definitely really hope to get on a Swiss flight in the near future; there has been a lot written about them lately and they look really good!
Thanks for sharing! Looking forward to your return trip.
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 12): Your really can';t go wrong with LX, great product both in the air and on the ground.
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 12): Food looks good, though just a tad too much herb on the beef for my liking.
Yes, that's what I thought, too.
Quoting Luftfahrer (Reply 13): But it does look empty in your picture... makes me wonder about the popularity!
I took the picture shortly after 09:00, maybe that's a reason.
Quoting aflyingkiwi (Reply 14): Great report and pictures and it's good to see you in J
Hi aflyingkiwi, thanks for your comments!
Quoting aflyingkiwi (Reply 14): Swiss' new J product looks very impressive and is probably one of the best ways to burn your M&M miles.
LH will become attractive again once the 748 with the new J Class enters service.
Quoting aflyingkiwi (Reply 14): The food also looks very good though I am a tad disappointed by the fact that they don't really have a proper second meal. After all it is an 11 hour flight.
I think the quantity was just right - and I'm a hearty eater.
Quoting Genius12 (Reply 15): Great trip report - LX is certainly on my list to try (in J and F). Looking forward to the rest of the story!
Thanks, Genius12. You should really try LX.
Quoting 767747 (Reply 16): Another excellent report, PH!
Many thanks, Matthew! Good to hear you liked it.
Quoting 767747 (Reply 16): I definitely really hope to get on a Swiss flight in the near future; there has been a lot written about them lately and they look really good!
globetraveller From Germany, joined Apr 2008, 377 posts, RR: 21 Reply 18, posted (2 years 2 weeks 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 32767 times:
A great trip report PlaneHunter!
The new SWISS J really looks like a treat and after looking at your TR, I am not surprised that SWISS continues to be one of the best performers in the LH Group.
Burj From United States of America, joined Nov 2007, 838 posts, RR: 4 Reply 19, posted (2 years 2 weeks 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 32767 times:
Great trip report! Those seats look really great...it is the same basic design as what Delta uses on its int'l 767s..but the Swiss version looks more upscale!
So is it so rare for Bavarians to be flying on Swiss?
The chicken pate is very interesting looking! Does it normally look like that?
Quoting globetraveller (Reply 18): The new SWISS J really looks like a treat and after looking at your TR, I am not surprised that SWISS continues to be one of the best performers in the LH Group.
Yes, I'm not surprised at all about LX's good performance.
Quoting Burj (Reply 19): Those seats look really great...it is the same basic design as what Delta uses on its int'l 767s..but the Swiss version looks more upscale!
Finnair uses the same design, too. It will be interesting to see LH's new J Class.
Quoting Burj (Reply 19): So is it so rare for Bavarians to be flying on Swiss?
I don't think so. But I guess the number of Bavarian flight attendants on LX is limited.
Quoting Burj (Reply 19): The chicken pate is very interesting looking! Does it normally look like that?
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2332 posts, RR: 53 Reply 21, posted (2 years 2 weeks 22 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Hi PH,
Finally the long awaited premium long haul experience of yours! Now I know how you spent the 9 February.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): We came to the conclusion that it would be a good opportunity to exchange accumulated miles for Business Class tickets. After checking all possible flight options on the Miles & More website, it was clear that we would try SWISS' new intercontinental Business Class with lie-flat seats.
Just look how all your trips paid. Good decision!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): After quickly passing security, we made a visit to the Lufthansa Business Lounge:
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): The interaction of colors and materials creates a cozy atmosphere, I immediately felt comfortable:
Great shot, PH!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): The seat felt a bit hard, but the problem could be solved within seconds by pressing the "softer" button. I also liked the massage function:
Smart design! Who made the cushion “firmer” before by the way?
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): "We will take off from runway 16 which requires to fly a 72-degree turn shortly after lift-off." That was indeed great to hear
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Just after I had stopped listening to music in order to investigate, she came to my seat and cheerfully said: "So you are also from Bavaria, right?" She then told me that she came from the city of Straubing - and that a colleague in Business Class had informed her about a compatriot being seated in 9K. Apparently her colleague had identified my brother's dialect. I moved forward to the empty aisle seat 10G for a while and the three of us had a really nice conversation.
Hmm, not everyone has been given broad shoulder like you.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): About 75 minutes prior to arrival, the flight attendants offered a selection of light snacks:
Tray service! I just love it!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Some time later, he recommended to look out of the windows on the left side because we were passing downtown San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge in beautiful sunlight
No picture of Golden Gate?
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): however, I wouldn't invest extra miles or money for a Business Class ticket if I were planning to travel a short distance only.
I would think the same way. Only as a tag on of long haul flight.
Excellent report, PH! Thanks for sharing. It was well worth waiting!
nethkt From Thailand, joined Apr 2001, 985 posts, RR: 3 Reply 23, posted (2 years 2 weeks 20 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Wow, many thanks for the 5 stars trip report.
I love Swiss F / C class products. They are so neat and very Swiss made.
I'd say the second food service is a let down on this 11 hours flight, being an all daylight flight (expect lunch and dinner, or lunch and lunch as you would say for the local time of origin/destination)
Asian carriers would offer 2 proper main meal services on daylight flights over 10 hours.
However, your second meal service wasn't that bad either.
Just curious about the Swiss long-bar lounge. Is it inside the Schengen area?
What if I am a transit passenger from Bangkok onto Chicago? Do I have to clear immigration to get to that lounge?
I'm holding a Thai passport and need visa to enter Switzerland/Schengen countries.
Many thanks for the report.
Nethkt
Don't be annoyed knowing the passengers around you are non-revs and op-upgraders, be grateful for them. Life is beautifu
LH4116 From Sweden, joined Aug 2007, 1672 posts, RR: 15 Reply 24, posted (2 years 2 weeks 20 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Hey PH, great report!
It's not everyday we get to see a premium report from you, I remember the last one I read was your short hop on Virgin America F.
The flight in LH J seemed pretty decent, seats looked nice but the food seemed just awful for J. I mean it's basically just supermarket items put on a slightly larger tray, and if it wasn't for that glass bowl it could've been just like any Y class snack. Even SAS serve better breakfasts in Y on 50 min domestic hops. I really think they should do some improvements to their short haul J offerings.
Your flight in LX J on the other hand looked fantastic, seats looked really comfy, although the cabin on the A343 is really starting to show signs of age. Also the bulkhead walls appeared to have some OS motives on them, or maybe I'm wrong.
The food offerings looked like pretty standard long haul J, nice to see them offer two choices of starters. The main course you choose, the beef looked a bit strange to me. Never really got the idea of having a crust on a steak. Dessert looked great. Also the pre-arrival snack looked a bit small in terms of the portion size. Personally I'm a big fan of paté and Cumberland sauce, I think the only thing lacking was the salt pickle
Thanks for sharing!
//Jonas
I won't stop complaining until SAS reintroduces free service in Economy Class!
25 PlaneHunter: Hi Nethkt, thanks a lot for your comments! I'd say the quantity was just right - I guess I wouldn't have been able to finish another large meal. Yes,
26 ojas: Excellent TR PH, just enjoyed reading it! I personally felt there should have been a full fledged second meal than a snack offering. Thanks for sharin
27 PlaneHunter: Many thanks, Ojas! I'm glad that you liked it. You're another one here pointing that out which is quite interesting. How much can you guys eat? PH
28 ojas: A lot more than that! However if we draw parallels with flights of similar times like IAD/JFK - DOH, NRT - AUH .... there are 2 full meals served on
29 PlaneHunter: It would be interesting to know what LH serves on similar flights. Probably LX has simply adjusted catering to demand? Probably certain carriers simp
30 ojas: LOL, in that case I'm afraid you guys are not hearty eaters
31 RvXKaz: Hi Planehunter, I enjoyed your report very much. Many thanks for the exceptional pictures, especially those of your inflight meals! I've always found
32 PlaneHunter: Hi RvXKaz, thanks a lot for your nice comments! I didn't hear Italian on my flights. Yes, that looks quite nice. PH
33 sfflyer123: Very nice TR! I flew this route SFO-ZRH in the reverse direction in C, and it was just great. Do you know if the A330's from JFK to ZRH also have the
34 PlaneHunter: Hi sfflyer123, thanks for your feedback. I remember your nice video report - and the fact that you got HB-JMJ! JFK is served by the A330-300s and tho
35 SloAir: Hi PlaneHunter, I was very happy to see your report today and it meet my (high ) expectations perfectly. Great work! I have never flown on the A343, o
36 FlyKev: Once again another excellent report! Swiss certainly look to offer a good business class product, and the food certainly looks good. I hope you enjoye
37 JetBlue777: It was a good move since Chicago had that horrible blizzard last February. We also avoided ORD and paid a little bit extra to go with DL via ATL inst
38 davs5032: PlaneHunter, I just want to comment on your superb trip reports; yours are some of the best reports I've read on this site, and I look forward to read
39 PlaneHunter: Hi Blaž, many thanks for your feedback! That's really appreciated! According to Swiss, all A343s should be equipped by mid-2011. They should have th
40 Sultanils: Hi PH, Very nice story on the 'new' LX business class. The cabin looks very inviting as well as that Edelweiss A332 and the ZRH lounge. Nice pic of th
41 PlaneHunter: Thanks for your feedback, Nils! Yes, that's its purpose. PH
42 EL-AL: Hey PH, Very nice report, with great photos, thx! I am surprised that you only had light snacks after 12 hours flight, and in JCL! Beside that, the se
43 parton87: Hello PH! Thank you for another great story! It looks like you had som nice flights with LH & LX! I love this Looks really good for a 30min flight
44 OA260: Hey nice report. Swiss look good as usual. Cant believe that in over 100 Swiss J class flights Ive never been LX longhaul. Would certainly like to try
45 infodesk: Hi PH, Excellent, just excellent. It's great to read a TR about longahul with LX, particularly with the new C-Class. The food & presentation looks
46 The777Man: Hi Planehunter! Amazing trip report with fantastic pictures! Swiss looks business class looks fantastic similiar to some carrier's First class! Presen
47 777way: IFE screens were much bigger in the promotionel CGI mockup on their website, wonderful report + photos.
48 PlaneHunter: Thanks for your feedback, Jonathan! I found the quantity to be appropriate. Hi Robert, thanks for your comments! Yes, I really enjoyed the massage fu
49 FlyingFinn76: Hi PH, A great report on your business class experience - that must be your first report about a long haul flight in business, unless I'm mistaken? A
50 777way: Here is the bigger IFE screen in CGI mock setup http://www.swiss.com/web/EN/Pages/index.aspx?Country=US click on banner reading new swiss business uni
51 PlaneHunter: Hi FlyingFinn, thanks for your feedback! Yes, it's my first long-haul J Class report. It was even better on the way back. I can only agree, a named p
52 colts001: Nice trip report PlaneHunter, Zurich airport looks sleek. I have to agree with Ojas that the second meal is too small for a flight of this duration. T
53 stipica: Hi PlaneHunter ! ... for me the best trip report regarding the Swiss new product ... colleagues have already commented all ... ... thanks Stipica
54 PlaneHunter: Thanks for your feedback! Hi stipica, many thanks for your nice comment! Good to hear you liked it. PH
55 ronerone: Welcome to the world of premium flying PlaneHunter You deserve a water canon salute on this inaugural J class flight! And what a perfect choice it was
56 PlaneHunter: Hi Roni, thanks so much for your kind words! Your feedback is always highly appreciated! I'm sure we'll see a SWISS report by ronerone in the not-so-
57 abrelosojos: PH, As promised, I am getting to your report today ... over a nice glass of nice ice-cream (inspired by you) and a wonderful glass of 1999 Graham's Qu
58 NZ107: Hi PH, I finally get around to commenting on this excellent TR of yours. Well done! Photos are great. Woah, not bad at all for a 30 minute flight even
59 Babybus: Great report as ever. I always love looking at the menu. The food looked lovely, apart from the one thrown together, and I wouldn't mind tucking into
60 MSS658: Long time ago I was able to reply over here. Nice trip report as usual, sorry that you did not get the special livery A343, but always better than a n
61 flyAUA: Amazing trip report! Thanks for sharing Am flying Business with Swiss in December on the A330 and now I am sure spending the extra euros was a good id
62 PlaneHunter: Hi Alex, thanks a lot for your feedback! Sounds good! Interesting, I haven't visited many of them. I have never heard anything else. Come on, it's ju
63 planiac787: Hello ph A great trip report as always. Swiss is my favorite european carrier. I think they have the best J class product. And yes I think there cater
64 PlaneHunter: Thank you, Pradat! Quality was excellent - and I was satisfied with quanity as well, but I can understand those who like to eat more. The A330s have
65 dtswi: Dear PlaneHunter, great report, very exhaustive and with so many nice pictures ! Congratulations. It is nice to see that Swiss brings such a consistan
66 PlaneHunter: Many thanks, dtswi! Yes, you know what you get when flying Swiss. I was planning to try Austrian's new J Class product for a vacation trip later this
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The result was that all kinds of passengers started to line up on both sides of the desk. However, the first of two dedicated signs was soon illuminated and we could walk down the jetway:
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(edit) Kind of surprising. Nevertheless, it looks like a great location to spend time in.
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