adamspotter From Netherlands, joined Feb 2011, 813 posts, RR: 2 Posted (11 months 3 weeks 2 days 2 hours ago) and read 7458 times:
Hello everyone and welcome to my 11th trip report
Introduction
This report will cover part 2 of my weekend spotting trip to Zurich. The first report containing spotting pictures from AMS and ZRH + my AMS-ZRH flight on Edelweiss in Business class and the reason for my travels can be found here: Weekend Spotting Trip To Zurich On Edelweiss In C (by adamspotter Jun 25 2012 in Trip Reports)
This report will contain more spotting pictures from both observation decks at ZRH and my flight back to AMS on SWISS in Business Class. It will also show the difference between SWISS’ and Edelweiss’ Business Class, which IMHO is a bit of a difference.
So sit back, relax and I hope you enjoy this report
Part 1 left me falling asleep in my Business Class hotel room at the Radisson Blu Hotel located at Zurich Airport. My first intention was to wake up at 07:00 to be able to get to the observation decks nice and early.
After 5 hours of sleep my alarm clock went off at 07:00 sharp. Still feeling very sleepy I decided to just keep sleeping and go to the decks later on. I finally woke up at 10:15 and immediately took a look outside:
After enjoying the view outside I took a quick shower before heading downstairs to eat some breakfast. I opted for the breakfast buffet at the Filini restaurant which is free for customers using a Business Class room. After having a nice breakfast I headed back upstairs to pack my bag en head over to the observation decks.
I grabbed/packed all my belongings and headed back over to take the elevator downstairs to check out:
Headed over to the reception desk, where it was my turn right away, and 5 minutes later I was checked out. Before heading over to the airport I took 1 last quick picture of this beautiful hotel:
Observation Deck B
As mentioned in my previous report the hotel is directly connected to the airport so I was at ZRH in no time. Headed over to check-in area 2 where the entrance for the observation decks is. After paying the 5CHF entrance fee and clearing security I had arrived at the b deck once again.
I decided to head straight back over to the E deck, so went over to the desk to pay the additional 4 CHF. The lady behind the desk recognized me from yesterday and gave me a free ticket for the E deck, which I thought was very nice of her! After thanking her, I took a look around the B deck as the bus for the E deck will leave in 20 min:
SWISS // A321 // HB-IOF:
KLM // B737 // PH-BGK getting ready to head back to AMS:
Flughafen Zürich:
SWISS // A319 // HB-IPS:
Observation Deck E
It was now time to head over to the “waiting room”, from where I could take the bus. A 10 minute bus ride later I was at observation deck E. Some more spotting pictures taken from the E deck:
Singapore Airlines // A380 // 9V-SKP getting pushed back for departure to SIN:
Hainan Airlines // A330 // B-6118 getting towed to its gate:
United // B767 // N652UA taxiing to runway 16 for departure to IAD:
EL-AL // B737 // 4X-EKC sitting at its gate getting prepared for departure to TLV:
Thai Airways // A340 // HS-TNA getting towed to its gate, this one if for Win1920:
Edelweiss // A320 // HB-IHX:
Ukraine International // B737 // UR-GAX just arrived from KBP:
Polizei jeep waiting for EL-AL to push back:
Hello // A320 // HB-JIY:
SWISS // A330 // HB-JHG being pushed back:
American // B767 // N39364 taxiing to runway 16 for departure to JFK:
SWISS // A330 // HB-JHI taxiing to runway 16:
Emirates // B777 // A6-ECH just arriving from DXB:
Air Canada // A330 // C-GFAH taxiing to runway 16 for departure to YYZ:
SWISS // A340 // HB-JMD taxiing to runway 16:
Taxiing to runway 16 for departure to TLV:
SWISS // A340 // HB-JMO taxiing to runway 16:
SWISS // A330 // HB-JHC taxiing to runway 16:
SWISS // A340 // HB-JMC taxiing to runway 16 with Ukraine International getting pushed back:
Taxiing to runway 16 for departure back to BKK:
Taxiing to runway 16 for departure back to PEK:
Qatar Airways // A330 // A7-AFL arriving from DOH:
BMI Regional // EMB145 // G-EMBJ taxiing to runway 16:
Travel Service // B737 // OK-TVL just arriving:
SWISS // A340 // HB-JMA just arriving from SFO or LAX:
Taxiing to runway 16 for departure back to DXB:
Taxiing to runway 28 for departure back to DOH:
SWISS // A330 // HB-JHF getting towed to its gate:
adamspotter From Netherlands, joined Feb 2011, 813 posts, RR: 2 Reply 1, posted (11 months 3 weeks 2 days 2 hours ago) and read 7452 times:
Observation Deck B
As it was nearing 17:00, the time the E deck closes, it was time to head back downstairs to take the bus over to the B deck (which is open until 21:00). I decided to take another look around the B deck:
Air France Regional // EMB190 // F-HBLG:
SWISS // A320 // HB-IJE:
Before heading back inside to print my BP and pass security I took one last look at the hangars in the distance. This Conviasa A340 was sitting there. The airline is banned from the European airspace since 3rd of April 2012:
Check-in
After spotting the Conviasa I headed back inside over to check-in area 1. As always I had checked in online, this time in the morning at my hotel so all I needed to do is print my BP. Walked over to one of the self-service machines at the Business Class check-in area, swapped my FTL card and the machine spit out my BP.
Security
After printing my BP I headed over to security which was just a minute walk away. First I scanned my BP using the First/Business lane and was granted access to the security area. Used the First/Business lane once again and was through security in no time.
SWISS Business Lounge
As I still had a couple of hours to go before boarding time I headed over to the SWISS Business lounge:
I exchanged my BP with the friendly employee and was granted access to the lounge. First impression of the lounge was a very good one. It is quite a big and very nice lounge in excellent condition. Didn’t take too many pictures though as it was quite busy my whole stay there:
These cheese dupplings were quite delicious:
After having a nice bite to eat I headed over to this very comfortable couch:
So I sat, relaxed and enjoyed the free WIFI using my I-pod:
Time was flying by and at 20:10, 5 minutes after boarding time, I headed towards the gate. Assigned gate was A86 which is all the way at the end of the A-pier. After walking for about 5 minutes I arrived at my gate where there was a long line for boarding. Boarding had just began so I headed over to the front of the line where my BP was scanned and I was allowed onto the jetway.
Once entering the plane I exchanged greetings with the male purser and FA. Seat for this ride was 1A so a right turn straight away and I was at my seat. The male FA helped me put my carry-on in one of the overhead bins. First impression of the cabin was a very good one. Nice, clean and spotless! Quite a difference compared to Edelweiss the day before.
While I was getting settled in and the rest of the passengers were still boarding I took a look outside:
Soon enough boarding was completed and the jetway got de-attached:
10 of the 24 available seats were occupied with the whole row to myself. One of the male FAs came around the C cabin offering newspapers and a bottle of water with refreshing towel:
The overhead screen was welcoming us aboard:
Flight crew was an all male crew. The purser came onto the PA welcoming us aboard with the usual announcements. Announced flying time was 1h20min. After that the pilot came onto the PA also welcoming us aboard and announcing that we were still awaiting ATC clearance so will still need to wait another 10-15 min. Meanwhile the safety demonstration was being played on the overhead screens:
One of the FAs also came around with the famous SWISS chocolate:
Bulkhead + Contents
While still awaiting clearance it gave me a nice opportunity to take the mandatory legroom shot:
Safety card:
SWISS shop duty free magazine:
SWISS magazine:
While looking outside, one of BA’s Olympic schemes came taxiing by:
Pushback + Taxi
15 minutes after our SDT, at 20:50 we started pushback:
Which gave us a nice view of Observation deck B:
We then started taxiing towards runway 32:
Passing this Hello A320:
A view towards Terminal E:
Crossing runway 10-28:
A bunch of SWISS heavies at Terminal E:
This JAT Airways came taxiing behind us:
2 Edelweiss heavies (the only 2 in their fleet) at Terminal E:
Take-off + Climb
We arrived at runway 32 and lined up right away:
The line of aircraft behind us while we start take-off roll:
adamspotter From Netherlands, joined Feb 2011, 813 posts, RR: 2 Reply 2, posted (11 months 3 weeks 2 days 2 hours ago) and read 7439 times:
And up we went:
Overhead screen was showing the map:
Some more beautiful views:
We also got a nice view of ZRH:
Golf anyone?:
Going through the clouds:
Dinner Service
Once the seatbelt sign got “dinged” off the purser prepared our meal in the forward cabin. As already mentioned before the flight crew was an all male one. The purser served our cabin, nothing special but did his job with a smile. Later on a male FA also came to help in our cabin.
Later during the flight the male FA saw me reading the Airliner World Magazine. He asked if I was a pilot. After answering with: “No, I wish”, I explained to him that I am an airplane spotter and fly everywhere and write reports about the flights. He directly answered with: “On Airliners?”. Always nice to hear that, I also had a couple more short conversations with him during the flight.
Anyway back to the dinner service. Soon enough the curtain opened and the purser handed over this tray:
The main dish was delicious. Didn’t touch the dessert and cheese. The purser also came around with some hot buns which were also nice and warm. Together with this I got a coke which was refilled regularly.
Cruising + Descent
So during the rest of the flight I read the Airliner World magazine, drank some coke and coffee which was frequently refilled, had some good chats with the FA and regularly had a look outside:
The sun was also starting to set:
Beautiful sunset on the clouds:
Taking a look at the map, we had 38 min to go:
The FO came onto the PA announcing that we were nearing Brussels and were going to start descent in a couple of minutes:
We flew straight over the Port of Rotterdam:
Passing over the Dutch coast:
One more picture of the beautiful sunset:
Approach + Landing
We flew over the Northsea for a while:
Before taking 2 sharp right turns:
A closer look inside the engine:
Passing by the Port of Amsterdam:
Over the “Noordzeekanaal”:
And into final approach for the “Polderbaan” also known as 18R:
And touchdown!:
Taxi to the gate
While we were welcomed to Amsterdam by the purser the overhead screen was saying goodbye:
Landing on the Polderbaan means a long taxi to the gate:
Passing…..:
The Polderbaan tower:
A bunch of KLM heavies, resting in their parking position:
This DHL A300 which had landed in front of us and was waiting for us to taxi by:
The Embraer/Fokker farm:
Part of the B pier:
Our assigned gate was B31, parking next to this Iberia A320:
De-boarding
Once we were in our full parking position the seatbelt sign “dinged” off and I grabbed my belongings. In no time the left front door was opened, I thanked and bid the crew farewell and was second off the plane. As gate B31 is almost at the end of the B pier it was a long walk all the way over to the baggage claim. With no checked baggage I was landside in a jiffy.
Getting Home
Once clearing customs I headed straight to Schiphol Plaza where all the trains depart from. Once arriving, I ran over to platform 3 where the 22:45 train to Amsterdam Lelylaan station was departing from. Once at the platform the train was already there and I entered just in time. A 7 minute train ride and 10 minute walk later I was at home after a perfect weekend!
Conclusion
Well what shall I say, the observation decks at Zurich are just perfect. Great views, nice traffic and most definitely worth the money.
And then SWISS, I had a fantastic flight with them. It was quite a difference compared to Edelweiss the day before. A clean, fresh, nice and spotless cabin. The crew were good, especially the one FA I mentioned. The food was also absolutely delicious. They took good care of me.
USA Trip 2012
As already mentioned before I will be leaving to the USA, in 3 weeks, for vacation. Will be staying for a full 4 weeks (last week in Canada) and will be travelling with my dad. I thought I might as well already share my itinerary with you guys. All flights booked on delta.com:
July 21: AMS-BOS // 11:10-13:00 // DL231 // A330-300
August 1: BOS-JFK // 12:00-13:17 // DL901 // A319
August 1: JFK-PHL // 16:10-17:28 // DL3544 // CRJ900 Pinnacle Airlines/DL Connection
August 8: PHL-LGA // 14:10-15:10 // DL4050 // CRJ100 Pinnacle Airlines/DL Connection
August 8: LGA-YYZ // 16:45-18:25 // DL7145 // 736 operated by WestJet
August 16: YYZ-AMS // 23:05-12:10 // DL9399 // 744 operated by KLM
Well, this will conclude this trip report. Thank you, once again, very much for taking the time to read it. It is much appreciated! I hope you guys enjoyed. And as always:
Comments/Suggestions and/or Questions are very welcome and much appreciated
FLIEGER67 From Bulgaria, joined Sep 2003, 4421 posts, RR: 56 Reply 3, posted (11 months 3 weeks 1 day 3 hours ago) and read 6655 times:
Hi, Brendan,
that´s for sure a good amount of spotting pictures. Well done.
And sure one more reason for me to do the Zurich terrace visit again soon.
Hotel looks also really good.
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6114 posts, RR: 56 Reply 4, posted (11 months 3 weeks 16 hours ago) and read 6379 times:
Hi Brendan!
Thanks for another amazing report with very nice pictures !
I've been spotting at ZRH as well and it's really great! Traffic is fairly varied as well. The new B pier looks very nice. Is there still a Buchair shop on the observation deck ?
Flights look nice and they are not that long anyway.
You should have a great trip to North America! Looking forward to some reports from that trip!
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
win1290 From Thailand, joined Jan 2012, 249 posts, RR: 2 Reply 6, posted (11 months 2 weeks 5 days 6 hours ago) and read 5504 times:
Hey Brendan,
Nice continuation from the first part, great spotting pictures once again, thanks a lot for writing this up. The lounge looks very nice and classy. The flight with LX looks great too.
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): The lady behind the desk recognized me from yesterday and gave me a free ticket for the E deck, which I thought was very nice of her!
Thats very nice indeed!
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): Thai Airways // A340 // HS-TNA getting towed to its gate, this one if for Win1920
flightsimboy From Canada, joined Sep 2005, 860 posts, RR: 4 Reply 8, posted (11 months 2 weeks 4 days 10 hours ago) and read 4929 times:
Hey Brendan,
Another great report, and the second day of the spotting trip.
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): Part 1 left me falling asleep in my Business Class hotel room at the Radisson Blu Hotel located at Zurich Airport. My first intention was to wake up at 07:00 to be able to get to the observation decks nice and early.
After 5 hours of sleep my alarm clock went off at 07:00 sharp. Still feeling very sleepy I decided to just keep sleeping and go to the decks later on. I finally woke up at 10:15 and immediately took a look outside:
I hope you did not miss anything special, considering you had planned to get to the observation deck nice and early.
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): The lady behind the desk recognized me from yesterday and gave me a free ticket for the E deck, which I thought was very nice of her! After thanking her, I took a look around the B deck as the bus for the E deck will leave in 20 min:
Very kind of her to do that.
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): Singapore Airlines // A380 // 9V-SKP getting pushed back for departure to SIN:
Ah here she is. I had questioned you about this in your previous days spotting trip report
We are so lucky to get the gorgeous A340-600 version of Hainan....She is one great Asian beauty!!
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter): Thai Airways // A340 // HS-TNA getting towed to its gate, this one if for Win1920:
What I'd do to see this land at YYZ!! .....And yes anything related to TG now brings win1920 to mind lol
Quoting adamspotter (Reply 2): He directly answered with: “On Airliners?”.
I have a feeling cabin crews are taking time to read reports, and especially ones where a.netters busy taking pics on board. Of course ones that have their pics taken are definite trip reports on here.
Quoting adamspotter (Reply 2): August 16: YYZ-AMS // 23:05-12:10 // DL9399 // 744 operated by KLM
I will be at T1 on Aug 16 to see a friend off flying on EY, while you will be checking in at T3. I will try and get a pic of your KLM 744 landing at YYZ and am looking forward to seeing this trip report from you. Too bad it is the flight that leaves so late at night, and not the one that departs at 1730 or around that time. Have you booked the Premium Economy seats to get those gorgeous engine shots lol.
Quoting win1290 (Reply 6): Have a wonderful and safe travel! I look forward to your reports on your trip!
Thanks once again Win!
Quoting win1290 (Reply 6): It seems I will be flying from AMS (AMS-BKK with KLM) one day before you
Too bad we will just miss each other, so taking KLM to BKK this time? Opposed to your usual great THAI?
Hi J,
Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 7): Nice conclusion Brendan. Be interesting to see how Swiss European compares to the mainline when I try them out later in the year.
skyhawk707 From United States of America, joined Oct 2010, 6 posts, RR: 0 Reply 13, posted (11 months 1 week 4 days 7 hours ago) and read 3928 times:
Hi Brendan,
Great Reports
Thanks for all the great information regarding the spotting areas at the Zurich Airport. I myself will be there in less than 20 days for a long deserved vacation and I'm looking forward to visting Switzerland and the Zurich Airport for the first time in over 20 years.
It will sure be a change of pace for spotting since i'm so used to the well known Imperial Hill @ LAX and what I call "the gate" at Long Beach Airport.
If anybody has any other great information about spotting please let me know and if anybody would like to meet up at the Zurich airport for a little A.net meeting I be willing to do that as well.
Quoting skyhawk707 (Reply 13): Thanks for all the great information regarding the spotting areas at the Zurich Airport
Your welcome
Quoting skyhawk707 (Reply 13): I myself will be there in less than 20 days for a long deserved vacation and I'm looking forward to visting Switzerland and the Zurich Airport for the first time in over 20 years.
Enjoy your stay!
Quoting skyhawk707 (Reply 13): It will sure be a change of pace for spotting since i'm so used to the well known Imperial Hill @ LAX and what I call "the gate" at Long Beach Airport.
haha thats true, although I quite like imperial hill been there a couple times
Quoting win1290 (Reply 14): Yup, our next trip to England will be via AMS, so we could spend a couple of days in Holland on the way back home.
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6211 posts, RR: 79 Reply 16, posted (11 months 3 days 16 hours ago) and read 3217 times:
Hi Brendan,
very interesting second part with great spotting pictures!
Quoting adamspotter (Thread starter):
The main dish was delicious. Didn’t touch the dessert and cheese. The purser also came around with some hot buns which were also nice and warm. Together with this I got a coke which was refilled regularly.
That meal looks great - what a shame you didn't touch dessert and cheese!
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