abrelosojos From Venezuela, joined May 2005, 4918 posts, RR: 55 Posted (3 months 2 weeks 5 days 21 hours ago) and read 15957 times:
Part I ->
Feedback always appreciated.
I > Background:
In between consulting engagements, it was time to catch up with a few friends in Switzerland. After several fun nights catching up with them in Zürich, I was supposed to go back ZRH-FRA-CCS to start my consulting engagement in Colombia. However, a last minute delay by the Colombians on getting the contract started (haha) meant I had some additional time and a friend in Montreal beckoned me to visit him. As I have not visited AC for a while, it would be a perfect time to catch up with that as well. To my surprise, LX had surprisingly cheap FCL tickets to YUL, and within minutes, my credit card had processed a charge and my e-ticket was sitting in my email inbox.
There have been a few excellent LX FCL reports, but I believe this will be the first one covering ZRH – YUL. “AndrewE” has written about his experience on the inbound YUL – ZRH and this can be found at Swiss First | Montréal --> Zurich (by AndrewE Sep 10 2012 in Trip Reports).
II > Pre-Flight:
a) Before Airport:
Swiss International Air Lines AG (short: Swiss) is the flag carrier airline of Switzerland operating scheduled services in Europe and to North America, South America, Africa and Asia. Its main hub is Zürich Airport (ZRH). Formed after the 2002 bankruptcy of Swissair, Swiss is a subsidiary of the German airline Lufthansa. However, it has long been the most profitable part of Lufthansa Group’s airline businesses. It has built on the stellar reputation of Swissair to remain a “higher-end” niche carrier with an expanding global network from a better hub than what Lufthansa has been able to provide at Frankfurt.
Booking for my flight was done on Expedia as the same booking class was cheaper by over $1,000 than what Swiss was quoting me on their website. I am not a fan of www.swiss.com as basic stuff like viewing itineraries not done on their site cannot be accomplished. Moreover, the only way to get a seat selected was to call their call center. All in all, very poor experience and shocking because LH has an industry leading website.
b) At Airport:
While the outside of Zürich’s international airport in Kloten certainly shows its age, LX’s dedicated space for FCL passengers is something nice and makes for a good check-in experience. A nice lady gave me my boarding pass after a thoroughly efficient check-in process; she also confirmed if I was comfortable with my seat as it was a full-flight but most were upgrades as YCL was sold out and there was the ensuring cascading upgrade effect. According to her, “YUL is always empty in F.” This would be in line with why my last minute flight was so cheap. LX has an interesting “departure-based” revenue management approach so I wonder what they think with this flight.
Interestingly (and disappointingly), LX does not have a dedicated security channel at ZRH for FCL passengers. This meant a rather long queue to be screened due to all the other Star Golds before arriving air-side and to the First Class / Honors Circle Lounge. Now again, why LX has such a dingy space for their FCL guests is beyond me – basically the lounge is cordoned off, and I am convinced that the “worst” space is reserved for LX’s most premium passengers. Thankfully, the lounge Maître d offered the usual direct transfer service to the international concourse and I could not resist. He used to be a former FA and we chatted about having a ground position as he walked me through the direct elevators to a private Schengen control, and the waiting group van. Here, the private transfer (instead of the train) took me to the “E gates” where my flight would be boarding from.
Boarding had already commenced so I quickly made my way to the gate and was welcomed by the agent and show to the aircraft. Upon entering the aircraft, the purser greeted me and walked me to my seat. Here, I was greeted by the other FA who introduced himself to me and assisted with my bag and jacket. He asked me to be comfortable and to let him know if I wanted anything.
After a little while, sparkling wine/OJ/water was offered, and I settled in with some Laurent-Perrier – which as I say is barely OK as a JCL champagne. Seems like the Lufthansa Group has a bulk discount on these! F load was around 100% with apparently only 1 other seat was revenue.
Airport - External:
(Zürich Airport) Check-in:
(Special First Class Area – why no fast-rack to security?)
*
Airport - Internal:
(Pre-Security @ ZRH)
(FIDS)
(Post-Security @ ZRH)
Scenes of the tarmac:
NONE
Lounge
(Swiss Lounge)
*
(The “exclusive” First section)
*
Boarding & Gate Area:
(You get walked through immigration, and then through private/shared limo – not as exclusive as FRA)
*
*
III> In-Flight:
a) Service Schedule + Impressions:
On the ground:
+ Water/OJ/Champagne (Though, disgusting Laurent-Perrier in FCL)
+ Amuse-bouche
+ Pajamas distributed
+ Amenity kits distributed
+ Menu and newspapers/magazines distributed
In the air:
+ Hot towels
+ Lunch service
+ Hot towels
+ Pre-arrival snack service
b) Aircraft + Seats:
The 333 in LX colors airs simple sophistication and this aura continue inside the aircraft. The 8 passenger First Class cabin feels genuinely private and the overall design elements of the cabin embody understated class and elegance. It is very Jet Airways like – though, of course, not as private as Jet. The semi-suite concept takes design cues from the full-suite like 9W and incorporates a hangar area, huge TV screen, ample area for hang bags, enough areas to cram everything in, the separate console to control everything, and the dining for two space. Instead of the doors which given the suite the general privacy, these had a semi-divider. Now I know why LX management gives their spin about customers preferring open spaces, I personally would have liked the door to close myself off from the outside world.
The seat has a myriad of positions that usual FCL seats have, and the "massage" function is particularly nice. In bed position, it makes for a very comfortable sleep without many "folds" and the LX "turn down" service ensures that one gets a very nice sleep.
Aircraft:
(Stunning 333)
Views from Aircraft:
(Compatriots off to far flung places)
*
(Stars all over)
*
*
*
*
(Goodbye ZRH)
General Seat Views + Seat Legroom
*
(Legroom)
(Around Seat)
*
*
(Divider)
*
(Controls)
*
*
*
Seat Recline + Angle View:
*
(Angle view)
Cabin:
*
(Bathroom)
c) Meal + Beverage:
Unlike parent LH, LX’s menu cards were not as distinctive and were more of what is usually provided in JCL. The inflight service manager (ISM) came by as soon as everyone had settled in to take the order and make some suggestions and recommendations. It was also good to see him being knowledgeable about the wine selections, and agreed with me about the poor choice of champagne.
Of course, the “meal and beverage” service had already commenced on the ground with the champagne and excellent amuse-bouche … though, isn’t it time LX changed this a bit? Soon after take-off, the attendant dedicated to my side (let’s call him Mr. M) came by and offered me a drink of choice. I was in the mood for a Bloody Mary – which was excellent, but disappointing that it was not accompanied by anything else. Soon thereafter, the full lunch service started with the first course assortment served from the tray – simply excellent Balik salmon, decadent crayfish cocktail, and a nice avocado/melon combination on bread. This was followed by chilled gazpacho, which also hit the right spot. For the main course, I went with the monkfish medallions which was delightfully fresh and just melted in my mouth.
For sure, no decadent meal is complete without great desserts and I went for the chocolate and passion fruit cake – which sadly, disappointed. It just was not fresh and felt lacking in the flavor. Thankfully, I drowned that mess with my usual great port wine and then the pralines from Sprüngli having skipped out on the selection of Swiss artisan cheese.
There was an arrival service which included a-la carte options including fruits, stead and onion focaccia, quiche, salad, and dessert, but I decided to skip as I was feeling fairly bloated and did not want to indulge for the sake of it.
abrelosojos From Venezuela, joined May 2005, 4918 posts, RR: 55 Reply 1, posted (3 months 2 weeks 5 days 21 hours ago) and read 16031 times:
Part II ->
d) Inflight Entertainment:
Swiss has an excellent IFE product that I have been fortunate to enjoy several times over. In First, this is accentuated by the superb big screen flat screen TV, that invites you to make it your own home TV. While the amount of content isn’t as deep (around 36 movies, with very few that were not “mainstream Hollywood”) as Singapore or Emirates, there is enough programming to keep one entertained for hours. Finally, unlike the shabby headphones offered in JCL, the FCL ones were true premium noise cancelling headphones, which enhanced the experience. I ended up watching “21 Jump Street” which was OK before falling asleep. One thing I did enjoy about the IFE was the moving map which featured information on key waypoints – though, can someone explain the fascination with marking where ships went down? And finally, as usual, the in-flight magazines were above par.
(LX IFE)
*
(Great screen)
*
*
*
*
*
*
(Connections & Routing)
*
*
*
(Magazines + Newspapers)
(“In-flight magazines”, Boarding Passes, etc.)
e) Crew:
Swiss crew have always impressed me. In my mind, they have been able to serve an increasingly globalized clientele while not forgetting their Swiss heritage. This time was no different. The ISM (Mr. “M”) was especially brilliant and remembered me from a flight to GRU about 6 months ago … we caught up on Swiss airline gossip and I recalled our last chat when he had impressed me with his understanding of airline economics. This idea of the ISM working the flight meant that he was able to lead from front and ensure all the other crew members working in FCL was equally friendly and nice. All service was done with a smile, and no request was considered too much. Overall, a purely joyful crew to have around that reaffirmed my belief that it was about time Lufthansa embraced this model and let their ISM actually do work in the flight instead of making announcements and retreating to their cocoon.
IV> Post-Flight:
There is a reason I don’t check in luggage as the few times I do, they seem to go missing. The luggage was somehow left behind in ZRH. Come on Swiss – it is a simple no connecting itinerary for a First Class passenger. How could you be so callous? Oh well … things happen in the airline industry, but the rude incompetent Serviceair agents who LX uses for baggage left something to be desired. After a long time, I had to yell to get the young LX duty manager to come by. She was a whole lot more pleasant than the bitter man who “had worked 20 years with them”, but still did not know that LX liability was to deliver my bags to the end of destination irrespective of whether it was on LX metal or not.
(Hello YUL!)
*
*
*
V> Impressions + Scores:
Swiss remains the jewel in the Lufthansa Group crown. Service continues to be exemplary in First Class through a combination of a brilliant First Class product featuring truly comfortable seats/beds and complemented by great inflight staff who feed you excellent food and give you Bally amenity kits and comfortable pajamas … though of course, the champagne could be a whole lot better. Of course, there are areas of improvement – the exclusive lounge in ZRH needs a bit more; content on the IFE could be improved (though, the hard product is great); and they need to find a new ground handler at YUL! Other than that, Swiss is flawless.
It will be interesting to see how LX grows their network and how much of it will be guided by papa-LH. ZRH is a strong hub and it is disappointing to see that LX is not trying out newer markets faster. The danger is that LX may become another LH with fiercely competitive EK sapping traffic to the secondary cities in Asia.
In any case, I would again give Swiss two thumps up, and go the distance to fly them … and, pay a premium for the same. No problems recommending them enthusiastically.
So how did LX stack up with the rest of the competition? Well, the new graph will tell you below. Feedback appreciated on what people think.
(Note on Codes: Y – Economy, J – Business, F – First :: I/D – International/Domestic :: SR/MR/LR – Short/Medium/Long Haul)
(Note on Date: Dates are modified to be +/- 3 days from actual flight date to not reveal actual flight pattern)
VII> Other Pictures:
(LX Amenity Kit – Bally is awesome)
*
*
(Pajamas: same company as LH – but these guys have various sizes)
*
(Slippers)
* Unbiased view on how an actual traveler may view the flight
* Not a professional photographer (so please keep in mind)
* Commitment that I won’t identify myself to the airline as “reviewing them”
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6191 posts, RR: 79 Reply 3, posted (3 months 2 weeks 5 days 19 hours ago) and read 15651 times:
Hi Alex,
great report once again, always a pleasure to read about Swiss' premium offerings. The overall product looks great, but I agree there are some flaws.
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): There have been a few excellent LX FCL reports, but I believe this will be the first one covering ZRH – YUL. “AndrewE” has written about his experience on the inbound YUL – ZRH and this can be found at Swiss First | Montréal --> Zurich
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): I am not a fan of www.swiss.com as basic stuff like viewing itineraries not done on their site cannot be accomplished. Moreover, the only way to get a seat selected was to call their call center. All in all, very poor experience and shocking because LH has an industry leading website.
Can't you check LX reservations on LH's website? Just recently I booked a combo on Icelandair's website, including two FI and one SK sectors. And surprisingly, I have full access to the reservation on the M&M website. I can even change seats.
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): According to her, “YUL is always empty in F.” This would be in line with why my last minute flight was so cheap. LX has an interesting “departure-based” revenue management approach so I wonder what they think with this flight.
Have you heard about a similar route with "always empty F Class" in the LH network?
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): After a little while, sparkling wine/OJ/water was offered, and I settled in with some Laurent-Perrier – which as I say is barely OK as a JCL champagne.
Which ones do you prefer then? Probably it's just a matter of personal taste?
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): You get walked through immigration, and then through private/shared limo – not as exclusive as FRA
I'm wondering why they only offer these shared van rides at ZRH.
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): There is a reason I don’t check in luggage as the few times I do, they seem to go missing. The luggage was somehow left behind in ZRH. Come on Swiss – it is a simple no connecting itinerary for a First Class passenger. How could you be so callous? Oh well … things happen in the airline industry, but the rude incompetent Serviceair agents who LX uses for baggage left something to be desired. After a long time, I had to yell to get the young LX duty manager to come by. She was a whole lot more pleasant than the bitter man who “had worked 20 years with them”, but still did not know that LX liability was to deliver my bags to the end of destination irrespective of whether it was on LX metal or not.
That information on Iceland is horribly wrong! Population here is 320,000 not 114,000, and that "traditional housing" are the houses that farmers used pre-1900. Although this is a nice feature, I would've thought they would have more accurate information...
flyyul From Italy, joined Jun 2000, 4930 posts, RR: 53 Reply 6, posted (3 months 2 weeks 4 days 8 hours ago) and read 13686 times:
The struggle with Swiss is that their cabin configurations are so premium heavy, that it discourages expansion to many global markets where the demand for 53 premium seats (8F/45C) is just not existent. They seem poised to be a carrier that flies to most primary and some relevant secondary destinations in the world - and that's the extent.
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6088 posts, RR: 56 Reply 7, posted (3 months 2 weeks 4 days 7 hours ago) and read 13542 times:
Hi Alex !
I'm very happy to see another report from you again; it's been too long time from the last one.....
Swiss looks great fantastic on board but has some flaws. Just like PlaneHunter, the amenity kit doesn't look impressive at all to me.
Very, very bad to not board a non-connecting First class bag on a flight. Very bad as well to have the bad employee in baggage service. Personally, I never check a bag....
Very much looking forward to your next report !
The777Man
PS Any news on when/where Turkmenistan Airlines will fly their 77L ? Perhaps you have some contacts somewhere DS
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
adamspotter From Netherlands, joined Feb 2011, 784 posts, RR: 2 Reply 8, posted (3 months 2 weeks 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 13530 times:
Hi abrelosojos,
Another fantastic report as usual, thanks for sharing it with us.
I definetely share your opinion on SWISS' F class here, it looks great although there are a couple of flaws.
Nevertheless SWISS seems to get the job done!
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): Moreover, the only way to get a seat selected was to call their call center.
Thaa is very poor indeed, especially being a F passenger!
IrishAyes From United States of America, joined Jan 2008, 1731 posts, RR: 5 Reply 9, posted (3 months 2 weeks 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 13452 times:
Well, well, well. Look who has fallen back on the map. Nice to hear from you and see a TR. Glad you were able to snag this fare. Sorry about the drama with the bag.
I find ZRH to be a dull and uninspiring airport. Quite a disappointment given its beautiful backdrop and setting. They could learn a few things from AMS and spruce it up a bit. The lounge situation, above all, is utterly disappointing.
SWISS is also a good carrier, but I sometimes wonder if the LH relationship has both its good and bad sides. On the good side, the involvement has obviously saved the airline and allowed it to restructure to become what it is today. On the downside, the airline doesn't seem to enjoy the level of autonomy that it should; take for example, the network growth (seems stifled) and some of the hard product aspects.....seem to be a little too "LH-esque" in many ways. It's reliable, but probably a bit too predictable. Wish it were more "unique" and bold somehow. Alas, that is just my personal opinion. It's just the way things are.
MSS658 From Belgium, joined Oct 2010, 2212 posts, RR: 14 Reply 11, posted (3 months 2 weeks 2 days 4 hours ago) and read 12187 times:
Hi Alex
Another good reading from your side, thanks for the time and effort.
LX's F class looks top notch, at least better than LH's version.
Too bad about your bag to be gone missed. A simple ZRH-YUL (in F) should not be to hard.
fidelidade From Brazil, joined Dec 2012, 27 posts, RR: 0 Reply 12, posted (3 months 2 weeks 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 12027 times:
I can't believe you fly like this all the time. You must be very rich man. I like Swiss a lot. But recently, they cancel my ticket and not give me any other opportunity. It is a fraudulent company I think.
stipica From Croatia, joined Feb 2011, 398 posts, RR: 8 Reply 13, posted (3 months 1 week 12 hours ago) and read 10857 times:
Hi abresito !
what is this!? have you got a ton of coupons from StarAlliance ... LH in J ... SA in J ... LH in F ... LX in F ... what next TG in F ? ... and my wish list is declared boring !!! ... yawn ...no more comment ... ihiiiihihhi sweet revenge ...
hmmm or maybe not he is flying around in premium cabins and I just read this hmmm
and J too ... especially from Italy ... ok is not cheap but comparing with eu competition it is good deal
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): Now I know why LX management gives their spin about customers preferring open spaces, I personally would have liked the door to close myself off from the outside world.
may be because of the weight of the seat and maintenance costs ... I love open space concept but understand need for privacy on the 10 -12 h flight ...with just one step in design LX seat could offer flexibility for both concepts ... shame to not take advantage of the existing substrates
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 1): After a long time, I had to yell to get the young LX duty manager to come by.
you and yelling !!! you and duty manager !!! you and check in luggage !!!
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 1): Well, the new graph will tell you below. Feedback appreciated on what people think.
- implement average line for every class
- "callout design" for flight is no,no,no - and must compliment banner ... now looks much better without "flying eggs"
- this is the first time that I noticed that you pointed out competition in the "Other Trip Reports" section ... now is much clearer to compare with the graph ... emphasize evaluation in a particular color is enough
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 1): Pajamas: same company as LH – but these guys have various sizes
you hooked the M size hahahaha cheater ...5.6.7.8.9.10 came on A . another series the summer is around the corner ihihhihhi and last photography is epic hahahaahahaa
look no hard feelings ... it is always fun to read your conceptual trip reports ... stipica
Looks like the full report hasnt come in!
Waiting for the rest!!
And by the way here is the trip report I promised!
DEL-FRA-ATL On J Class With Lufthansa (by planiac787 Jan 11 2013 in Trip Reports)
Cheers
Pradat
= Pradat, why can't I see the pictures on the report? I will try again.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 3): SloAir also presented a nice one about the YUL-ZRH sector:
LX Upgrade! Montreal-Zurich In First On The A333 (by SloAir May 4 2011 in Trip Reports)
= Thanks for the reminder. You know how great I am with those A.Net searches ...
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 3): Can't you check LX reservations on LH's website? Just recently I booked a combo on Icelandair's website, including two FI and one SK sectors. And surprisingly, I have full access to the reservation on the M&M website. I can even change seats.
= Nope. LH's website is one of the best ones out there. You can check a bunch of reservations as long as they share the same res platform I believe. Sadly, LX could not be pulled up.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 3): Have you heard about a similar route with "always empty F Class" in the LH network?
= There are plenty of them - several routes to Africa and the MidEast apparently go out with an empty F.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 3): Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter):
After a little while, sparkling wine/OJ/water was offered, and I settled in with some Laurent-Perrier – which as I say is barely SA Czech Airlines">OK as a JCL champagne.
Which ones do you prefer then? Probably it's just a matter of personal taste?
= Perhaps. But in the champagne world, Laurent-Perrier is a notch below DP, Vueve, and Moet. DP is a benchmark F champagne; Vueve/Moet are usual J ones. L-P is a poor-person's champagne. Yes, I am a snob.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 3): I'm wondering why they only offer these shared van rides at ZRH.
= Lack of resources and cost/benefit?
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 3): Well, it doesn't look overly attractive to me - not as nice as the Bulgari one I got in EK's J Class.
= Aah ... I am a huge fan of Bally and think they make really great products, and hence liked their bag. I agree in terms of content, EK's Bulgari kit is outstanding.
Quoting kiramakora (Reply 4): As usual, exemplary trip report. Keep traveling, and taking us on these adventures!
Great report on LX's F class, seems like they're just as good as I thought they were.
= They are. BTW, do you get NRSA benefits on them in F?
Quoting SRQKEF (Reply 5): That information on Iceland is horribly wrong! Population here is 320,000 not 114,000, and that "traditional housing" are the houses that farmers used pre-1900. Although this is a nice feature, I would've thought they would have more accurate information...
= Wow. You'd have thought that a fellow European country could have done better than that no?
Quoting flyyul (Reply 6): The struggle with Swiss is that their cabin configurations are so premium heavy, that it discourages expansion to many global markets where the demand for 53 premium seats (8F/45C) is just not existent. They seem poised to be a carrier that flies to most primary and some relevant secondary destinations in the world - and that's the extent.
= Well, if it can pay the bill, why not? I guess growth just for the sake of it is a terrible idea. Do you think Rouge for example will allow it to fly to several more places profitably? Besides, I find the Switzerland origin market to be fairly more high yielding than ex-Canada. Of course, you have data that might tell otherwise .
I'm very happy to see another report from you again; it's been too long time from the last one.....
= Thanks man. I have been incredibly busy in an integration project in BOG.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 7): Swiss looks great fantastic on board but has some flaws. Just like PlaneHunter, the amenity kit doesn't look impressive at all to me.
= See comment above .
Quoting The777Man (Reply 7): Very, very bad to not board a non-connecting First class bag on a flight. Very bad as well to have the bad employee in baggage service. Personally, I never check a bag....
= I never ever check a bag ... this was a rarity as I had to carry something particular. Ya, the guy in YUL was totally out of line, and I HATE being lectured by agents who think that I don't know a thing about airlines, and then lie to me.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 7): PS Any news on when/where Turkmenistan Airlines will fly their 77L ? Perhaps you have some contacts somewhere DS
= No. Let me follow up this week. I know someone high up at Somon Air, and I am sure he would know?
Quoting adamspotter (Reply 8): Another fantastic report as usual, thanks for sharing it with us.
I definetely share your opinion on SWISS' F class here, it looks great although there are a couple of flaws.
Nevertheless SWISS seems to get the job done!
= Good eval.
Quoting IrishAyes (Reply 9):
Well, well, well. Look who has fallen back on the map. Nice to hear from you and see a SA Linhas Aereas">TR. Glad you were able to snag this fare. Sorry about the drama with the bag.
= Ya. I have such a back log of reports, and am willing to pay someone to write them .
Quoting IrishAyes (Reply 9): I find ZRH to be a dull and uninspiring airport. Quite a disappointment given its beautiful backdrop and setting. They could learn a few things from AMS and spruce it up a bit. The lounge situation, above all, is utterly disappointing.
= Fair enough. It is all very 1980s.
Quoting IrishAyes (Reply 9): SWISS is also a good carrier, but I sometimes wonder if the LH relationship has both its good and bad sides. On the good side, the involvement has obviously saved the airline and allowed it to restructure to become what it is today. On the downside, the airline doesn't seem to enjoy the level of autonomy that it should; take for example, the network growth (seems stifled) and some of the hard product aspects.....seem to be a little too "LH-esque" in many ways. It's reliable, but probably a bit too predictable. Wish it were more "unique" and bold somehow. Alas, that is just my personal opinion. It's just the way things are.
= That is probably a good assessment of them.
Quoting rwsea (Reply 10): Another excellent report from you, as always! Looks like quite a nice experience.
Another good reading from your side, thanks for the time and effort.
LX's F class looks top notch, at least better than LH's version.
Too bad about your bag to be gone missed. A simple ZRH-YUL (in F) should not be to hard.
Greetings
Marc
= Marc, thanks for reading. I agree with your general observations.
Quoting fidelidade (Reply 12): I can't believe you fly like this all the time. You must be very rich man. I like Swiss a lot. But recently, they cancel my ticket and not give me any other opportunity. It is a fraudulent company I think.
= I would be richer if I did not spend all my money on travelling. LOL.
Quoting stipica (Reply 13): what is this!? have you got a ton of coupons from StarAlliance ... LH in J ... SA in J ... LH in F ... LX in F ... what next TG in F ? ... and my wish list is declared boring !!! ... yawn ...no more comment ... ihiiiihihhi sweet revenge ...
= Don't worry ... I will go back to my "roots" and do interesting YCL itineraries for you. What would you like covered?
Quoting stipica (Reply 13): hmmm or maybe not he is flying around in premium cabins and I just read this hmmm
= Right now, I am at the BKK lounge waiting for my FRA flight in FCL. Sadly, it is work, and I cannot write a report ...
Quoting stipica (Reply 13): and J too ... especially from Italy ... ok is not cheap but comparing with eu competition it is good deal
= Really? All Italia or some specific markets?
Quoting stipica (Reply 13): may be because of the weight of the seat and maintenance costs ... I love open space concept but understand need for privacy on the 10 -12 h flight ...with just one step in design LX seat could offer flexibility for both concepts ... shame to not take advantage of the existing substrates
= You are obsessed with airline seating!
Quoting stipica (Reply 13): you and yelling !!! you and duty manager !!! you and check in luggage !!!
= .
Quoting stipica (Reply 13): - implement average line for every class
- "callout design" for flight is no,no,no - and must compliment banner ... now looks much better without "flying eggs"
- this is the first time that I noticed that you pointed out competition in the "Other Trip Reports" section ... now is much clearer to compare with the graph ... emphasize evaluation in a particular color is enough
= Can you elaborate? I think i got lost.
Quoting stipica (Reply 13): you hooked the M size hahahaha cheater ...5.6.7.8.9.10 came on A . another series the summer is around the corner ihihhihhi and last photography is epic hahahaahahaa
= .
Quoting stipica (Reply 13): look no hard feelings ... it is always fun to read your conceptual trip reports ... stipica
ba319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8267 posts, RR: 56 Reply 16, posted (3 months 4 days 4 hours ago) and read 9669 times:
Hey Alex,
Nice read and pix as always.
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): I am not a fan of www.swiss.com as basic stuff like viewing itineraries not done on their site cannot be accomplished. Moreover, the only way to get a seat selected was to call their call center. All in all, very poor experience and shocking because LH has an industry leading website.
- Interesting observation, one would have thought it make sense the 'group' use the best website as a common ground service wise.
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): After a little while, sparkling wine/OJ/water was offered, and I settled in with some Laurent-Perrier – which as I say is barely OK as a JCL champagne
- We have different taste buds, I like Laurent Perrier.
I can argue my best ever flight was LX in F from JFK-ZRH some years back, excellent service and food, love their PJ's, by far better than the ones in BA FCL!
Here I mean the promotion , when is offer then entire Italy ... but VCE and FCO is always few tens of euros cheaper ... leading BA LX IB QR ... FCO-TLV with LX for 800 eur or VCE-MEL with QR for 1800eur is more than honest price just 3,5 h from ZAG ( or SPU with quick hop to FCO ) where ticket stars from 3500eur ... of course all my premium travel starts in Italy but lately it is rarely
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 16): - Interesting observation, one would have thought it make sense the 'group' use the best website as a common ground service wise.
= One would think ...
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 16): - We have different taste buds, I like Laurent Perrier.
= Sell out . Does BA give that stuff now?
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 16): I can argue my best ever flight was LX in F from JFK-ZRH some years back, excellent service and food, love their PJ's, by far better than the ones in BA FCL!
= I have not flown BA FCL in around 6 years ... have a serious problem paying the surcharges and taxes.
Quoting stipica (Reply 17): no no no I have already been burned ... whatever you think is appropriate I am happy
= Glad you lowered your expectations .
Quoting stipica (Reply 17): with new TG A380 !? ... pity ...
= Yes. It was OK. Crew was VERY indifferent.
Quoting stipica (Reply 17): Here I mean the promotion , when is offer then entire Italy ... but VCE and FCO is always few tens of euros cheaper ... leading BA LX IB QR ... FCO-TLV with LX for 800 eur or VCE-MEL with QR for 1800eur is more than honest price just 3,5 h from ZAG ( or SPU with quick hop to FCO ) where ticket stars from 3500eur ... of course all my premium travel starts in Italy but lately it is rarely
= Wow. I had no idea the differences were this big.
FlyKev From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2006, 1349 posts, RR: 6 Reply 19, posted (3 months ago) and read 8257 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW FORUM MODERATOR
Alex,
Thanks for sharing your trip with us.
The F product on Swiss looks very competitive and I love the design of the seat and the cabin. The food and the menus seem decent too and the service seemed to match that.
Your photos were great and helped share the experience well.
I look forward to your next report.
Kev.
The white zone is for immediate loading and unloading of passengers only
flightsimboy From Canada, joined Sep 2005, 849 posts, RR: 4 Reply 20, posted (3 months ago) and read 8222 times:
Hi Alex,
I feel like it's been ages since I've replied to your trip reports. I have been reading them however, and I have to say the quality of your pics have improved tenfold.....have you got a new camera? Makes your already excellent trip reports even better to enjoy now. The pics in these were nice and crisp!!
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): Moreover, the only way to get a seat selected was to call their call center. All in all, very poor experience and shocking because LH has an industry leading website.
Seat selection should be like that on EK, choose, remove, choose again...no restrictions.
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): This would be in line with why my last minute flight was so cheap
How cheap is cheap for First?
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): and then through private/shared limo – not as exclusive as FRA)
I guess you get to know your fellow passengers before you all even board the aircraft.
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 1): though, can someone explain the fascination with marking where ships went down?
Ask Etihad the same thing lol. Not nice if you are actually flying over the area at the time too!!
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 1): e) Crew:
Swiss crew have always impressed me. In my mind, they have been able to serve an increasingly globalized clientele while not forgetting their Swiss heritage. This time was no different. The ISM (Mr. “M”) was especially brilliant and remembered me from a flight to GRU about 6 months ago … we caught up on Swiss airline gossip and I recalled our last chat when he had impressed me with his understanding of airline economics. This idea of the ISM working the flight meant that he was able to lead from front and ensure all the other crew members working in FCL was equally friendly and nice. All service was done with a smile, and no request was considered too much. Overall, a purely joyful crew to have around that reaffirmed my belief that it was about time Lufthansa embraced this model and let their ISM actually do work in the flight instead of making announcements and retreating to their cocoon.
Swiss crews are Swiss crews....I have flown the same route sometime back and was really impressed even with the service in Y
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 1): There is a reason I don’t check in luggage as the few times I do, they seem to go missing. The luggage was somehow left behind in ZRH. Come on Swiss – it is a simple no connecting itinerary for a First Class passenger.
Really, they lost your bag, one of the many times you actually decided to take something lol....Very strange for a F class paying passenger to experience this.
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6088 posts, RR: 56 Reply 21, posted (2 months 4 weeks 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 8040 times:
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 18): Quoting The777Man (Reply 15):
I'm going there in about ten days; will you still be there ?
The777Man
= Sadly no. I am going off to a different project. What are you doing in BOG, and how long are you there? I can recommend a fantastic restaurant.
Change of plans so not going there anymore....
Let me know about if you find something out on Turkmenistan's 77L.
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
The F product on Swiss looks very competitive and I love the design of the seat and the cabin. The food and the menus seem decent too and the service seemed to match that.
Your photos were great and helped share the experience well.
I look forward to your next report.
Kev.
= Kev - thanks for the kind words.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 20): I feel like it's been ages since I've replied to your trip reports. I have been reading them however, and I have to say the quality of your pics have improved tenfold.....have you got a new camera? Makes your already excellent trip reports even better to enjoy now. The pics in these were nice and crisp!!
= Thanks a lot. BTW, I just came back from Karachi and had a great time. My flight was delayed 8 hours and i became best friends with the shop keepers and think ate more sweets by a white person the store had ever seen -- this is the sweet store between the Pakistani duty free and the one that looks "Western".
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 20): Seat selection should be like that on EK, choose, remove, choose again...no restrictions.
= Perhaps only if made on LX website with LX login?
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 20): I guess you get to know your fellow passengers before you all even board the aircraft.
= Not really. Pax going to all LX destinations.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 20): Really, they lost your bag, one of the many times you actually decided to take something lol....Very strange for a F class paying passenger to experience this.
= Ya. Truly sad. Swissport in YUL is a disaster.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 21): Change of plans so not going there anymore....
Let me know about if you find something out on Turkmenistan's 77L.
flightsimboy From Canada, joined Sep 2005, 849 posts, RR: 4 Reply 23, posted (2 months 23 hours ago) and read 5994 times:
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 22): I just came back from Karachi and had a great time. My flight was delayed 8 hours and i became best friends with the shop keepers and think ate more sweets by a white person the store had ever seen -- this is the sweet store between the Pakistani duty free and the one that looks "Western".
Wow you were in Karachi! I usually walk by fast when passing those duty free shops, to avoid the calls from the shopkeepers to buy their wares....which I think would be astronomical in prices compared to the prices in the city! Karachi is always fun especially the weather in Jan/Feb
Too much of Pakistani sweets are not good, they are loaded with sugar lol.
I guess it being "an official" visit, we will never see that trip report would we?
abrelosojos From Venezuela, joined May 2005, 4918 posts, RR: 55 Reply 24, posted (2 months 20 hours ago) and read 5844 times:
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 23): Wow you were in Karachi! I usually walk by fast when passing those duty free shops, to avoid the calls from the shopkeepers to buy their wares....which I think would be astronomical in prices compared to the prices in the city! Karachi is always fun especially the weather in Jan/Feb
Too much of Pakistani sweets are not good, they are loaded with sugar lol.
I guess it being "an official" visit, we will never see that trip report would we?
= Yes. Sadly, it was on a consulting project for a Pakistani airline. It is actually funny as it is the ONLY airport in the world where the shopkeepers call you out to check out their wares. I like them because I know the prices downtown and are rather stunned when I speak to them in my 20 words of Urdu.
okapi From France, joined Jun 2006, 184 posts, RR: 0 Reply 26, posted (1 month 1 week 5 days 8 hours ago) and read 3840 times:
Hello Mr A.
I still can't believe I completely passed this trip report of yours. On par with your usual high standards and always a delight to read. I really should give it another try myself. I'm quite amused by the Swiss billboard in the waiting loungs "the little things. Perfect, bla, bla, bla". I understand the airline does not manage the airport but they sure have their word when it comes to those little extras for F-class passengers; hence, the bland entrance to the dedicated F area: they could have put a red carpet and a couple of high plants to make it look even better. And the lack of fast track!!! Even CDG has a fast track line for those "heavy wallet" passengers...Strange.
Anway, you display such a classy picture of the perfect snack with one of the smoothest still water on earth. The lounge is on par with the First Class service "à la Suisse" that you've described oh so well. Modern looking interiors on the plane are superbly accompanied by the nice little details such as the trays on which they serve items.
Above all, what's always amazed me is the quality of their cabin crew. They remind me a lot of Swissair (for some obvious reasons) and Sabena or the now Brussels Airlines you've sampled coming back from Kinshasa.
A real pleasure to read your report. Sorry for commenting so late.
As usual, I just can't wait for your next story.
= An email is on the way. I have reached out to the 777 marketing head and he has some interesting news ... he was like, "you are so weird" ... and then, "reminds me of this guy who has flown on all 777 operators". Hahahahaha.
Quoting okapi (Reply 26): Even CDG has a fast track line for those "heavy wallet" passengers...Strange.
= You know how much I HATE CDG ... but here is where CDG has improved dramatically, and credit must be given there.
Quoting okapi (Reply 26): Above all, what's always amazed me is the quality of their cabin crew. They remind me a lot of Swissair (for some obvious reasons) and Sabena or the now Brussels Airlines you've sampled coming back from Kinshasa.
= Agreed. Some of the best ex-SN crew are actually now working for Privatair ... I believe DUS based?
flightsimboy From Canada, joined Sep 2005, 849 posts, RR: 4 Reply 28, posted (1 month 1 week 3 days 1 hour ago) and read 3205 times:
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 24): It is actually funny as it is the ONLY airport in the world where the shopkeepers call you out to check out their wares
Ha,ha...I just hear their echoes in my ears as I quickly make my way past the area..but the shops are really colourful, bright and tempting.
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6088 posts, RR: 56 Reply 29, posted (1 month 1 day 16 hours ago) and read 2199 times:
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 27): = An email is on the way. I have reached out to the 777 marketing head and he has some interesting news ... he was like, "you are so weird" ... and then, "reminds me of this guy who has flown on all 777 operators". Hahahahaha.
Hi Alex !
Thanks for looking into it and I did get your email about a week ago. I have been busy flying 777s the last week...
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
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