Dear Airliners,

Back to Cairo for a First Class "deal" which I believe and all things considered it’s not really a deal.
In September 2017 I snagged a ticket with LX and SQ in First for 3200€. Factoring the positioning flights to CAI (though I used my miles to get to CAI but then canceled and bought a TK flight), it's hardly a heck of a deal. Then why all the hassles ? It was the only way to fly SQ Suite and LX combined. I could have transferred my Amex points to SQ FFP but there was no way for me to fly LX with miles since I'm not a Miles and More member. With what happened to those booking LX F with Aeroplan when the tiny window opened "by mistake", it was safer to buy the ticket outright.

You'd think that's easy… because you can fly when you want… Well, not exactly..

In June (3 months prior to take off) I burned some of my Egyptair Miles to fly CDG-CAI on the 5th of Sep that would leave me a good 6h transit before my LX flight.

However in July, I received a mail, saying that my schedule changed. I'm due to fly CAI-ZRH on the 5th at 2pm ! With an overnight stay at ZRH.

While I could change my MS flight to the 4th. I wanted to get alternatives.

Now when I made the booking, I used opodo.. And dealing with opodo was far from easy. After nearly 1h45 minutes I managed to get someone but only offered me to fly Business with TK…

With that issue, I tweeted LX asking one question : Do you provide accommodation in ZRH for the overnight transit?
I went to sleep. When I woke up at 5am, LX team replied. But it was not the reply I was expected. They changed my LX flight to LH !

The purpose of my ticket was to try LX new F lounge and their F on the 777. LH First can be easily booked with miles.
I called LX to deny their proposal.
It’s where things got nuts. LX told me to call Opodo… I supposed that LX took over my case.. I called Opodo and reach an agent after 1h30 on hold. I simply asked the agent to put me back on my LX flight on the 5th and would deal with accommodation in ZRH on my own.. I was told impossible. What ? They told me they can only do CAI-ZRH-SIN on the 5th, meaning I would arrive in SIN one day before plus spending just few hours in the lounge. My wife flying from China is coming on the 7th with no way for her to arrive one day earlier. I eventually hanged up and called LX. I had one agent that simply said there is nothing I can do..

I waited a bit and called back. I finally managed to get a competent agent from their South African office who nailed my issue in 2 min.
He was quite surprised to hear what happened to me. I suggested to fly LH to ZRH and back to LX to SIN. After being on hold for 2 min, he told me, the ticket is now being issued and got the mail after 5 min. Well done buddy.
FYI LX will reimburse the accommodation if you face similar troubles. I would have expected LX to give voucher upon arrival in ZRH.

I'm quite satisfied with the new booking that will give me the opportunity to get both the FCT in FRA and the FCL in ZRH.

I arrived in the morning with TK prior to my 5am flight with LH and stayed in Le Meridien paid by my SPG points (only 3000 !).

For the full report in English or French, click here:
https://www.youtripreport.com/reportdetails?Id=804

LH585 – 4h20 flying time – Sep 6th 2018

My room where I spent the day resting before a restless night.



I left the hotel at 2am to check in.
Check-in was smooth and the agent wished me a lovely flight.


Back to MS lounge. And made my way to the lounge. Being a very maybe too much FF with MS the lounge remains a shame no matter what. I really hope that MS will one day uplift their game.
FYI MS revamped their lounges in CAI few months ago.




Security is also done at the gate and it’s quite a pain..


Check the time... Boarding is about to start.


What a great seat.... Skytrax gave a 5* to LH while downgraded TK to 3. What the F....


I assigned myself to the first row on the right.



I just took the tray for the report and tasted few bites of each. Fair meal.


Thanks god we’re landing.. because I’m a tad exhausted.


Hum we parked at a remote stand but did not care much.. I let you guess why..


Coming up shorty… First Class Terminal and a short hop to ZRH…
Thanks for reading

I really enjoyed your trip report. Looking forward to the next one!

caleb1 wrote:

I really enjoyed your trip report. Looking forward to the next one!

Thanks for your kind comment. Coming right after the comment

LH1190 FRA-ZRH – 1h flying time – Sep 6th 2018

For the full report in English or French, click here:
https://www.youtripreport.com/reportdetails?Id=806

As soon as I have left the plane from CAI the driver was waiting for me. Took my luggage to put it in the truck.


As soon as settled in in the very comfy car I was asked where I wanted to go. FCT or regular FCL. If you decide to go to the FCT the driver will only drop you to the immigration and you will have to make your way to the lounge. Once you leave immigration make a left and keep straight and you'll see cabs and then you will see the FCL.


It was my first time in the FCT I have been to the FCL back in 2011. So it was good to check out how the Terminal stands out.


When I arrived it was still the breakfast buffet.






The bar will almost all drinks you can dream of.


I asked if I could get the bathroom with the famous bathtub. After all I want to experience the whole thing The ducks I took are ready !


After a great bath, it was time to eat.


Delicious Ham.


I picked few items to taste.


All good.


I take the beef once again and it was outstanding.




Let see the cave.




After such a treat it was already time to board. I was informed by the agent from the lounge that we are boarding.


Down to another ride to the plane !


After a short ride the driver dropped me in front of the plane and we took the stairs to reach the plane.


Such a lovely cabin... But it does the job well for such a short flight.


The tray was handed out I took it solely for the purpose of the report and ate few bites. So so.





I'm delighted to have experienced the FCT. Yes, it's nothing like AF FCL but it's on my top 3.
The flight itself, is a regular one for a short hop.
See you soon for an underwhelming LX First Class lounge experience.

LX 176 – First Class – 12h flying time – Sep 6th 2018

For the full report in English or French, click here:
https://www.youtripreport.com/reportdetails?Id=812

Last time I flew LX in First was in 2012 so quite a long time ago and I only flew the 340 and 330. The 777 takes LX FC to another level and on par with the current FC on major airlines. I also was looking forward to their new First Class Lounge.

Is LX overrated? Let's find out.
I arrived from FRA to the Terminal A. I went there to get the transfer to the E gates.


After a short ride I'm eventually there. Upon check-in I requested a room.



Before taking a well-deserved nap it was time to explore the lounge.


Unfortunately the terrace was closed..


Let’s head to the restaurant



The service was underwhelmed at best and the menu not inspiring. It was close to 3pm. In most restaurants, the rule is simple if there is a dish shortage on the menu, you tell upfront.
The soup was excellent and so were the raviolis.


Unfortunately most of the meals were out of stock..... Com'on it's 3 pm..
Instead of saying what's left I was picking and the waiter just said no over and over... Ping pong discussion... As much as I love and practice Ping-Pong this is not First Class experience. The most disappointing thing was the main, I was left with only fondue option or get more starters... Great ! As you can see I took ground beef and it was a bad choices...


Alas, since I can't get to the terrace, I left the lounge to go to the roof top.



Fast forward it was time to board


The cabin is sleek and modern


Let’s start with appetizer.


The screen is huge


The table is set


I got 3 rounds of balik…


The captain came during the service but the conversation was so long and passionate with the captain that the crew had to re-heat it again.


I take the desert to top off an excellent meal.


Exhausted, it was time ti experience the comfy bedding. I managed to sleep over 8h !


After a good night sleep it was time to eat again



When I talked to the captain. He invited me to the flight deck after landing.. I was like a kid...



Summary:
On the one hand, I had a near perfect flight with a great crew and food and on the other the Lounge was a disappointing experience. I guess I had too much expectations:
The pros :
- The view
- The bedroom is a big plus when you have a long layover
The cons:
- The food was so so, many items missing and it was only 3pm...
- The terrace was closed for no reason.. And remained closed throughout my stay.
- Staff, once again I was hoping for a stellar service but instead they were arrogant and condescending.

It was surely a bad day but not something you would expect when you fly LX.
The crew on my flight deserved a 10. I loved chatting with the Captain for nearly 30 min and gave me a chance to seat on the 777 cockpit.

Flight SQ346- SIN to ZRH – 12h30 – First Class.

You can read the full review in English and French:
https://www.youtripreport.com/reportdetails?Id=890

After 2 nights in Singapore it was time to head to ZRH. I’m on the SQ flight to ZRH at 1:35am. I might sound crazy but well… You know me.
My wife needs to catch a flight at 9:30am. I have 2 choices: remain in the airport or go back to the hotel. I let you guess what choice I have made.

While checking-in the agent told me that I’m very far in advance. I’m getting the BP with the golden stub on it.


At first the guy at security told me that it's too early to get in. After 2 min of talk he let me go.
Let’s head to the lounge where I’ll be spending 16h. Outstanding… While I’ve done it a lot in the in the past (QR FCL) there was a bed to sleep. Not in TPR which makes sense.


SQ might be one of the best in the Air on the ground it’s another story.. The lounge isn’t huge and the catering provided was average at best. I’m now hungry yet when I arrive so I order a Cappuccino and work on my laptop.






Lunch starts at 10:30. I start with satays they were good but I preferred the ones from MH.


For the meal I take the lamb with rosemary sauce. The lamb was all but tender and the strong sauce killed the meal. Then I took the fish. So-so.


I leave the lounge to buy few things for my family. Back to the lounge I’m a wreck. Needless to say that finding a place to crash and sleep was not the easiest thing. I went to the small room with a comfy chair (not for sleeping). I still managed to rest for 1h30.




At around 6 I went back to the restaurant.
I take the lobster where I believe he left the taste in the sea.


Never mind. I did not insist and worked until boarding.


Despite being tired I’m like a kid in front of a candy store. The Suite in Huge it’s still a magical moment months after the flight itself.


Still using it at home


Tonight’s menu is light but it a late departure. But no worries I did order Book The Cook in advance.

Time to take off. It’s smooth you don’t really feel it unlike the 77W.

The starter arrives it’s fresh and good but not enough caviar for my liking




The soup was superb !


I booked the lamb while it was beyond rare it was juicy and so tasty.


The desert was very good and god knows how picky I am it terms of sweet. I love everything simple and not fancy.


I went to the wc while the charming FA is preparing my bed.


After 8 hours of sleep I’m ready for another feast.


While I made Book The Cook request I told them that nothing is really appealing and I’d rather have a dinner meal served for my BF. The agent on the phone was not sure I will get it.
Then my meal arrives. Lobster (No I’m not lobster obsessed but I try to make the most of my journey) Very appealing and so tasty. Look at big it is. Hard to finish it.


It’s hard not to love such a magnificent product. My FA was awesome but it’s mostly always the case.
While in the air SQ remains at the top, on the ground it’s another topic. Stunned to see such a gap between the ground and the experience in the air.
To try !

You can see in advance the last leg from Zurich to Cairo with LX Business on their 330 in English and Chinese.
https://www.youtripreport.com/reportdetails?Id=822

Coming soon.

Pretty amazing flight combo. 3200 euro for that combo of flights is not a bad deal though still quite a bit of money. Have been on C class only flights US-Japan that cost double or triple and didn't had all that luxury. Thanks for all the details that you provided, nice read!

16 hours in a lounge? Would it not have been more logical to ask for a late departure from the hotel?

PHAVR wrote:

Pretty amazing flight combo. 3200 euro for that combo of flights is not a bad deal though still quite a bit of money. Have been on C class only flights US-Japan that cost double or triple and didn't had all that luxury. Thanks for all the details that you provided, nice read!

Thanks for the comment PHAVR.
Yeah, it's a tad expensive all things considered specially for CAI.

AEROFAN wrote:

16 hours in a lounge? Would it not have been more logical to ask for a late departure from the hotel?

I could and being currently in SIN, it's what I have done
The reason was also to sample the lounge as it was my first time.

When I bought the ticket it was planned to be an CS300 without First and First is not sold to Cairo. When they changed the plane to A330 with First, I tried to select the First Cabin even if getting Business service but could not.
Too bad.

Flight LX236 – Flying time 3h30 – Business Class

The famous bar... Just for the picture for me. Too early for me



I quickly went to the other side to check the breakfast buffet since I'm the clock.







Many tables to seat.

The main advantage of that lounge is the stunning view loved by many of us !





A dream place !

Time to board on the A330!



Welcome to the Business Class cabin.



My seat..



Let’s take-off:



The flight is fairly empty.
Bed position. I can barely move my feet.



Fair breakfast.



Isn't it gorgeous ?



Summary:
A good flight overall with a nice crew. Coming up soon the new Business Class on the Tap A330 Neo to SFO.