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Nov 20, 2014, 3:10 pm

#22

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Join Date: Sep 2011

Location: ORD/MDW

Programs: AA EXP, DL-Plat, WN-CP | Hotels: Choice-Gld, IHG-Plt, Rad-Gld, HH-Dia, Hyatt-Glob, Marriott-LtPlt

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Swiss Airlines (Op. by Helvetic Airways AG) Fokker 100 Business Class from ZRH to WAW

Swiss Airlines (Op. by Helvetic Airways AG) Fokker 100 Business Class from ZRH to WAW

Map Below: Swiss Airlines (Op. by Helvetic Airways AG) Business Class from ZRH to WAW

FLIGHT: ZRH-WAW
DATE: Monday, September 8, 2014
CARRIER: Swiss Airlines (Op. by Helvetic Airways AG) (LX)
FLIGHT NUMBER: 1352
AIRCRAFT: Fokker 100
CABIN: Business Class (tommy class)
SEATS: 2D, 2F
DEPARTURE GATE: A57
DEPARTURE - SCHEDULED: 5:15pm // ACTUAL: 5:58pm
ARRIVAL - SCHEDULED: 7:10pm // ACTUAL: 7:37pm
DURATION: 1 hours 39 minutes
MILES FLOWN: 641 miles

We left the Swiss Business Lounge a shortly before our scheduled departure. We arrived at the gate to find no open seating and a large crowd standing around. Worse yet, a delay had posted after we left the lounge but before we arrived at the gate. The gate was a bad experience. It was part of a grouping of gates that utilizes busses to get passengers to remotely parked airplanes. It was crowded and the gates were extremely close together. After a short period, the delay was extended a bit. And, then, it was extended again. Overall, it was only a 45-minute delay; but, with no seating and a swarming crowd, it was extremely unenjoyable.

The boarding process was simply a single call for boarding. We walked to an awaiting bus on which we stood until all passengers in the boarding area crowded inside. After a short ride, the bus arrived at the plane. However, no one was allowed off the bus for more than 5 minutes. After escaping the terrible boarding area and bus ride experiences (which was worse than our EVA Airways experience detailed in my last TR), we made our way up the stairs and onto the airplane.

Once on the plane, we quickly sat down. The distinction between business class and economy class was a roughly 2-inch by 5 inch sign attached to the aisle seat headrest. No wall, no curtain, etc. Despite the FAs announcement that the forward lavatory was for the exclusive use of the business class passengers, it was constantly full of folks from economy during the short flight.

The plane was a bit old and tired. The crew was pleasant enough. We were provided with a selection of newspapers, a handwipe, and a bottle of water prior to departure. During the flight, we were served a small meal, which was okay. After the meal, small chocolates were distributed. There was no IFE.

Upon our arrival in Warsaw, we proceeded through immigration and customs quickly and retrieved our checked bags before following the signs to the trains into the city center. The walk from the C/D/E terminal area to the train station is extremely well marked (although, there is currently construction on the A/B terminal, so, it wasn’t as direct as it otherwise would be) and took a bit over 5 minutes. Once in the terminal, we purchased tickets from the ticket machine near the entrance (I needed a PIN with my Arrival+ MasterCard); however, one may also purchase tickets onboard with change (note: not paper money). We took the 8:22pm SKM S3 into the city and disembarked at the Warszawa Centralna station across the street from the Marriott. It arrived nearly 10 minutes earlier than scheduled.

Photo Below: ZRH Gate A57 – ZRH-WAW Fokker 100 LX1352 Flight