I just called US Airways and put a hold on a reservation using 100K miles for a first class award ticket on Swiss. First off, I assume this is a good deal and a better experience than US Envoy or First? Assuming I'm right on that...

Has anyone had any experience with Swiss w/ a US Airways connection?

My travel dates are 26 August returning 3 September. Right now, my routing is TPA-MIA (on US Airways Express), MIA to ZRH (Swiss First), and ZRH to FRA (Swiss Business).

Does anyone know what equipment Swiss uses on these routes? And, more importantly to me, should I ask US if they have a different Swiss gateway to use if I don't want to deal with Express and/or MIA airport?

Maybe someone who's done this before can tell me what to expect...

100k for the SWISS FC is miles well spent.

Miami to Zurich is an MD-11... 1x2x1 in FC. If you're alone take a window seat by yourself, row 1 or 2. You will not be disappointed. ZRH-FRA in Business class will be a disappointment for you. Inter-Europe Business Class is not much more than blocking off the center seat of a USA domestic economy cabin and slightly enhanced drink/meal service. And that is assuming you are not on a regional jet...

Regardless, for the long haul MIA to/from Zurich, you'll be pampered. Good booking IMHO. Enjoy...


[This message has been edited by geo1004 (edited 06-28-2002).]

I am actually flying on SWISS in about 2 1/2 weeks on the 19th. I booked PHL-BOS-ZRH-NCE and back from Barcelona, for me I could have driven to Newark, or taken the connection from Boston or DC, and boston has much better jet connections then Dulles. I called and asked them and they assured me the luggage connection was no problem, and I've allowed about 2 hours before the flight for my arrival in Boston, depending on their agreement you can use one of the lounges, in Boston its the United Red Carpet Club.

I plan on doing a full trip report when I get back, there aren't a lot on SWISS that are detailed.

Chris

Is there any difference between the MD-11 and the A330 service. I'm thinking ala US Airways 767 vs A330. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif Thanks for the feedback so far. Sounds like a trip to look forward to.

I did a similar reward recently and was not dissapointed.
You should get a pass in miami for the shared club they have there. Free booze and a smoking area. Comfortable and close to the gates.
Have fun.
MD11 you get a DVD player for movies.
330 is integrated entertainment system with a few more movie choices.
Service is excellent IMHO.
When exiting the aircraft the FA's block the isles from Business till all F has exited.
I very nice experience all round.

[This message has been edited by Aussie (edited 06-29-2002).]

geo1004 and Aussie: I've booked an F award seat from CLT-IAD-ZRH-FCO-ZRH-BOS-CLT. So, quick question is - are the F lounges (or Business lounges) in ZRH available for Transit passengers? I'm hoping so in order to grab a shower before heading to FCO.

Also, does anyone have any information on the lounges available at FCO or IAD for Swiss?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by CLTFlyer:
are the F lounges (or Business lounges) in ZRH available for Transit passengers? </font>

There's a first class lounge with shower facilities available to transit passengers. There will be signs for it I believe (I had not trouble finding it).

On the FCO-ZRH-BOS flights, Beckles is right. There is a main set of premium passenger lounges at ZRH and the F Lounge does have showers.

At IAD, (at least last year) Business and FC passengers use the NW World Biz Class Lounge for DEPARTURE. It gets crowded since the NW flight to AMS leaves at about the same time as the SWISS flight to ZRH. Although it is a decent lounge with snacks, free drinks, wine, booze, etc. There is a separate 'people mover' that takes IAD departing passengers direct from the Lounge to the plane. Coach passengers come via people mover from a whole different place.

I have no idea what (if?) FCO offers.

btw, when I flew ZRH-BOS I thought the flight was too short. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

beckles and geo1004: Thanks! And geo, welcome to the Triangle - belated congrats on the move.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by CLTFlyer:
geo1004 and Aussie: I've booked an F award seat from CLT-IAD-ZRH-FCO-ZRH-BOS-CLT. So, quick question is - are the F lounges (or Business lounges) in ZRH available for Transit passengers? I'm hoping so in order to grab a shower before heading to FCO.

Also, does anyone have any information on the lounges available at FCO or IAD for Swiss? </font>

Yes, showers avail in the ZRH Swiss F class lounge. Great way to freshen up then have some light breakfast before you continue on.

I echo others comments, best 100K miles I've ever spent.


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US-CP; UA PE; Hilton Gold VIP; Crowne Plaza Gold

Is the lounge in ZRH (showers, etc.) available for business class as well as first?

I'm flying through ZRH en route to Nairobi this fall and wondering what to expect in flight and on the ground. Could only "afford" business class, though, at 155K miles.

The F Lounge has showers.... I don't know if the Busuness does or not. Sorry.

At IAD, it is still the NW WorldClub for NW AMS and LX ZRH flights. The membership usage of this club is minimal, as it is not a hub. The lounge is there to be an international business class lounge. The rear exit of the lounge is used to board both flights, and that is the biggest lineup you will encounter. The lounge is pretty basic, with a changing room, tv lounge, bar, and business center, with a rather tranquil view of the operations side. (Not too many planes on that side of the building.)

The business lounge does not have showers as i remember, only the First.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by hilton-gold:
At IAD, it is still the NW WorldClub for NW AMS and LX ZRH flights.</font>

Very good description hilton-gold.

The only good thing about the 'people movers' at IAD is that they are not too crowded from the Lounge as it is only for F and Business passengers. Even then, it's always better to turn left as opposed to right when the mover docks with the A330. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif