Swiss International Airlines - LX vs. AA (MIA-ZRH) in J

Many of us (myself included) generally figure foreign carriers offer superior TATL service to US carriers, so I thought it would be interesting to point out a couple of items that I missed when flying LX in J instead of AA to ZRH this week (took advantage of the non-stop vs. connecting in JFK).

1. No warm nut service; small canapes were served with first cocktail, and this also replaced an appetizer
2. small salad, entree, and small cheese plate were all served at once after first cocktail service compared to multiple courses (especially on 763 service)
3. Jack Daniels is no longer available on LX
4. No ice cream (small chocolate mousse is offered instead)
5. No hot breakfast option (omeletes are still offered in J on some AA TATL flights)
6. Bottle of water offered after service, but 1/3 the size AA provides.
7. No noise cancelling headsets
8. I find AA flight attendants to be equally if not more friendly (of course this will vary by crew)
9. Very small flap at the end of the foot rest to keep yourself from sliding down the 170 degree recline.
10. LX uses the same Club America at MIA as probably 15 airlines, which is not only outside security, but the entire product is an awful waste of time.

I did find it interesting that two camera views are included in the entertainment system (nose and straight down), but they are not available during takeoff/landing, making them of little use.

Overall, it was a nice flight, but there are many ways AA has a superior J product.

Thanks for your comments. While I haven't been on AA transatlantic in a long time, I think your observations are valid. On 2) and 4), these are the result of the expedited "supper" service offered eastbound, vs. the more elaborate "lunch" service westbound. On 6), while true I appreciate the regular "water runs" through the cabin that LX flight attendants usually perform.

While I see a lot of merit in a very fast dinner option on a 6h YUL-ZRH flight, a long MIA-ZRH flight would definitely warrant a drawn out dinner service, at least as an option. But then we get to penny-pinching... :rolleyes:

I think most of your comments contribute to the service difference between north american culture and european culture. In euorpe everything is slim in term of food and drink service opposite to north america, where we have the largest portions in the world.

About LX J product I would say that AA new business class seats are better than LX J class seats on the A 332.

However, LX have better business class seats on the A 340 and the A333 than AA that could justify some of the servcice lack with LX service out of MIA.

Yes, I agree with you bcm0830. LX service has definitely taken a hit in C-class the last few years. I remember back in 2003/04 when I would fly C-class on the ZRH-MIA leg, not only would you get decent nibbles with your cocktail, but after lunch they would pass through the cabin with a full ice cream cart and you could choose from about 6 different ice cream flavors which would then be scooped and put in either a waffle cone or a cup. And then, a bit after this, came the beer cart...with a mini-keg on tap to serve you fresh beer. Amazing!

On my last flight with LX in C with the A333 (ZRH-JFK), we got a bag of chips with the cocktail...which reminded me of economy class. At least they could put the chips in bowl to make it more presentable...but I agree with airoli, it's penny-pinching times!

I suppose I'm happy that at least they are introducing new planes (A333's) with a new biz and first class. Also, the A343's will be retro-fitted with the new C-class (no new First, though).