flyeryvr
Apr 29, 07, 6:30 pm
This is my first go at a trip report for my recent flight with Swiss Air International in First. I have photos, that I will add when figure this out, and I will also type the entire menu when I am feeling more ambitious. I did this in the spirit of getting it done and not waiting so please forgive any typos / grammar issues.
TRIP REPORT
BOS – ZRH
LX053
27APR07
FIRST CLASS
CHECK-IN
Check-in at Boston Logan was unimpressive. I had flown from YYZ on Air Canada and purposely checked my bags only to BOS so that I could experience the full LX check-in experience. Terminal E was very crowded, but there was a First Class check-in line for LX. I waited in line and was given a very generic looking boarding pass and told I could use the fast track line through security and the Lufthansa lounge. The agent commented that it wasn’t a great lounge (which proved to be true) but that it was better than Aer Lingus, which LX apparently once used in Boston.
LOUNGE
The lounges are on the second floor, and elevator ride down one level from the gates. As promised, the Lufthansa business class lounge was disappointing. A small crowded windowless room. I checked in and the agents welcomed me indifferently. There was almost no where to sit and little on offer in terms of food and drink. There was a door that read “senator lounge” and I went back to the desk and asked if I had access with a first class ticket, and was told “yes of course”. This room was even smaller, and more crowded (because of the size) but had sandwiches and more by way of drinks – in particular Moet Chandon champagne, which I was interested in, and had several glasses of.
BOARDING
I left the lounge early to walk around, as it wasn’t particularly comfortable (after several glasses of champagne of course). Twenty minutes before the boarding time on my boarding pass I walked by the gate, and saw people had already started to board, and heard the first announcement for the flight indicating “now boarding all rows”. It was odd as it was well before planned boarding and there were no pre-boarding calls that I heard. When I got to the plane, the FA at the door was checking tickets and when I presented mine she personally walked me to my seat (3A). She was very welcoming and friendly. Another FA took my drink order, and arrived with a glass of champagne (Cuvee Alegra 1999, Jacquart). Shortly thereafter he came back with appetizers nicely plated – a “cold vegetable packet” tied with green onion, and a “hot miniature beef Wellington”, on the side was a curry sauce. This was nice, and I was impressed to get a pre-flight hot appetizer. There was an amenity kit already at my seat – not overly impressive, and with very tiny tubes of product, but it was la prairie brand, which is very expensive, so that made up for it. Eventually my coat was taken – they pre-stock each seat with a hanger pre-printed with the seat number to make this a more organized process (particularly when giving the jackets back). Slippers and socks were passed out, then menus, champagne re-filled and we were ready to take off without delay.
CABIN
The A330 first class cabin on LX is showing its age slightly. That is to say you wouldn’t think it was particularly new, but it also didn’t look run-down. The back and sides of the seat are finished in a burled wood look, which made the cabin feel quite intimate and cozy in my opinion. The format is 1-2-1 with three rows (12 seats in total) and all were full for this flight. The seats are set-up such that they have an ottoman, which can be slid backwards and forwards, or be used as a seat so that two passengers can sit across from one another, and dine together. I actually saw this in use during my flight, and was impressed at the set-up – the dining table is so large that two passengers can dine together restaurant style without any crowding. This is the biggest table I have seen. This aircraft didn’t have AVOD, but rather cycled programming, which I didn’t really use anyway, but I thought the screen was certainly big enough. The A340 has true AVOD, and is newer, but from photos I have seen I like the dark wood motif of the A330 better from an aesthetic perspective.
IN-FLIGHT
The seat-belt sign was left on for a very long time, but service began as soon as it was switched off. The FA called me by my last name from the beginning to end of the flight – with no manifest in hand. They must memorize the names before the flight, I meant to ask, but forgot. The service began with another drink. The FA was very knowledgeable about wines on offer, but hadn’t tried the pinot noir I wanted, so gave me a taste to sample, he indicated I could feel free to change wines at any time so I decided to go ahead and have the pinot noir. He did follow-up later and ask if I wanted a change, and I did, which I could have asked for on my own, but I appreciate that he followed-up with me and didn’t forget. The huge tables were nicely set (real grinders for both salt and pepper, which was nice) and the appetizer cart was brought out. There was a seafood platter, some vegetarian hors d’oeuvres and salads. I started with a selection from the seafood platter including lobster, shrimp, smoked salmon and artichoke with cocktail and a creamy jalapeno sauce - also a good selection of warm rolls were offered. Once finished I asked to have a salad, which was basic, but decent – though served in a bowl. For the main course I selected the beef steak (I will type the menu when I have the chance). There were actually three choices, plus a special of the day. The beefsteak was very good and was served with balsamic jus, baby carrots, snow peas and polenta with sun-dried tomatoes in a bowl on the side. The beef was actually not overcooked! It was pink in the middle and perfectly done, if not slightly ‘mushy’ and lacking that fresh-off the grill texture. It did have nice grill marks and given the limitations of food served in-flight I would say it was great none the less. (I had a steak in Singapore first class a while ago, and it had the hell cooked out of it). The FA came around with a nice dish of vegetables including both green and white asparagus, bok choi (which I love), carrots and pumpkin. These all tasted relatively fresh and were of the appropriate texture and doneness. Next came the cheese cart along with port (Porto Calem 20 years old Portugal). I didn’t care for this particular port. The colour was of rusty nails, and the taste just wasn’t appealing to me somehow. The cheese cart was all swiss cheese and I asked for a selection – by this time I was quite full and couldn’t finish, but they were overall pretty good. Finally, dessert of ice cream and fresh strawberries (were they really fresh?) was offered, and I also ordered an espresso and grappa. I thought the dessert was pretty basic and they could have done something more impressive. The espresso was nice though, and I was thrilled that they actually had grappa on offer, as this is a favourite for me, and is not often available on other airlines. Pralines were also passed out, and the meal was finished.
Overall the dinner was very good. The service element was excellent, and the food that was presented tasted good, but I don’t think the spread was overly impressive for a first class service. There were fewer courses than on first class I have tried with some asian carriers, and the wines were just ok, not outstanding. Also as I mentioned, the dessert was disappointing. The dessert cart on Air Canada business class is nicer than this was. Then again, it was a flight later in the day, and people wanted to get to sleep, so I cannot fault for the length of the service too much – and outstanding and personal service always makes up for a less impressive ‘hard’ product in my books.
Immediately after I was finished eating, the FA asked if I would like my bed made. Now, before I describe the bed, I have to say the seats on LX first, at least on the A330, I found to be extremely comfortable – more so than any other seat I have tried. I think it is in part due to the ottoman set-up. There is a very comfortable lounge position, and your feet are resting on an ottoman instead of hanging off the edge of a foot rest attached to the seat. The bed lies completely flat and incorporates the ottoman – it is probably 6’4 or so in length. I was very impressed by the bedding. First a mattress type pad is put down, and then a very nice duvet, and a full size feather pillow. This pillow and duvet are superior to the other two first class experiences I have had with a lie-flat bed on Asiana and Singapore. It was very comfortable, but sadly I don’t generally sleep on the plane regardless of the set-up. Every time I got up to use the washroom or anything like that I was offered a drink, which I thought was nice, but there was no re-filling of my empty glass when I dozed off to sleep (it was water), which I have experienced on other airlines. The other thing that was missing was pajamas – if you are going to provide such a great bed, and bedding, why wouldn’t you also provide something to sleep in? I say this only because most other airlines I have heard of or experienced do this in first class. I suppose those who do this flight often just bring something more comfortable with.
I was up early and was offered the breakfast service. It is also possible to simply sleep longer and have breakfast in the arrivals lounge. But, wanting to have the full experience, I said yes to breakfast. The table was set-up again and I had Muesli, warm pastries, yoghurt and rooibos tea to start with. I was offered fruit salad as well but declined (not sure why). Finally I was asked if I wanted a warm breakfast also and was given scrambled eggs, sausage, breakfast potatoes and bacon. Everything tasted as it should. I was offered more pastries, but was stuffed. The tables were cleared and we were ready for landing.
OVERALL
Overall I thought LX First Class was very good. The service was excellent and I thought the seat / bed was excellent. What would have made the overall experience excellent is a slightly better showing for the meals and beverages (wines, etc.) and some pajamas to complement the great sleeping arrangement they have. Also, and this is minor, separate food and drink menus would be nice – it is all in one, but the photo on the cover is really beautiful. The other thing that could have been more impressive was check-in.
That being said the service is probably the most important element, and they have this right. The service is somewhat formal, but I really don’t mind this, if it is good and sincere. If you like the “I’m your new best-friend” attitude that I have experienced on some American carriers (and dare I say on Air Canada from time to time), then Swiss may seem formal. I would far rather have good service that isn’t disingenuous though, and I definitely got that with LX.
I would definitely fly Swiss Air International again in First if I had the opportunity. I am trying Lufthansa First on the way back from MUC to LAX, and look forward to seeing how that will stack-up (I suspect very well).
TRIP REPORT
BOS – ZRH
LX053
27APR07
FIRST CLASS
CHECK-IN
Check-in at Boston Logan was unimpressive. I had flown from YYZ on Air Canada and purposely checked my bags only to BOS so that I could experience the full LX check-in experience. Terminal E was very crowded, but there was a First Class check-in line for LX. I waited in line and was given a very generic looking boarding pass and told I could use the fast track line through security and the Lufthansa lounge. The agent commented that it wasn’t a great lounge (which proved to be true) but that it was better than Aer Lingus, which LX apparently once used in Boston.
LOUNGE
The lounges are on the second floor, and elevator ride down one level from the gates. As promised, the Lufthansa business class lounge was disappointing. A small crowded windowless room. I checked in and the agents welcomed me indifferently. There was almost no where to sit and little on offer in terms of food and drink. There was a door that read “senator lounge” and I went back to the desk and asked if I had access with a first class ticket, and was told “yes of course”. This room was even smaller, and more crowded (because of the size) but had sandwiches and more by way of drinks – in particular Moet Chandon champagne, which I was interested in, and had several glasses of.
BOARDING
I left the lounge early to walk around, as it wasn’t particularly comfortable (after several glasses of champagne of course). Twenty minutes before the boarding time on my boarding pass I walked by the gate, and saw people had already started to board, and heard the first announcement for the flight indicating “now boarding all rows”. It was odd as it was well before planned boarding and there were no pre-boarding calls that I heard. When I got to the plane, the FA at the door was checking tickets and when I presented mine she personally walked me to my seat (3A). She was very welcoming and friendly. Another FA took my drink order, and arrived with a glass of champagne (Cuvee Alegra 1999, Jacquart). Shortly thereafter he came back with appetizers nicely plated – a “cold vegetable packet” tied with green onion, and a “hot miniature beef Wellington”, on the side was a curry sauce. This was nice, and I was impressed to get a pre-flight hot appetizer. There was an amenity kit already at my seat – not overly impressive, and with very tiny tubes of product, but it was la prairie brand, which is very expensive, so that made up for it. Eventually my coat was taken – they pre-stock each seat with a hanger pre-printed with the seat number to make this a more organized process (particularly when giving the jackets back). Slippers and socks were passed out, then menus, champagne re-filled and we were ready to take off without delay.
CABIN
The A330 first class cabin on LX is showing its age slightly. That is to say you wouldn’t think it was particularly new, but it also didn’t look run-down. The back and sides of the seat are finished in a burled wood look, which made the cabin feel quite intimate and cozy in my opinion. The format is 1-2-1 with three rows (12 seats in total) and all were full for this flight. The seats are set-up such that they have an ottoman, which can be slid backwards and forwards, or be used as a seat so that two passengers can sit across from one another, and dine together. I actually saw this in use during my flight, and was impressed at the set-up – the dining table is so large that two passengers can dine together restaurant style without any crowding. This is the biggest table I have seen. This aircraft didn’t have AVOD, but rather cycled programming, which I didn’t really use anyway, but I thought the screen was certainly big enough. The A340 has true AVOD, and is newer, but from photos I have seen I like the dark wood motif of the A330 better from an aesthetic perspective.
IN-FLIGHT
The seat-belt sign was left on for a very long time, but service began as soon as it was switched off. The FA called me by my last name from the beginning to end of the flight – with no manifest in hand. They must memorize the names before the flight, I meant to ask, but forgot. The service began with another drink. The FA was very knowledgeable about wines on offer, but hadn’t tried the pinot noir I wanted, so gave me a taste to sample, he indicated I could feel free to change wines at any time so I decided to go ahead and have the pinot noir. He did follow-up later and ask if I wanted a change, and I did, which I could have asked for on my own, but I appreciate that he followed-up with me and didn’t forget. The huge tables were nicely set (real grinders for both salt and pepper, which was nice) and the appetizer cart was brought out. There was a seafood platter, some vegetarian hors d’oeuvres and salads. I started with a selection from the seafood platter including lobster, shrimp, smoked salmon and artichoke with cocktail and a creamy jalapeno sauce - also a good selection of warm rolls were offered. Once finished I asked to have a salad, which was basic, but decent – though served in a bowl. For the main course I selected the beef steak (I will type the menu when I have the chance). There were actually three choices, plus a special of the day. The beefsteak was very good and was served with balsamic jus, baby carrots, snow peas and polenta with sun-dried tomatoes in a bowl on the side. The beef was actually not overcooked! It was pink in the middle and perfectly done, if not slightly ‘mushy’ and lacking that fresh-off the grill texture. It did have nice grill marks and given the limitations of food served in-flight I would say it was great none the less. (I had a steak in Singapore first class a while ago, and it had the hell cooked out of it). The FA came around with a nice dish of vegetables including both green and white asparagus, bok choi (which I love), carrots and pumpkin. These all tasted relatively fresh and were of the appropriate texture and doneness. Next came the cheese cart along with port (Porto Calem 20 years old Portugal). I didn’t care for this particular port. The colour was of rusty nails, and the taste just wasn’t appealing to me somehow. The cheese cart was all swiss cheese and I asked for a selection – by this time I was quite full and couldn’t finish, but they were overall pretty good. Finally, dessert of ice cream and fresh strawberries (were they really fresh?) was offered, and I also ordered an espresso and grappa. I thought the dessert was pretty basic and they could have done something more impressive. The espresso was nice though, and I was thrilled that they actually had grappa on offer, as this is a favourite for me, and is not often available on other airlines. Pralines were also passed out, and the meal was finished.
Overall the dinner was very good. The service element was excellent, and the food that was presented tasted good, but I don’t think the spread was overly impressive for a first class service. There were fewer courses than on first class I have tried with some asian carriers, and the wines were just ok, not outstanding. Also as I mentioned, the dessert was disappointing. The dessert cart on Air Canada business class is nicer than this was. Then again, it was a flight later in the day, and people wanted to get to sleep, so I cannot fault for the length of the service too much – and outstanding and personal service always makes up for a less impressive ‘hard’ product in my books.
Immediately after I was finished eating, the FA asked if I would like my bed made. Now, before I describe the bed, I have to say the seats on LX first, at least on the A330, I found to be extremely comfortable – more so than any other seat I have tried. I think it is in part due to the ottoman set-up. There is a very comfortable lounge position, and your feet are resting on an ottoman instead of hanging off the edge of a foot rest attached to the seat. The bed lies completely flat and incorporates the ottoman – it is probably 6’4 or so in length. I was very impressed by the bedding. First a mattress type pad is put down, and then a very nice duvet, and a full size feather pillow. This pillow and duvet are superior to the other two first class experiences I have had with a lie-flat bed on Asiana and Singapore. It was very comfortable, but sadly I don’t generally sleep on the plane regardless of the set-up. Every time I got up to use the washroom or anything like that I was offered a drink, which I thought was nice, but there was no re-filling of my empty glass when I dozed off to sleep (it was water), which I have experienced on other airlines. The other thing that was missing was pajamas – if you are going to provide such a great bed, and bedding, why wouldn’t you also provide something to sleep in? I say this only because most other airlines I have heard of or experienced do this in first class. I suppose those who do this flight often just bring something more comfortable with.
I was up early and was offered the breakfast service. It is also possible to simply sleep longer and have breakfast in the arrivals lounge. But, wanting to have the full experience, I said yes to breakfast. The table was set-up again and I had Muesli, warm pastries, yoghurt and rooibos tea to start with. I was offered fruit salad as well but declined (not sure why). Finally I was asked if I wanted a warm breakfast also and was given scrambled eggs, sausage, breakfast potatoes and bacon. Everything tasted as it should. I was offered more pastries, but was stuffed. The tables were cleared and we were ready for landing.
OVERALL
Overall I thought LX First Class was very good. The service was excellent and I thought the seat / bed was excellent. What would have made the overall experience excellent is a slightly better showing for the meals and beverages (wines, etc.) and some pajamas to complement the great sleeping arrangement they have. Also, and this is minor, separate food and drink menus would be nice – it is all in one, but the photo on the cover is really beautiful. The other thing that could have been more impressive was check-in.
That being said the service is probably the most important element, and they have this right. The service is somewhat formal, but I really don’t mind this, if it is good and sincere. If you like the “I’m your new best-friend” attitude that I have experienced on some American carriers (and dare I say on Air Canada from time to time), then Swiss may seem formal. I would far rather have good service that isn’t disingenuous though, and I definitely got that with LX.
I would definitely fly Swiss Air International again in First if I had the opportunity. I am trying Lufthansa First on the way back from MUC to LAX, and look forward to seeing how that will stack-up (I suspect very well).