Qualiflyer - Swiss Business to BOM

I burned some USAirways miles to give my parents Business Class tickets to BOM in late Dec, return in March. Unfortunately couldn't get First Class tickets, and at 155K per ticket Business is ridiculously expensive but USAirways miles are seeming less and less valuable these days and it just makes sense to get rid of them any way I can.

In any case, they're flying PHL-BOS-ZRH-BOM -- did some searches and didn't find too much on Business class on the 330s. Just wondering what they can expect in terms of food, service, etc. on these routes. Any favorite seats on these flights? Is there a lounge in BOS? How is the ZRH lounge for a 4-5 hour layover?

I think they're spoiled, as last year I sent them over on SQ Raffles and I've warned them that this might not quite compare in terms of seat quality, service, etc.

Thanks for any info.

bump. any thoughts on any of this?

Though I have never flown Raffles class I think you are right to expect something inferior in terms of seating comfort. Seats are smaller pitch and less comfortable than CO, AA or KLM, e.g. In regards to meal quality and service quality, I find that Swiss does a very good job. Compared to CO they don't have a real plate service - they serve some courses together on a tray. But the FA's are way better than anything you'll find on a US carrier. I would imagine not as good as asians, though.
The C class lounge in ZRH is functional, with friendly staff as long as you're friendly. It's nothing spectacular. Self serve bar with free alcoholic drinks (a fairly nice Scotch). Free internet access.

Sorry I can't really help on a comparison with Raffles.

There are showers at ZRH c-class lounge. And the A330s have a huge screen for the IFE with a good movie selection. Unfortunately, it's not on demand.

[This message has been edited by ch_usa (edited 12-11-2002).]

Thanks for the info ch.

Sounding to me a little like LH Business, with seats not quite as good, but better service (and probably better food).

I agree with ch_usa, the seats are definitely a major letdown, that's why they will be replaced during the next 18 months. The service however I find quite good and the food's usually excellent.

The ZRH C lounge is okay. There are several internet PCs so there's hardly ever a wait.

One thing though: The BOS-ZRH flights are not that long but the service is the same as on all other transatlantic flights (as far as LAX). In consequence, one's stuffed with food on the westbound leg and has a short night eastbound - they do the whole service procedure before turning off the lights.

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airOli (http://www.olimade.com/airoli), the Swiss Air Line. ;)

I have just completed ZRH-HKG in C-class, having organized an upgrade at the gate for my mother and I. I thought that the service was above average and very attentive, with an excellent choice of menus incorporating interesting regional specialities from the Grisons/Graubunden. The wines were pretty good, though generally the whites faired better than the reds. I particularly enjoyed the choice of films on the personal DVD player. The breakfast menu was a treat (I wish I hadn't drunk so much the night before), but the mixed fruit starter had been kept in storage for too long.

As for seat quality, I found it not too bad, though I am looking forward to the new C-class beds. It certainly gave me no back pain, unlike most MD-11 economy seats and Sabena's late business class. I've noticed that forum members have in the past considered the SWISS MD-11 C-class project below standard. Is that still the case, for I found it pretty commendable?

Thanks for all the info. I'll get feedback from my parents on their upcoming trip and post the info.

What are the best Business seats on the 330? Is the bulkhead row preferable or should we stay away from this row? I can't even find a seatmap on the Swiss website!

Right now I've got 10AB on three of four legs, and 14JK on the fourth. Are these ok or is the legroom such that people prefer the middle pair?

Also, any info on the Swiss lounge in BOS?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by kv99:

Right now I've got 10AB on three of four legs, and 14JK on the fourth. Are these ok or is the legroom such that people prefer the middle pair?

</font>

KV99,

10 A and B are very good seats on a A330. You should stick with them, not too near from WC or too back.
Good choice.

kooks. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by kooks:
KV99,

10 A and B are very good seats on a A330. You should stick with them, not too near from WC or too back.
Good choice.

kooks. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif</font>

Kooks--

With the not-so-great seat pitch (48", right?) do you think the middle seats are a better option in Swiss Business?

On Airbus 330 no middle seats, only on MD 11.

The seats are 2-2-2 on 330, all the same, no differences, but the AB or JK are window seats, more "privacy".

For MD 11 is 2-3-2 the middle seat is worse then the others. But again seats on 330 are far "better" then MD 11's. Even with only 48" pitch.

Stick with 10 A and B are if you can try to upgrade to F class. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

kooks.

[This message has been edited by kooks (edited 01-08-2003).]

DUP

[This message has been edited by kv99 (edited 01-08-2003).]

Sorry I wasn't very clear http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I meant are the middle pair a better bet than the side pair -- i.e. is the seat pitch such that it's hard for the passenger in the window to get out when the passenger in the aisle seat has his seat fully reclined.

even in united business on the 777s (the ones which haven't been reconfigured), this can be a problem, with 55" of pitch, so i'm wondering if swiss is even tighter...

and hate to beat a dead horse, but does anyone know about the lounge in boston? swiss tells me that it's the united lounge there -- do they mean the red carpet club?

Yes, I believe this is true. It used to be Delta Crown room, and then changed to United.