LX F ZRH-ORD (with pics) - FEB 2010
Feb 25, 2010, 4:40 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: NYC
Programs: UA GS (1MM), DL Gold, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Avis CC
Posts: 526
LX F ZRH-ORD (with pics) - FEB 2010
Background
This flight was part of a ORF-IAH-FRA-AUH, DXB-ZRH-ORD-ORF trip. I was coming back from spending 13 awesome days with my family and friends in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. My father usually buys me a J ticket to the Mid East, but this time due to a mix up at his company, they booked me in F!! The DXB-ZRH flight departed at 0230 and so I just slept the whole time. After spending 6 hours wandering around Zurich (thanks to some suggestions and a hand-drawn map from the FA on the first flight), I headed back to ZRH to start my journey back to the states.
My map drawn for me by the FA from DXB including her restaurant recommendations!
On a note - the lounge that LX uses in DXB is the generic F lounge operated by DNATA. There's nothing wrong with the lounge per se, but it's not nearly as nice as some other lounges at DXB. I went to DNATA's J lounge and actually found it to be more spacious with more food options.
I knew that I would have the new A333 product all the way from DXB to ORD and was excited about that.
Lounge at ZRH
I like the LH FCT at FRA better than the Swiss F lounge at ZRH, but it was still excellent. I knew I had a huge meal coming on the flight, so I only had a few light snacks at the lounge. The staff were amazingly friendly.
What really made this lounge experience excellent was the use of the day rooms. The lighting in them is really unique (you can have the whole room in green light) and they also have a shower. It's like having your own hotel room in the lounge! I showered and then took about an hour nap. They use the same linens as the flights.
The day room in the F lounge at ZRH
When it was time to go, I reported to the main desk and was escorted to security at ground level for F pax only. Then loaded into a Mercedes van and driven to the remote terminal with 2 other pax on their way to JFK. Once at the remote terminal there was another security check - not sure why. Then a pat down at the gate. It's pretty strange how many security checks you have to go through - 3! The LH FCT definitely wins in this aspect.
On Board
I was escorted to my seat (1K) by the Matrie d'Cabin who introduced herself and the two FAs that would be in F that day. Luckily, there was only one other person in F today (who was in 1A).
My "friend" in 1A
Menus were handed out along with amenity kits, PJs, cashews and peanuts, and a choice of drinks. I decided to stay with the 2007 Cloudy Bay Chardonnay that I was drinking on the DXB-ZRH flight.
Here is the menu for the flight:
First Course
Selection of appetisers:
Smoked trout mousse
Turbot and porcini terrine with tandoori king prawn
Breast of quail with mushroom duxelles and pickled pumpkin
Dried bean and tomato terrine
-
Lock Fyne smoked salmon filet
-
Parsnip and apple soup
Salad
Selection from the salad trolley
Main Courses
Roast fillet of beef with black walnuts, Ricola herb and red grape just, Valaisian pie with leek, apple and cheese
-
Corn-fed chicken breast, apricot cream sauce, Valaisian rye-flour potato gnocchi, winter vegetables
-
Pan-fried fillet of John Dory, grilled scallop, saffron sauce, squid ink linguine pasta, blanched lettuce
-
Mushroom stroganoff, potato roesti and broccoli
-
Choice of vegetables
Cheese
Selection of Swiss artisan cheese
Desserts
Toblerone trio
-
Gommer Tatere - flan with coriander seeds, Tarocco oranges, condensed milk ice cream
-
Sprungli chocolates and pralines
Espresso and a selection of coffees and teas.
We had a very short taxi and found ourselves number 1 for takeoff.
Looking down the whole cabin on take off.
Climbing out of ZRH
Once the seatbelt sign was off (and I love how European airlines turn it off almost always at 10,000 feet - not 3 hours into the flight like US airlines do), the two FAs jumped into action closing the curtains between the cabins. One FA came and asked if I wanted to dine now or later. I chose to eat right away as I was pretty hungry at this point and had another glass of Chardonnay as they set my table. The tray tables on LX's new F are massive. It's impossible to reach and touch the far side of the table. They're very sturdy too.
Playing with the remote control for the suite
Very cool hot towel presentation.
Small hors d'ouvres were distributed.
This flight was part of a ORF-IAH-FRA-AUH, DXB-ZRH-ORD-ORF trip. I was coming back from spending 13 awesome days with my family and friends in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. My father usually buys me a J ticket to the Mid East, but this time due to a mix up at his company, they booked me in F!! The DXB-ZRH flight departed at 0230 and so I just slept the whole time. After spending 6 hours wandering around Zurich (thanks to some suggestions and a hand-drawn map from the FA on the first flight), I headed back to ZRH to start my journey back to the states.
My map drawn for me by the FA from DXB including her restaurant recommendations!
On a note - the lounge that LX uses in DXB is the generic F lounge operated by DNATA. There's nothing wrong with the lounge per se, but it's not nearly as nice as some other lounges at DXB. I went to DNATA's J lounge and actually found it to be more spacious with more food options.
I knew that I would have the new A333 product all the way from DXB to ORD and was excited about that.
Lounge at ZRH
I like the LH FCT at FRA better than the Swiss F lounge at ZRH, but it was still excellent. I knew I had a huge meal coming on the flight, so I only had a few light snacks at the lounge. The staff were amazingly friendly.
What really made this lounge experience excellent was the use of the day rooms. The lighting in them is really unique (you can have the whole room in green light) and they also have a shower. It's like having your own hotel room in the lounge! I showered and then took about an hour nap. They use the same linens as the flights.
The day room in the F lounge at ZRH
When it was time to go, I reported to the main desk and was escorted to security at ground level for F pax only. Then loaded into a Mercedes van and driven to the remote terminal with 2 other pax on their way to JFK. Once at the remote terminal there was another security check - not sure why. Then a pat down at the gate. It's pretty strange how many security checks you have to go through - 3! The LH FCT definitely wins in this aspect.
On Board
I was escorted to my seat (1K) by the Matrie d'Cabin who introduced herself and the two FAs that would be in F that day. Luckily, there was only one other person in F today (who was in 1A).
My "friend" in 1A
Menus were handed out along with amenity kits, PJs, cashews and peanuts, and a choice of drinks. I decided to stay with the 2007 Cloudy Bay Chardonnay that I was drinking on the DXB-ZRH flight.
Here is the menu for the flight:
First Course
Selection of appetisers:
Smoked trout mousse
Turbot and porcini terrine with tandoori king prawn
Breast of quail with mushroom duxelles and pickled pumpkin
Dried bean and tomato terrine
-
Lock Fyne smoked salmon filet
-
Parsnip and apple soup
Salad
Selection from the salad trolley
Main Courses
Roast fillet of beef with black walnuts, Ricola herb and red grape just, Valaisian pie with leek, apple and cheese
-
Corn-fed chicken breast, apricot cream sauce, Valaisian rye-flour potato gnocchi, winter vegetables
-
Pan-fried fillet of John Dory, grilled scallop, saffron sauce, squid ink linguine pasta, blanched lettuce
-
Mushroom stroganoff, potato roesti and broccoli
-
Choice of vegetables
Cheese
Selection of Swiss artisan cheese
Desserts
Toblerone trio
-
Gommer Tatere - flan with coriander seeds, Tarocco oranges, condensed milk ice cream
-
Sprungli chocolates and pralines
Espresso and a selection of coffees and teas.
We had a very short taxi and found ourselves number 1 for takeoff.
Looking down the whole cabin on take off.
Climbing out of ZRH
Once the seatbelt sign was off (and I love how European airlines turn it off almost always at 10,000 feet - not 3 hours into the flight like US airlines do), the two FAs jumped into action closing the curtains between the cabins. One FA came and asked if I wanted to dine now or later. I chose to eat right away as I was pretty hungry at this point and had another glass of Chardonnay as they set my table. The tray tables on LX's new F are massive. It's impossible to reach and touch the far side of the table. They're very sturdy too.
Playing with the remote control for the suite
Very cool hot towel presentation.
Small hors d'ouvres were distributed.
Last edited by SteveHK; Mar 5, 2010 at 10:17 pm
Feb 25, 2010, 4:41 pm
#2
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: NYC
Programs: UA GS (1MM), DL Gold, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Avis CC
Posts: 526
The table was set and a bread basket given with a choice of butter or olive oil. Definitely a nice looking setting - but I'm on the fence about the paper doileys.
Then came the appetizer cart. The presentation was awesome. I chose to have some of the salmon and the trout mousse with some red cabbage sauce. It was excellent, especially the sauce. I've never had it before, but it was delicious. The other FA then came to take my order for the main course and even told me about a few specials not on the menu - am I in a fine restaurant? I ended up choosing Miso soup (an off-menu item) and the John Dory.
The salad cart was next with all kinds of great ingredients available and several dessings choices. The soup and salad were both excellent.
The main course came next and it, too, was great. The fish was cooked perfectly. I didn't know about the squid ink pasta - but it turned out to be pretty tasty.
As my plate was being cleared, the FA commented that I must be tired from my long journey from Dubai (I didn't even tell them that - somehow they knew!) and offered to make up the bed in the empty suite next to me while I had dessert. I definitely took her up on the offer.
My bed waiting for me to finish dining!
After dessert, I went to change into the pyjamas. The FA asked if I wanted anything while going to bed. I had another glass of wine and some tea which was waiting for me by the time I finished changing.
Wine and tea waiting bedside
After a couple hours of sleep, I woke up to find the entire cabin dark. My fellow F passenger had gone to bed and the FAs had closed all the blinds. It's amazing that almost no light what-so-ever was leaking from the galley or J (which was bright with open windows).
Somehow, one of the FAs knew that one of their pax was awake, and came out to see if I needed anything. I asked if they had more soup, but unfortunately they were out. She offered to make me sandwiches instead and gave me several options. They were brought out and, like everything else, were delicious - especially the crab salad one!
Tasty sandwiches
Once the sandwiches were finished, the FA asked if I wanted dessert. I asked what they had - and she offered to bring me a "surprise" dessert. She came back moments later with Movenpick chocolate chip ice cream topped with Bailey's. I don't need to tell you that it was good.
Cappuccino
The entertainment system on LX's new product is decent - but not the best. With all the technology on these new seats, I would hope they would have a wider selection of movie choices. The system didn't work for the first 3 hours of the flight. Because of this, the Maitre d'Cabin offered to give me a bottle of the Chardonnay I liked so much. She wrapped it up and placed it in the overhead - awesome! Once the system was up, I watched a movie (The Informant - just okay). The screens are huge and I really like the lighting effects on them.
The seat is extremely comfortable and very private when all of the partitions are up. Swiss uses very luxurious bedding and sheets, including a 'matress pad' that goes over the seat. the remote control for the suite is awesome and even has a DO NOT DISTURB sign on the outside of the suite. My only complaint about this product is that because of all the buttons, screens, and lighting options, the cabin can't get very dark. Minor issue though. The only other thing is that the massage option on the seat isn't very effective. When it was on, I barely felt it.
The lighted seat numbers are another thing that makes the cabin bright even when it's dark.
Cockpit Visit!
Now for the best part of the whole trip - a visit to the cockpit. When I was heading to the bathroom at some point, the captain was going back into the cockpit. When I got out of the lav, I half-jokingly asked the FA if I could visit. I went back to my seat, then a few minutes later the captain came right to my seat and asked if I wanted to see the cockpit!! YES!!! He was a very nice guy that told be about the flight controls and chatted for about 30 minutes. He was interested in my life in the Navy.
Once we were about 45 minutes from landing, the FA knocked in the cockpit door to let me know that my pre-arrival meal was ready! I headed back to my seat and had a small cheese quiche which was okay - not as great as the main meal service was, but still good.
Arrival
After getting an awesome view of Chicago on landing, the FAs and Matre d'Cabin came and wished me well. Then once we were at the gate, I saw something I have never seen done on a plane before - the FAs actually held J class (even the mini cabin directly behind F) and escorted us so that we were the first ones off the plane!
Unfortunately, once you leave the plane that's when the fantastic LX F service ended. I went to the UA RCC before my connection to ORF and the lounge agent said she didn't think that arriving LX F pax had access (nor did it matter I'm *G) but that she would make an exception for me and made me feel like I was getting some huge favor. The RCC was crowded and seemed exactly like the terminal. PAY FOR DRINKS?? And they refused me a shower. Welcome back to the United States.
LX F was the best commercial aviation experience I have ever had. Definitely something to try.
Then came the appetizer cart. The presentation was awesome. I chose to have some of the salmon and the trout mousse with some red cabbage sauce. It was excellent, especially the sauce. I've never had it before, but it was delicious. The other FA then came to take my order for the main course and even told me about a few specials not on the menu - am I in a fine restaurant? I ended up choosing Miso soup (an off-menu item) and the John Dory.
The salad cart was next with all kinds of great ingredients available and several dessings choices. The soup and salad were both excellent.
The main course came next and it, too, was great. The fish was cooked perfectly. I didn't know about the squid ink pasta - but it turned out to be pretty tasty.
As my plate was being cleared, the FA commented that I must be tired from my long journey from Dubai (I didn't even tell them that - somehow they knew!) and offered to make up the bed in the empty suite next to me while I had dessert. I definitely took her up on the offer.
My bed waiting for me to finish dining!
After dessert, I went to change into the pyjamas. The FA asked if I wanted anything while going to bed. I had another glass of wine and some tea which was waiting for me by the time I finished changing.
Wine and tea waiting bedside
After a couple hours of sleep, I woke up to find the entire cabin dark. My fellow F passenger had gone to bed and the FAs had closed all the blinds. It's amazing that almost no light what-so-ever was leaking from the galley or J (which was bright with open windows).
Somehow, one of the FAs knew that one of their pax was awake, and came out to see if I needed anything. I asked if they had more soup, but unfortunately they were out. She offered to make me sandwiches instead and gave me several options. They were brought out and, like everything else, were delicious - especially the crab salad one!
Tasty sandwiches
Once the sandwiches were finished, the FA asked if I wanted dessert. I asked what they had - and she offered to bring me a "surprise" dessert. She came back moments later with Movenpick chocolate chip ice cream topped with Bailey's. I don't need to tell you that it was good.
Cappuccino
The entertainment system on LX's new product is decent - but not the best. With all the technology on these new seats, I would hope they would have a wider selection of movie choices. The system didn't work for the first 3 hours of the flight. Because of this, the Maitre d'Cabin offered to give me a bottle of the Chardonnay I liked so much. She wrapped it up and placed it in the overhead - awesome! Once the system was up, I watched a movie (The Informant - just okay). The screens are huge and I really like the lighting effects on them.
The seat is extremely comfortable and very private when all of the partitions are up. Swiss uses very luxurious bedding and sheets, including a 'matress pad' that goes over the seat. the remote control for the suite is awesome and even has a DO NOT DISTURB sign on the outside of the suite. My only complaint about this product is that because of all the buttons, screens, and lighting options, the cabin can't get very dark. Minor issue though. The only other thing is that the massage option on the seat isn't very effective. When it was on, I barely felt it.
The lighted seat numbers are another thing that makes the cabin bright even when it's dark.
Cockpit Visit!
Now for the best part of the whole trip - a visit to the cockpit. When I was heading to the bathroom at some point, the captain was going back into the cockpit. When I got out of the lav, I half-jokingly asked the FA if I could visit. I went back to my seat, then a few minutes later the captain came right to my seat and asked if I wanted to see the cockpit!! YES!!! He was a very nice guy that told be about the flight controls and chatted for about 30 minutes. He was interested in my life in the Navy.
Once we were about 45 minutes from landing, the FA knocked in the cockpit door to let me know that my pre-arrival meal was ready! I headed back to my seat and had a small cheese quiche which was okay - not as great as the main meal service was, but still good.
Arrival
After getting an awesome view of Chicago on landing, the FAs and Matre d'Cabin came and wished me well. Then once we were at the gate, I saw something I have never seen done on a plane before - the FAs actually held J class (even the mini cabin directly behind F) and escorted us so that we were the first ones off the plane!
Unfortunately, once you leave the plane that's when the fantastic LX F service ended. I went to the UA RCC before my connection to ORF and the lounge agent said she didn't think that arriving LX F pax had access (nor did it matter I'm *G) but that she would make an exception for me and made me feel like I was getting some huge favor. The RCC was crowded and seemed exactly like the terminal. PAY FOR DRINKS?? And they refused me a shower. Welcome back to the United States.
LX F was the best commercial aviation experience I have ever had. Definitely something to try.
Last edited by SteveHK; Feb 26, 2010 at 10:30 am Reason: Per suggestions below.
Feb 25, 2010, 7:20 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Programs: AA Gold AAdvantage Elite, Rapids Reward
Posts: 38,331
Wow! You were letting in the cockpit tour during mid-flight? It was so impressive! I can't believe it that you flown in F class suite. I didn't see Alps that you were sitting other side of the cabin. Next time you have to be in seated 1A where you can barely see the plane is takeoff from ZRH. You will lookout to see the Alps. That I took the pictures where I flown in the J class out of ZRH-ATL-PHX by last year. It was so enjoyable for flying in the BusinessElite Class.
I remember where I flown in the BusinessElite Class. I am never been flown in the J class for all of my life. Gosh! It was so such very long flight out of ATL-ZRH is 8.5 hours in-flight. It was very long jetlags out of USA-ZRH and when I came into Oberwil, Switzerland where my brother live there. This is where we went to Germany for a lunch & grocery store. So I have to buy something for my own food at my brother's apartment. So he pay for it and I don't have to use Euro money but, it was too expensive. So it was much cheaper price in Germany. Then we returns back to Switzerland that I went to bed around 7pm. That's why I am very extremely tiredness where I flew out of ATL-ZRH. So that's why I didn't get sleep very well during in-flight. So it was adjustable the time.
I remember where I flown in the BusinessElite Class. I am never been flown in the J class for all of my life. Gosh! It was so such very long flight out of ATL-ZRH is 8.5 hours in-flight. It was very long jetlags out of USA-ZRH and when I came into Oberwil, Switzerland where my brother live there. This is where we went to Germany for a lunch & grocery store. So I have to buy something for my own food at my brother's apartment. So he pay for it and I don't have to use Euro money but, it was too expensive. So it was much cheaper price in Germany. Then we returns back to Switzerland that I went to bed around 7pm. That's why I am very extremely tiredness where I flew out of ATL-ZRH. So that's why I didn't get sleep very well during in-flight. So it was adjustable the time.
Feb 26, 2010, 7:59 am
#9
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: London, UK
Programs: AA 2MM - PLT, BA GGL, SPG Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 6,221
Very nice report. It makes me eagerly await my LX F experience in a little under 2 weeks. Unfortunately I will be in the older seat but from what I have read that is only part of what makes LX F a wonderful experience.
Feb 26, 2010, 9:30 am
#12
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Palo Alto. Previously, below the approaches to Rwy 19 @ DCA or 28 @ ORD
Programs: UA 1K 0.8MM, AA EXP
Posts: 1,768
I recommend removing the flight date from the post and, likewise, removing pictures that show the flight deck crew, as in-flight cockpit visits may be against either U.S. regulations, LX regulations, or both, and I'm sure you would not wish to bring trouble to the fine flight crew.
Otherwise, great TR! ^
Otherwise, great TR! ^
Feb 26, 2010, 10:11 am
#13
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: TIP,PDX
Programs: UA 1p, GF Gold, EK
Posts: 397
great report, very jealous you got to check out the cockpit.
but as the prvious poster wsuggested, i would take down the pics of the pilots, and remove the dates, because im sure this will get the pilots/airline in a lot of trouble
but as the prvious poster wsuggested, i would take down the pics of the pilots, and remove the dates, because im sure this will get the pilots/airline in a lot of trouble
Feb 26, 2010, 10:51 am
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: NYC
Programs: UA GS (1MM), DL Gold, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Avis CC
Posts: 526
BTW - good point to earlier poster, I took down the picture with the pilots and requested the mod remove the exact date. I certainly don't want to get them in trouble for pulling such a great favor!