France & Switzerland UA J & LX F via EWR-LHR-EuroStar-LYS-ZRH-SFO
Apr 12, 2015, 6:16 am
#17
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Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: MRY - CNX - TXL
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Posts: 7,058
Apr 13, 2015, 1:46 pm
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
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Posts: 7,058
Lyon
This would be my first trip in France outside of Paris. I really didn't know what to expect, I enjoyed the city. Seemed to have enough going on but still a little relaxed and quaint.
I was staying in Vieux Lyon and spent most of the time around there.
First time seeing one of my best friends after 16 months (video)
The apartment sit right under the Basilica so one morning we took the funicular up there and then walked down. Really great views and beautiful building. Also the Roman ruins and amphitheater not far away were neat. There is a summer concert series there and Patti Smith is playing in July. I was thinking of going back as I'll be in Berlin all of July. She's also playing in Berlin at Tempodrom which I've seen here there before (along with several shows in New York at Bowery Ballroom), but I think seeing outside in the ancient ruins would be really special.
We also went out to Le Puces du Canal (flea market) one morning to walk around and check things out before stopping for some wine and sausage. I didn't find it all that interesting or special, just like any other flea market in Europe (i.e. Florhmarkt at Mauerpark).
The VeloV bikes came in quite handy. It's only 5 euros for a week pass (+ a 150 euro deposit on your card).
The first night my friend wanted to take me to a classic bouchon to experience that. So we went to Notre Maison which was right in the area. It's operated by a rather bombastic owner and some energetic staff. From what was translated to me from French was that he was pretty gruff & sarcastic that borderlined on rude but was endearing.
The food...ummm. I knew what I was getting into with Lyon to some degree, I just had watched Anthony Bourdain there.
Then you are presented with meat, cartilage, sausage and products you aren't quite sure of. The taste is good, the texture can be iffy and if you don't think about it better safe than sorry. (Note the stick of butter)
Beef cheeks in a pretty sweet sauce, not sure if it was from its own blood. I also had the quenelle which I didn't realize was the fish meat made into paste and then a souffle. I thought it was a fish fillet covered in puff pastry.
Classic pralines and a chocolate cake (can deal with that).
Plenty of fresh whipped creme fraiche.
The cat also runs the house.
Post photoshoot snacking which was much more to my speed.
Drinks on the quai at Buvette.
Followed by a game of Finland's "Mölkky".
Drunk and being artistic.
To offset the bouchon we went to Cafe Sillon the next night for what put Lyon on the map, nouvelle cuisine.
(This menu shows beef, the dish was actually lamb and had two swapped out ingredients).
Mackerel, rhubarb, radish amuse bouche.
DELICIOUS to start
Many foraging root, leaves, flowers on the dishes. I don't really know if the prosciutto was needed on this one.
Raw bleu (supplement)
Salad & desert (forgetable)
And now the real winner, the white chocolate mouse with passion fruit, dried seaweed and nettle sorbet. Absolutely amazing.
I don't really drink beer but I do like Crabbie's and other ginger ones, this being a cider was pretty good (and 8% alc).
Probably not the best name.
Walking up to Croix Rousse and getting glaces was another nice way to spend the pretty warm days that Lyon was having this weekend.
Walking around the last night looking for dinner we thought to have moules frites and not "a ton of cheese and fatty French food" so we went to Cabane.
Well...we did get some raclette and cherve tartines.
And classic moules and also curry. Very good and friendly service.
This would be my first trip in France outside of Paris. I really didn't know what to expect, I enjoyed the city. Seemed to have enough going on but still a little relaxed and quaint.
I was staying in Vieux Lyon and spent most of the time around there.
First time seeing one of my best friends after 16 months (video)
The apartment sit right under the Basilica so one morning we took the funicular up there and then walked down. Really great views and beautiful building. Also the Roman ruins and amphitheater not far away were neat. There is a summer concert series there and Patti Smith is playing in July. I was thinking of going back as I'll be in Berlin all of July. She's also playing in Berlin at Tempodrom which I've seen here there before (along with several shows in New York at Bowery Ballroom), but I think seeing outside in the ancient ruins would be really special.
We also went out to Le Puces du Canal (flea market) one morning to walk around and check things out before stopping for some wine and sausage. I didn't find it all that interesting or special, just like any other flea market in Europe (i.e. Florhmarkt at Mauerpark).
The VeloV bikes came in quite handy. It's only 5 euros for a week pass (+ a 150 euro deposit on your card).
The first night my friend wanted to take me to a classic bouchon to experience that. So we went to Notre Maison which was right in the area. It's operated by a rather bombastic owner and some energetic staff. From what was translated to me from French was that he was pretty gruff & sarcastic that borderlined on rude but was endearing.
The food...ummm. I knew what I was getting into with Lyon to some degree, I just had watched Anthony Bourdain there.
Then you are presented with meat, cartilage, sausage and products you aren't quite sure of. The taste is good, the texture can be iffy and if you don't think about it better safe than sorry. (Note the stick of butter)
Beef cheeks in a pretty sweet sauce, not sure if it was from its own blood. I also had the quenelle which I didn't realize was the fish meat made into paste and then a souffle. I thought it was a fish fillet covered in puff pastry.
Classic pralines and a chocolate cake (can deal with that).
Plenty of fresh whipped creme fraiche.
The cat also runs the house.
Post photoshoot snacking which was much more to my speed.
Drinks on the quai at Buvette.
Followed by a game of Finland's "Mölkky".
Drunk and being artistic.
To offset the bouchon we went to Cafe Sillon the next night for what put Lyon on the map, nouvelle cuisine.
(This menu shows beef, the dish was actually lamb and had two swapped out ingredients).
Mackerel, rhubarb, radish amuse bouche.
DELICIOUS to start
Many foraging root, leaves, flowers on the dishes. I don't really know if the prosciutto was needed on this one.
Raw bleu (supplement)
Salad & desert (forgetable)
And now the real winner, the white chocolate mouse with passion fruit, dried seaweed and nettle sorbet. Absolutely amazing.
I don't really drink beer but I do like Crabbie's and other ginger ones, this being a cider was pretty good (and 8% alc).
Probably not the best name.
Walking up to Croix Rousse and getting glaces was another nice way to spend the pretty warm days that Lyon was having this weekend.
Walking around the last night looking for dinner we thought to have moules frites and not "a ton of cheese and fatty French food" so we went to Cabane.
Well...we did get some raclette and cherve tartines.
And classic moules and also curry. Very good and friendly service.
Apr 13, 2015, 2:04 pm
#21
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: MRY - CNX - TXL
Programs: UA 1K / *G / Marriott PE / Expedia Gold+ / Hertz PC
Posts: 7,058
LX (by OS) J LYS-ZRH
Getting to LYS from Part Dieu you can hop on the Rhone Express for 15 euros that takes just under 30 minutes to get to the airport.
It runs every 15 minutes (during the daytime) and you buy the tickets on the platform.
Getting off at the train station really surprised me. The building is a beautiful design by Calavtrava and was a very pleasant transition from train to plane.
Flying economy out of a small(er) airport I wasn't expecting much. Check in was easy, there was a whole LH group set of counters that had an F/J/*G line with two desks. No one was manning those, after a min of waiting someone said "Business?" I said "Gold" and he mentioned the next Y agent would take me (I figured that is how it would happen).
Walking from the train to Terminal 2 I noticed a lot of cafes and such so I thought maybe it was like TXL and post security is very sparse so I asked about cafes and what not after security and she said yes of course and you can use the Solano lounge. I didn't think *G in Y would get lounge access but sure enough they do (and even with 1 guest as it said on an entrance sign).
The line for security said about 7 min which was accurate. It wasn't until I was up to the front that I noticed some automated doors which cut the line and I think were for F/J/Elites.
So I did the normal things through security. Then they asked if I had cameras, I said yes and I had to take the bag back through and take out/unwrap all of my cameras and put them through again.
The lounge was a good size, it has Wifi but so does the airport for free. A few snacks and sweets and coffee/tea/booze.
I was slightly confused about the flight. I know when I booked it that it was on the LX site and I don't remember seeing any operated by or codeshare thing. When I checked in I saw that it said Operated by Tyrolean, I looked it up and still could only find LX flight numbers. I saw an OS plane at the gate and the gate sign never showed an OS number. Eventually once I got on I realized that it is a Swiss flight operated by OS.
Once boarding was called I made a point to see if I heard "Gold" in French which I did. I knew I would have to gate check my Rimowa pilot bag so I wanted to make sure I got it taken care of. When she scanned my BP I heard her say something and "Business Class" and I thought she meant I couldn't board, so I was about to say "Star Gold" until she threw my BP aside and picked up one on the desk with my name on it and a big fat "C" and she said "upgraded".
Sweet! Guess I was a mix of *G on the highest Y fare on that flight as there are only 3 J seats and instead of sending one out empty they put me in it.
A 10 min delay because of traffic in ZRH. The little dart sped up faster than I imagined and we were up on our way.
A small salmon bite and a mango desert with some tea and a nice young FA.
A smooth 55 min flight that put us down in Zurich without much of a delay.
So here I am thinking it was going to be a no lounge, hour flight on a 2x2 and not only did I get lounge access and an upgrade, it also meant the LX J bus for non-gate flights.
The driver sort of glanced at our BPs but I imagine she knew that the plane only has 3 J seats (I guess maybe HON would use it or would they get a private car transfer even in Y?) and most likely we would be the first 3 off.
Getting to LYS from Part Dieu you can hop on the Rhone Express for 15 euros that takes just under 30 minutes to get to the airport.
It runs every 15 minutes (during the daytime) and you buy the tickets on the platform.
Getting off at the train station really surprised me. The building is a beautiful design by Calavtrava and was a very pleasant transition from train to plane.
Flying economy out of a small(er) airport I wasn't expecting much. Check in was easy, there was a whole LH group set of counters that had an F/J/*G line with two desks. No one was manning those, after a min of waiting someone said "Business?" I said "Gold" and he mentioned the next Y agent would take me (I figured that is how it would happen).
Walking from the train to Terminal 2 I noticed a lot of cafes and such so I thought maybe it was like TXL and post security is very sparse so I asked about cafes and what not after security and she said yes of course and you can use the Solano lounge. I didn't think *G in Y would get lounge access but sure enough they do (and even with 1 guest as it said on an entrance sign).
The line for security said about 7 min which was accurate. It wasn't until I was up to the front that I noticed some automated doors which cut the line and I think were for F/J/Elites.
So I did the normal things through security. Then they asked if I had cameras, I said yes and I had to take the bag back through and take out/unwrap all of my cameras and put them through again.
The lounge was a good size, it has Wifi but so does the airport for free. A few snacks and sweets and coffee/tea/booze.
I was slightly confused about the flight. I know when I booked it that it was on the LX site and I don't remember seeing any operated by or codeshare thing. When I checked in I saw that it said Operated by Tyrolean, I looked it up and still could only find LX flight numbers. I saw an OS plane at the gate and the gate sign never showed an OS number. Eventually once I got on I realized that it is a Swiss flight operated by OS.
Once boarding was called I made a point to see if I heard "Gold" in French which I did. I knew I would have to gate check my Rimowa pilot bag so I wanted to make sure I got it taken care of. When she scanned my BP I heard her say something and "Business Class" and I thought she meant I couldn't board, so I was about to say "Star Gold" until she threw my BP aside and picked up one on the desk with my name on it and a big fat "C" and she said "upgraded".
Sweet! Guess I was a mix of *G on the highest Y fare on that flight as there are only 3 J seats and instead of sending one out empty they put me in it.
A 10 min delay because of traffic in ZRH. The little dart sped up faster than I imagined and we were up on our way.
A small salmon bite and a mango desert with some tea and a nice young FA.
A smooth 55 min flight that put us down in Zurich without much of a delay.
So here I am thinking it was going to be a no lounge, hour flight on a 2x2 and not only did I get lounge access and an upgrade, it also meant the LX J bus for non-gate flights.
The driver sort of glanced at our BPs but I imagine she knew that the plane only has 3 J seats (I guess maybe HON would use it or would they get a private car transfer even in Y?) and most likely we would be the first 3 off.
Apr 14, 2015, 9:55 am
#23
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: TK Elite Plus, SAS EBG, QR Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,297
Nice report as always! Glad to be at help with the UA Arrivals Lounge, it does look very nice indeed with a la carte breakfast and stuff. Looking forward to reading about SWISS First Class, a rare product these days. Bet the cabin will be nice and exclusive now that them credit card bloggers are banned from it, HAH. 
Apr 15, 2015, 12:17 am
#25
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: MRY - CNX - TXL
Programs: UA 1K / *G / Marriott PE / Expedia Gold+ / Hertz PC
Posts: 7,058
Hotel Basilea - Zurich
I looked at various hotels here from Marriott or SPG but (as with Zurich) it was all pretty pricey for what would just be two nights to sleep and not much else.
Looking around online I found a decently well reviewed, central (5-6 min walk with suitcases from the HBF) and under 175 CHF/night with free breakfast + wifi.
Clean. Decent size. Fairly comfortable bed. Room on the backside of the hotel of the street has better views if on a higher floor (3-4) and has some pretty nice light throughout the day and sunset.
About 40m down the street is the corner where all the hookers hang out. By no means dodgy or any more "aggressive" than the girls on Orianenbergerstraße in Berlin (they may smile or make a kiss noise at you). Also plenty of normal bars and restaurants on the street with family and people about--seems they started taking up their posts at about 8pm.
Breakfast is a standard Euro *** hotel affair. Some johgurt, bread, meat, cheese, coffee, tea, fruit and hard boiled eggs.
I looked at various hotels here from Marriott or SPG but (as with Zurich) it was all pretty pricey for what would just be two nights to sleep and not much else.
Looking around online I found a decently well reviewed, central (5-6 min walk with suitcases from the HBF) and under 175 CHF/night with free breakfast + wifi.
Clean. Decent size. Fairly comfortable bed. Room on the backside of the hotel of the street has better views if on a higher floor (3-4) and has some pretty nice light throughout the day and sunset.
About 40m down the street is the corner where all the hookers hang out. By no means dodgy or any more "aggressive" than the girls on Orianenbergerstraße in Berlin (they may smile or make a kiss noise at you). Also plenty of normal bars and restaurants on the street with family and people about--seems they started taking up their posts at about 8pm.
Breakfast is a standard Euro *** hotel affair. Some johgurt, bread, meat, cheese, coffee, tea, fruit and hard boiled eggs.
Apr 15, 2015, 3:39 am
#26
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: MRY - CNX - TXL
Programs: UA 1K / *G / Marriott PE / Expedia Gold+ / Hertz PC
Posts: 7,058
Zurich - Isone - Lugano
It would seem that I arrived in Zurich during the spring parade which meant a lot of stuff was shut down and much of the area near the HBF had the procession going on.
I took the evening to just wander around.
I stopped into BarMünster for a moscow mule which was relaxing and also had two of the most handsome people working a car.
I walked around a bit more and then went back to my hotel to freshen up and change. I had passed Barfüsser when I was out walking so I stopped in for some sushi.
The tuna/avo salad was great. The sushi portions were much bigger than I expected. This plus a small carafe of sake was 70 CHF.
Looking for one more nightcap and being too scared to go to the gay bars that were on my street (a mix of old...OLD men and aging money boys) I had passed Safari Bar earlier and it seemed normal enough. Went in for a nip of Oban.
The next morning was where the real fun started.
I got up early, had breakfast and was off to pick up the car from Hertz at 8:30 so I could drive down near Lugano and take some photos and visit the town where my Grandfather's side of the family came from.
After a very detailed (I'm talking hand inspecting every dead bug and bit of dirt) my Nissan Pulsar and I were off. It was nice it ended up having GPS which meant I didn't need to use my phone. I originally was set up for an Alfa "Guiletta" manual (or similar), not sure if this was a President's Circle upgrade or not.
Just over 200km away I was on route to start my journey.
Tunnels..so many tunnels. I find it amazing that each one, even if 100m long is announced.
Did a pull off at the Brunnensee for some photos.
The highlight of course is the 17km long Gotthard tunnel. No real traffic, it becomes one lane each way with an 80km/h speed limit.
Once through it on the southern side the exit signs changed form German to Italian. Now I could try to brush up on a bit of what I spent 4 years and a minor in college learning.
Before Lugano and just passed Bellanzona is the small Rivera where you turn up and wind up the hill for about 6km through one village to Isone.
Isone has a population of about 400 people and is also home to the Swiss grenadier infantry training and it seems some polizia recruits who were jogging along the road.
My grandfather's side of the family left around 1919. They made their way to California where the dairy industry needed them as at the time that is what they did best, milking cows. After the depression and some government farm communes were abandoned it began selling the land off for very cheap. Those first purchases of plots of land would fast forward less than a century later of a world wide agriculture business.
I got out and walked around for a bit. You could tell the people who I did see knew I wasn't from there. I'm sure they know the coming and goings of everyone. Even some of the kids while I was driving out who were leaving school for lunch stopped and stared. There is one osteria/pizza place and another cafe. I wanted to go in but it was a bit early and I was nervous. I was here in the mid-90s with my Grandfather and we met one of his cousins and went to someone's house...I want to say it was actually his Aunt who was still alive. I didn't bother telling anyone I was coming back, I know there is family in the area but I don't think any were actually left here.
Doing a day rental and having about 3.5 hours before I would need to head back to make it to Zurich on time I decided (as planned) to go into Lugano and have lunch.
Eventually I found a parking garage that had room. I just walked around the lake and wanted to have lunch outside on the lake and The Spaghetti Store actually seemed decent and of interest. Not the most haute cuisine but simple and tasty.
A bit more of walking around and looking at shops and telling myself...diet time, NO GELATO!
Up early, back on the road, sometimes it can be bad as I can get highway hypnosis. I wasn't feeling tired, it's just the constant drone and other things can make my eyes become a little heavy.
Fearing that in the 17km tunnel with the even intervals of lights, lines and SOS doors I pulled off right at a service station to get an espresso before getting back on the road.
Freshening up a bit I wanted to enjoy the last parts of sun near the water. It was getting pretty low at the time but Central Bar & Cafe had the least buildings in front of it and longest time with the sun. I was surprised the wine was only about 7-9 CHF/glass.
Walking around a bit more trying to find something to eat I wanted to get raclette but told myself no, DIET!! So I just went to a Migros and got some fruit and other light snacks to take back to the room and do a bit of work on photos.
Morning time, easy enough to check out and walk over to the station to take one of the easy enough & only 6.60 CHF trains to ZRH with just one stop in between.
It would seem that I arrived in Zurich during the spring parade which meant a lot of stuff was shut down and much of the area near the HBF had the procession going on.
I took the evening to just wander around.
I stopped into BarMünster for a moscow mule which was relaxing and also had two of the most handsome people working a car.
I walked around a bit more and then went back to my hotel to freshen up and change. I had passed Barfüsser when I was out walking so I stopped in for some sushi.
The tuna/avo salad was great. The sushi portions were much bigger than I expected. This plus a small carafe of sake was 70 CHF.
Looking for one more nightcap and being too scared to go to the gay bars that were on my street (a mix of old...OLD men and aging money boys) I had passed Safari Bar earlier and it seemed normal enough. Went in for a nip of Oban.
The next morning was where the real fun started.
I got up early, had breakfast and was off to pick up the car from Hertz at 8:30 so I could drive down near Lugano and take some photos and visit the town where my Grandfather's side of the family came from.
After a very detailed (I'm talking hand inspecting every dead bug and bit of dirt) my Nissan Pulsar and I were off. It was nice it ended up having GPS which meant I didn't need to use my phone. I originally was set up for an Alfa "Guiletta" manual (or similar), not sure if this was a President's Circle upgrade or not.
Just over 200km away I was on route to start my journey.
Tunnels..so many tunnels. I find it amazing that each one, even if 100m long is announced.
Did a pull off at the Brunnensee for some photos.
The highlight of course is the 17km long Gotthard tunnel. No real traffic, it becomes one lane each way with an 80km/h speed limit.
Once through it on the southern side the exit signs changed form German to Italian. Now I could try to brush up on a bit of what I spent 4 years and a minor in college learning.
Before Lugano and just passed Bellanzona is the small Rivera where you turn up and wind up the hill for about 6km through one village to Isone.
Isone has a population of about 400 people and is also home to the Swiss grenadier infantry training and it seems some polizia recruits who were jogging along the road.
My grandfather's side of the family left around 1919. They made their way to California where the dairy industry needed them as at the time that is what they did best, milking cows. After the depression and some government farm communes were abandoned it began selling the land off for very cheap. Those first purchases of plots of land would fast forward less than a century later of a world wide agriculture business.
I got out and walked around for a bit. You could tell the people who I did see knew I wasn't from there. I'm sure they know the coming and goings of everyone. Even some of the kids while I was driving out who were leaving school for lunch stopped and stared. There is one osteria/pizza place and another cafe. I wanted to go in but it was a bit early and I was nervous. I was here in the mid-90s with my Grandfather and we met one of his cousins and went to someone's house...I want to say it was actually his Aunt who was still alive. I didn't bother telling anyone I was coming back, I know there is family in the area but I don't think any were actually left here.
Doing a day rental and having about 3.5 hours before I would need to head back to make it to Zurich on time I decided (as planned) to go into Lugano and have lunch.
Eventually I found a parking garage that had room. I just walked around the lake and wanted to have lunch outside on the lake and The Spaghetti Store actually seemed decent and of interest. Not the most haute cuisine but simple and tasty.
A bit more of walking around and looking at shops and telling myself...diet time, NO GELATO!
Up early, back on the road, sometimes it can be bad as I can get highway hypnosis. I wasn't feeling tired, it's just the constant drone and other things can make my eyes become a little heavy.
Fearing that in the 17km tunnel with the even intervals of lights, lines and SOS doors I pulled off right at a service station to get an espresso before getting back on the road.
Freshening up a bit I wanted to enjoy the last parts of sun near the water. It was getting pretty low at the time but Central Bar & Cafe had the least buildings in front of it and longest time with the sun. I was surprised the wine was only about 7-9 CHF/glass.
Walking around a bit more trying to find something to eat I wanted to get raclette but told myself no, DIET!! So I just went to a Migros and got some fruit and other light snacks to take back to the room and do a bit of work on photos.
Morning time, easy enough to check out and walk over to the station to take one of the easy enough & only 6.60 CHF trains to ZRH with just one stop in between.
Apr 15, 2015, 1:03 pm
#27
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: DCA
Posts: 7,769
Man, you sure know how to pack a lot into a day! Not sure I could do just one afternoon in Lugano though. Haven't been there since I was a kid, but pretty sure now you'd have to remove me by force...absolutely beautiful...
Apr 15, 2015, 11:10 pm
#28
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: MRY - CNX - TXL
Programs: UA 1K / *G / Marriott PE / Expedia Gold+ / Hertz PC
Posts: 7,058
SWISS First Class Lounge & ZRH-SFO
I was prepped to be a second class citizen flying LX but having booked my flight through the UA code share in that I had read and confirmed that to get F lounge access you have to book through LX or LH group.
The woman at check in mentioned to me where the lounge was and that I would be driven to Terminal E. Maybe she didn't notice? In any event I made my way to the lounge to try.
I had my printed BP which actually did show the UA flight #, but I also had the LX mobile BP. I handed my phone to the lady who looked at it and mentioned my Italian last name and then scanned it. As she was doing that the words just started pouring out about yes half of my family is Swiss-Italian and I was there to take photos of and visit the village they were from to show my Grandpa when I got back to California. Maybe the rules changed, maybe she took pity on my story but I was told to meet at 12:25 to be driven and enjoy the lounge.
Snacks at all the tables.
I decided to sit in the waiter service section and order from the menu. Ginger fried shrimp and a Ticino minestrone.
Kept hydrated in the lounge with the Piper H rose.
Lots of self service snacks and hot food.
A nice 90 minutes in the lounge and then time to be driven. Myself, another SFO pax and someone for JFK. And here is where the LX F experience lacks. There's not escort to the gate or on board. You're taken up the elevator and then pointed to the direction of the USA bound gates where there is another passport check. You then arrive to a crowded gate that is boarding F/J/*G at once.
Being a bit buzzed I just put on my sunglasses walked to the desk and then up in the side of the line.
The guy with me in the van who seemed to go to the back of the line was on board about 4 min later.
Settled into my seat and was brought some Grand Siecle.
Also came with a spring garlic panna cotta and cheese breadsticks.
The MdC came by and introduced himself and welcomed on board. The rest of the flight was taken care by a friendly and lovely main FA who had her support in the galley prepping dishes or bringing a few things out.
Huge tray table and loved the actual S&P grinders. The bread was fresh and warm.
The app cart came through and I went for the salmon which was great and some of the meats and then a tuna tartare with mango and shrimp.
Salad was decent, nothing extraordinary.
Asparagus and black truffle soup was AMAZING.
The fish I was totally disappointed with. Not a lot of flavor, the rest of the stuff was just bleh. I saw the lamb across from me and wish I had ordered that.
Just a few nibbles of cheese. The chutney was great and had some horseradish in it.
The very tasty "ice coffee" desert with hot coffee poured on it.
When I booked I didn't realize the A340s had not been retrofitted to the new A330 F cabins, this again I thought was going to be a disappointment. Honestly the seat was great and comfortable. Not as stylish or having the extra "suite" finishings of the new ones. The one big, big issue is the TV. Sure the size and quality aren't that great, but I could over look that. The #1 issue for me was that it is constantly at the side so you always have to twist your body or head to watch it.
I slept for about 4 hours and then had some tea (nice tat they have full pots) and watched a few episodes of GoT.
At about 2.5 hours before landing they started offering us lunch. During the flight a fruit bowl was out and also some very good chicken curry sandwiches on a great bread.
This avocado mango salad with pomegranate seeds was very good.
The beef while looking over cooked was fine. Also on offer was a quiche and some more cheese.
Went for the fruit plate and skipped the kuchen and chocolate.
We landed on time. There was an LX agent with a sign with F names who would escort you through passport control. I told her I was fine since I have GE and would just go off on my own.
When I checked in the cabin was showing 5/8. It flew 7/8 with one person working for Swiss (not sure what position) and then a seat that was open during OLCI was filled by a late 20s/early 30s girl who disappeared during the 2nd half of the flight and wasn't at her seat during landing.
Nice products in the bathroom & also small sizes in the Bally kits.
The Zimmerli pjs were nice...better than LH, on par with TG, not as good as BR or NH.
I had rented through Hertz in the Adrenaline collection and it was an "exact model reservation" for a Mustang GT. I thought it would be a nice change, I don't really like Mustangs though.
When I landed and got my carfirmation I then saw it was actually a Camaro SS in bright yellow...and convertible. Much more exciting to me as my Junior year of high school I got a brand new 2001 SS Camaro (just what every 17 year old needs).
Landing just after 4 and leaving Hertz just before 5 was going to suck for traffic. About 90 min before I finally broke free of traffic south of SJC meant the pedal to the metal so I could get home and see my baby nephew.
I was prepped to be a second class citizen flying LX but having booked my flight through the UA code share in that I had read and confirmed that to get F lounge access you have to book through LX or LH group.
The woman at check in mentioned to me where the lounge was and that I would be driven to Terminal E. Maybe she didn't notice? In any event I made my way to the lounge to try.
I had my printed BP which actually did show the UA flight #, but I also had the LX mobile BP. I handed my phone to the lady who looked at it and mentioned my Italian last name and then scanned it. As she was doing that the words just started pouring out about yes half of my family is Swiss-Italian and I was there to take photos of and visit the village they were from to show my Grandpa when I got back to California. Maybe the rules changed, maybe she took pity on my story but I was told to meet at 12:25 to be driven and enjoy the lounge.
Snacks at all the tables.
I decided to sit in the waiter service section and order from the menu. Ginger fried shrimp and a Ticino minestrone.
Kept hydrated in the lounge with the Piper H rose.
Lots of self service snacks and hot food.
A nice 90 minutes in the lounge and then time to be driven. Myself, another SFO pax and someone for JFK. And here is where the LX F experience lacks. There's not escort to the gate or on board. You're taken up the elevator and then pointed to the direction of the USA bound gates where there is another passport check. You then arrive to a crowded gate that is boarding F/J/*G at once.
Being a bit buzzed I just put on my sunglasses walked to the desk and then up in the side of the line.
The guy with me in the van who seemed to go to the back of the line was on board about 4 min later.
Settled into my seat and was brought some Grand Siecle.
Also came with a spring garlic panna cotta and cheese breadsticks.
The MdC came by and introduced himself and welcomed on board. The rest of the flight was taken care by a friendly and lovely main FA who had her support in the galley prepping dishes or bringing a few things out.
Huge tray table and loved the actual S&P grinders. The bread was fresh and warm.
The app cart came through and I went for the salmon which was great and some of the meats and then a tuna tartare with mango and shrimp.
Salad was decent, nothing extraordinary.
Asparagus and black truffle soup was AMAZING.
The fish I was totally disappointed with. Not a lot of flavor, the rest of the stuff was just bleh. I saw the lamb across from me and wish I had ordered that.
Just a few nibbles of cheese. The chutney was great and had some horseradish in it.
The very tasty "ice coffee" desert with hot coffee poured on it.
When I booked I didn't realize the A340s had not been retrofitted to the new A330 F cabins, this again I thought was going to be a disappointment. Honestly the seat was great and comfortable. Not as stylish or having the extra "suite" finishings of the new ones. The one big, big issue is the TV. Sure the size and quality aren't that great, but I could over look that. The #1 issue for me was that it is constantly at the side so you always have to twist your body or head to watch it.
I slept for about 4 hours and then had some tea (nice tat they have full pots) and watched a few episodes of GoT.
At about 2.5 hours before landing they started offering us lunch. During the flight a fruit bowl was out and also some very good chicken curry sandwiches on a great bread.
This avocado mango salad with pomegranate seeds was very good.
The beef while looking over cooked was fine. Also on offer was a quiche and some more cheese.
Went for the fruit plate and skipped the kuchen and chocolate.
We landed on time. There was an LX agent with a sign with F names who would escort you through passport control. I told her I was fine since I have GE and would just go off on my own.
When I checked in the cabin was showing 5/8. It flew 7/8 with one person working for Swiss (not sure what position) and then a seat that was open during OLCI was filled by a late 20s/early 30s girl who disappeared during the 2nd half of the flight and wasn't at her seat during landing.
Nice products in the bathroom & also small sizes in the Bally kits.
The Zimmerli pjs were nice...better than LH, on par with TG, not as good as BR or NH.
I had rented through Hertz in the Adrenaline collection and it was an "exact model reservation" for a Mustang GT. I thought it would be a nice change, I don't really like Mustangs though.
When I landed and got my carfirmation I then saw it was actually a Camaro SS in bright yellow...and convertible. Much more exciting to me as my Junior year of high school I got a brand new 2001 SS Camaro (just what every 17 year old needs).
Landing just after 4 and leaving Hertz just before 5 was going to suck for traffic. About 90 min before I finally broke free of traffic south of SJC meant the pedal to the metal so I could get home and see my baby nephew.
Apr 16, 2015, 6:20 am
#29
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: TK Elite Plus, SAS EBG, QR Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,297
Oh yes, SWISS First looks awesome! Not often we get to see it reported these days, but then again them credit card poachers are banned so no wonder 
I find it very strange that they would ban UA codeshare pax access to the First Class lounge, especially considering the fact that in *A the operating carrier is all that matters. But good at least that you were able to gain access this time. Though the ground experience looks rather underwhelming compared to Lufthansa. Is there any particular reason why they can't have passengers escorted all the way onboard the aircraft? Sure hope it'll change soon, and it's an easy fix really which makes a big difference.
While the old F on the A340 looks quite dated, because it's been around since the mid 90s after all, the food looks fantastic. Portions look a bit small though, unlike on Lufthansa where they pile mountains of food. Or perhaps that's a good thing since it creates a more exclusive and less decadent impression of the product? Bummer about the fish though, didn't you just ask for it to be sent back and replaced with another main course? They are more than happy to do so in First Class after all.
Getting quite tempted to try SWISS First now. Noticed the $3000 First Class fare from Oslo to Boston via Chicago on LH/SWISS. Hope to take advantage of that within the year or so, but I better start saving haha
I find it very strange that they would ban UA codeshare pax access to the First Class lounge, especially considering the fact that in *A the operating carrier is all that matters. But good at least that you were able to gain access this time. Though the ground experience looks rather underwhelming compared to Lufthansa. Is there any particular reason why they can't have passengers escorted all the way onboard the aircraft? Sure hope it'll change soon, and it's an easy fix really which makes a big difference.
While the old F on the A340 looks quite dated, because it's been around since the mid 90s after all, the food looks fantastic. Portions look a bit small though, unlike on Lufthansa where they pile mountains of food. Or perhaps that's a good thing since it creates a more exclusive and less decadent impression of the product? Bummer about the fish though, didn't you just ask for it to be sent back and replaced with another main course? They are more than happy to do so in First Class after all.
Getting quite tempted to try SWISS First now. Noticed the $3000 First Class fare from Oslo to Boston via Chicago on LH/SWISS. Hope to take advantage of that within the year or so, but I better start saving haha