After having adjusted to being back in sunny LA, I had to report to the flyer talk board about SR. The service just seems to get better and better. On November 17, my family were scheduled to leave LAX on SR 107 connecting to Tyrolean flight to get to Salzburg. On the date of departure, SSR agents called my wife to inform her that the plane from ZRH would be delayed into LAX due to the heavy snow. They not only gave us the new flight departure time, BUT they arranged for a new connecting flight on Tyrolean. We did not have to do a thing. Anyway at arrival at LAX, we were told to emjoy the Delta Crown Room as there is no SR lounge in LAX. Lots of booze, with very poor selection of food or snacks. But the concierge was terrific. UPon boarding the MD 11 there was a mad rush into the paircraft, but once aboard, it was pure luxury. The MD 11 has 2 rows of first class with a 2-2-2 configuration. I understand that the new configuration of SR first will be three rows of 1-2-1 seating. Anyway, the FA could not do enough for us. Tattinger champagne was awaiting as was the amenity kits with enough items to open a small boutique. Upon takxing from the gateway we were told that there was only one menu for the firs class section due to a mistake made in Zurich. Apertifs were served with smoked salmon canapes. This was followed by caviar and smoked salmon. Aspic was then served which was tasteless. Following this was shrimp " Thai" style which was terrific. Entree choices were veal, beef or ravioli. This was folowed by fruit, cheese, and a dessert trolley including mandarin oranges in a great fruit sauce, as well as vanilla ice cream. Incidentally, wine selection was outstanding. Great California Cabernets as well as French whites and reds. The entertainment on SR is severely lacking on the MD 11 as only SOny Walkmans were handed out, in addition to the overhead moveis. BUT, we brought portable DVD aboard, which SR allowed us to use with our own DVD choices. I understand that the new MD 11 first class service will include a new DVD entertainment system, available early in 2000. The seats were fabulous as they were able to achieve a 180 degree recline. However, these are not the suites of BA or SQ, but so comfy that who really cared? After relaxing over the Atlantic, breakfast was served consisting of fruit, yogurt, many breakfast pastries, eggs, cheeses, cold cuts, and various preserves. Great service.

On the way back home, we decided to celebrate Thanksgiving with my brother in Boston. Therefore we took the Airbus 330 from ZRH-BOS. This plane was magnificent. All of the entertainment options that were shut off in the MD-11 because of SR111 were available in the 330. HUGE 10 inch screen in the armrest, 9 movies, Televison choices, Nintendo, and gambling choices. This was a lunch flight.Apertifs and caviar as well as smoked salmon were served. This was followed by aspic again, followed by filet of sole florentine which was the best fish dish that I have had in a while. This was folowed by a choice of chicken, veal or lamb, followed by fruit, cheese, opera cake or chocolates. Now on the westbound flights on SR, a trolley with Swiss beer is brought around as well as a huge MOVENPICK ice cream trolley. Food is non stop on this short flight. Snack includes cream of cauliflower soup, sausages, onion tarts, fruitn parfaits, as well as more swiss chocolates. The first class section was only half full, fo the attentiveness of the FA was even more than one possibly could imagine. Seats were only 63" inches in pitch compared to the 83" pitch on the LAX-ZRH segment, but we were having so much fun that we did not notice that much. By the time we had watched two movies, and had the above "feast", it was time to land at Logan in BOS. NEXT trip..RTW in Feb....