It?s been merely a week since SWISS, Switzerland?s new airline built from Crossair and the remains of Swissair, has started operations, and they already had their first web special sale. The extremely scenic alpine crossing Zurich-Lugano was on offer for CHF99 (approx. $60), so I decided to give it a try. As they are called SWISS, my first flight with them practically had to be a domestic one.
Both flights were shorter than 30min, and were operated by former Crossair aircraft (one class layout) and crew.
LX2910 ZRH-LUG 06/APR Saab 2000 HB-IYD 16F
I got to the airport about an hour prior to departure. Entering the Terminal A departures level I noticed the two SWISS desks right under the large departure screen. The new aircraft livery and brand were displayed at the first one while at the other one employees were handing out newly branded giveaways such as stickers, refreshing towels, pencils and the like.
I checked myself in on the e>ticket machine and proceeded to the lounge which was still like in the old days except for better and more food and ? surprisingly ? all glasses and cutlery already featuring the new logo. I checked FT on a free internet station and then went downstairs to the bus gate. We boarded about 10mins late and were bussed to our Saab which still wore the ?older? Crossair livery.
The flight was fully booked and a flying time of 25 minutes was announced. As we were taxing to the runway, the three F/As offered refreshing tissues and SWISS chocolate (made by Callier). Shortly after takeoff they started the service: the beverages came first, water, OJ or champagne, all served in real glass with the SWISS logo. I had some water since I wanted to save the champagne for the return flight. While we were climbing over the alps and I gazed at the terrific panorama, F/As came around with a basket containing two choices of sandwich (vegetarian and salmon), fresh fruit and Sprüngli chocolates. The person in front of me picked the last salmon croissant from the basket, and even before asking me for my choice the F/A went back into the galley to get some more. Lucky me, I got my salmon and enjoyed it (it actually tasted freshly prepared). Even before I had finished my snack we started the steep descent into the tiny Agno airport. Service items were collected and we landed shortly afterwards.
I only had a short turnaround stop in Lugano, but it was time enough to notice that in the passenger areas of the airport, all Swissair and Crossair logos had already been replaced with the two red squares.
LX2911 LUG-ZRH 06/APR Saab 2000 HB-IYD, 10A
The flight was only about 50% full, and operated by a new crew of 2 F/As and 2 pilots. This time only refreshing tissues were distributed during taxi since the airport is so small and therefore not much taxing is required. The F/A came on the PA and welcomed us on board ?on behalf of SWISS captain Schnyder and his crew?. Now I wonder what they say when the captain isn?t Swiss?
Takeoffs and landings at LUG are always spectacular as the runway is even shorter then LCY and a steep descent / climb is required by the surrounding terrain. In other words: FUN! This flight again took about 25 minutes and the service was fairly similar, yet even better: after the first beverage (now I was ready for that bubbly) and food service, they even came around with seconds. Also, the sandwich choices were different from the outbound leg, it was cheese or ham this time. After the second food serving with Sprüngli chocolates, F/As passed through with SWISS chocolates and candy. Of course the view of the alps was as spectacular on this flight as it was on the first one.
Sadly enough we landed again soon and as I left the plane I was extremely satisfied with what I?ve got. All this on a flight so short is just incredible. If they can offer the same level on longer flights, I?m going to be a very happy SWISS customer. My first longhaul with them will be in May, we?ll see how they do!
Appreciate your feedback.
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airOli, the Swiss Air Line.