After a great time (despite the weather) in Sweden and Europe it was time to commence the return journey to Sydney. Through tight connections I was travelling for just 26 hours - some sort of a record for me.

Departure was scheduled for 19:45. Check-in was open when I arrived at 17:00. One agent was handling economy and business. She held up the economy queue when I arrived at the business end. The Australian in me hated that. She was very quick and soon I had boarding passes for ARN-ZRH-SIN-SYD including LX and BA.

Swiss has some sort of deal with both SQ and BA. For the last leg (SIN-SYD) there was no SQ option available at a reasonable price so I got to explore the new BQ business class cabin. (See below)



Fast lane for security, usual limited drink options in the lounge but this being Christmas Julmust was on offer.



My usual lounge health food options were also available:



And there was an excellent root celery soup. WiFi worked well.

Boarding commenced as advertised but we were stopped in the Jetway for a few minutes. Thankfully it was warm. Doors closed at 19:33.
Newspapers were offered but there was no ability to store my jacket. I just put it on the empty seat beside me. Water and refresher towel handed out. Push back at 19:36 which I was grateful for given my 45 minute connection to long haul at ZRH.

Business Class 50% full. The Italian speaking captain announced our position of 3rd inline for takeoff and said we should arrive on-time at ZRH. Take off at 19:47.

Duval Leroy champagne from a full-sized bottle offered. Maire de Cabin provided advice on the wine list to other passengers and dinner was a choice of beef or ravioli. The meat was heavily salted but tasty as a result.

The flight information (showing us arriving 8 minutes late) was interrupted for an episode of Mr Bean.

Service was excellent with frequent top ups of the wine (just to help me sleep on the next leg you understand!). It seems that the forward lavatory is reserved for business passengers.

Captain again announced an on time arrival, which didn't agree with the IFE system. Flight connection gate information was provided shortly before landing. Landed 22:04, gate 22:06.

Let the race begin...