ZRH-YYZ Options - LX or TK? Business Class & Lounges
Apr 25, 2018, 7:15 am
#31
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: AC MM E50 , Former SPG, now Marriott LT Plat
Posts: 6,258
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Can one do that? Book a XNI fare and buy up to the next level even when one can’t buy it direct with points, as with LX?
Any way to predict the cost? ZRH YYZ looks to be about a $1200 J to F variant, is I to O the same? Is the fact that this is OW award (?) going to impact that?
Can one do that? Book a XNI fare and buy up to the next level even when one can’t buy it direct with points, as with LX?
Any way to predict the cost? ZRH YYZ looks to be about a $1200 J to F variant, is I to O the same? Is the fact that this is OW award (?) going to impact that?
They do have a schedule on board for the cost on each flight.
I took advantage of this once on a flight from Asia to ZRH. I had enquired at the gate about upgrading to F - the agent assumed I meant
with points and told me it could only be done with LH/LX points. When I explained I wanted to do it for cash, he checked the buy-up rate,
then told me to just do it on board for less.
Apr 25, 2018, 10:31 am
#32
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: YVR - MILLS Waypoint (It's the third house on the left)
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I'm actually a huge fan of these 'Throne Seats', especially 4A which has the most legroom and the best privacy of any seat in LX J. But to each their own.
Last edited by Bohemian1; Apr 25, 2018 at 11:36 am
Apr 25, 2018, 11:29 am
#33
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: YYZ
Programs: FOTSG Tangerine Ex E35k (AC)
Posts: 5,612
LX is the only airline I know that does sell J to F upgrades on board, and for less than it would cost to upfare at the gate.
They do have a schedule on board for the cost on each flight.
I took advantage of this once on a flight from Asia to ZRH. I had enquired at the gate about upgrading to F - the agent assumed I meant
with points and told me it could only be done with LH/LX points. When I explained I wanted to do it for cash, he checked the buy-up rate,
then told me to just do it on board for less.
They do have a schedule on board for the cost on each flight.
I took advantage of this once on a flight from Asia to ZRH. I had enquired at the gate about upgrading to F - the agent assumed I meant
with points and told me it could only be done with LH/LX points. When I explained I wanted to do it for cash, he checked the buy-up rate,
then told me to just do it on board for less.
Apr 25, 2018, 12:47 pm
#34
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Toronto - YYZ
Programs: Aeroplan/Hilton Gold/Marriott Bonvoy Titanium/Accor/Hyatt Gold Passport
Posts: 5,899
Apr 25, 2018, 2:00 pm
#35
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: YUL
Programs: AC SE (*A Gold), Bonvoy Platinum Elite, Hilton Gold, Amex Platinum / AP Reserve, NEXUS, Global Entry
Posts: 5,691
Premium paid seats (those marked with a star) are reserved for SEN/HON up until T-48 at which point they become available to anyone. Other premium seats (those marked with a red x) remain blocked for SEN/HON until check-in, so they become available at T-24.
Thanks for pointing this out, and thanks @IluvSQ for suggesting to buy on board. I might look into this next time I fly them and spoil the Mrs. if the price is right.
Agree with all this; LX is at the very top of my preferred TATL airlines.
Flew LX ZRH/YUL yesterday. The Zurich E Lounge was excellent with great made-to-order food options and had access to both the Business and Senator sides. Food/Bev virtually identical although there is a Whisky Bar in the Senator Lounge. Spectacular weather in ZRH yesterday and seating was open to the outside terrace. Fortunate enough on both outbound/return flights to secure a "Throne Seat" although not a fan of these seats which seem to be shared between LX/OS and SN. Less preferred seats on the A330 would probably be 5AC/5HK as they are ahead of the lavs and 9A/9K which lack windows. All in all - a very pleasant experience and a great way to burn off some miles.
Apr 25, 2018, 3:45 pm
#36
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Toronto - YYZ
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Posts: 5,899
Crews were great on all 4 flights. Service delivered with usual Swiss synchronicity which is part of their hallmark. Did however find the service outbound on 087 - YULZRH a little sparse. Surprised there was an all inclusive "Express" tray offered for Dinner at 16:50 hours - a relatively early departure time. No plated appetizer, cheese on the tray (no crackers offered) and no trolley service for dessert/coffee/tea. A la carte breakfast also a bit meagre. No hot or cereal options, no butter/jam offered with pastries. Now I'm just being a typical FT-er
Regardless, a totally enjoyable flight experience.Return service on 086 was the full meal deal & very good!
Apr 25, 2018, 4:32 pm
#37
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Flew LX ZRH/YUL yesterday. The Zurich E Lounge was excellent with great made-to-order food options and had access to both the Business and Senator sides. Food/Bev virtually identical although there is a Whisky Bar in the Senator Lounge. Spectacular weather in ZRH yesterday and seating was open to the outside terrace. Fortunate enough on both outbound/return flights to secure a "Throne Seat" although not a fan of these seats which seem to be shared between LX/OS and SN. Less preferred seats on the A330 would probably be 5AC/5HK as they are ahead of the lavs and 9A/9K which lack windows. All in all - a very pleasant experience and a great way to burn off some miles.
Apr 25, 2018, 5:01 pm
#38
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For a couple, get 4J/K on the 777, and I would choose the 2 middles in row 5 on A330, you dont have to pay extra for those (at least that was the case last summer). There was zero traffic, and still allows for one to interact with the mrs during the flight.
Apr 25, 2018, 5:04 pm
#39
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I've never been impressed by LX J (well ok yes, F, but thats different), but alas, its the usually the only way to fly tatl scamcharge free, so I find flying myself in July, which of the single seats will be available for booking at T-48 and T-24 (and free)?
For now, LX wants CAD190 for the seats in blue.
For now, LX wants CAD190 for the seats in blue.
Apr 25, 2018, 5:33 pm
#40
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: YVR - MILLS Waypoint (It's the third house on the left)
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Posts: 6,222
That Seat 4A (top left, in blue) is a killer seat. Review here.
Is it worth $190? That I can't tell you as I was on a revenue ticket.
But I did like being addressed by name every single time the FA stopped by for service.
Is it worth $190? That I can't tell you as I was on a revenue ticket.
But I did like being addressed by name every single time the FA stopped by for service.
Apr 25, 2018, 5:37 pm
#41
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
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That Seat 4A (top left, in blue) is a killer seat. Review here.
Is it worth $190? That I can't tell you as I was on a revenue ticket.
But I did like being addressed by name every single time the FA stopped by for service.
Is it worth $190? That I can't tell you as I was on a revenue ticket.
But I did like being addressed by name every single time the FA stopped by for service.
Apr 25, 2018, 6:20 pm
#42
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: YUL
Programs: AC SE (*A Gold), Bonvoy Platinum Elite, Hilton Gold, Amex Platinum / AP Reserve, NEXUS, Global Entry
Posts: 5,691
I've never been impressed by LX J (well ok yes, F, but thats different), but alas, its the usually the only way to fly tatl scamcharge free, so I find flying myself in July, which of the single seats will be available for booking at T-48 and T-24 (and free)?
For now, LX wants CAD190 for the seats in blue.
For now, LX wants CAD190 for the seats in blue.
Apr 26, 2018, 11:13 am
#43
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Toronto
Programs: AC SE100K, Emerald Exec, HHG
Posts: 631
Ben posted a review of the TK 777 J experience today. Seems to be very positive.
"Turkish business class exceeded my expectations by a long shot. I’d argue this is probably the best business class soft product offered by any airline between the US and Europe. "
https://onemileatatime.boardingarea....lass-pictures/
"Turkish business class exceeded my expectations by a long shot. I’d argue this is probably the best business class soft product offered by any airline between the US and Europe. "
https://onemileatatime.boardingarea....lass-pictures/
Apr 26, 2018, 1:24 pm
#45
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 259
Really appreciate all of the advice everyone.
If you're really bored, here's my decision based on the feedback.
I'm sticking with my already booked Swiss ZRH-ORD-YYZ (vs the Turkish option of ZRH-IST-YYZ)for my return trip for the following reasons
1. ZRH-ORD on Swiss leaves at noon. ZRH-IST leaves at 7.40am. This leaves no time in the ZRH lounge if I pick the TK option. Leaving at noon on Swiss is a perfect time, giving us time to enjoy a lounge that we already love.
2. With the TK option, we only have 2hr40m layover in IST. Lounge is awesome, but it's possible with the IST business, we would only enjoy it for a very limited time. Combine this with #1 , where we get no ZRH lounge time - and we take away one of the (significant to us) benefits - lounge relaxation.
3. TK 2-3-2 layout on the 777. We already have seats 5A and 5B on the Swiss flight booked, which is the mini-cabin area , so privacy is a little more assured than the possibility of the middle 3 section on the TK flight. It's my wife and I, so the window/aisle combo is perfect for us.
Greatly appreciate the thoughts and input.
If you're really bored, here's my decision based on the feedback.
I'm sticking with my already booked Swiss ZRH-ORD-YYZ (vs the Turkish option of ZRH-IST-YYZ)for my return trip for the following reasons
1. ZRH-ORD on Swiss leaves at noon. ZRH-IST leaves at 7.40am. This leaves no time in the ZRH lounge if I pick the TK option. Leaving at noon on Swiss is a perfect time, giving us time to enjoy a lounge that we already love.
2. With the TK option, we only have 2hr40m layover in IST. Lounge is awesome, but it's possible with the IST business, we would only enjoy it for a very limited time. Combine this with #1 , where we get no ZRH lounge time - and we take away one of the (significant to us) benefits - lounge relaxation.
3. TK 2-3-2 layout on the 777. We already have seats 5A and 5B on the Swiss flight booked, which is the mini-cabin area , so privacy is a little more assured than the possibility of the middle 3 section on the TK flight. It's my wife and I, so the window/aisle combo is perfect for us.
Greatly appreciate the thoughts and input.