Greetings Flight Report community and welcome to the sixth installment of the "Great Swiss First Coup" series. Please feel free to visit the LAX-HKG segment for more detail on how our own Rewardflying contributor worked his magic and turned Swiss F from a dream into a reality.
Flight routing
- 1
- 2
- 3Air Asia Economy SIN-KCH
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7Swiss International Airlines First ZRH-ORD
- 8
Swiss first class lounge e gates - The Dayroom
Flying with Swiss is a very special experience and the time in the air is delightful. They don't let up on the ground with a stunning First Class Lounge complex. Not only did Mark from rewardflying.com find the unicorn that is F space on Swiss but the routing had a 7 our layover in ZRH to properly experience the facility.
I didn't manage much sleep on BOM-ZRH, mostly intentionally, but I wasn't concerned because I knew Swiss offered day rooms to F passengers and it has been a commercial aviation bucket list item for me to enjoy one. I presented at the podium and asked about availability and the agent immediately accommodated me.
I was escorted to the St. Moritz and much like the alpine resort town it was something to behold.
The first thing to catch my eye was the exceedingly plush queen size bed with luxurious Hastens bedding.
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There is a spacious toilet and shower enclosed in glass on one side of the room.
Amenities are beautifully arranged.
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Fresh cut flowers, and a reminder that the bath area is visible to those who may peer in from outside.
Bedside amenities and again a reminder that people can see through windows.
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Finally the main draw for the avgeek in me, the views.
Plane spotting from bed.
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Swiss first class lounge e gates - The Dining
After a refreshing nap and shower I was ready to enjoy the lounge proper and specifically the restaurant. I was greeted by a very serious host and shown to a table.
The views continue when dining. The ramp is in full view as is runway 14/32. My standard order of Champagne and water to start.
The menu consists of the "Taste of Switzerland" experience with wine pairing as well as a la carte selections. Please excuse the poor pictures, I tried every angle to correct but the lighting but paper color and stock made it impossible.
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My selection, the tasting menu, also highlighting the canton of Vaud, much like the inflight meal.
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The trio of butter is to die for.
The Chef's amuse of the day was salmon and cucumber.
The first dish on the tasting menu was the confit of crayfish with dill froth, tapioca, fennel, and purslane. Rather striking presentation. A lovely assortment of flavors and textures and perfect tasting portion. The pairing was a Swiss Chasselas wine.
The cold nectarine bowl was next paired with a Champagne Blanc de Blancs. Again the plating is so precise.
Cherry on cherry action here with the sorbet paired with the cherry liqueur. Bright and refreshing.
Brunch view.
This tender cut of pork was extraordinary. The potatoes were works of art. A beautiful dish in every way paired with a Swiss Merlot.
The finale, a vully cake, was outstanding along side a 2016 Pinot Gris Barrique.
An espresso to complete a most memorable culinary journey. The craftsmanship in the design, cookery, and presentation of this menu was very well received.
After brunch I strolled around the lounge and was looking forward to the observation deck but my plans were foiled.
The 365 degree panoramic windows provide great views.
A trip to the toilet even includes ramp views.
A look at the central bar.
Champagne and other chilled wines.
Swiss business class lounge e gates - whiskey club and terrace
I left the lounge well before boarding time to stroll around the terminal. I encountered the Swiss Business Class lounge along the route and decided to pop in and have a look. When I encountered this sign, I made a left.
Wow! A beautiful display a la LH F lounges.
The master list.
A friendly young woman was staffing the bar and was very eager to pour some samples.
The terrace accessed from the J lounge was open!
A thoughtful inclusion.
LX8 ZRH-ord
I lost track of time plane gazing so I had to walk a brisk pace to the departure gate. they didn't leave without me although the 1L jet bridge was retracted. I don't know if It was attached at some point.
My pulse rate jumped a little at the excitement of my circumstances. I walked through the small J cabin and into the 8 seat F cabin and took my position at 2A.
As gorgeous as the A330 was the 777 is even more so. The additional space is immediately noticeable as is the additional privacy of the seat.
Reading light and privacy door controls.
The IFE monitor is striking in size and resolution.
The Matterhorn decorates the forward bulkhead. Michelle was somehow surprised, feigned or not, that I knew what the image was.
The crew on this flight were immediately approachable and friendly. Simon and Michelle both welcomed me aboard. The LPGS was already flowing when I arrived so I joined the party.
Amenities were at the seat upon arrival and pajamas were passed out.
I opted to get changed before takeoff as we encountered a slight delay. Taking a peek on the way to the lav.
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Comfortable lounge wear.
Simple design but luxurious feel.
La Prairie among the lavatory amenities.
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The closed is also the suite door.
Back at 2A the Champagne was topped up regularly as to make our tardy departure a most welcome development. Two bottles of the LPGS were evaporated before push back, my kind of crowd. Nuts and a towel were also passed.
There was only one detail that was regrettable. My seatmate and her pet. I am guilty of stereotyping in this instance but the couple and the dog left a poor taste in my mouth immediately.
I didn't bother noting our departure time as I was in a Champagne fueled bliss that time couldn't intrude upon. We did push back, taxi, and depart from runway 16.
After takeoff The IFMS Lara came by to welcome the F passengers aboard and offer a wifi voucher. She was full of energy and very pleasant. I mentioned to her that 1K was open and shot a glance at the dog and she immediately understood and asked if she could help carry anything. Up in the galley before making the turn to 1K she mentioned that this is only on flights to the US and they are legally bound to US law regarding support animals. "this doesn't happen on other flights."
My new mountain view from 1K.
Our climb featured, what I can only assume was a noise abatement procedure, a corkscrew type pattern where we gained altitude directly above the airfield.
The electric window shade in dimmed position.
Much better company in 1K.
The basic seat controls were in the armrest with more specific controls revealed when opening the storage compartment.
A touch screen IFE controller was also under the armrest.
A higher quality headset when compared to the A330.
Storage and closet in 1K.
The meal service started with an amuse of salmon and burrata along side some breadsticks. The LPGS was also reintroduced. I heard the 3rd bottle pop shortly thereafter. It felt like a competition.
The three headed bread monster made an appearance.
Over France.
I lowered the darker shade in an effort to combat glare.
Not totally successful.
The meal service started from the trolley where the first courses were beautifully laid out for review. The Balik with a lobster, yuzu gelee and citrus salad. Sublime flavors from land and sea.
The charcuterie is always a highlight for me. Again the selection is fromt eh canton of Vaud and included Edelweiss and Fete des Vignerons sausage, Limousin dried meat, chateau smoked ham. The fats of the saucisson sec melt effortlessly in your mouth. The Quinoa and egg mimosa on rye bread with courgetti and olive oil drops a beautiful canapé and exciting bite.
I opted to pass on the salad Nicoise as it was simply too much already. I also had my eye on the courgette vichyssoise with Forel goat's cheese and croutons.
Simon was providing most of the service in the aisle and Michelle in the kitchen. They were a great team with impeccable pacing and attention to the passenger and the plating. Having requested the veal tenderloin for a main course Simon checked in on wine preferences. Sensing my indecision, and in true LX/LH grand fashion, he brought them all to sample and enjoy. To my surprise my preferred wine in this group, at this time was the Australian.
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The veal is presented with truffle sauce, fava beans, chanterelles, and carrot puree with brown butter. The Roasted vegetable is passed from a tray and the diner may select their preferences. I thought that was a nice touch.
The veal is sensually tender and cooked to a very gentle medium. The rich truffle sauce and brown butter carrots had a decadent note to the otherwise lean and tender protein. It's a very pleasing experience.
The show must go on with the parade of cheese from Vaud.
I ask Simon for a taste of each as well as the chutney and pear bread.
The Sauternes to accompany.
It's all rather lovely.
Lingering on the cheese and enjoying an interesting documentary on Rhone wines. I do eventually gather the inertia to press on to a sweet finish. The Mirliton, an apricot and almond tart with peach and apricot sorbet is superb.
An encore of praline and espresso finishes the grand feast. The Sauternes, LPGS, and Shriaz all give a standing ovation.
Simon and Michelle made the entire journey fun and memorable. Personal pacing, generous wine presentation, and precise service all flowed seemingly effortlessly. Of course the effort was all theirs. Unfortunately the long travel day and feasting with wine throughout the day caught up with me and I was going to have to rest. Michelle setup a comfortable bed.
Over Ontario.
Simon presented a menu for anytime dining.
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The potato and leek quiche with L'Etivaz cheese and a glass of Swiss white wine.
An Americano to finish.
It was a bright clear day at ORD and despite the late departure we touched down more or less on time. The taxi was interminable, easily 20+ minutes to the stand.
Parked next to a 74M Combi.
Parting is such sweet sorrow, hopefully there will be a next time to be sweet on.
Great report. Glad you enjoyed the experience. Was the dog yappy during the flight? What made the people in Row 2 so disagreeable? No, they're not my cousins. ;)
Greetings PresRDC1 and thanks for reading and leaving a note.
Not that I noticed. Noise canceling headphones and earplugs have a way of correcting for cabin noise.
-I'm not a fan of large pets on airplanes or the people who feel entitled to bring them.
Happy flying.
Can we have more of such reviews, the anticipation of a report from one of the seasoned guys is always painstaking. This makes so much sense for an FR compared to those thousand words and little picture budget carrier reviews.
Thanks for reading and leaving a note JW19. I've been extraordinarily fortunate this year and I still have two big adventures yet to report. Happy flying.
Wow Christian,
After reading your report, I really feel like flying Swiss First again.
Catering in F Lounge looks better and marvelous
"Comfortable lounge wear."=> I personnaly prefer Lufthansa's one.
"There was only one detail that was regrettable."=> these passengers can afford to fly First Class. Even if I find this as regrettable as you do, I don't think the airline can go against that
Does the dog get mileage too?
Balik and lobster. What a fantastic appetizer....
The dessert looks amazing as well.
Well, I really have to book a new LX First ticket soon ;-)
Thank you Christian
Greetings Indianocean and thanks for reading and leaving your feedback.
-It's worth leaving time to enjoy the tasting menu experience in my opinion. It's a very refined dining experience with a great view!
-LH has a scarf so, naturally, they win.
-Alas yes, people of great means and the US laws are in their favor.
-I haven't read the terms and conditions closely enough... ;)
-This is a fortuitous position to find yourself. I look forward to reading about it.
Thanks again and happy flying.
Christian my dear chap!
Hello again. What an absolute treat this report is. Yet another brilliant and comprehensive report that hits on every single thing we want to know about.
The Swiss F lounge in ZRH is absolutely on my hit list at some point. Although I suspect it may come as part of an LH F itinerary given the difficulty in booking LX F with miles. I've seen so many reports of it over the years its taken on a mythical place in my heart.
Interestingly almost every review I've read of that lounge the outdoor terrace on the F side has been closed but the J side open. I'd be pretty hopping mad if it was closed while I was there. Those views and photography opportunities are avgeek heaven.
Got to admit I'm a dog lover (Have a 5 year old Golden Retriever), so the dog if it was well behaved would not have bothered me. I generally find dogs behaviour to be far better than most humans these days! Although I don't really get the whole emotional support animal concept to be honest, seems to be a very North American kind of thing.
I sense that if one were to do LX F then the 77W presents a better overall experience than the A333?
I've always had the thought that Swiss were a bit of an arrogant airline, so its nice to read that the crew were not in that mould.
As one would expect from a well regarded F product the food and drinks look top notch.
How do you regard the seat both upright and bed position compared say to LH F?
Thanks once more for yet another fabulous review. The Swiss F lounge looks like one of those aviation bucket list items similar to the LH FCT in FRA. Its well and truly on my list now.
All the best, going to get stuck in to the rest of this adventure tomorrow!
Greetings Atco and thank you for leaving feedback on this report. It's great to see your name come up on the comments.
-My first visit to this esteemed facility was achieved in this manner and it's a great way to experience two of Europe's best F lounges in one go.
-That's an interesting observation? Maybe the F side being on the end is less protected from the wind and they think it less comfortable to be out if there's inclement weather? I'm reaching here...
-I don't know if the practice is helping those who it was intended to help. Hey, you're one of us now, a North American!
-That's a fair statement. The additional space and more private seat on the 777 are preferred.
I would rate the LH seat above the LX seat. I find LH to be slightly more plush and cushioned in both lounging and bed configurations. Both are top notch.
-I look forward to reading about your impressions of the products.
Thank you again for the feedback and happy flying.
Wow. Just Wow. Swiss F looks incredible - I would have been stuffed with all that amazing looking food! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for leaving a note 757Fan, it's always nice to receive your feedback.
-There's no going hungry with Swiss First Class.
Happy flying.
The Swiss First class lounge just continues to impress me. What fantastic day rooms and those views! Also, I would be in heaven if I ever got to try that Whiskey bar.
On board, Swiss offer a very solid First class product and the catering looks appetising.
Very glad that you've enjoyed this once in a lifetime type of experience and thanks so much for sharing it with us in such an eloquent and visually beautiful way!
Hello Kevin and thank you for leaving feedback.
-Thank you for the kind words. Not sure if I need to be reminded that it was, in fact, a once in a lifetime experience. :) :)
Happy flying Kevin.
Great review !
Thanks for the feedback Andyw, always appreciated. How'd I do on the grading scale? ;)
Happy flying.
Hi Christian, thanks for the second part of this lovely Swiss First review.
-The biggest flaw to the LH FCT are the bedrooms (in my opinion). These rooms blow those out of the water. How does the Hastens mattress compare our everyday mattresses?
-What a lovely idea. More F lounges should offer a tasting menu. The meal looked exquisite, as good as what you may find at a top-notch restaurant.
-Might this be the best bar at any business-class lounge? My mother recently visited the business-class lounge at Zurich and had a great time there. Unfortunately, she is not a whisky drinker and could not enjoy it to the fullest.
-What is required for the limousine service for F in Zurich? I am vaguely familiar there is one, but never hear much about it. That’s probably the only area where Swiss lags behind Lufthansa.
-The Swiss F cabin on the 777 look stunning. I love the understated touches.
-Easily my favorite part about the Lufthansa Group.
-This looks excellent for airplane catering. Perhaps I should stop avoiding ordering beef of any sort when on an airline.
Thanks for the report! The Swiss F lounge is definitely on my bucket list, just have to figure out a way to get there.
Greetings YGeorgeW thank for you the note. I always appreciate your feedback.
I appreciate nap rooms in general but yes, these are next level. The view and ensuite toilet is vastly superior.
It's a luxurious mattress but it's a bit soft for my tastes. I sleep on Tempur-Pedic at home which is a very different style.
I'm not aware of a better stocked J class bar. I volunteer to do some research.
-Could it be a transit passenger in the Swiss F lounge in the A pier that's departing in F form the E pier? I regret not going to explore the A pier lounge but I needed the nap time to be able to enjoy the flight to ORD. Something to save for next time.
It's a great service touch, I agree.
Happy flying YGeorgeW.