Review of SWISS flight Mumbai Zurich in First

Airline SWISS
Flight LX155
Class First
Seat 2A
Aircraft Airbus A330-300
Flight time 08:30
Take-off 06 Jul 19, 01:00
Arrival at 06 Jul 19, 06:00
LX   #29 out of 94 Airlines A minimum of 10 flight-reports within the past two years is required to appear in the rankings. 916 reviews
Rewardflying
Published on 17th December 2019

The Singapore terms and conditions stated:


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But it had ticketed when I clicked book, and even after a change with the assistance of an agent. Now the risk was flying to Bangkok to get a boarding pass. Check. Then actually boarding the Swiss aircraft and sitting in first class. Check. 


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It was a once in a lifetime experience, well never say never, but what an experience it was!

In the jetway departing SQ424 I was met by a young Indian man holding the sign with my name on it. He quickly took my roller carry-on bag and escorted me to the transit counter. These transit counters in India can be the land of confusion, as I’ve witnessed the couple times transited in India. It seems like a lot of people trying to verify if you really are on the flight your boarding pass shows you being on. Whatever it is, I kept getting apologies for it taking so long.

Finally I was escorted through security. My escort then walked me to the GVK Lounge, which is used by Star Alliance in Mumbai. The friendly lounge attendant told me to turn right into the first class area, and my escort gave me the time he would collect me to walk me on to the departure gate.  


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It is a magnificent lounge, reminding you of a grand hotel lobby. Plenty of seating, resting couches, buffet area and a dining room.


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I opted for the shower room to refresh.


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Still not recovered from whatever it was that made me miss the joys of SQ F indulgences, I passed on the dining room and took pictures of the buffet.



My indulgence was here, front center.


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I passed the short two hour layover watching planes transiting the tarmac in the rain.

Before long my escort arrived at the lounge to walk me to the gate. It was a fair distance to the gate and he was sprinting, constantly turning back to see if I was still in sight. I may exaggerate a bit, but he was on the move. All in all a very nice young man whose name I don’t recall, but was a perfect guide from SQ424 to LX155.

I entered through the second door of the Airbus A330 as was welcomed by a young lady named Manuela who escorted me to seat 2A. I’ll begin with the two flight attendants, Manuela and Modeśe, both from Zurich were two of the best flight attendants I’ve ever had. Their work ethic was incredible. Their personalities were warm and inviting. And the service they provided all through the flight was outstanding.  


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My first impression of the first class cabin was, handsome. Nothing over the top in terms of colors, just some wood and navy blue checkered seats coverings as well as same color leather upholstery. 


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A coat hanger and slippers awaited.


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Even the back bulkhead was understated. The front bulkhead wall was blank. I’m not complaining, the cabin was elegant. 


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Swiss first class cabins are 8 seats, 1x2x1. The two middle seats have a privacy divider.


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A peek back in business class offers Vantage 1x2x2 or 2x2x1 seating. 


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This seat costs you some extra dough, about $150 at last check. TV screen is outdated. 


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The lavatories on this 10 year old A330 where showing a bit of age and weren’t particularly well stocked with amenities.


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There are seat controls on either side of the seat as well as the IFE controller and oversized meal table.



A touch pad provides clear instructions on how to manipulate your seat as well as lighting. 


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The IFE screens in first class have been updated. They weren’t a big as on the 777 I would fly next, but were plenty big to enjoy a movie. Mine was set to the airshow, predictable. 


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Amenity kits were provided in a Swiss First pouch.


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And a pair navy blue pajamas that were ok, not as good as the Van Laack pj’s offered by brother Lufthansa (or should I say Father!)


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A canapé was offered on the ground before departure. I can’t tell you what it was as I wasn’t interested. 


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There were 3 people in first class up until departure time. At that point 5 additional people were seated in first, filing the cabin. None of them ate anything during the flight. After departure all 7 in first class requested their beds be made wanting nothing to eat or drink. The point I want to make is how quickly the flight attendants made 7 beds after takeoff. It was incredible how fast they accomplished this.

It game me a chance to view the menu for today’s flight that departed at 1AM. 



Time to get back on the horse. 


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Instead of roasted nuts, these lightly seasoned cashews were served with cheese breadsticks. Modeśe couldn’t stop talking about these and the fact they were made by the same company that provided their chocolates. True be told, they were pretty good!


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The food menu for this early AM flight.


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I guess there wouldn’t have been a chance to have something not available since everyone didn’t eat and was asleep. I choose to go light and careful beginning with the Balik Salmon. Technically it was my first of the day, 2nd in 8 hours. 


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The word outstanding comes to mind!


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After a couple of glasses of Grand Siècle it was time for the Grand Cru Classé.


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The salmon was followed up by a plate of cheese selected and nicely presented by my favorite flight attendants. 


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Manuela and I chatted for some time. This was her second to last flight. She was retiring at a young age due to health issues brought on my long haul flying. I certainly wish her the best. 


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.


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Not wanting to give it up for sleep.


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I was able to sleep for a couple hours and awoke in time for breakfast. 


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Finally, real Bircher muesli. 


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And more breadsticks brought out by Modeśe.


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Finally I was given a Swiss notebook and a box of chocolates. I thought I was special getting the chocolates, then I read SoCalNow’s report, so did he!


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Switzerland, beautiful country it is. 



Cathay’s new A350-1K at the gate in Zurich.


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One final look at this first class seat with proper lighting. 


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Enter text here…


Visit Reward Flying for detailed rankings of this flight. http://www.rewardflying.com/report-blog/2019/12/8/swiss-a330-300-first-class-bom-zrh

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Verdict

SWISS

8.8/10
Cabin8.5
Cabin crew9.5
Entertainment/wifi8.5
Meal/catering8.5

Mumbai - BOM

7.8/10
Efficiency8.0
Access8.0
Services8.0
Cleanliness7.0

Zurich - ZRH

7.9/10
Efficiency8.0
Access8.0
Services8.0
Cleanliness7.5

Conclusion

The GVK lounge in Mumbai was a pleasant surprise. I wish I had tried the dining room.

It’s difficult to access food offerings at 1AM. Only an appetizer and cheese while excellent, doesn’t tell the whole story. But add in Laurent-Perrier Grant Siècle champagne, Château Haut-Bailly Grand Cru Classé, a nice amenity kit, comfy pjs’ and a box of chocolates, made this an awesome experience.

As mentioned Manuela and Modeśe were two of the best and made the flight special.

Information on the route Mumbai (BOM) Zurich (ZRH)

Les contributeurs de Flight-Report ont posté 5 avis concernant 1 compagnies sur la ligne Mumbai (BOM) → Zurich (ZRH).


Useful

La compagnie qui obtient la meilleure moyenne est SWISS avec 7.8/10.

La durée moyenne des vols est de 8 heures et 48 minutes.

  More information

7 Comments

If you liked this review or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to post a comment below !
  • Comment 533849 by
    Travelxperiance 30 Comments
    A canapé was offered on the ground before departure. I can’t tell you what it was as I wasn’t interested.

    It's Aloo Samosa A famous local Indian Snack with mashed potato fillings

    Great Report :)
  • Comment 533884 by
    YGeorgeW GOLD 273 Comments
    So good for you and Socalnow to take these trips—there simply aren’t enough LX F reports out there in English.

    I’m not complaining, the cabin was elegant.


    - I love the understated touches.

    This seat costs you some extra dough, about $150 at last check.


    - You can always do the 48-hour trick. I’ve booked my mother on a few LX J flights and always managed to get the thrones for her this way.

    After departure all 7 in first class requested their beds be made wanting nothing to eat or drink.


    - Clearly not flight reporters.

    The food menu for this early AM flight.


    - Just remember, it’s early afternoon in Chicago—you’re just preparing for your time difference.

    Looks like a great flight, I’ll look forward to the LX F Lounge and flight to Chicago next. Hopefully you’ll be fully recovered by then.
  • Comment 533886 by
    Rewardflying AUTHOR 493 Comments
    Hi Travelxperiance. Thanks for reading and your note. I should have said "I can't tell you how it tasted" but thanks for the clarification. Happy reward flying!
  • Comment 534771 by
    socalnow 976 Comments
    Greetings Mark and thank you for sharing this once-in-a-lifetime experience with us and of course for making it possible for me to follow in your footsteps.

    It is a magnificent lounge, reminding you of a grand hotel lobby.

    Great analogy. It really is a great lounge. The Indian hospitality is fantastic as is the food and beverage.

    I’ll begin with the two flight attendants, Manuela and Modeśe, both from Zurich were two of the best flight attendants I’ve ever had. Their work ethic was incredible. Their personalities were warm and inviting. And the service they provided all through the flight was outstanding.

    It sure seems like Swiss is living up to the hype when it comes to service. It sounds like you received a truly first class service experience. Our sample size is only two but I echo your sentiments.

    The lavatories on this 10 year old A330 where showing a bit of age and weren’t particularly well stocked with amenities.

    A divergence from their German parents.

    There were 3 people in first class up until departure time. At that point 5 additional people were seated in first, filing the cabin. None of them ate anything during the flight.

    NRSA?

    Time to get back on the horse.

    A true professional.

    I guess there wouldn’t have been a chance to have something not available since everyone didn’t eat and was asleep. I choose to go light and careful beginning with the Balik Salmon.... The word outstanding comes to mind!

    The pictures are mouth watering...the color of the fish is so vibrant.

    After a couple of glasses of Grand Siècle it was time for the Grand Cru Classé.

    Finding your rhythm, things are looking up!

    Manuela and I chatted for some time. This was her second to last flight. She was retiring at a young age due to health issues brought on my long haul flying.

    Oh dear, that sounds a bit specious.

    Finally I was given a Swiss notebook and a box of chocolates. I thought I was special getting the chocolates, then I read SoCalNow’s report, so did he!

    You got the box intended for the entire F cabin. Score!

    The experience looks phenomenal, the crew especially makes a significant difference. Thank you for telling the story so well. Happy flying.
  • Comment 535296 by
    Rewardflying AUTHOR 493 Comments
    Hello Christian, and Happy New Year to you, and all F/R readers.

    Great analogy. It really is a great lounge. The Indian hospitality is fantastic as is the food and beverage.

    -Proably my main regret from this trip was not having a meal in the dining room of this lounge. Oh well...

    It sounds like you received a truly first class service experience. Our sample size is only two but I echo your sentiments.

    Yes, the comparisons between your report and mine with respect to service were almost identical.

    NRSA?

    Maybe, but they didn't strike me as airlines employees.

    Oh dear, that sounds a bit specious.

    Yes, while she didn't say, today she's working at a bank in Zurich. No doubt missing the travels.

    You got the box intended for the entire F cabin. Score!

    okay, tiny victory!

    Thanks again Christian!

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