Zurich is one of my favorite cities in Europe and in early 2009 I had a chance to return. Perhaps this sounds like a cliche, but the compact size of the city, its relative safety, pristine cleanliness and orderly ambiance are some of the qualities that I find it so attractive. Some might argue that it is boring and just predictable, but to each its own.
I also happen to admire Swiss craftsmanship and love some of their products. I admit that I've been influenced by my father's preferences and ever since he passed away, my predilections for Swiss brands have intensified. Pathek Philippe's ad campaign Generations with the saying “You never actually own a Patek Philippe, you merely look after it for the next generation” summarizes my feelings of Swiss brands, the only difference is that instead of Pathek Philippe, the brand of my watches start with an R. ;)
I started my trip from VIE and arrived at the airport within 2 hrs. of dept. I found the layout of the airport chaotic and a bit disorganized. My understanding is that things have now improved with their new terminal. Back then I thought that it was annoying that one had to clear security at each individual gate instead of clearing through a common entry area.
Boarding commenced in an orderly fashion and the flight was probably 60% full, so I had an empty seat next to me. This was a relatively short flight so flight attendants began service quickly after take off. I ordered a hot tea and a glass of water. I was also handed a mini chocolate bundt cake called Gugelhupf. I thought that it was strange that they did not offer a savory snack along. So are diabetics supposed to be out of luck? The cake was very adequate for a flight of this length, perhaps even generous in a way.
Right before arrival, flight attendants came with a basket distributing the famous Swiss chocolates that have become a tradition of flying Swiss.
When I disembarked, I took the opportunity to take a couple of shots of my plane along with other LX sister flights.
ZRH airport is very user friendly and soon I was on the train heading towards the Hauptbahnhof.
Once settled at the Marriott hotel, I ventured out in the city and did a lot of walking in the days that followed. Here are a few shots of the city.
Hauptbahnhof.
Tram around the city
Bürkliplatz on a melancholic day.
I then took a relaxing boat ride that took me around the lake.
The historic center with the Grossmünster.
Fraumunster.
Confiserie Sprüngli.
Restaurant Zeughauskeller
Kalbsgeschnetzeltes nach Zürcher Art (panfried sliced veal and mushrooms in a delicious creamy white wine sauce, served with Rösti (hash brown potatoes Swiss style.)
Museum of Art - Kunsthaus Zurich
See more
Verdict
SWISS
8.0/10
Cabin8.5
Cabin crew8.5
Entertainment/wifi7.0
Meal/catering8.0
Vienna - VIE
7.6/10
Efficiency7.0
Access8.0
Services7.5
Cleanliness8.0
Zurich - ZRH
9.9/10
Efficiency9.5
Access10.0
Services10.0
Cleanliness10.0
Conclusion
This was a fine short intra-European experience on LX. Flight attendants were efficient and professional and departure was on time. Catering was appropriate with a mini bundt cake. However, provisioning a savory choice would have made the experience better. LX offers a consistent product that leaves little room for surprises. The distribution of chocolates at the end of the flight as a token of appreciation is a nice and unique gesture.
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Thank you for sharing this 2009 flight, and the touristic pictures of Zurich.
... and orderly ambiance are some of the qualities that I find it so attractive. Some might argue that it is boring and just predictable, but to each its own. -> Being Swiss, I totally agree with you : most of foreign people visiting Switzerland have this feeling.
Welcome to the R watches owners' club. ;)
I think that LX and LH Y products are quite interesting for short- and mid-haul flights, regarding what other airlines offer.
I agree with you 100% about the low quality of the mass produced Cailler/Nestle chocolates. Nevertheless it is a small gesture that is much appreciated by almost everyone.
It would be nice if they hand out Teuscher's champagne truffles. That would be more representative of the high caliber of Swiss chocolates.
Absolutely! There is a saying in English that says if it's not broken, don't fix it.
Case in point, look at what happened to JL with their crane trademark. After several incarnations and some identity crisis, they finally returned to their classic one. One airline that should have never touched its logo is IB.
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12 Comments
... and orderly ambiance are some of the qualities that I find it so attractive. Some might argue that it is boring and just predictable, but to each its own. -> Being Swiss, I totally agree with you : most of foreign people visiting Switzerland have this feeling.
Welcome to the R watches owners' club. ;)
I think that LX and LH Y products are quite interesting for short- and mid-haul flights, regarding what other airlines offer.
It would be nice if they hand out Teuscher's champagne truffles. That would be more representative of the high caliber of Swiss chocolates.
The previous Lx livery was so much better than the current one.
Nice bonus on Zürich.
Case in point, look at what happened to JL with their crane trademark. After several incarnations and some identity crisis, they finally returned to their classic one. One airline that should have never touched its logo is IB.
I agree with KL651 about LX livery.
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