#30 out of 94 Airlines A minimum of 10 flight-reports within the past two years is required to appear in the rankings.
919 reviews
For the final leg of the trip, I'm flying SWISS short haul to Schiphol. As I mention in other reports, I'm really enjoying the transfer experience in ZRH, due to the ease of movement, not too long walking distances and an aesthetically pleasing lighting. The naked concrete could use some paint, though.
The shuttle takes only 3 minutes from the satellite terminal and passport control is a breeze as a European citizen, especially in contrast to American border control. I head towards the gate, where HB-JCM is already waiting for us. Boarding starts a little late, and we're notified that some cabin bags will have to be checked in. Since I have no need for the contents of mine I submit it so I can travel lighter. Some airlines, most notably LCCs, offer this option by default even at check in, and I wish other carriers implemented it.
While boarding, I manage to spot an Emirates A380 landing. The seat is virtually identical to the Air Baltic equivalent, except it's a more elegant dark color instead. I personally prefer the former's interior, though this isn't bad either. The legroom is still very comfortable for a short flight. This time, the information screens show information in English and German, and use the SWISS style, naturally.
We push back at 12:57, nearly half an hour late (again!). We swiftly taxi and take off from 32.
The flight is quite bumpy, though I have no need to leave my seat or otherwise unbuckle my seatbelt. I must note, however, that I was offered no service, despite the length of the flight. Not even the SWISS chocolate! I wonder if it was an exceptional situation or if the attendant passed by me when I was looking out the window, and I did not notice. Either way, we descend toward the Dutch polders a bit behind the scheduled time, which seems to be a constant at this point.
We land in the Buitenveldertbaan at 14:20 and head towards our gate. Even though the delays today are inconsequential, I do wonder if this is a recurrent problem with the airline, the airports or just my luck. At least the PA message made light of it in a fun way!
Schiphol is also a quite comfortable airport to travel, though not at the level of Zürich. I feel like the long walking distances are a bit detrimental, though the single terminal setup does make things a bit easier. The gargantuan building also allows for large, comfortable seating areas and even some tables with power outlets to do some work in open "lounges."
I always mention this, but the inbuilt long distance rail station is one of the best features of the airport. No overpriced AirTrain, no shuttle bus, no commuter train to the city centre to take a connection. Simply swipe the public transit card or buy a ticket, go to the platforms below the terminal and take long distance or even high speed trains.
SWISS didn't perform in any remarkable way, except for the missed service. Though there isn't much need in such a short flight.
ZRH is still a great option for transfers and AMS, likewise, offers a good airport experience, even for Economy travelers, if walking is not an issue.
2 Comments
Things seem to be back to normal at AMS, aren't they? I mean, after being on the verge of collapse last year.
It's great that AMS is so well connected to different means of transport. Something I hope my local SCL will copy in time!
Thanks for yet another interesting report, Makazu! :D
Hah, it's ironic that you were going to AMS and that is exactly how most people would have described AMS before the pandemic, now AMS seems to be the new CDG in terms of general passenger transfer experience. And actually CDG is no longer deserving of the bad reputation, as they've made big improvements over the last 5 years or so.
Aside from being wide, the A220 seats are well designed to give maximum legroom even at high density.
Thanks for sharing!
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