Avis du vol entre Zurich et Seoul en classe Première avec SWISS

Hello everyone, welcome back to another flight review. This was an incredible experience, 100% up there among the best flights I’ve taken. Today I’m flying on the newest F product in the skies, aboard Swiss’s brand-new Swiss Senses cabin, in the largest middle suite. To say I was excited for this experience is an understatement. I must admit I went into this journey with a few doubts, primarily through the relatively limited public exposure and reviews I’ve read. I’m currently typing up my first review draft with three hours remaining on the flight, there’s simply too much I want to share and too many feelings.

Without anything further, lets dig in!

A few notes before the review began. Swiss introduced this cabin in late 2025, limiting only to routes to and from Boston. Despite eyeing this journey for months, a flight time of 6-8 hours (depending on which way) didn’t justify the price tag and seemed too short for the full experience. I was ecstatic to hear they would add Seoul as their second route under this product, a far longer (and cheaper) option.

After booking, I received my confirmation and ability to choose a seat. LX’s new F cabin features only three seats, two window and one in the middle. There’s also a “grand suite” option which essentially merges one of the window seats with the middle one, allowing a completely private space with your own alleyway so you literally never need to see another passenger. The two window seats were occupied, leaving only the middle suite available. For some reason, the app was offering around 1000 USD to choose the center seat, I was very curious whether they would stick me in a different cabin if I didn’t pay to choose the seat.

A final note before beginning the journey: There were only two/three long reviews on this product (to Boston) online. Both felt very mixed with questions regarding the seat comfort and staff professionality. I also heard customers not being too impressed with the time spent inventing and designing this product, rolling out a final product with various flaws.
 
Now with all these complexed previews completed, welcome to Zurich airport!
 
I arrived early morning at Zurich Airport T2. Being my first ever time in Switzerland, I was quite lost. An AF rep pointed me towards T1, where I found the dedicated F checkin lounge/area.

Approaching the gentleman at the door, I asked if I could check in for my 13:20 flight of First class, and he told me to turn around and use the kiosks before immediately asking “wait, did you say F, oh yeah come in”. The space is small and quaint; I also noticed a revolving door allowing access from outside. 

The lady asked if I knew where the lounge was, and I asked how I could access the E lounge instead of the A one. For reference, LX have two F lounges with the E one located at a satellite terminal. The E lounge is generally better known especially for the gorgeous tarmac views. More on that later. The lady stated I needed to inform the staff at the A gates and take their shuttle to the E lounge. Leaving the checkin area, the same gentleman who initially denied me entry asked if knew where the A lounge was. Upon saying no, he guided me down the terminal and the space was just upstairs. Nothing to complain about with him, it just felt he was still waking up.

The lounge opened with private security, and the receptionist stated if I wanted to visit the E lounge, I would later need to take another ride back to the A gates to be driven to my gate, which as a bus gate. After security, I was told to do a quick passport check with a different agent. He, contrasting the receptionist, said there would be no need to return here, and I would be driven directly from the E gates. Not knowing who was right, I simply did a quick glance here for a few minutes before my ride was imminent.

Despite not having the E lounge tarmac views, the A lounge is also beautiful. A bar, mini buffet and dining area:

Ample space and seating.

The shuttle required me to head upstairs through this beautiful hallway, before meeting up with a couple who I’d share my ride with. I didn’t get a good view of the second-floor seating area, but through a tinned glass it looked quite large. I wasn’t 100% sure if that was part of the F or J lounge, though.

Meeting room and smoking lounge

The three of us were guided through another round of passport control, with the ground staff discussing whether I needed a “blue sticker” for Seoul. More on that later. After confirming we were good to go, the lady escorted us to our ride. 

She spent a minute or so trying to open the door before giving up and taking us to another vehicle. The interior resembled LX’s F cabin design, sleek black.

We passed by the beautiful “Lausanne” A350 livery, Swiss’s first. I hadn’t checked on flightradar but prayed this would be my ride. Sadly, this was heading to Boston :(. 

Arriving at the reception area, some more ground staff confusion took place. 

The two receptionists began discussing (and at one point, briefly arguing) over whether I needed to go back to the A gates or driven from here. I was given a slip stating my car would leave at 12:40 from this lounge. As the receptionist extended her hand to give me the slip, it was interrupted by her colleague and the discussions continued. Ultimately, I was suggested to enter since they didn’t want me waiting… as their conversation continued.

This lounge was gorgeous, the Zurich mountains immediately visible in the distance. The dining area:

and breakfast menu. 

A massive bar area, lots of seating.

Incredible wine wall

The main show, the terrace. Check out these incredible views. In addition, there were incredible views of both the landing runway and one of the two take off runways. Truly an aviation geek’s heaven. Food and drink could also be ordered/brought outside. 

The other side was essentially a US hub, featuring all the big three. Efficiency was clockwork, as one Delta plane left another would replace it within minutes. 

Back inside, I checked out the lounge seating. It was quite busy at this time, but after a few flights departed I was among only two passengers until traffic picked up again around noon. 

I was hungry but wanted to save my appetite for lunch service, significantly better than breakfast. I tried the Swiss classic breakfast, scrambled eggs/bacon on a croissant. This was great. 

I had no clue what this was and almost ate it before being told it’s a towel which expands when you immerse it into the water. 

These dividers were very similar to the Swiss Senses cabin.

I checked out the restrooms. 

This, incredibly, was the view from the men’s room sinks. 

The next hour or so was full of some more tarmac shots. When I first arrived, I inquired the availability of the two sleeping rooms, being told one was occupied and other currently cleaning. The receptionist said she’d come around if one opened, and one did! These are also exclusive to the E lounge and was beautiful. Featuring a huge bed and your own private bathroom with a shower. I was told, however, I wouldn’t be allowed to constantly leave and return. I decided against it and stayed in the lounge.

A whisky/coffee with tarmac views, is there anything better?

Whisky collection

I then went for a shower. Very spacious and clean. They featured the same giant clocks spotted around the lounge and the sleeper rooms. 

It was now 11:00am, meaning lunch was available! Here was the menu. 

The LX E lounge has almost been up there with the best F lounges, and their catering proves why (not to mention everything else that it offers). The beef tartare was delicious, genuinely better than most in restaurants.

Upon popular demand, LX brought back the fondue and oh my goodness was this something special. I didn’t plan on finishing all the bread but before I knew it, they were all gone. 

Wanting to keep trying more, I ordered the veal and hash brown. I’d never had veal before and was intrigued. It tasted sort of like a lean steak, paired well with the sauce and hash brown that fully drenched up all the sauce. 

Compared to the A lounge staff, the E lounge staff were far better. They seemed more invested in their work and was actively walking around to recommend food/drink and check up on all passengers. This even involved occasional walks around the terrace to checkup on passengers outside. Although Skytrax isn’t really all that of an indicator, but they’re spot on this time. 

With 12:40 approaching, I returned to the reception only for the ground staff confusion fiasco to enter its almighty conclusion. The lady in charge of driving me showed up and asked me directly, which was strange, why I didn’t have a blue sticker. I was extremely confused and she told me I didn’t do the passport check when instructed earlier. Admittedly I was getting frustrated with her both since she seemed very impatient with me and accused me of something I had literally no control over. I went through two checks before coming to the E lounge and followed all instructions. She then guided me through a back door, across the J lounge, and to a doc check. After she and the gentleman conversed, she realized I actually didn’t need it. On our way back, she apologized profusely and it was understandable since she was under instructions from her superior and we were on a time crunch. Seoul is also a relatively new destination, and she seemed very funny to chat with on our ride over. Our car waiting on the tarmac, she offered to take pictures of me with it too.

Seeing a 787 Dreamliner on the tarmac is truly a sensation to savor.

A short ride later, we arrived at our jet. She strongly suggested taking some pictures of myself and the plane! Biggest perk of remote gates, 100% this view. I had to wait a minute or two before the ladder opened, and with the green light I was the very first to embark!

Boarding at the second door, there was no greeting or anyone waiting. Two crew members were busy at work in the galley and a gentleman on the phone. He looked back at me and apologized then mentioned I go straight down. I was initially so confused I thought this was my suite. Later realizing they’re Business plus, it reminded me of Stalux’s F with the four front seats having higher walls. 

A few steps further down, oh my goodness, look at this. All those doubts and mixed reviews immediately escaped my mind; this suite is gorgeous. 

Looking left, I noticed the window suite is essentially half the size of mine. Trading some windows for double the space, sign me up! I can’t put into words how impressed I was, and this sentiment stayed throughout the journey. I think he was an honor circle (Swiss’ highest tier) or at least someone very important, as the pilot came by to share pleasantries with him before they took a trip to the cockpit.

Noticing me looking slightly lost, one of the two F crew members came by to say hi. To sum up the crew experience in one sentence, both were among the best I’ve ever experienced. She took a few pictures of me inside my suite before offering pajamas and some welcome champagne. 

Let’s have a deeper look at the suite functions. Waiting under the giant screen were slippers and the amenity kit. 

Across on the seat were two pillows and two black fleece blankets made of slightly different material.

On my right, one of two control pads. Seat controls (with the same bar on the left side) with headphones hidden underneath.

The left side, featuring the same pads, I later realized the armrest opens to form a small desk. The same pad on the left side. 

My pajamas showed up, beautiful black color aligned with the entire Swiss F experience. 

The crew returned to ask whether this was my first time, upon hearing it was they laughed and mentioned it was also the cabin manager’s inaugural A350 journey. They opened the ottoman and exposed massive storage space, the same available on the right side.

The champagne arrived along with some still water. Some cheese sticks were also presented. 

I later realized my photo of the champagne was too blurry, and the crew were more than happy to take another one for me under the Swiss logo! Small things like this, 10/10 crew.

Another look of my suite from above. A quick clarification for reference: My seat+my neighbors one would have combined for the grand suite. Booking it gives you access to both and the alleyway we shared on this flight, meaning you would never see the other F passenger (who I guess also gets their own alleyway with extra privacy. 

There’s a cup holder located behind the lamp on the right side. The positioning of this is a bit strange since it’s not accessible when your seat is upright but does work well when you’re sleeping. 

The crew came by with a little basket of extra amenities, I asked for one of each. Ricola candies, socks, mouthwash, glasses cleanser, tissue, and makeup remover.

I headed to the lavatory to change, and I love that it continues the suite design with the wooden finishes. 

Not too many amenities on offer. Just the one for the three F customers. Once or twice throughout the flight there was a wait, but a minor issue. 

The F slippers. 

There’s extra storage space on the left side, opening to a closet with coat hangers. 

It’s also quite deep so you can leave your shoes down under.

The amenity kit itself is massive but not too many actual amenities inside. I guess if you combine what was offered in the basket with what’s inside the kit, you have a very hearty supply. 

A hot towel was offered. 

Wireless charging along the right armrest.

Menu cards, Korean entry cards, and WiFi code then offered.

Two fleece blankets. 

Lamp and individual air vent along the right side. 

Let's check out the menu! First up, the food:

Then the drinks

The crew came by to take dinner orders, happily returning a second time when I wasn’t prepared initially. Upon asking for her opinion between the veal and fish, she genuinely took a long moment to ponder before admitting the veal seems more popular, but she personally prefers the fish. Fish it is! She also mentioned another main not listed on the menu, she couldn't get the direct English translation but described it as a pork dish with sour cream and potatoes.

As the safety video played, I found some extra space along the right armrest where your charging ports can be found. Without saying, you’ll never run out of storage in this seat. 

The cabin manager then came by to introduce himself and apologize for being on the phone earlier. Both him and the lounge agent, I genuinely love that LX staff try to apologize and clear up any miscommunication that may have frustrated their passengers. He shared this was his very first time in the Swiss Senses A350 cabin and seemed as impressed with the suite as I was. He also apologized when handing me the WIFI code that he wasn’t sure how well it would work. It ended up working for around 30% of the flight. The other F crew member also came by to introduce herself. Once again, both the F crew members, unbelievable throughout.

One more view before pushback! 

We blasted out of Zurich on time, and my attention immediately stuck to the exterior cameras. I couldn’t seem to figure out how the pad view could transfer onto the main screen. 

The WIFI prices for interest. 

I checked out the IFE, color me impressed! I don’t fly European carriers that often, so I don’t have much room for comparison. There was an extensive movie selection with various genres, around 20+ from each. 

The TV show selection was similar, lots of choices across multiple genres and a good few episodes from each season. 

Also available form the control pads were the suite designs. These included seat controls, lighting, and even temperature. 

The (unbranded) headphones and some extra charging ports along the left armrest.

How cool are these light controls? Another funny thing I noticed when playing the Office, this was one of the only airlines that didn't play some sort of ad or video before watching your selected show.

The crew immediately jumped into meal service, opening the massive tray table with a large tablecloth. She recommended some whisky and white wine, both I happily accepted! She kept trying to find the perfect angle/lighting for these pictures, something the crew have no obligation to do. Again, incredible.

A coke zero and still water accompanied.

First up was a trio of amuse bouche. From left to right, chilled lobster, some spiced radish with a vegetable puree, and beef tartare. Unfortunately, these were slightly underwhelming. The beef tartare stood out as the best, but the other two lacked flavor. 

A breadbasket was then brought out with butter and olive oil. Usually, I try to avoid touching the bread as it gets me far too full but today was an exception. Every piece of bread was outstanding, and I had to try some of each! 

Next up was the appetizer trolley, featuring a variety of choices. Asking if I could just do one of each, she happily agreed. (Please feel free to check out the menu card for full descriptions of each dish!:) ) 

I’m usually not a huge fan of smoked salmon, the balik was a step up. On the right were some crushed beets and right side a fish salad. Both were solid and far more flavorful than the amuse Bouchés.

Next up, the soup with scallops. I love a hearty good soup, and this was as good as any. Incredibly refreshing and flavorful. Probably the highlight of meal service, even better when dipping bread inside. 

A large salad was also offered; I only ended up finishing a third or so (I blame the incredible bread taking up all my stomachs space).

A rare feature in the skies, a palate cleansing sorbet, excellent!

Next up was my main course, the pikeperch with saffron and lemon beurre blanc, eggplant and tomato with basmati rice. This was an interesting dish. One on hand, the fish was incredibly tender and eggplant very delicious. On the other, the sauce with saffron was slightly overwhelming with the crème blanc. Overall, a unique dish but perhaps in hindsight I might have gone with the veal.

A quick interlude to chat on the staff and some other flight comments. First off, the crew never stopped smiling. The continuously came around between courses to check up and ask for refills. They also offered to keep my suite door shut throughout the meal, even if that meant they had to open and close it every time they came around. Despite me mentioning it was completely fine being kept open, they gladly nodded off my suggestion and insisted I enjoy my meal all sealed up in my cocoon.

The second note has absolutely nothing to do with the crew or LX at all, but something hard to ignore. This was undoubtably the bumpiest long-haul flight I’ve ever been on. I’m not exaggerating when I say heavy turbulence lasting 10-15 minutes occurred every hour, to the extent drinks kept spilling. I know turbulence isn’t anything to be concerned with, but my goodness the constant shaking did make it difficult to sleep at times. Even as I write this sentence my tea is beginning to spill onto the seat. Perhaps it’s the route or just rough skies today, but it was the worst bumps I’ve experienced.

Back to the flight. The crew offered a traditional Swiss cheese plate and/or some sweet options. I asked if the cheese could be saved for later and chose the vanilla panna cotta with sorbet. This was delicious, the perfect way to conclude the meal. 

As I headed to freshen up, the crew helped with turndown service. I initially returned with half the suite transformed. 

Thinking it was ready, I prepared to tuck in before the crew mentioned they could do the same on both sides to create a double bed, awesome!

I waited in the galley and spotted a box of chocolates. I guess it was self-serve as I wasn’t offered any. Shame since they look delicious!

I also took a bottle of this cocktail that seems to be a classic on the new Swiss Senses cabins. 

Back at my seat, how incredible is this? A full double bed in the skies! Not to mention to excellent privacy!

Incredible privacy. Checking out my neighbor’s closed suite in the dark, my goodness how cool is the senses suite exterior. 

Sleep was quite interesting. The biggest complaint I read online on this product is about how the seatbelt cuts between the two beds and makes it near impossible to sleep since it’s always a bump when your body crosses the middle. I didn’t find that to be a big issue. IF you move the seatbelts to the bottom of the seat, you can’t really feel it even if your body crosses over. Again, the main culprit to a rather short and light sleep was the constant turbulence.

I woke up around 4 hours later. The crew brought over my cheese plate with a few Swiss classics. Wasn’t a huge fan of the packaged crackers, would’ve been easily elevated just to open them up, small issue though. The crew described every single piece in detail, including name, animal type, and origin.  

Another wet towel was also given. 

With two hours or so to go, breakfast was imminent. It was honestly very impressive that she held up this entire tray with one hand and used her other one to point at each when describing what they were. I asked if I could do all the small plates, and of course she again gladly accepted. The pink bowl was described as a classic Swiss breakfast with some milk, honey, and fruits, quite refreshing!

She also recommended some tea, and when I asked about the options she memorized all (again, name, origin, flavor, ingredients) by heart. I went with a Swiss classic, and it was very nice up until a large portion was unfortunately spilled again by the turbulence :(. 

In addition to these small plates, one of two main breakfast options were offered. Either the poached egg and bagel or, as the crew mentioned, the “healthy option” being an egg frittata. I smiled and said, “let’s do the unhealthy option” and she laughed and admitted those are usually the more flavorful. Bacon and smoked trout could be added on the side too. The dish resembled a classic breakfast sandwich but tasted far better. The poached egg was incredible; I’m sure getting a perfect yolk is difficult on a plane. Delicious breakfast, Swiss know how to perfect food, in their lounges and in the skies. 

A funny side quest: I spotted these egg things on the duty-free magazine earlier on and took two home with me. I wonder if they utilized this little gadget in making their soft-boiled eggs :D 

(Just an hour or so until landing as I’m writing this. I’ll pause now and everything proceeding will be after the flight concludes.)

With an hour or so until arrival, my dreaded descent began signaling the end of this incredible journey. The crew and cabin manager took turns to come by and thanked us for flying with them, they also handed out these chocolates which I apologize for the terribly blurry image.

We landed at Seoul ICN Terminal 1 at 8:03am, 33 minutes behind schedule. The captain apologized on the PA for this delay. Since the reverse flight is scheduled at 9:30am, there’s not too much time for the cleaning crew to get in and out. It’s also interesting to note that tickets on the reverse trip leaving ICN are nearly 1/3 the price.

 Goodbye!

As we bode farewell to the world-class crew, I noticed an ICN ground staff member holding my name, along with 3 others. I was the only one who noticed her and she escorted me over to immigration. I guess this was part of the F experience but she never really interacted with me nor offered to help with bags, not to complain, all good. She did help yoink me into a short immigration line which was much appreciated!