SWISS Euro Business Class ZRH-ATH

Reason for taking this trip.

Over the past few years, my main focus for flying has evolved from flying just for the love of it, to being somewhat more focused on the collecting of Frequent Flyer Miles. All my trips are still fuelled by the love of the “buzz” of an Airport or the thrill of sitting in a tin can at 35,000 ft, but I have become aware of how, with knowledge and understanding of fare booking classes and Airline Promotions, a lot of other related benefits can be had had from these trips I was already taking. After discovering the SWISS Euro Business Class Upgrade Fares I knew I had to jump on this Mileage Run.

Time to find a route and get it booked.

I spent a couple of days looking at different dates and possible routings. There were lots of creative routings springing up, but in the end decided to do a relatively straightforward Four Segment trip routing Manchester-Zurich-Athens(night stop)-Zurich-Manchester. Outside of the Promotion this routing in Business would cost circa £650. In the end I managed to snag it for well under half of that and still earn X2 Mileage. Result!!!!

So, on with the Trip Report.

All the flights on this run were on SWISS A319/20/21 Aircraft, so for this report I will focus on just one segment as I feel they may end up sounding too alike if I go into detail on each flight.

Date: 26th Feb 09
Route: ZRH-ATH
Aircraft: Airbus A320
Seat Number: 3F
Flight Number: LX1838

The flight down to Zurich from Manchester had landed about 25mins late (again) but I still had around 45mins to make my connection so no worries there. I decided not to bother walking along to the SWISS lounge, instead I just went to find my gate and wait out the time there. The security area was very busy and quite unorganised which I was surprised to see as my previous trips through Zurich have been effortless. Still the screening process didn’t take long and I was at my gate for the flight in good time.

I don’t know why? But during this transit period, Zurich airport just didn’t seem as nice as I know it to be. Maybe it was just busier than normal? The toilets were also in a bit of a mess, with water and hand towels all over the floor. Anyways in what seemed like no time flight LX 1838 was called. Business class boarded last which makes sense to me, as it’s a single aisle aircraft. I was greeted at the door by a crew member and took my seat in 3F. There was a steady flow of passengers arriving onboard over the next 10mins, during which time I was offered a bottle of water and a selection of papers/magazines.

We pushed back on time and made our way out to runway 16 if I recall correctly? We were soon climbing out offering some fantastic views.

View of the Alps as we begin the cruise

As soon as the seatbelt signs were off the crew sprang to life. One male and one female crew were at the front of the plane today. The ovens were switched on and the cabin filled with that lovely smell. Drinks were offered and I took a refill of water and a glass of Champagne.

This was going to be a good flight, I could just feel it. The crew were brilliant. They always seemed to be there at the right moment without being imposing. The steward noticed I had taken a particular liking to the Champagne and told me he would just keep filling my glass until I had had enough. An offer I accepted obviously…..

The meal was then served which was again very good. Beef, with noodles and peppers. Salad with parmesan shavings, a bread roll and a sort of Moose/trifle as a desert. The beef was nice and juicy.

The passenger load up front was approx 50% on this flight, and I had a row to myself (as I did on all four flights on this trip). SWISS operate a blocked middle seat policy on the Intra European flights in Business. Having said that, it would appear that on flights into LHR or any flights on the Avros this is not guaranteed to be the case.

Random cabin shot

Coffee was served after the meal

I just sat back in my seat and watched the world go by

All too soon the seat belt sign was back on, the end of the flight was approaching…Ah well!!!

Crew came round with the “famous” Swiss Chocolates. If you haven’t tasted these, it’s worth flying SWISS for this reason alone.

One last picture on approach to ATH

We touched down on 21R and made our way over to the terminal, and so there ends a very enjoyable flight. I had booked into the Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel for the night stop which proved to be ideally located but seriously overpriced for the quality of the room, as is usually the case for airport hotels.

Overall Views and Thoughts

As you can probably tell I enjoyed this flight (and the other Three for that matter). In comparison to Lufthansa in Euro Business I feel SWISS have the edge without a doubt. Much better airport lounges, friendlier crew and the food offered by LH is nothing even close to that of LX. The only fly in the ointment, for now at least with the service from MAN is that it’s operated by Helvetic on a F100. An interesting aircraft for sure, but it always parks at a remote stand in ZRH meaning connections can be tight as this flight, in my experience is nearly always 20-30 mins late out of MAN.

Thanks for reading and any feedback.

Lee