LX08 27-07-09 Zurich to Chicago in First

After a lovely couple of days in beautiful but expensive Zurich it was time to head for the Airport to check out Swiss First class.There is a private check-in area accessible from the curbside drop off area.BPs issued and lounge directions in hand we made our way through a premium security line and were warmly welcomed into the F lounge in under 5 minutes.Asking for the earliest boarding we were asked to report to the desk at noon and then would be transferred to the flight by car.
[img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c315/jaguarpig/ZUR%20ORD%2007-2009/desk038.jpg[/img]
We settled in at the bar with a couple of glasses of perfectly chilled Perrier-Jout Rose.The lounge was very calm with a dinning area infront of the bar.
[img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c315/jaguarpig/ZUR%20ORD%2007-2009/desk041.jpg[/img]
We decided to eat on board but the food all looked very good.
At noon we headed for the desk and were greeted by name and lead to a Merc people carrier.We were deposited into the correct terminal and escorted through security and onto the gate.Boarding hadn't started but this was expected due to the requested time of transfer.Boarding began after about 5 minutes, the gate agent used our names and thanked us for flying LX F.There was a dual type airbridge first turn for F second turn for everybody else.Warmly welcomed by the purser and the CSD equivalent, we settled into the front pair of middle seats
[img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c315/jaguarpig/ZUR%20ORD%2007-2009/desk042.jpg[/img]
There are only 2 rows of 4 seats on this A340-300 equipped with the old style seats.
[img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c315/jaguarpig/ZUR%20ORD%2007-2009/desk043.jpg[/img]
The otterman had electric adjustment and was really big.
[img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c315/jaguarpig/ZUR%20ORD%2007-2009/desk045.jpg[/img]
Glass of champagne was offered Pommery 1998 Cuve Louise,very nice indeed.This was refilled every time you got half way down the glass it seemed by ESP.The seat is quite a bit wider than BA F and although a very open cabin it felt more spacious.We were soon on our way about 30 minutes late but due to flying time we would have an on time arrival.Within 10 minutes of wheels up I had a G&T and canapes infront of me.
[img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c315/jaguarpig/ZUR%20ORD%2007-2009/desk053.jpg[/img]
The menu was extensive and it all read very well.Starters come out on a trolley.You really could have eaten a 3 course meal off of the trolley.
[img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c315/jaguarpig/ZUR%20ORD%2007-2009/desk058.jpg[/img]
I opted for a little of everything it was all good.
[img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c315/jaguarpig/ZUR%20ORD%2007-2009/desk059.jpg[/img]
In fact the salmon was so good I had another plate.
[img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c315/jaguarpig/ZUR%20ORD%2007-2009/desk060.jpg[/img]
Next came soup an outstanding tomato with Basil ice cream it really was good restaurant quality.
[img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c315/jaguarpig/ZUR%20ORD%2007-2009/desk063.jpg[/img]
I had settled on a Grand cru Chablis for the starters and it was good.I forgot to mention the bread everyone had an individual basket of warm breads served with butter and olive oil again fantastic quality.The trolley made its second appearance as the salad cart.How LX keep the leaves so fresh I do not know but BA should find out.
[img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c315/jaguarpig/ZUR%20ORD%2007-2009/desk062.jpg[/img]
I ordered the Beef fillet and was asked how I like it,as rare as possible please the CC said she would do her best.
[img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c315/jaguarpig/ZUR%20ORD%2007-2009/desk064.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c315/jaguarpig/ZUR%20ORD%2007-2009/desk065.jpg[/img]
Wow that's what I call an airline steak fantastic quality of beef probably a touch better than the QF F Wagu.I was very pleased not to have had a meal in the lounge at this point.I changed to the Claret and think it was Chteau La Tour Haut-Brion again excellent.The trolley then made its 3rd run with a fantastic cheese selection.
[img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c315/jaguarpig/ZUR%20ORD%2007-2009/desk066.jpg[/img]
I finished off with Vintage Port and a light desert
[img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c315/jaguarpig/ZUR%20ORD%2007-2009/desk067.jpg[/img]
All I can say is wow what a meal,the service was beyond excellent.I messed with the seat for a while its supremely comfortable when coupled with a few Remy XOs and I was out for the count.
I awoke with about an hour and a half to run.When i returned to my seat it was tidied up and the table was laid.There was a light afternoon tea to come your pick of sarnies and cakes washed down with more Cuve Louise.
[img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c315/jaguarpig/ZUR%20ORD%2007-2009/desk068.jpg[/img]
Then to my surprise there was a choice of hot dish.The Medallions of lamb sounded good and they were.
[img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c315/jaguarpig/ZUR%20ORD%2007-2009/desk069.jpg[/img]
Again perfectly cooked and pink, the saffron risotto was wonderful.The CC insisted we finished the bottle of Fizz and that turned into another bottle as well.
What a truly outstanding flight I have never felt more like a VIP (well not until the return flight but more of that in the next TR)Nothing was too much trouble the best food and service I've had in the air ever by a very wide margin.

LX First looks and sounds good! [y]

Wow!!!![y]

Nice looking fillet for an airline meal. Like you, I prefer my steak to be almost bloody.

Thanks for the great TR.

[honey lamb]

WOW! The food looks amazing. Shows that it can be done.

LX First seems to be an excellent product even with old-style seats

Thanks for sharing

super read and great pics. cheers

Amazing product ! glad you enjoyed !

VS could learn a lot from this

[y][y][y][y][y]

What a seriously impressive flight, looking forward to the return TR.

Check that food it looks absolutely perfect[:0][:0] Thanks so much for great photos..boy would i like to try first, how does that 1 to 10 rate against BA[:?]

cheers

alex

quote:Originally posted by Alex V
how does that 1 to 10 rate against BA[:?]

cheers

alex


The only thing BA have over LX are better lounges with better booze,BA set the table in F, LX give you the cutlery bundled in the napkin,BA carry a better spirit collection onboard and that's about it.

[RichardMannion]

Now that is what you call food. Makes an absolute mockery of the rubbish they serve in UC.

[HighFlyer]

Service from a trolley ... now THAT is great!

Awesome report, and fueling ideas for how we can spend our Bmi miles [:)]

Thanks,
Sarah

[buns]

JP

You are tempting my flight buds again

Excellent report and visuals to boot

Thanks

buns

[Scrooge]

I flew Swiss Air (the real Swiss) many years ago, in Y and they were good, I had heard that things had gone down hill a bit, but after the LH buyout the ship had turned quickly and Swiss was back to being one of the best airlines flying.

Your TR proves this point quite well I think, that steak is perfect, I know it is F and not J, still a serious wow.

Interestingly when checking out LAX - LHR with connections, many times Swiss comes in A LOT better priced than BA for F and BA/VS for J, with that kind of service both in the air and on the ground, it is certainly worth looking at, though the expensive Zurich means a quick connection lol

quote:Originally posted by Scrooge

Interestingly when checking out LAX - LHR with connections, many times Swiss comes in A LOT better priced than BA for F and BA/VS for J, with that kind of service both in the air and on the ground, it is certainly worth looking at, though the expensive Zurich means a quick connection lol


Was tinkering with Swiss for an autumn trip I have to do, since in fact ZRH is convenient as a hub for all the places I will need to visit. Not bad prices at all, even adding a quick skip from SF down the coast - or just popping to ORD with hope for the new plane.

ZRH is a great place for connections (gather it used to suck a bit, but not now), and the lounges are actually good, allowing for the much lower volumes of traffic they compare fairly nicely to Galleries. Love the long bar, though it's a bit unpleasant if you mind the smoke.

All in all, they do seem to be a good long range premium product now. JP's TRs certainly have made me keep my eye out for their offers, that is for sure.

Wow! That looks amazing.

I should not have read this before my UC flight, I know it won't compare!!!!

I knew you would enjoy it JP and I'm glad to see you did it the justice it deserved. The tone of your TR mirrored my recent F experience with them too. Excellent stuff.

John

quote:Originally posted by Sealink
Wow! That looks amazing.

I should not have read this before my UC flight, I know it won't compare!!!!

Just sit back and enjoy it[:D]
It won't compare they are totally different products,as the much missed Blackcat pointed out to me in the early days of V-Flyer J can never compare with a competent F class.I didn't agree with him at the time having just taken my first superb VS UC suite flight. After 40 odd F legs since he was correct the crew to PAX ratio is the key.Having said that a couple of favorite flights over the last few years have been in UC and NGCW all down to crew (and loads of Fizz).

quote:Originally posted by JAT74L

I knew you would enjoy it JP and I'm glad to see you did it the justice it deserved. The tone of your TR mirrored my recent F experience with them too. Excellent stuff.
John

I think you would have to be in a body bag not to enjoy[:D]Pity my BMI miles are now gone[:#]