Swiss A330-300 First Class BOM-ZRH
The Singapore terms and conditions stated:
But it had ticketed when I clicked book, and even after a change with the assistance of an agent. Now the risk was flying to Bangkok to get a boarding pass. Check. Then actually boarding the Swiss aircraft and sitting in first class. Check.
It was a once in a lifetime experience, well never say never, but what an experience it was!
In the jetway departing SQ424 I was met by a young Indian man holding the sign with my name on it. He quickly took my roller carry-on bag and escorted me to the transit counter. These transit counters in India can be the land of confusion, as I’ve witnessed the couple times transited in India. It seems like a lot of people trying to verify if you really are on the flight your boarding pass shows you being on. Whatever it is, I kept getting apologies for it taking so long.
Finally I was escorted through security. My escort then walked me to the GVK Lounge, which is used by Star Alliance in Mumbai. The friendly lounge attendant told me to turn right into the first class area, and my escort gave me the time he would collect me to walk me on to the departure gate.
It is a magnificent lounge, reminding you of a grand hotel lobby. Plenty of seating, resting couches, buffet area and a dining room.
I opted for the shower room to refresh.
Still not recovered from whatever it was that made me miss the joys of SQ F indulgences, I passed on the dining room and took pictures of the buffet.
My indulgence was here, front center.
I passed the short two hour layover watching planes transiting the tarmac in the rain.
Before long my escort arrived at the lounge to walk me to the gate. It was a fair distance to the gate and he was sprinting, constantly turning back to see if I was still in sight. I may exaggerate a bit, but he was on the move. All in all a very nice young man whose name I don’t recall, but was a perfect guide from SQ424 to LX155.
I entered through the second door of the Airbus A330 as was welcomed by a young lady named Manuela who escorted me to seat 2A. I’ll begin with the two flight attendants, Manuela and Modeśe, both from Zurich were two of the best flight attendants I’ve ever had. Their work ethic was incredible. Their personalities were warm and inviting. And the service they provided all through the flight was outstanding.
My first impression of the first class cabin was, handsome. Nothing over the top in terms of colors, just some wood and navy blue checkered seats coverings as well as same color leather upholstery. .
A coat hanger (it was 90 degrees outside) and slippers awaited.
Even the back bulkhead was understated. The front bulkhead wall was blank. I’m not complaining, the cabin was elegant.
Swiss first class cabins are 8 seats, 1x2x1. The two middle seats have a privacy divider.
A peek back in business class offers Vantage 1x2x2 or 2x2x1 seating.
This seat costs you some extra dough, about $150 at last check. TV screen is outdated.
The lavatories on this 10 year old A330 where showing a bit of age and weren’t particularly well stocked with amenities.
There are seat controls on either side of the seat as well as the IFE controller and oversized meal table.
A touch pad provides clear instructions on how to manipulate your seat as well as lighting.
The IFE screens in first class have been updated. They weren’t a big as on the 777 I would fly next, but were plenty big to enjoy a movie. Mine was set to the airshow, predictable.
Amenity kits were provided in a Swiss First pouch. (shown in detail next Swiss report.)
And a pair navy blue pajamas that were ok, not as good as the Van Laack pj’s offered by brother Lufthansa (or should I say Father!)
A canapé was offered on the ground before departure. I can’t tell you what it was as I wasn’t interested.
There were 3 people in first class up until departure time. At that point 5 additional people were seated in first, filing the cabin. None of them ate anything during the flight. After departure all 7 in first class requested their beds be made wanting nothing to eat or drink. The point I want to make is how quickly the flight attendants made 7 beds after takeoff. It was incredible how fast they accomplished this.
It game me a chance to view the menu for today’s flight that departed at 1AM.
Time to get back on the horse.
Instead of roasted nuts, these lightly seasoned cashews were served with cheese breadsticks. Modeśe couldn’t stop talking about these and the fact they were made by the same company that provided their chocolates. True be told, they were pretty good!
The food menu for this early AM flight.
I guess there wouldn’t have been a chance to have something not available since everyone didn’t eat and was asleep. I choose to go light and careful beginning with the Balik Salmon. Technically it was my first of the day, 2nd in 8 hours.
The word outstanding comes to mind!
After a couple of glasses of Grand Siècle it was time for the Grand Cru Classé.
The salmon was followed up by a plate of cheese selected and nicely presented by my favorite flight attendants.
Manuela and I chatted for some time. This was her second to last flight. She was retiring at a young age due to health issues brought on my long haul flying. I certainly wish her the best.
Not wanting to give it up for sleep.
I was able to sleep for a couple hours and awoke in time for breakfast.
Finally, real Bircher muesli.
And more breadsticks brought out by Modeśe.
Finally I was given a Swiss notebook and a box of chocolates. I thought I was special getting the chocolates, then I read SoCalNow’s report, so did he!
Switzerland, beautiful country it is.
Cathay’s new A350-1K at the gate in Zurich.
One final look at this first class seat with proper lighting.
Carrier: Swiss
Date: July, 2019
Route: Bombay - Zurich
Flight #: 155
Aircraft: Airbus A330-300 (HB-JHE)
Configuration: F8 / C45 / Y183
Seat(s): 2A
On Time: Yes
Reward Flying Rating: 8 out of 10 ✈
Cabin: ✔︎ Nice low key approach to this cabin. I thought the dark blue upholstery and leather worked well. The mood lightening during dinner was nice as well. The seats were very comfortable, sitting and sleep. Although the pod is not as updated as the 777, I’d take this offering anytime.
Cabin/Seats Rating: 8 out of 10 ✈
Food/Amenities: ✔︎ It’s difficult to access food offerings at 1AM. Only an appetizer and cheese while excellent, doesn’t tell the whole story. But add in Laurent-Perrier Grant Siècle champagne, Château Haut-Bailly Grand Cru Classé, a nice amenity kit, comfy pjs’ and a box of chocolates, made this an awesome experience.
Amenity/Food rating: 8.5 out of 10 ✈
Flight Attendants: ✔︎ As mentioned Manuela and Modeśe were two of the best and made the flight special.
Flight Attendant rating: 9.5 out of 10 ✈
Aircraft: ✔︎Airbus A330-300. This Airbus was closing in on being 10 years old. It was showing some age, especially in the lavs. Overall it was in good shape however, it just isn’t my favorite long haul aircraft.
Aircraft rating: 5 out of 10 ✈
Swiss ranking against other Reward Flying first class flights.
