Swiss A320 business class

Originally published on businesstraveller.com 06/02/2012   RSS

CHECK-IN I arrived at Zurich airport’s check-in area 1 at 1630 for my 1815 flight LX338 to London. The Swiss check-in zone has a large bank of self-service kiosks and there were several bag drop desks open. I used one of the kiosks to check in, selecting seat 1A – while the area was bustling at this time, I didn’t have to queue. I proceeded to the airport’s new centralised security area, taking the priority lane for first and business class passengers. There was a short queue and I was airside by 1640.

THE LOUNGE I walked through duty-free and went upstairs to Swiss’s business lounge. The 1,100 sqm space has a wide range of seating – it was busy at this time, though I had no problem finding somewhere to sit – as well as departure screens, flatscreen TVs, a bank of PCs, a Playstation and showers. A buffet area had hot and cold snacks such as pasta (not the best), soup, mini sandwiches, fruit and chocolate cake, and soft and alcoholic drinks. There is also a large smokers’ bar, and a separate Senator lounge next door.

BOARDING I left the lounge at 1735 and took the ten-minute walk to my gate, G38, located in the airport’s new Dock B (for more on this click here). I went through passport control for the D gates en route. Boarding started as soon as I arrived, though my boarding pass had said it would begin at 1755. There was no announcement that boarding had begun – staff simply started letting people through – or priority given to business passengers. The new gates at Dock B have self-service turnstiles where you scan your own boarding pass, and staff then check your passport. I was in my seat at 1750.

THE SEAT The A320 is configured 3-3 (A-B-C, D-E-F), with the middle seat kept free in business (for a seat plan, click here). There were eight rows of business on this flight, separated from economy by a movable curtain. Seats are upholstered in grey leather and recline four inches via a button in the armrest. Pitch is 30-32 inches. Seats in the front row have tables that fold out of the armrest, and magazine racks on the bulkhead in front.

WHICH SEAT TO CHOOSE? There is more room in front of you in row one, though note that seats A-C in this row have no storage bin directly above. I also thought seats C and D were quite close to the galley, so I was pleased I had selected the window.

THE FLIGHT We pushed back ten minutes late at 1825, the captain having told us that there would be a short delay owing to traffic at the airport, and took off ten minutes later. Very quickly afterwards a meal was served – cold cuts with fig, a roll, a small plate of cheeses and a small dessert – though as I had already eaten I passed on it. Swiss’s signature chocolates were also offered around, and the very friendly crew checked back later to see if I wanted a drink.

ARRIVAL We landed at Heathrow Terminal 1 five minutes late at 1910 and were off the plane quickly afterwards. It was a considerable walk through to immigration, which didn’t take long to clear. I had no hold luggage to collect.

VERDICT A good lounge at Zurich, excellent staff and a comfortable flight made this an ideal short-haul option.

PRICE Internet rates for a flexible business class flight from London to Zurich in March (not including a Saturday-night stay) started from £443.

CONTACT swiss.com

Michelle Mannion