SWISS Business (LX18)

On April 7th, 2010 I left Geneva to spend a few days in North America. The first step of this trip was New York but instead of flying directly I decided to spent a few hours in Zurich before flying to Newark with flight LX18, on board of a Privatair Boing 737-800 BBJ2.

Swiss 2805

This flight, operated with Swiss A320 HB-IJM, taking off at 7:40am I went to the airport at 6. After a quick check-in and a visit to the Swiss business lounge I was already on board on this flight to Zurich.

Geneva airport at sunrise.
http://www.safetycardsgeneva.com/pic...100407_GVA.jpg

Breakfast in business class
http://www.safetycardsgeneva.com/pic...407_HB-IJM.jpg

About 30 minutes later I arrived in Zurich for a few hours of spotting.


Swiss 18

As for every intercontinental destinations this flight to Newark Liberty Airport leave from terminal E. To reach these gates it is needed to take a subway from the main terminal.
http://www.safetycardsgeneva.com/pic...subway-ZRH.jpg

Terminal E: Subway hall
http://www.safetycardsgeneva.com/pic...407_E-dock.jpg

After the passport and security checks, I arrived at gate E17 where the Boeing 737 BBJ2 registered HB-IIR was waiting.
http://www.safetycardsgeneva.com/pic...100407_E17.jpg

After the quick boarding (only 23 passengers on 56 available seats because it is a 100% business class aircraft) and a few minutes of taxi we took off from runway 16. Then we passed over the airport.
http://www.safetycardsgeneva.com/pic...07_ZRH_PTI.jpg

And above the city
http://www.safetycardsgeneva.com/pic...7_HB-IIR_1.jpg

The Plateau and the Alps
http://www.safetycardsgeneva.com/pic...7_HB-IIR_2.jpg

This aircraft is not fitted with individual screens therefore the airline offers a video player as seen below with the aperitif.
http://www.safetycardsgeneva.com/pic...7_HB-IIR_3.jpg

About 45 minutes after take off the crew started to serve the first course. On 2 possible choices I selected the roast beef with mango and chili chutney, rocket, parmesan shavings and pesto vinaigrette.
http://www.safetycardsgeneva.com/pic...7_HB-IIR_4.jpg

Then we passed to the main course for which I selected the chicken breast filled with fresh goats' cheese, bread dumplings and caponata.
http://www.safetycardsgeneva.com/pic...7_HB-IIR_5.jpg

The dessert was then served: an amarena cherry and hazelnut mousse, strawberry compote and sweet basil pesto. With a Lindt chocolate and a cup of tea.
http://www.safetycardsgeneva.com/pic...7_HB-IIR_6.jpg

After this meal I relaxed myself, watched a film and slept a bit. During the film a Mövenpick ice cream was served.

About 1 hour and 30 minutes before landing a light meal was served. It was composed of potatoes, meat and a salad.
http://www.safetycardsgeneva.com/pic...7_HB-IIR_7.jpg

After that I walked a bit and took some pictures. The wing over Boston area.
http://www.safetycardsgeneva.com/pic...7_HB-IIR_8.jpg

The cabin seen from the back.
http://www.safetycardsgeneva.com/pic...7_HB-IIR_9.jpg

The wing from the window.
http://www.safetycardsgeneva.com/pic..._HB-IIR_10.jpg

My seat, 5A.
http://www.safetycardsgeneva.com/pic..._HB-IIR_11.jpg

Sunset light on the engine.
http://www.safetycardsgeneva.com/pic..._HB-IIR_12.jpg

A view of the cockpit after landing.
http://www.safetycardsgeneva.com/pic..._HB-IIR_13.jpg

This flight was outstanding, meals excellent and I hope to fly again in business class as soon as possible.

Great report. It gives us an opportunity to compare LX and BA on their respective trans-atlantic biz-only flights. Please see my report on BA LCY-SNN-JFK.

Seating and cabin -- BA's seats look bigger and more spacious than LX's. Not sure if LX's seats can go full flat. BA's do. I like the fact that LX still has the flip down monitor to show flight path. On BA A-318 we don't have such info avaliable.

Food -- this is my biggest complain. BA has bascially dropped the appertiser. One go directly from salad to entree. LX's offering looks very good. The Swiss chocolate is always a nice touch.

Entertainment system -- BA's looks to have a bigger screen; and doesn't take up table space with its own handle. LX's look like a larger cell phone :-).