airport zurich and swiss business lounge
I arrived at the airport in Zurich about 2 hours before departure, as I usually do for business class flights in Europe. Due to the amenities as a business guest, separate check-in counters and baggage drop-off as well as a separate security area, the time is easily sufficient.
Two lounges are available for Swiss C passengers at gates A and B. The new Alpine Lounge is only open to C-ticket holders with a fixed booking; this time I had opted for a subsequent upgrade, which is why I was denied access to this lounge. I must confess that I don't quite understand this logic. All the more so because Swiss Lounge A is permanently overloaded. I've had to queue outside a few times - and once I've got straight in, it's difficult to get a seat. No matter what time you fly. It's a real nuisance. Swiss needs to do a lot better here.
Without this annoying circumstance, the Swiss lounges are equipped with hot and cold delicacies and numerous drinks. The ambience and seat quality are also very pleasant.
boarding and aircraft
On the relatively short route to Nice, Swiss usually uses its Airbus A220s in the -100 and -300 versions. This time I flew with the A220-100 (HB-JBH; delivered on 10.05.2017). In 3-2 seating, I chose the left side A / C and thus had a free adjacent seat. Seat quality in the A220 very comfortable and with enough legroom.
inflight catering and entertainment
I always find that Swiss C catering is of the best quality, even on such short flights. Both the preparation of the snacks and the quantity leave nothing to be desired. Likewise, the service, mostly by Maître de Cabine, is very nice and courteous. This time I was served the traditional Swiss cheese (which is always available) with a roll of my choice together with a burrata / tomato salad, which tasted great. I rounded off this evening flight with a glass of champagne and then a glass of Swiss Pinot Noir during dinner. Drink selection is always great also on Swiss shorthoul flights!
Contrary to other opinions I often read in forums, I find the small information display above each seat row on the A220 a joke. The display is definitely far too small - there would be a need to catch up here for the next cabin upgrades. And despite my age, I can still see quite well :)
Otherwise, the flight over the Alps down to the French Riviera was very pleasant and quiet.
nce approach
The approach to Nice over the sea at sunset was very beautiful to watch. Unfortunately we cam in a little bit too high (according to our captain) - so we had to go around. So, as passengers, we had two opportunities to enjoy the sunset approach. The crew handled the situation excellently and the second approach worked perfectly.
nce arrival airport
I usually love small airports with short distances - so does Nice. At this time, when it is not yet high season and air traffic is still somewhat limited because of Corona, de-boarding and baggage claim worked very well in Nice, as expected. Unfortunately, with a full airport in summer, there are often long waiting times at the baggage carousel. So it is advisable to fly with hand luggage whenever possible.
But as I said - on this flight everything worked perfectly and the luggage was on the belt 10 min. after landing.
Good to know about the lounge access for pax with paid upgrades vs originally-bought J tickets.
Haha...I've never actually seen it in real life so I get what you are saying since it's so small. It looks cool, but I can see that it adds little value to the flight experience, except for those who really like (tiny) moving maps.
Thanks for sharing!