Oh So Efficient, Oh So Boring.
Written: Jun 04 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Punctuality, Zurich Hub.
Cons: Boring entertainment, Lazy and Robotic service, Economy seating rough.
The Bottom Line: An excellent choice if all you are seeking is an efficient "on time" flight. Vastly overated.
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| alek_toronto's Full Review: Swissair |
Swissair has always been regarding as one of the world's best airlines so naturally with that hype comes expectation. Now for the reality:
The World Famous Swiss Punctuality,
This is where they went above and beyond, the departure was scheduled at 2125 and at exactly 2125 we pushed back. There were no announcements or anything, we just left. The arrival was slated at 0715 and we landed a few minutes early..Impressive.
Schedules and Aircraft
For an airline based in a very tiny country, Swissair offers loads of flights from the US and Canada to Switzerland, not to mention a good schedule around the world. Internationally they utilize the MD11's and Airbus 330's. In my opinion the A330's are slightly newer and more comfortable, the 11's are older and the seats worn out and stiffer.
Zurich Airport
Part of the reason for the Swiss timeliness could be their hub, it is uncrowded (in European terms) and easy to use. I prefer it to Heathrow, Frankfurt of DeGaulle. It is a fair bit smaller as well, and navigation is a cinch.
Inflight Amenities and Crew.
No personal entertainment, so the flights are longer and even more boring than need be. Magazine and Newspaper selection is substandard. The meals are regular airline meals, make your own conclusions. I wasn't at all impressed considering this was one of the world's "finest" airlines. I guess the people that fill out those surveys only travel first class.
The inflight crew was older, about 40's, and in this day and age the ability to speak 3 languages is not a special skill, but something required to do business. The inflight care did nothing for me. The staff seemed liked robots, mechanical, cold and distant. And I didn't find the Swiss on the ground to be like that. Quite friendly and hospitable folk they are when you get to know them.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
alek_toronto
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Location: Toronto, Canada
Reviews written: 41
Trusted by: 4 members
About Me:
Crazy Canadian Travel and Culture Fiend.
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