Review: SWISS Business Class RJ1H Kraków to Zurich

Two Days in Zurich – Introduction

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SWISS 1371
Kraków (KRK) – Zurich (ZRH)
Avro RJ100
11 July 2016

I was really excited for my first flight with SWISS. After all of the wonderful videos they’ve created, their new lounges in Zurich, and introduction of the B777, I couldn’t wait to try them. After all, SWISS is considered the “premium” and exclusive airline in Europe. I’m flying with SWISS on a longer flight soon, so I will be able to experience the Swiss hospitality for a longer amount of time than on just a short hop around Europe.

Scheduled departure time was 14:45 and boarding began around 14:20. SWISS just recently introduced the Kraków – Zurich flight and since I’ve been wanting to visit Zurich for a long time, it seemed like the perfect option.

SWISS operates a mix of aircraft to Kraków – some days an Avro, and others, an A319 or A320. There are also days when Helvetic Airways operates flights for them.. so they still haven’t figured out which aircraft they should primarily fly to Kraków.

Today’s flight was operated using an Avro, which SWISS is slowly phasing out with the introduction of their new Bombardier C Series.

Once aboard, I was welcomed with a smile and a “grüezi” (hello). The Maître de Cabine (purser) showed me to my seat and welcomed me on the flight to Zurich. Swiss hospitality is the best!

SWISS’ Avro is in a configuration of 2-3, where the seats on the “2” side have much more space and room (and therefore are blocked off until check-in, for Economy Class, since they’re premium seats).

There were just three people in Business Class on this flight, and I was in seat 1A.

There was no one else except me in row 1 and a HON Circle Member was seated directly behind me (which I found odd.. since wouldn’t he want a bit more room in row 1?)

Anyway, boarding completed about five minutes before scheduled departure time, at which point the doors were secured and we headed towards the runway. The manual safety demo was quick, to the point, and presented with a smile.

Business Class passengers were presented with a bottle of water, a refreshing tissue, and newspapers before take off.

I could tell it was going to be a great flight. The flight attendants and Maître de Cabine were just wonderful and constantly looked after all of the passengers and made sure we were comfortable.

We departed Kraków right as scheduled and were shortly climbing. The seatbelt sign was turned off three minutes after take off and the Maître de Cabine asked each of the Business Class passengers if they’d like to enjoy the snack and what we would like to drink.

I seriously can’t remember the last time I was able to enjoy something so delicious and tasty on a short flight around Europe in Business Class.

Look, Lufthansa’s catering honestly isn’t the best in Business Class… I’m sorry, but the constant elderflower soup combined with chutney and delicious dressing becomes a bit boring after some time…

This snack, however, served by SWISS was absolutely delicious. The main component was chicken with a yellow sauce (no idea what it was), accompanied by some Swiss cheese (naturally), warm bread, and a delicious apple compote. I tried to enjoy the meal for as long as I could.. it was just that delicious.

For my drink, I enjoyed some champagne and tea.

The Maître de Cabine also presented some delicious SWISS chocolate to every passenger.

The flight to Zurich from Kraków is relatively short at just over an hour and therefore as I finished eating, we began our initial descend into Switzerland. The scenery became more and more gorgeous as we approached Zurich.

Switzerland is beyond gorgeous, I think it might just be my favourite country in Europe… combine the culture, people, history, and scenery and you’ve got a country with the highest standard of living and wonderful experiences.

We landed a few minutes ahead of schedule and parked at a remote position. The Maître de Cabine informed us that a special bus would be waiting for the Business Class passengers (I was impressed to find out SWISS does this at all of their destinations and not just in Zurich).

I thanked the flight attendants for the wonderful service and hospitality and told them they did an excellent job introducing me to the Swiss culture and atmosphere.

The ride to the terminal was quick, at just three minutes. I took the train to the city centre and was exploring Zurich about an hour after landing.

All in all, an amazing flight with SWISS. The professionalism and hospitality was beyond my expectations and the food was delicious! SWISS is truly a premium airline and while they don’t have the reach of Lufthansa, they have a special route network built around the Swiss people and know they’re a premium airline from an incredible country.

Needless to say, I was quite impressed by SWISS and very happy that I had finally flown with them. I can’t wait to experience SWISS on a longer flight in the coming weeks – I have a feeling it’s going to be great.