Swiss First Class ZRH-SFO
- Badger
- Apr 26, 2018
- 8 min read
Updated: Oct 22, 2018
I was very excited to have the opportunity to try Swiss First Class on their new 77W, especially after trying Air France's 77W LaPremiere on our flight to Europe.
After leaving the wonderful Swiss First lounge in Terminal E, we had a long walk down to gate 57. The ground service could be improved to have an escort or driver to the gate directly.
My biggest issue is the well known pandemonium at the gate. I'm honestly surprised because in general, Swiss is incredibly precise, but this is the biggest area that needs improvement. Luckily, they did end up calling First and HON before everyone else, definite plus points there instead of F, J, families, etc all at once.
This lady did barge her way through and was not in First, maybe a HON, but something tells me not...
First glimpse of the beautiful Swiss 77W, all boarding was through L2.
The enormous GE90, pictures don't do it justice how large it is.
We were greeted at the door and once they saw we were F, escorted us to our seats through the small forward Business cabin.
The mini-business class cabin in front of L2 had two rows and the seats looked, would be no problem flying them and definitely hope to at some point. The only downside is if you're flying alone and are not in a throne seat meaning you wouldn't have direct aisle access or someone would have to step over you to get out.
Then into the gorgeous Swiss First cabin. Unlike AF La Premiere, Swiss First has two rows of 1-2-1 and more private suites that have permanent dividers up instead of curtains.
Because our tickets were booked last minute, we had 1A and 1D. While not next to each other directly in the middle, I was excited to be in 1A! Each suite has dividers that slide out and can completely close the suite off from the cabin which you'll see later on in the flight. One aspect that could be improved is the height of the dividers being taller, since it's not difficult as you walk by to peak in.
The seat was comfortable (to me more comfortable than La Premiere's seat) and spacious.
The nice 32" TV was very clear.
Inside the console is a remote controller for the TV, seat controls and power/audio.
A look across the cabin, MsFlamingo was in 1D and there's a divider that can be raised in the middle so you don't have to see/interact with a stranger.
Very sleek and spacious cabin design.
Up front a great dot-matrix of the Matterhorn.
While the cabin started to fill up, we were greeted by the friendly crew who brought by the first of several glasses of one of my favorites, Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle.
Along with some warm mixed nuts and herbs. The amenity kit was very Swiss and high quality, they had the usual suspects and creams were top notch La Prairie creams and even a small box of Ricola.
A view of the suite with the shade down.
The slippers were the best I've had on an airline, they were not only large enough for my feet, but sturdy and padded really nicely.
A few moments later, warm towels were brought around.
We completed boarding on time and pushed back for a quick taxi.
Awesome having three windows!
Other heavies during the ZRH early afternoon departure rush.
Lining up for takeoff.
Swiss A321 destined for Athens as it turned out.
And a 77W headed to what I'd guess was LA.
Off we went, Zuerichspotter and a friend captured our takeoff from the observation deck.
Here's the shot Zuerichspotter's friend Urs Sigrist got of us taking off. Thank you for the great shot!
Beautiful views on takeoff and bank to the left.
As we completed our bank before climbing out of the Zurich area, it provided great views of the airport.
Great views of Zurich and Lake Zurich.
Then great views of the Alps as we climbed out.
As we climbed out, the crew jumped into action and distributed the menus.
A look through the beverage menu first.
My type of wine list with several great selections, good thing we have 12-hours :)
The tea, spirits and port list.
Then onto the food menu.
It was the 15-years celebration of the taste of Switzerland program Swiss runs.
Tasty looking menu with good options.
The cheese list
Then showtime starting with the large and beautiful wooden table.
Another glass of LPGS and some sparkling water for good measure.
The amuse bouche was tasty consisting of a mousse base with salmon on top. There were cheese crisps that went great and added some texture. A nice start so far.
It was getting a bit bright, but the shades were perfect still allowing plenty of light in, without the glare.
Then the full table setting to kick off the starters, very elegant.
The fresh baked and warm bread loaf (or shall I say, loaves) were great because it combined three individual rolls into a single larger one that could be separated. The butter and olive oil were excellent quality.
MsFlamingo originally wasn't hungry and planned to eat later, but she decided to join me on the bench seat for an appetizer before going to bed.
They brought her two loaves of gluten free bread which was greatly appreciated.
I went with a glass of the Chablis for the starters, very nice with a good mineral backbone, yet stone fruit, apple and good acidity tying it together.
Then the amazing starters cart was wheeled up, choices, choices. Or as my motto goes, why choose?
Plating the dishes.
My sampling of everything. The Balik salmon is a Swiss specialty, it was incredibly fresh and tasty. The crab with ponzu sauce was very good, I was impressed. Then a sampler of Swiss meats, I personally liked the sausages the most, especially the reindeer one (2nd to left).
MsFlamingo went straight to cheese.
After round 1 of starters, MsFlamingo moved back to her suite to lounge and take a nap.
Closing up.
And all closed off from the world.
Back to my feast, time for the salad which was incredibly fresh.
Then the Thai soup which was really nice and flavorful.
Some great views over the UK.
I was excited for the 2005 Pichon Comtesse, a very nice wine, good job Swiss on the selection! The Comtesse was silky and powerful, dark berries, some cedar and mushroom on the palate, tannins starting to integrate well and a long finish.
Taking a breather before the main course and letting the Bordeaux continue to open up.
Some glamour shots of two of my favorite wines with great views.
For the main, I went with the veal since it's a Swiss specialty. I figured the beef filet option could only be so good since I'm not a filet fan, but this veal would be a new experience. The veal was cooked nicely and managed to have some flavor, especially when combined with the potatoes. Great pairing with the wine!
After that, I took a breather before the cheese and dessert, just enjoying the scenery.
Then some Graham's 20, a household staple for a reason and perfect for the cheeses up next.
Surveying the progress.
Then the cheese cart appeared with a great selection.
They insisted I try a little bit of everything.
Playing with portrait mode and the port.
Next up for the dessert course, a wonderful 1999 Sauternes.
The crew noticed I was enjoying myself and brought the bottles to match with the glasses on the progress. What a fantastic selection of wines, they absolutely nailed it!
One of the crew working business stopped by suggesting I try the port from business. It was very tasty and a good comparison to the Graham's 20. This tawny was much more blackberry fruit notes vs caramel of the Graham's. Both excellent in their own ways.
Back to not being able to decide on which dessert, the crew said just try both, no complaints from the guy who absolutely loves dessert!
By this point I was well beyond full and needed some relaxation time before going to bed. It was perfect because we were just starting to fly over Iceland which provided great views.
Check out the glacial flow!
After some watching, there was overcast on the ground and it was time to change into the pajamas (sorry forgot to take a pic) which were very comfortable.
There are two lavs up front with one being larger. For a 77W, the larger lav was quite spacious. A well equipped bathroom and high quality products.
Back at my seat, I needed more time to enjoy the wines before requesting turn down service. The entertainment system had great documentaries, this one was about Swiss and tracking a flight with great cinematography.
Checking on our progress.
Back to the documentary and showing the view from inside the pod with the door closed, I really appreciated the privacy.
Such cool mood lighting around the water glass!
After enjoying the documentaries for a bit, I was definitely ready to take a long nap and asked to be woken in 4-hours if I didn't wake up before since I didn't want to be too rested when we arrived at SFO.
Turn-down service was quick while I went to the bathroom and my comfy bed was made up with a thick mattress topper and good bedding. I also appreciated a fresh sparkling water and water bottle.
All tucked in, now just to figure out what to watch to help me fall asleep quickest.
A couple hours later, I woke up and put back on the TV a great visually stunning video of Switzerland.
Then back to watching Culinary Heights at Ikarus.
After waking up a bit, I did my usual routine and walked to the back of the plane, checking out the other cabins on the way.
Right behind the first cabin was the mini-business class cabin which looked cozy.
Then the larger business class cabin right behind L2.
Minus potentially being in a seat without direct aisle access, the Swiss Business cabin looked nice and I definitely want to try it out sometime.
Then to the economy cabins which looked terrible. Unfortunately all airlines are moving their 77W's to a 3-4-3 configuration instead of 3-3-3 which was doable. This looked completely indecent with people literally packed in and spilling over each other (which is the same on any airline with this config). I'm not one for much regulation, but I do think for long-haul at least, there needs to be a minimum amount of space requirement. It'll be great once there's a Premium Economy option for people to upgrade to.
Back to the pointy end and once I got back to my seat, I was greeted with an ice cream cone! I think they have me pegged by this point...
Then finished watching the episode of Culinary Heights and side note, loved they had a great 1908 Madeira in the middle of a tasting menu.
Check that out, would love to try that sometime.
I went to the galley up front to stand a bit and chatted with the friendly crew for a bit. I love learning how businesses operate and how they prepare either really nice meals like we had in first, all the way to huge quantities of meals for economy in such small preparation spaces. Was very cool.
Back to my seat and watched the documentary on Bruce McLaren, I learned a lot about him that I never realized before.
Over the rockies and a bit over 2-hours until touchdown at SFO with nice clear weather.
Then it was time for the "snack" before landing. I went with the quiche which was excellent. Great gruyere flavors.
Then the dessert which was a citrus mousse/cheesecake with a hazelnut brittle, perfect end to the fabulous food on this flight.
With only a bit more time, we began our descent into the Bay Area.
Napa Valley between the mountain ranges below.
And great views of San Francisco on a rare clear day.
Stunning, we are very spoiled!
A view of OAK where we started this trip.
Doing our turn over Silicon Valley to line up for a 28 approach.
Touchdown and a view of one of the final days the Virgin America brand would exist. So sad it's going away :(
We taxied right into our gate at the G-concourse, only really seeing a UA 77W departing.
We arrived at our gate and sadly our flight was over.
Swiss First was absolutely fantastic, plain and simple.
I'd read mixed reviews, but this flight was about as close as you can get to perfection for commercial air travel. The onboard hard and soft products are currently my favorite, ever so slightly edging out La Premiere.
I think if Swiss gets their ground program on the departure and arrival ends a bit more polished, there'll be no question they're the top of the game in all respects.
I'd highly recommend if you have the opportunity, fly Swiss First and you'll be in for a real treat!
Trip links:
- Budapest
- Onyx
- Zurich
- Lucerne
- Bern
- Dux
- Escriba
- Xerta
- Lasarte
- A.O.C.
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