Chasing the A380: Swiss First Class Chicago to Zurich

"though at the same time didn’t go above and beyond in any way."

What, they gave you an unsolicited cinnamon roll 😉

Coins,

Apple juice? Really? You're not kidding anybody. We all know that was scotch!
I have 2 pair of pajamas, a lifetime supply to be sure. How many pair do you have, and what the heck do you do with them?

Great report, lucky.

But what was the highlight which you mentioned in your previous post ("But the real highlight would be awaiting us aboard the flight to Zurich")? 🙂

@ Jake -- Hah, sorry if that was false advertising. There was no specific highlight, just a great flight on Swiss as usual.

I'm not sure how anyone could go "above and beyond" the service you got on that flight. Sounds like fun!

@ Scottrick -- Hah, it was a great flight, though the flight attendant didn't smile once and we weren't once addressed by name. She did everything she had to, but did nothing that typically makes service memorable.

Nice to see you've been working on your writing -- not a single "went with"!

Also nice to see photos taken without flash. Do you use an DSLR or a good P&S, and if the latter, which one?

@ Susan -- I did my best. I use a Canon S95 (point and shoot). I never use flash when taking pictures at airports or on airplanes.

Wow the food look really yummy!

I am a frequent LX C passenger (occasional F), and I've never been on a flight where the staff didn't seem quite pleased to have me on board. "Quite pleased" because they are Swiss after all; reserve is a part of the culture. I'm surprised to read here that a member of staff grumbled about a request, or declined to address lucky by name.

I've encountered many of the same attendants on the SFO, LAX and JFK services, and on those occasions the service is definitely a notch better, but I feel that LX is leagues ahead of any other European carrier, including LH. Only against CX and SQ does it come up a bit short.

Lucky, How available is space on LX out of Chicago? Do they often release two seats?

@ Mitch -- They more or less only open up first and business class award space to Star Alliance partners within a week of departure at most. At that point it becomes fairly available.

@ Lucky

I have a feeling this might be you someday, except with a first class A380 cabin! hehe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugLUEzSOeG0&feature=related

important question here...how would you rate the pj quality? similar to that of hanes or brooks brothers ?

@ caligal -- Hah, I can only compare it to other airlines, and I'd say Swiss has among the highest quality PJs out there, along with Cathay Pacific, maybe.

Fantastic!!! Swiss has eluded me for so long and I am dying to try First!! Time to burn some miles!

I guess I've never gotten the point of pajamas on a TATL flight, even when offered, it's just too short. I tend to pass out in the clothes I boarded with, knowing that a shower and chance to change will be waiting in the Senator Lounge or Arrivals at the other end.
The food looks wonderful though.

Best food I have ever had in flight was on this route.

Great review. Can you give some ideas of the arrival lounge? Is it worth to enjoy the sleep and better to take breakfast at the welcome lounge (I will have a connecting flight to DE)

@ Chris -- You can use the Swiss first class lounge if you're connecting, which has a nice breakfast buffet. Assuming you need to be functional the day you land, I'd suggest sleeping in and having breakfast in the lounge.

I flew Swiss First from ZRH to Chicago (ORD) for the first time in 2012 and, delighted, decided to take the same flight in 2013: I have no complaint in any way: what a treat 🙂
I tried FRA - ORD on Lufthansa First... just a small level below, except for the friendliness of the staff, and the Caviar of course 😉
This year i'm flying twice to ORD and booked... Swiss.
That'll make 8 pairs of Swiss F Pyjamas 🙂 My sons love them!