CHECK-IN
I arrived at Zurich airport at 1825 via the airport train from Zurich station for the 2055 scheduled departure of flight LX340 to London Heathrow. I headed up the escalators from the train station to Check-in One area (of three) where I was able to print a boarding pass using one of Swiss’ electronic check-in machines. Hand carry must adhere to the 8kg limit and passengers travelling in business are allowed two 8kg pieces, as well as a laptop, handbag or shoulder bag. After checking in, I made my way to security where there was no queue and I was through to Departures by 1835.
There was plenty of time before my gate was due to be called, so I did a bit of shopping before screens showed to go to gate D33. Passengers at Zurich airport pass through Immigration only after they’ve been through the main shopping concourse, which I found unusual. I went through border control at 2020 and arrived at my gate shortly after.
BOARDING
The gate wasn’t crowded and I sat and read for a few minutes before boarding began at 2035. Being a Monday evening, the flight wasn't busy and I found my seat at the back of the plane, at the window in 34F.
THE SEAT
The A320-200 has two classes, with 162 seats in total – 126 in economy and 36 in business, arranged in a 3-3 configuration (A-B-C, D-E-F). Upholstered in brown leather, the seats were comfortable (17-inch width) though I was grateful that the middle seat was unoccupied so I could spread out, despite the standard 31 inches of legroom. There was no in-flight entertainment, but this was fine given the brevity of the flight.
WHICH SEAT TO CHOOSE?
Seats A-B-C-D-E-F in row 12 are emergency exit seats and therefore have more legroom, as do seats A-B-C-D-E-F in row 11, though the armrests can’t be lifted reducing the seat width. Seats A-B-C-D-E-F in row 38 have limited recline being at the back of the plane, and are next to the toilets.
THE FLIGHT
We pushed back at 2053 and took off at 2105 slightly behind schedule. Crew came through shortly after with drinks and a choice of a vegetarian or a deli meats and cheese sandwich, which was an improvement on the dry croissant that I was served on the early morning trip out. I chose to read for the rest of the journey, which passed quickly, and we began our descent at 2220.
ARRIVAL
Shortly before landing crew came round the cabin with a basket of Lindt chocolates resembling soccer balls, acknowledging the European championships currently taking place. We landed at 2140 local time (an hour behind Zurich) and had a short taxi to the gate at Terminal 2 before disembarking around 2150. The queue at Immigration was a little long, but those with electronic passports moved through more quickly, and I was through to baggage reclaim shortly after 2210.
VERDICT
An easy and hassle-free service between Zurich and London.
FACT FILE
- DEPARTURE TIME 2055
- JOURNEY TIME 1 hour 45 minutes
- AIRCRAFT TYPE A320-200
- CONFIGURATION 3-3
- SEAT PITCH 31 inches
- SEAT WIDTH 17 inches
- PRICE Internet rates for a midweek economy class flight from Zurich to London in July 2016 start from CHF84 (£60).
- CONTACT swissair.com
