Swiss Air Lines passenger reviews

Swiss Air(What it promises versus what you get)I wanted to visit a good friend in Thailand this February (2020). Getting there by air means a nonstop flight of around 1213 hours from the UK, or, as often advertised, by one of the major Middle Eastern airlines, with an average 3 hour transit. Both have advantages and disadvantages...the nonstop carriers are far more expensive but somewhat less tiring, while the onestoppers pattern is about 6 hours to first stop and the disembarkation, followed by the transit time, the reboarding of aircraft number two and another 6 plus hours to Bangkok.In my mid eighties and disabled, doing either in an economy seat would not be possible, so my only alternative was to saveup my pennies, live more frugally for 9 months, search for an airline which could both lessen the overall flight times, with a minimal transit and offer a business class ticket at a competitive price.My searches and recommendations from travel agencies, was to consider Swiss Air, because it had flights from London to Zurich in 1hr 45 minutes, then less than 2 hour transit onto aircraft number two, then nonstop from Zurich to Bangkok. The price was competitive...not the cheapest...but just within my planned budget.So, booked the flights for all four legs in Business Class, selected aisle seats because of my walking problem, arranged for Special Assistance (wheelchair) throughout and paid in full.Fast forward now to departure day...11th February 2020.After a 3 hour car journey to Heathrow Terminal 2, checkin went smoothly. I asked if the flight was on time...the answer was As far as we know. On reflection, I did think that was rather an odd response.Anyway, wheelchair to the Lufthansa Lounge. Nice, spacious and relaxing with enough variety of food and drink to satisfy most appetites. Flight was due to take off at 13.45 hrs, so I had plenty of time to sit and read. Boarding was due to take place at 13.10hrs. When that time came and went I enquired at the desk. Oh, the plane hasn't even landed yet, the information board will keep you updated. It did...to a point!Many a disgruntled passenger was overheard as to what was going on. Eventually, boarding was announced at around 14.25hrs and the rush to the gate began (me being in a wheelchair). Boarding passes checked and passengers sent down the ramp to the aircraft's door. What then? OOPS!!! door barred because cleaning staff were still trying to make the plane ready for its new passengers. They failed. The plane's cleanliness was far from satisfactory.After boarding and door closed, the Captain made an announcement to the effect of 'we should not worry, because there was a 250kph tail wind, which would get us to Zurich in good time for our varying flight connections.' What a forecast that turned out to be. More about that soon.Surprise, surprise, there was NO Business Class cabin in this A320, only row upon row of triple economy seats without entertainment screens, virtually no seat adjustment...and...to make matters really bad for me...all aisle seats were taken, so I had to squeeze across to take a window seat. This socalled Business Class area was separated from the rear of the aircraft by a fabric curtain. Is this what I had paid for and been suckered into by false advertising as to the WONDERFULL Swiss Air Business Class offering?The cabin crew acted in what I would say 'in a robotic fashion'...certainly their body language demonstrated that fact. For us, it was a case of grin and bear it.On nearing Zurich it was certainly obvious to me (an ex Private Pilot), that our aircraft was merely circling in a holding pattern. So, folk, guess what? Round and round and round and round for over 30 minutes.A screen attached to the ceiling sprang into life warning passengers that the new estimated landing time would mean many connecting flights would be missed. THEY WERE. Of course by the very fact that I am writing this, proves that we did land.As to my onward flight to Bangkok...it was from another terminal. My wheelchair pusher was great (thank you man) and rushed me off the plane, along the corridors, onto the electric train and to the boarding gate. I was the LAST passenger to reach there and boarded only because that aircraft's departure time had been delayed by 10 minutes.Talk about stress! Had my luggage been off loaded and reloaded? Another worrying factor but one over which I had no control.To sum up Swiss Air's product from Heathrow to Zurich, was more like a script from a Fred Carno silent movie.Now to the flight from Zurich to Bangkok.The aircraft was a Boeing 777. It DID have a separate Business Class Cabin, with the accoutrements expected. A very good entertainment system, good quality and nicely served food and plenty of storage space around the seat. That itself, however, was a disappointment. Although a press button control system allow it to be positioned in many formats, the padding was well worn and uncomfortable to the point one's posterior was constantly aware of the metal structure beneath it.The overall cabin design, I would say was hard edged, boxy with lighting not conducive to total relaxation or attempted sleep. When compared to the likes of the product such airlines as Emirates, Etihad, Thai and Qatar offer, Swiss Air pales into insignificance. The cabin staff worked as efficiently as they could but were certainly hampered by the lack of numbers. An example of this was. that there was some 30 minutes wait between the serving of appetisers to the main course and a similar wait to the sipping of a coffee or a liqueur.The above is the account of my first two flights. True to say, I was relieved to reach my hotel in Bangkok. MY RETURN TURNED OUT TO BE VERY DIFFERENT STORY.Four days later, after arriving at my friend's retreat, I, suddenly and in his presence, suffered a severe pain in my upper left chest. Unfortunately my location was over a 100 miles from the nearest Bangkok hospital. He, and other persons present, strongly advised me to cut my planned 21 day visit short and get my flight changed to the next day. It was a no brainer. My own common sense and logic shouted that such a decision was right.My friend immediately phoned Swiss Air in Bangkok, who confirmed my credentials and booking references, also stating that space was available for the two flights back to the UK the next day. However, they stated, even such a simple administration alteration would have to be made through the travel agent with whom I had made the booking. Such was agreed.My friend then contacted that agency, Business Class International and explained the emergency and requested the change of return date to the next day.That agency's response almost caused the owner of the retreat to throwup in anger. It was...Yes we can do that but the client will have to pay us UP FRONT, the fee to do so. It will be... £1145.00.Yes folk, that was the figure demanded. There was NO words of sympathy, no understanding. It was a case of pay NOW or don't fly.Having no alternative, I paid. That means that Swiss Air have now charged me the full price EXTRA for a single leg when I had already paid for BOTH legs.Is this a perfect example of Corporate Greed at it's very worst?I won't say too much about the return flights, except that the final leg from Zurich to Heathrow saw me once again cramped into an economy seat when I had paid for Business Class. Finally, I want to say that this true account is meant to advise any UK passenger thinking of using Swiss Air to be very, very careful not to be misled by incorrect and glowing advertisements of its products.

As I was travelling with a carryon only, I proceeded straight to the lounge. Swiss uses ACs Maple Leaf Lounge in the international concourse. This is a well equipped, bright lounge with great food and beverage options including madetoorder cocktails. Boarding was slightly delayed but orderly. Onboard the hard product was good especially if you are seated in seats with no neighbours as these provide a huge amount of personal space. The seat is not particularly comfortable in the lieflat position and its too close to the floor when fully extended. After takeoff, we were offered drinks with a small appetiser which was followed by a full dinner service. Food was tasty and wines were of excellent quality with multiple refills. The cabin crew were very professional and attentive and the one taking care of my side of the aircraft was all smiles all of the time. IFE had decent content but the screens are relatively small compared to those you get in other businessclass offerings. Flight pulled back and touched down on time. It was a great flight all around.

Very bad on lost and found

I flew from Paris to Singapore via Zurich on 11 September LX645 leaving 2045. I had checked in online prior within 24 hours and chose window seats for both flights. I am very sure everyone knows seat selection plays a critical role in a long haul flight, for various reasons and for me, I do not like to be disturbed when I'm sleeping with people going to the bathroom in the middle of the flight. My friend and I reached Paris airport (CDG T1) way before and started queuing at 1800 even before the checkin counter for Swiss Air was opened. We were 2nd in line, and upon reaching the counter, to be told that the flight was overbooked when the service staff knew we were flying to Singapore. He offered a solution to fly us with Air France given we were bumped from the flight without much alternatives, and were told to come back in an hour's time when the checkin counter would be closing. I had chosen to fly with Swiss Air because I have heard reviews on great service and flight quality but if you are offering to fly me with another carrier, I would have just chosen to fly with Air France in the first place without going through so much headaches at the checkin counter. So we heeded the guy's suggestion to come back in another hour and we were on 'standby' list. But what I don't appreciate is the attitude the service staff who wasn't even apologetic that we were in this situation at all. He was the duty manager at the period of time but he was not providing the best solution to our benefit, but instead whichever solution that he thinks work best for him by telling us repeatedly he cannot do anything more for us with his very limited powers even though he is the guy who can make the decisions. He even told us to write a complaint to Swiss Air. I was appalled and even amused by his reasoning. A flight that is overbooked is not a passenger's fault, and I think we have the right to reclaim our seats, plus I had the screenshot to confirm I was checked in with seats allocated. I am a frequent traveler and had flown with many International airlines but I had never had such a bad experience before. I hope you can understand the unnecessary stress and unhappiness Swiss Air had given us in the hour of waiting, and the remaining 12 hours of flight time back to Singapore, and I would think much more improvement would need to be done as an airline that provides good service and high standards of quality.

Recently State Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum, New Delhi passed an order in a case against United Airlines and Swiss Airlines to the effect that Consumer Complaint against Airlines are maintainable before District Consumer Forum, New Delhi. In fact, last year I booked the Business Class tickets for my journey from Mumbai to Philadelphia via Zurich and back from Newark to Mumbai, but while returning to Mumbai, all of a sudden my name was deleted from list of passengers and I, despite being Gold Status holder Star Airlines, insulted and ill treated by Senior Staff of Swiss Airlines at Newark Airport and compelled to travel in Economy Class even though I am a known patient of Slip Disk. On returning to India I filed Consumer Complaint against Swiss Airlines and United Airlines, which is pending.

Officially the worst airline experience we have ever encountered, and we fly a lot! From London to Geneva, we were delayed 7 hours!!!! and stuck on the plane with 1 cup of water and a sandwich for the entire duration while we waited and were treated like cattle at best. The staff were rude and arrogant and no apologies were forthcoming. We had a small family (2 toddlers) and no empathy was shown for our situation, keeping them entertained and in their seats for 7 hours is not easy. We were then diverted to Zurich, where we were met with even less help and more staff rudeness. The manner in which the whole situation was handled was appalling. We ended up paying for our own hotel and transfers with not a care shown from Swissair staff. Our return trip was even worse, our flight from Geneva to London was cancelled late in the piece, they then lost our luggage and again showed no compassion or care. Their staff are highly arrogant and unhelpful, the worst we have ever encountered. I would never fly Swissair again and recommend you do the same. They are the most unhelpful and arrogant airline in the business and should be ashamed at their lack of customer care and service. Never again!

We arrived at the airport, but were not allowed to fly. Few Americans (including us) knew that you have to have a passport valid for 6 months to travel to Switzerland. Ours expired in 4 months, and we were not allowed to fly. Not once did Swiss Air tell us about this rule. It was not printed on any of the notifications, tickets, confirmation emails, nothing. They ruined our vacation, would not refund or credit us, and their customer service was stubborn, mean and terrible to deal with. Total nightmare.

Overall very nice flight. FAs were very polite and friendly, and the seat nice and roomy (and it does lie completely flat in the A340). Got the sense I was alone when in fact was surrounded by other pax. A340 a tad old, but very well maintained (as you'd expect from the Swiss). Food was quite good, and portions plentiful

I purchased a Swiss Ticket from US via Zurich to Cape Town. Most of the seats were not bookable via Swiss. The one that was they asked an additional 100 USD for a seat reservation. In a transcontinental flight this is unacceptable once the ticket has been purchased. They woo you to buy with a price that is not reflective of the real price. Buyer beware, this is not a less expensive ticket just an extortion racket.

I was initially excited about travelling between Zurich and Hong Kong with Swiss Air but the in flight entertainment did not work and this made the flight seem to last an eternity. Coupled with this were some very uncomfortable seats and nasty food particularly the omelette. The service was polite and cheerful. The experience of flying to Hong Kong spoiled my holiday as it left me exhausted and dreading the return trip. On my return home when I contacted Swiss Air to ask for a partial refund for the broken IFE, they replied that because I had arrived safely I was not due any reduction. They seemed to forget that heavily advertised as part of their service is also IFE (essential for longhaul) and good food reasons I had initially selected them!