SWITZERLAND: Flying Aboard Swiss 777-300ER’s First Intercontinental Flight

Finally, the day I have been waiting for since reception of Swiss’ six Boeing 777-300ER order has arrived. I couldn’t be more excited about being on this flight, not only because of this great aircraft itself and the superb novel cabin product that Swiss unveiled for its new flagship, but also because Swiss has been in my heart after being part of the family for three years, witnessing its rebirth after Swissair’s demise, and flying the very first Swiss service to Miami on March 31st, 2002.

In order to be sure that I could be in Zurich on time, preventing any potential delays due to winter weather, I arrived the day before to meet my friends Kelly Daoud and Nicolas Chetelat, who would also join me for this big event.

Early in the morning of February 21st I got ready to meet at the hotel lobby with my travel companion. A short walk from the hotel took us to the First Class Check-in Lounge located in Terminal A, Zurich International Airport.

When arrived, the excitement for this first flight was obvious. The Check-in service was quick, and the staff advised us that we were the only two First Class passengers out of eight that were not Swiss staff!

After a swift security screening we headed to the Swiss First Class Lounge in Terminal A, and we asked to be transferred to the new Lounge located in Terminal E, which had opened just two weeks ago. A shuttle limousine drove us there and we took the elevator to the lounge.

I was impressed by the amplitude and elegance of the welcome area, which provides a great view to the airport, behind an impressive glass structure. There are three counters to receive First Class passengers. The Senator and Business Class Lounges are also located on the same floor, but in opposite direction.

After showing our boarding passes, we were escorted into the Lounge. My friends, Nicolas and Martin Lebetsamer, arrived shortly after.