Originally published on businesstraveller.com 06/02/2012   RSS

CHECK-IN I arrived at Heathrow Terminal 1 at 1710 for my 1840 flight LX327 to Zurich. Having checked in online and selected my seat (1A), I went straight to security, taking the fast-track lane. It was all very smooth and I was airside in five minutes.

THE LOUNGE The Star Alliance lounge is at the far right-hand end of the departure lounge. It was reasonably busy at this time but there was plenty of seating. Facilities included flatscreen TVs, departure screens, a business centre and showers. Food options included beef bourguignon, soup, sandwiches and salad, and there were soft and alcoholic drinks.

BOARDING This was due to start at 1810 so at 1800 I took the five- to ten-minute walk to Gate 31. At 1815 boarding began – business class passengers could board at leisure, and economy boarding was staggered. A considerable queue built up on the airbridge, and I got to my seat at 1830. I was offered a paper, refreshing wipe and a bottle of water by a friendly member of cabin crew.

THE SEAT The A320 is configured 3-3 (A-B-C, D-E-F), with the middle seat kept free in business (for a seat plan, click here). There were three rows of business on this flight, separated from economy by a movable curtain. Seats are upholstered in grey leather and recline four inches via a button in the armrest. Pitch is 30-32 inches. Seats in the front row have tables that fold out of the armrest, and magazine racks on the bulkhead in front.

WHICH SEAT TO CHOOSE? There is more room in front of you in row one, though note that seats A-C in this row have no storage bin directly above. I also thought seats C and D were quite close to the galley, so I was pleased I had selected the window.

THE FLIGHT We pushed back on time at 1840 and took off ten minutes later. Very quickly afterwards a meal was served – a cold plate of sliced beef and potato salad, a roll, a small plate of cheeses and an orange-flavoured dessert. It was all perfectly fine – a decent offering for a flight of this duration, I thought – and I had a glass of champagne with it. Swiss’s signature chocolates were served afterwards, and the crew member asked me if I’d like anything else.

ARRIVAL We landed ahead of schedule at 2110 and were off the plane quickly afterwards. Having only hand luggage, I walked straight through to catch my train to my hotel.

VERDICT A comfortable, punctual service with a decent short-haul food offering and very friendly staff.

PRICE Internet rates for a flexible business class flight from London to Zurich in March (not including a Saturday-night stay) started from £443.

CONTACT swiss.com

Michelle Mannion