There is a reason Boeing is so afraid of the Airbus/Bombardier C Series: it’s a great aircraft. I was able to fly a SWISS-operated CS100 from Frankfurt to Zurich in August. Here’s a review of the flight.
Since I was connecting from Los Angeles in Lufthansa First Class, a Mercedes S-Class took us from the First Class Terminal directly to the plane, parked next to a United 777.
Pulling up to the gate just before departure, we were among the last to board.
SWISS 1073
Frankfurt (FRA) – Zurich (ZRH)
Thursday, June 29
Depart: 1:55PM
Arrive: 2:50PM
Duration: 0hr,55min
Aircraft: Bombardier CS100
Seat: 10C (Economy Class)
I noticed a few things immediately stepping onboard the SWISS C 100 Series. First, the ZIM seats were a product I’ve never seen. Unfortunately, they are like Recaro’s slimline seats now used throughout he industry on short haul flights. Fortunately, however, the seats seemed a bit roomier thanks to a small knee indentation behind each seat that could either be used for extra legroom or to store water bottles or eyeglasses. The top of the seats contains a literature pocket and a single-fold tray table. Seating is 2-3 rather than 3-3 or 2-2. It reminded me of flying the MD-80 or 717.
I appreciated the coat hook on each seat, something I wish North American airlines would invest a few extra dollars in since I almost always travel with a coat.
Looking up, you’ll notice small built-in moving maps in the passenger service unit area. While these do not screen safety videos or movies (perhaps they could?), it was nice to keep a watch on flight progress.
Electronic device and seatbelt lights are illuminated when required.
You’ll also noticed full-sized overhead bins that can easily accommodate larger carry-on bags, even placed wheels-first inside rather than horiztonally.
Spacious CS100 Lavatory
The lavatory was a pleasant surprise…fairly roomy and nicely designed. The SWISS version included Corian countertops and faux-wood floors. The toilet flush and faucet are operated by push-button. The lavatory is provisioned with a diaper changing table similar to what you find on a Boeing 787.
With a flight time of only 40 minutes, FAs had to rush through the cabin offering a beverage and chocolate. I had just polished off a huge lunch in the First Class Terminal and did not even eat the chocolate.
CONCLUSION
This is a solid aircraft. I prefer it to others on shorthaul flights because of the overhead bin space, huge widows and larger lavatories. Now that Airbus is a majority owner, I believe the C Series program will see tremendous success in the years to come.
I too have tried this aircraft and think its the best in its class.
The aircraft looks incredibly beautiful. A few months ago I had a LX MUC-ZRH flight booked on a CS100. I bought the ticket just so that I could ride on the CS100. And … at the last minute LX swapped the plane out for an OS E195 (or E175). I was livid !!
Can only join in praising this aircraft. What a pleasant surprise. An airplane ride that people can enjoy and look forward to. I have been routing all my trips from Japan through ZRH just to be on this plane. Love it.
I dd not like the plane. Feels bunny in air. Not flying smooth. Inside feels tacky and cheap. The TV screens small and cheap models. I feel unsafe in this plane. Please buy Airbus or Boing.
I fully agree with you
… and its so noisy
I had headache after only 55 mn
It seems just a “flashy plane”
I just flew Zurich to Madrid on one of these planes. It was super smooth. We took off through clouds and rain in Zurich and it was so smooth. I was kind of stunned. I fly a lot nut I dislike turbulence. I know logically it is not a problem at all, but my gut summersaults when we hit turbulence. And I was expecting some reaction to all the clouds etc, but this was just so smooth with such a nice interior. It was a very nice aircraft. It was so much more comfortable than for instance the commuter hop we did from Madrid to Granada just after that. I would pay extra to fly in such comfort again!
I agree totally with Calle who commented about the TINY screens – totally inadequate for showing the safety briefing video.
How small can an in-flight information/entertainment screen be on a plane?
I flew Zurich – Heathrow on the Bombardier plane which was equipped with very small screens (I have taken photos and video). The screen is about the size of an iPhone screen (or perhaps less).
Unlike a mobile phone the screen is at a viewing distance which is 2 to 3 times further away than the “normal” distance for viewing such a small screen.
This may not be a problem for those who do not care to watch it.
However, from my experience, I consider that this size of screen is TOTALLY INADEQUATE for delivering the SAFETY BRIEFING which is given prior to take-off.
– the screen is too small to give a clearly visible picture of what is being demonstrated
– the sub-titling is illegible as it is far too small (giving problems for those who are deaf or hard of hearing).
– Looking around at my fellow passengers in the rows around me, I could see that almost no-one was looking at the screen. This suggests it is also simply too small to grab one’s attention.
(I wear glasses (with vari-focal lenses) but I could not follow the safety briefing as a result of the screen being too small).
This is very serious safety issue which I am very surprised escaped the notice of SWISS during the process of procuring this aircraft.
Now it may be too late to order larger screens for all your Bombardier aircraft but I think you should consider having the flight crew give the safety demonstration “physically” at the same time as the video, in order to be sure that the Safety on Board instructions are fully perceived and understood by ALL passengers, also those with poor eyesight or hearing.
Dear SWISS – I would also recommend that you inform Bombardier about this issue.
As the Managing Director of the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT) non-profit association, http://www.accessibletourism.org which supports the tourism and travel industry in ensuring the highest quality standards for safety, comfort and accessibility for visitors & passengers, I would urge you to take into consideration the needs of ALL your passengers when procuring your aircraft and information/ entertainment systems, following the principles of Universal Design. Older passengers and those with impaired vision and hearing are part of the normal range of passengers and their requirements set the design requirements.
Of course, Bombardier (or Airbus, etc) should also apply Universal Design principles in their design work. Failure to do so can lead not only to discomfort but also to increased objective risks in an emergency situation.
I look forward to hearing what measures you will be taking to rectify this safety hazard, caused by the unfortunate choice of a very small screen size for your passenger info system.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Kind regards
Ivor Ambrose
ENAT asbl. Brussels.
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