This flight review is more about the journey than the flight itself. I was treated to incredible views of the Alps that made this one of the most beautiful flights I’ve ever taken.
After an early departure from the Hilton and coffee in the terminal, I proceeded to the gate, where I noticed something. Do you notice anything about my A320 aircraft?
It’s different than the the other Airbus parked next door:
That’s right, winglets. I’ve never seen those before on an A320.
Boarding commenced on time and the sunrise was beautiful as I settled into my seat.
SWISS 1726
Zurich (ZRH) – Rome (FCO)
Wednesday, April 04, 2018
Depart: 7:20AM
Arrive: 8:50AM
Duration: 1hr,30min
Aircraft: Airbus A320
Seat: 2F (Business Class)
Business class seating on SWISS, like most European carriers, is simply an economy seat with a blocked middle. At 34″ legroom was not tight, but not bountiful either:
Economy seat pitch is 31″.
While checked bags were loaded, I was offered a bottle of water (still or sparkling) and a moist towelette (packaged).
We pushed back early, but taxied for about 20 minutes before taking off.
In the air, the true show began. I’ve flown over the Alps many, many times, but there was something particularly beautiful about this morning’s journey:
Breakfast was also exceptional: the standard SWISS short-haul fare of cold cuts, bread, cheese, bircher muesli, and fruit. Orange Juice is not fresh squeezed (unlike Lufthansa), but the coffee was excellent. I was offered refills on bread several times.
IFE was screened…another first on a SWISS shorthaul flight. It was Tom & Jerry cartoons…
Chocolate prior to landing:
We landed to showers in Rome.
CONCLUSION
A short, on-time flight. What more could I ask for after my delay the previous evening? I made it to my meeting on time. While the meal and service were good, the joy of this flight was the views out the window. It even rivaled the most scenic flight I have ever flown.
> Pictures: The Most Scenic Flight I’ve Ever Flown
Dear Kyle,
You flew with a A320-200 with retrofitted Sharklets / Winglets . They increase fuel efficiency 3-6%.
It is known as A320 CEO ( Current Engine Option).
An excellent aircraft that is produced manufractured in 2 continents , if I recollect well.
Thank you always for the nice reviews and photos.
Thanks for the info.
HB-JLT has not been retrofitted, but delivered with those sharklets (as they are called by Airbus). As the newest A320 in the Swiss fleet it is actually the only one equipped with those. In addition there are two A321s with sharklets in the carrier´s fleet. CEO is a designation not only for sharklet-equipped A320 family aircraft, but for all of that aircraft family that do not feature the more developed and more efficient CFM International LEAP-1A or Pratt & Whitney PW1000G engines. Those newer versions are called NEO (new engine option), hence the CEO designation. Currently both versions are in production. The A320 is produced at four final assembly lines on three continents (Europe, North America, Asia).
Great photos of the Alps!
Thanks for this useful article. I hope this is what the London to Zurich plane will look like. I am a bit apprehensive whether the first row of seats in business class will have as much room as the rows behind. I don’t suppose you could give me an idea of how tall you are to judge the leg room? The pitch doesn’t mean much to me as it is the space the seat occupies.