Business Class
9 September 2012

Carrier:  SWISS

Flight Number: LX 181 departing BKK @ 23:25

Duration: 11:20

Class: Business Class

Configuration: Airbus A340-300, 2-2-1

Check-in experience:
With no queue at the Check-in counter, the check-in process was fast and friendly.  SWISS now emplys the piece system instead of the weight system for checked baggage, making it easier to take home acquisitions from Chatuchak market.

Lounge:
SWISS passengers at the front of the plane have access to Thai's Business and First Class lounges.

On-time performance:  The flight left Bangkok on time after another efficient SWISS boarding process.  SWISS seems to know something other airlines don't since it can start boarding and fill a plane in less than half an hour.

Seat/Cabin conditions:
With an unusual 2-2-1 configuration, and with some rows 1-2-1, the Business Class cabin didn't seem crowded, as it can on board other airlines even though Business Class was full—as it almost always is on this route.  SWISS Business Class seats, and the cabin itself, exhibit a very high level of attention dedicated to the details--a calming colour scheme, spacious sidetables, clever design (the tray tables do not fold down, but rather move horizontally from the sidetable).  The fully flat bed is likewise horizontal, not tilted, and provides a very comfortable place to change continents.  Of course, the cabin was immaculately clean.

Food And Beverage:
One of the pleasures of flying SWISS Business Class is the chance to enjoy Swiss wines—as excellent as they are unknown—as well as The special Taste Of Switzerland menu created by a Swiss chef each month for SWISS. 

Service:
As this was an overnight flight with a late departure and early arrival, the cabin was very quiet after the dinner service and pre-arrival breakfast, during which times the crew were kind and efficient.

The amenity kit is presented in a nifty metal container that makes a great souvenir.

Entertainment:
SWISS offers a variety of films and television shows in a number of languages.

Arrival:
Zurich is one of Europe's best airports, especially for transit passengers; arrival here was easy and quick.  The bags were delivered without delay.

Overview:
Hard as it was to leave The Siam, Bangkok's newest and most exquisite urban resort defying all existing definitions of hotel luxury, knowing a flight on SWISS awaited made the departure less onerous.  

swiss.com