Introduction
To be honest, I wasn’t actually going to write a review of my return trip from Oslo to Zürich, figuring it would just be more of the same as the outbound.
As such, this isn’t much of a trip report either, consider it therefore, as an update or, for me at least, a very pleasant surprise.
The Crew
I already figured this would turn out to be a good flight the moment I stepped on board. The female maître de and her male colleague were standing at the L1 door as though their only reason to be there was to welcome passengers aboard the flight.
This continued throughout the flight, with all the cabin crew giving the impression of wanting to make sure passengers felt comfortable and welcome.
The Meal
The biggest surprise though, came when the inflight service started. With a departure at 13:55, SWISS considers the Oslo to Zürich flight a lunch time service.
As such, the service started with an apéritif. Here too, the crew very proactively offered wine and champagne to passengers. The maître de looked charmingly disappointed when I informed her I’d just be having a Coke Zero.
The drinks were served with a small packet of snacks made with olive oil and containing pieces of black olives.
The male flight attendant then went through the cabin addressing every passenger individually and by name. He informed me that for lunch there was a choice of beef or Spätzli for the main course. As I’m not much of a carnivore, I went with the latter. One way or another, I must admit I wasn’t expecting a hot meal.
The Main Course
The meal was served on one tray and consisted of the main course, which was Spätzli with rosted onions and a cheesy cream sauce.
The First Course
A small bowl with potato and smoked sausage salad, served with a chunky piece of smoked salmon.
The Cheese
A small plate of cheese, served with bread from the basket.
Dessert
An excellent piece of apple pie with cherry compote and a chestnut mousse.
Throughout the service drinks were regularly replenished by the crew.
Conclusion
In summary, this really was a highly enjoyable flight I had with SWISS. The crew were excellent and gave the impression of having been properly trained. They were motivated and relaxed, but without being sloppy. Of course, it also helped that I had the whole row of three all to myself and could spread out comfortably.
In fact, I got so comfy that I dosed off and slept for the rest of the flight with the warm feeling of sunshine on my face.
The fabulous Swiss chocolates served at the end of the flight, which have become SWISS’ trademark, were offered to passengers as they disembarked, which I thought was another nice touch.
I wish all flight could be like this!
As good as it gets flying inter-European business class these days.