It’s the start of the summer holidays in some cantons of Switzerland, which usually means that everything starts winding down in the country until the end of August. Accordingly, my train to Zürich is deserted. By the time I get to the airport it’s already coming up to 07:30. I make my way to security, and here too there isn’t really anything much going on. The process is fairly efficient, despite the chatty guy at security who is obviously bored to tears. Still, he’s a friendly elderly gentleman, which is way better than the grumpy staff you sometimes get at security.

The SWISS Senator Lounge

Next I head to the Senator Lounge for breakfast. Goodness, some of the conversations you pick up here. A young woman (turns out her name is Helga) walks in just behind me, looking all professional and no nonsense in her sharp business suit. She’s greeted by a man roughly the same age who is wearing a suit, white shirt open at the collar, no tie and pristine white joggers. I’m guessing German banker. They quickly exchange niceties, until they realise they’re both heading to the same meeting in London. And that’s when the gloves come off. German banker boy says: “ah, it’ll be good to have you there too. I thought it would be a more high level meeting”. Talk about a backhanded compliment. Not surprisingly, no sooner have I finished breakfast, I eject from the premises and amble about while I plane watch.

Lonely, I’m so lonely… had I already mentioned how quiet it is?

Boarding

Boarding is from gate A62, at the start of the A pier. We’re running slightly late with boarding, “due to the late arrival of the incoming flight”, which seems hardly accurate. The aircraft only landed 3 minutes late fron Berlin. If there’s a delay, then it’s because the aircraft was rostered too tightly.

The Cabin

There are three rows to the Business Class cabin, for a total of 12 passengers. However, only six seats are occupied, and I have the whole row of three to myself. Pitch on row 2 is good.

Much to my surprise, the runway configuration changes while we push back. As a result, departures are switched from runway 28 to 34.

The Crew

The crew on today’s flight are all German. The maître de is great, but the young man helping her out in the Business Class cabin has the charisma of a dead fish. Still water and a disinfectant towel are handed to me as soon as I take my seat. I’m guessing they’re out of their usual brand.

The Alps are clearly visible above the clouds as we climb out. I’m surprised by how much snow they’ve still got.

The Meal

To eat there are two canapés: tomato and boiled egg, and ham and cheese. With that there’s a passionfruit müsli. The meal is okay, the flight is only 40 minutes anyway.

And to finish: the obligatory chocolate.

Arrival

Despite the late departure from Zürich, we land in Luxembourg at 10:11, four minutes ahead of schedule, and taxi in behind the follow me car.