Sunday morning at 08h00 I‘m back at Basel‘s SBB railway station. I‘m on my way back to Zürich airport. On Sunday morning, all of Switzerland is on the move, especially the trains heading for the lakes and mountains are crowded with old-age pensioners. At least the train to Zurich main station isn‘t quite so bad.

The journey to Zurich main station is with an old-fashioned composition that is being pulled by a powerful Bahn2000 engine.

Then for the short journey from the main station to the airport it‘s another Puker. But at least it‘s not a long trip.

Zürich airport is very busy, and security takes for ever. Of course, it doesn‘t help that there‘s nobody checking boarding passes. I‘m pretty confident that half the passengers in the priority lane shouldn‘t be there. But I have time. Eventually I manage and find myself a nice table out on the terrace.

Boarding

When I arrive at the gate at 10h45, boarding of sorts has just started. That is, the passengers are queing in the airbridge, but not being let on board just yet. It turns out they‘re still cleaning the aircraft.

I‘m one of the last passengers to board. By the time everyone is settled, we‘re running 25 minutes late.

The Cabin & Seat

There are three rows of Business Class on this flight, for a total of twelve passengers. The Business Class cabin is full. I‘m seated on the bulkead window seat on 1A. The seat pitch is very good and the seats are comfortable. As far as I can tell, there are no electricity plugs available. However, there is wifi. Some data packages are complimentary for Business Class passengers.

We taxi out for a runway 28 departure.

After take-off we do a long, wide turn that brings us back over the city of Zürich, passing due south of the airport.

The Cabin Crew & Service

The cabin crew are all female, and I think I count five of them. It‘s hard to tell because they all look quite similar. But they‘re very friendly and attentive. The service is excellent.

As soon as I take my seat, one of the cabin crew arrives with a choice of either orange juice or water.

Just before take-off, the crew pass through the cabin with the menu for the lunch service.

Once we‘re airborne, the service begins with the distribution of nicely scented hot towels.

The Meal – Lunch

Around thirty minutes after take-off, the crew start preparing for the meal service. First, the tray tables are set.

I decide to go with the beef. The meal service is quite extensive and the tray has a lot of interesting goodies.

The first course is excellent and quite spicy.

The main course is also good. The sauce has a nice red wine flavour and the meat is incredibly tender.

The chocolate dessert is lovely, but just so rich that I can‘t finish it.

The cheese are both quite salty but very good.

They are served with crackers and butter.

There are also bread rolls served from a basket.

To drink with the meal I have a sparkling water. And then to finish off, I have a coffee with cream, which is served with a small piece of chocolate.

Arrival in Athens

Our approach into Athens brings us in right over the city. In the distance the old Helinikon airport is visible, although most of the original ramp, taxiways and the runway appear to have been dug up and removed. By the time we disembark it‘s just coming up to 15h. I now have thirty minutes to make my connection.