Thanksgiving in Spain with Swiss for $594
Nov 22nd, 2009, 06:25 AM
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Thanksgiving in Spain with Swiss for $594
I arrived at the Miami International Airport at least three hours before the flight with Swiss International Airlines. No lines at the check-in counter. I gave them the Continental frequent flyer number and it was typed in for miles. I was quite impressed with the International Terminal. In the past when flying out of Miami, I have used the American/British Airways terminal. This terminal was on the other side.
Swiss used an Airbus A340-300. During take-off, the landing gear made a lot of noise because there is a wheel in the middle of the plane (below were I was sitting) and it hit almost every reflector on the runway during the take-off.
A full drink service was provided and then came the meal and another drink from the bar. I had the chicken which was good. It was served with real tableware--even a knife. They came by with after dinner drinks and I had a third included wine. Not bad for economy.
Three hours into the flight the cabin crew asked if there was a doctor on board. They found two. A male flight attendant was not feeling well and eventually we were informed that the plane would be landing in Boston. He was given an IV on the plane and a few minutes he was able to walk off the plane. But then we were told that we did not have the required oxygen for emergency use and would need to wait for replacements. Worried that the pilots would be working past their hours, an announcement was made that we were given permission to continue to Zurich. The plane was 4 ½ hours late.
I missed my flight to Barcelona, but was put on a later flight and arrived in Barcelona around 8:00 p.m. They used an Airbus A321. Take-off only took 35 seconds and the engines were loud. Does Zurich have a short runway? The two hour flight in economy included a wine and a cheese sandwich. They put a baby in the exit row but I gladly exchanged my seat. I had a nice chat with the flight attendant and took the Airport bus to downtown and a taxi to the hotel.
It was 72 degrees today in Barcelona and I even saw a few people laying out on the beach. Sunny and beautiful. I played tourist all day.
More later.
Swiss used an Airbus A340-300. During take-off, the landing gear made a lot of noise because there is a wheel in the middle of the plane (below were I was sitting) and it hit almost every reflector on the runway during the take-off.
A full drink service was provided and then came the meal and another drink from the bar. I had the chicken which was good. It was served with real tableware--even a knife. They came by with after dinner drinks and I had a third included wine. Not bad for economy.
Three hours into the flight the cabin crew asked if there was a doctor on board. They found two. A male flight attendant was not feeling well and eventually we were informed that the plane would be landing in Boston. He was given an IV on the plane and a few minutes he was able to walk off the plane. But then we were told that we did not have the required oxygen for emergency use and would need to wait for replacements. Worried that the pilots would be working past their hours, an announcement was made that we were given permission to continue to Zurich. The plane was 4 ½ hours late.
I missed my flight to Barcelona, but was put on a later flight and arrived in Barcelona around 8:00 p.m. They used an Airbus A321. Take-off only took 35 seconds and the engines were loud. Does Zurich have a short runway? The two hour flight in economy included a wine and a cheese sandwich. They put a baby in the exit row but I gladly exchanged my seat. I had a nice chat with the flight attendant and took the Airport bus to downtown and a taxi to the hotel.
It was 72 degrees today in Barcelona and I even saw a few people laying out on the beach. Sunny and beautiful. I played tourist all day.
More later.
Nov 22nd, 2009, 06:37 AM
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Tomorrow I'm flying from Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca on Air Europa. $41.45 one-way. Does anyone have any "must-see's" in Palma? Can I still get miles with Continental on this flight. (This is cheaper than buying them)
Nov 22nd, 2009, 07:06 AM
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We're flying Swiss on T'giving Day from ORD to ZRH. I thought the price for the tickets was quite good, at about $650. We've certainly paid a lot more than that for our Europe travel at this same time of the year. We like Swiss and its service, although we do NOT care that much for their Airbus planes.
Nov 22nd, 2009, 08:48 AM
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Just remember, the Airbus A340 and A330 seat 2,4,2 across and the Boeing 777 is 3,3,3 or 2,5,2. I like the 2,4,2 seating in economy. I didn't book a package deal--just found a good price. The video on demand system worked great--you can pause the movie when you want. They had quite a few choices. Getting a second glass of wine from Virgin was a challenge. On Swiss it was very easy; as was the third.
Nov 22nd, 2009, 09:51 AM
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I agree about the row situation on the A340 vs a 777. But for me, the cabin pressure and dryness of the air are/or can be a problem. I have more chance of dry throat, ears being "plugged" and so on, after a flt on an A340. But I cope. Twice a year! On Swiss... and I earn miles with Star Alliance. I'll keep on putting up with the inconveniences.
Nov 28th, 2009, 06:24 AM
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I just flew from Barcelona to Palma, Mallorca on Air Europa. There wasn't time for beverages--just a 30 minute flight. I paid about $40 for the one-way trip. I flew from Mallorca to Valencia, Spain on Air Berlin. There wasn't time for a beverage service but they did it anyway. Everyone received a bottle of water and crackers in a bag for free. I paid about $35 for the flight. I finally had my shorts on today but they lasted only two hours. Highs have been around 70 and lows in the upper 40's. Great weather for museums but not for the beach. But being in Europe without the tourist has been a nice plus. I'm flying home tomorrow to Miami. My checked bag only 10 Kilos.
Dec 1st, 2009, 08:00 AM
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Last Sunday, I flew from Barcelona up to Zurich. They used the Airbus A321, which will hold up 200 people. A smart little trick they used was to place the magazines and safety information behind the tray table and not in the traditional magazine holder next to ones knees. This means the seats can be closer together.
Changing flights in Zurich was very easy and I got on the Airbus A340 which only holds 228 people (with four engines). During the flight, the beverage cart made at least four rounds, and I was able to get a bottle of red wine on each pass and it was free in economy. They also provided free ice cream. The Video on Demand system worked without problems and they had many good choices. The fasten seatbelt sign was turned off about seven minutes after take-off and while it did come back on a few times, there were no verbal announcements and it did not stay on for more than five minutes. (Something U.S. airlines can't seem to do).
I forgot to bring my seat up before landing and a flight attendant made a hand gesture from the other isle. When I realized my mistake, he made a big smile. Smiles are nice.
Immigration at MIA was quick but after I got my bag and went through customs, I was flagged. My checked bag only weighted 9.7 kilos. They went through everything and when they found white power they seemed to get real excited, but it was only laundry detergent.
I enjoyed flying Swiss and plan to do it again. I had a discounted economy ticket so I believe I can get 50% of the miles with Continental. Correct me if I'm wrong.
So let me do the math: 4 bottles of wine going over and 4 on the way back make 8 bottles of wine. Multiply it by Continentals $5 and it would have cost me $40, and multiplied by American's and United $6, I would have paid $48 extra. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Changing flights in Zurich was very easy and I got on the Airbus A340 which only holds 228 people (with four engines). During the flight, the beverage cart made at least four rounds, and I was able to get a bottle of red wine on each pass and it was free in economy. They also provided free ice cream. The Video on Demand system worked without problems and they had many good choices. The fasten seatbelt sign was turned off about seven minutes after take-off and while it did come back on a few times, there were no verbal announcements and it did not stay on for more than five minutes. (Something U.S. airlines can't seem to do).
I forgot to bring my seat up before landing and a flight attendant made a hand gesture from the other isle. When I realized my mistake, he made a big smile. Smiles are nice.
Immigration at MIA was quick but after I got my bag and went through customs, I was flagged. My checked bag only weighted 9.7 kilos. They went through everything and when they found white power they seemed to get real excited, but it was only laundry detergent.
I enjoyed flying Swiss and plan to do it again. I had a discounted economy ticket so I believe I can get 50% of the miles with Continental. Correct me if I'm wrong.
So let me do the math: 4 bottles of wine going over and 4 on the way back make 8 bottles of wine. Multiply it by Continentals $5 and it would have cost me $40, and multiplied by American's and United $6, I would have paid $48 extra. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Jan 14th, 2010, 08:59 AM
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Just got back from Madrid through Zurich and they didnt seem to have a small runway, the seating assignment was 2,4,2 so I guess it was the Airbus. Not a bad plane, but I dont remember the last time I flew a BOEING 777. Swiss isnt bad, however I had a hard time finding a good price, because they kept hiking the prices online, eventually I found a good consolidator who got me my seats. www.letsflycheaper.com. I'm planning to go this summer back to Madrid and maybe stop in Zurich again, does anyone know when these prices will start dropping? Right now they are pricing over a $1000, I'm sure they will drop more, but WHEN??!!!
