Swiss International Air Lines flies 5 times a week from Montreal to its hub Zurich. I booked an interline airfare on Travelocity.ca. The first leg is Swiss Economy Montreal-Zurich. I wanted to get to Doha in the shortest time possible. The transatlantic flights market is very competitive. 

Check-in 

I checked-in quickly at the Business class desk. It was still quiet as I showed-up early. I was surprised when the agent only issued the boarding-pass to Zurich. I was expecting the one to Doha as well. The agent explained I had to present myself to the Qatar Airways Doha flight gate in Zurich and check-in. I wrote a review on the Qatar Airways Airbus 350 Economy flight.

Security was quite empty as well. Glad I went through right before rush hour.

Boarding

I personally believe that boarding a plane has become the most irritating aspect of air travel. While it’s something airlines can definitely correct and control, passengers still stand up way too early and clog the gate. So you end up with a bunch of improvised line-ups where individuals stand-up and are not sure what to expect or when they’ll board.

Swiss this time seemed to have a good control over this. Families with children and elite passengers were called upon to board. I was sitting and as soon as my boarding Zone number was called, I broke whatever line-up there was and proceeded to the plane. You cannot possibly know what Zone number people have at those line-ups. Zones make it easier. If they call your Zone number, just stand-up, move forward with confidence and don’t make eye contact.

Inflight

Swiss’s Economy is tight. I sat down and I felt tightly bound. But it got worse when the passenger in front of me decided to recline his seat. I literately had the IFE screen at my chest. A very unpleasant experience. I reclined my seat as well, but slightly, so I could reach a more comfortable position.

The design of the arm rest is an annoyance. The hole in the middle of the armrest is very uncomfortable. As you as I would rest my arm, my elbow would feel awkward then unpleasant. With the overall tightness of the seat, it just made the experience more irritating.

The Swiss Airline In-Flight Entertainment system is quite basic. Although the movie, TV and audio choices were enough for a quick 7-hour transatlantic flight, it wouldn’t be the case for longer Asian and South American routes. However, I like the flight info that is featured in the bottom part of the screen (see picture above).

The food

Dinner

Swiss did not disappoint on the dinner front. The usual chicken or pasta choice menu was featured. I chose the chicken which was grilled chicken with Chinese broccoli and rice. It came with a carrot salad, cheddar cheese, bread and a chocolate cake.

Breakfast

If the dinner was a success, I cannot say the same about breakfast. We were served a box that contained sweet foods: flavored yogurt, orange juice and jam. A very buttery warm croissant was served as well with coffee or tea. Too sweet for my taste, the meal lacked protein. I didn’t even drink the orange juice. Unfortunately, all of the airlines in the transatlantic market have cut protein-based breakfast (eggs, meat).

Verdict

Swiss Airlines delivered a standard transatlantic product. I cannot say it felt significantly more special than any other airline experience. Except maybe for a tastier dinner experience. I like to land in Zurich. It’s a great hub to fly to and from. Terminal E features a great PrimeClass lounge if you have a Priority Pass membership. So next time I fly Swiss, I will make sure to invest an additional $29 for a front seat selection. However they may ask for more for those exit row seats, up to $100!

That was my Swiss Economy Montreal-Zurich flight experience. Please share your own thoughts and experience with me Amin On Miles Facebook Page.