Premium Economy Swiss
Flight LX180 on 02 May 2023 between Zurich and Bangkok.
Night flight lasting 10.30 hours.
Terms and conditions of purchase
Last-minute upgrade at 150 euros. However, this upgrade does not entitle passengers to additional baggage allowance, free seat selection or priority access..
Possibility of select your seat free of charge 23 hours before departure of the flight.
At the airport
Zurich airport is still one of Europe's most pleasant airports, with a wide range of shopping facilities including some 80 boutiques, restaurants and cafés - including an open-air café. Much appreciated: the lack of security checks when transferring from Europe.
Admission to one of Swiss's Business lounges can be purchased for as little as CHF 49. Another very pleasant (and free) alternative: all intercontinental flights depart from Dock E. It is crowned by a free terrace where you can watch the planes take off. A breath of fresh air before long hours of flying!
Boarding
Boarding is by number. Premium Economy passengers board after First and Business Class passengers.
The Premium Economy cabin
Premium Economy is not separated from traditional Economy Class. On the Zurich-Bangkok flight, it consists of three rows in a 2-4-2 configuration, giving a total of 24 seats. The aircraft is a Boeing 777-300ER. Large baggage compartments are available. The 2-4-2 configuration means you are always one seat away from the aisle.. The cabin atmosphere is very '80s' with its dominant brown tones. This should change with the new cabin configurations planned for 2025, incorporating lighter shades.
Seat features
The seat may seem a little narrow (46 cm), but it has been designed for maximum comfort.99 cm spacing between rows. The seat has two adjustment knobs: one for reclining the seat to 31°, which is comfortable enough for sleeping. On the flight, the reclined position proved a little difficult to find without the help of the cabin crew. The second button raises a leg rest. One of the main drawbacks of the seat is the lack of a footrest which doesn't allow you to relax your legs completely. But a bag can make up for it!
The chair incorporates a headrest with four positions and a night light. A large table that can be retracted or hidden in the armrest, a 39.5 cm (15.6-inch) video screen and two USB sockets complete the seating layout. A small pillow, a blanket, a bottle of water and a toiletry kit (toothbrush, eye mask and ear plugs in a box made from recycled newspapers) are available. However, no press is available.
In-flight service
Before take-off, staff offer a sparkling elderberry drink. Flight attendants are helpful without being overly warm or chatty. The on-board service consists of two meals.
The plane leaves Zurich on time. 15 minutes after take-off, the staff distribute Premium Economy menus. It consists of a salad, a choice of three main courses, two pieces of cheese with two rolls and a cake - passion fruit mousse with chocolate. One of the main courses features a Swiss speciality (Swiss Taste of Switzerland). On the Zurich-Bangkok flight, the menu consisted of veal sausage with wine sauce, rösti and green beans (chosen dish).
One of the dishes is vegetarian - macaroni in a soya bolognese - and another is more 'all-purpose' (chicken breast in a creamy herb sauce with pasta and broccoli). An hour after the flight, the catering service begins.
The wine list offers three choices: sparkling wine from Veneto, a white Chasselas from Romandie (chosen wine), and red wine Route de Pays d'Oc. Five aperitifs, an Appenzell beer and soft drinks are also on the menu.
The main course was tasty, the Genevan white wine a little green, and the dessert excellent. Note the absence of mustard or sauces to accompany the meat. A very nice touch: the dishes are served in porcelain with metal cutlery.
During the flight, staff regularly offer water.
Two hours before landing, a classic but hearty breakfast is served. It consists of an omelette, croissant and bread, yoghurt, fruit salad and coffee or tea. No second drinks service - except on request. A chocolate is offered before landing...
Special menus can be ordered up to 24 hours in advance. (vegetarian, halal or Hindu, for example).
Toilets
No special toilets for Premium Economy. The facilities are spacious and very clean (Switzerland obliges!). Moisturising hand lotion is available.
In-flight entertainment
A plethora of video options with around a hundred films, series, documentaries and twenty or so radio channels. Of course, you can also follow the plane's route or find out about destinations on arrival.
Wifi is also available for a fee.. Prices vary between 9CHF and 59CHF depending on the number of MB. Internet access to Swiss services remains free.
Arrival
Arrival in Bangkok slightly ahead of schedule, with direct docking at the terminal. Baggage is delivered after 25 minutes.
Verdict
A good in-flight product with services that differ from those of a traditional economy class. The comfort of the seat falls short of initial expectations, mainly due to the absence of a footrest. We may regret the absence of a partition with traditional economy class.
On the other hand, the on-board catering is of a high standard and the entertainment programme is very comprehensive. All in all, excellent value for money for a last-minute upgrade at 150 euros..
