Review Swiss International Zurich-Joburg Business Class
General Impression: 
Before the Flight :
Check-in Process:,
Security:
Lounge:
Information:
Boarding @ Gate: 
Staff @ these points:
Boarding in Cabin:
Welcome Drinks:
Punctuality: , on time
, on time
During the Flight :
Food presentation:
Food quality:
Drinks:
Service Procedure:
Amenity Kit:
Entertainment System:
Seat Quality:
Legroom:
Lavatories:
Cleanliness:
General Atmosphere:
Announcement Pilots:
Announcement Cabin:
Cabin Crew: 
After the Flight :
De-Boarding:
Baggage Delivery:
—-
= bad, a lot of work needs to be done
= not good, you will be busy with corrections
= good & normal, nothing special
= high level, but the icing on the cake is missing
= topnotch, leave me here!
= Half a Point/sheep
—-
On the Ground:
We rebooked for this flight on the last second as we were supposed to fly the next day. We checked-in online directly after rebooking.
We arrived at the airport 2,5 hours prior departure which is scheduled for this flight at 22:45 LT.
As we are going on vacation we had to check in some bags.
There was no queue at the Business Class Check-in. The agent was friendly and attentive.
After check-in we went straight to the security check. As always in Zurich there was no queue at all. We basically could walk straight up to the check.
Staff at security check was very friendly and talkative. We were through security in 2 minutes and headed to emigration.
There was only a very short queue at the manned emigration counters but no queue at the automated ones. As we were able to use the automated counters we passed emigration in no time.
Our flight departed from Terminal E. We had to take the Skytrain which connects the main building with the satellite.
We arrived in Terminal E at around 20:40 LT. We went to visit the Aspire lounge in Dock E with our Priority Pass.
Once we sat down, someone was walking around and yelling the lounge closes in 20 minutes. This is a no go Aspire Lounge Team. Flights depart up to 22:45 and you close at 21:00?! So we left the
Aspire Lounge and went to the Primeclass Lounge which is open until 22:30.
(The Lounges we used are NOT contracted from Swiss and we used them with our Priority Pass. That said, we will rate the lounges but they will not be taken into account for the overall flight
rating.)
The Aspire lounge would have been renovated. But the F&B offering was a disgrace. Most probably because they closed 20 minutes later. Everything was empty, everything was dirty and it looked
like they haven't cleaned and picket up trash for hours.
The Primeclass Lounge was super busy and completely full.
Also here the bar was a disgrace. Full of empty bottles. Nothing refilled only rose wine available as everything else was empty. The water fountain was inoperable and because of this only sweet
softdrinks available.
The buffet looked like it just had lost the last battle.
Both Lounges nothing worth to pay for and visit.
We arrived at the Gate 10 minutes prior the indicated boarding time.
There was a passport check for South Africa before you could queue for boarding.
Staff at the gate was okay. Not really motivated and just hanging there until they can start boarding.
Boarding announcements were made and priority boarding was conducted.
At the aircraft door we were greeted by the Maitre de Cabine.
The seats were fully prepared with a fluffy blanket, a pillow, headphones, an amenity kit and a water bottle.
The cabin crew then passed with the welcome drink. You had the choice of champagne or Flauder, which is a typical Swiss Elder flower drink.
Once everyone was on board, the cabin crew distributed the menu followed by hot towels.
The crew the collected the breakfast orders.
Inflight:
The seats are very comfortable and okay considered the older product Swiss is now offering and the legroom is good.
The Airbus A340 has a staggered 1/2/2 or 2/2/1 seating configuration with 5 abrest in Business class.
The hard product isn't the newest anymore but still okay. The update of their product is coming this year with Swiss Senses. So let's see.
After take off, the cabin crew came to take the order for dinner. You had a choice of 2 starters and 4 mains. Then meal was accompanied by a salad, some bread and then there was cheese and
dessert. First course and salad was served on the tray and the main was set in. The crew always asked for drink refills or if they could bring anything else.
The food was super delicious and fresh and the presentation was great.
Around 2 hours prior landing the crew started with the breakfast service.
Breakfast was served like ordered the evening before on a full size tray.
The Cabin Crew was super welcoming and friendly. They interacted with the customers during service and went the extra mile. Customer service was absolutely top.
You could see that they liked what they do and that they worked together as a team.
The Swiss amenity kit is one of the weakest and cheapest I have seen in Business Class.
You actually get exactly the same Amenity Kit Etihad Airways is distributing their economy class passengers.
The kit contained some socks, ear plugs, eyemask, toothpaste and brush as well as a lipbalm. The only positive is, that the kit is reusable as a shopping bag.
IFE was okay but nothing special. The screens are good and touchscreen. The choice of films etc. is on the lower side.
We got already a message prior departure, that internet will not be working on this airplane.
Communication has improved tremendously at Swiss. They push messages via app and email and inform you about every change. That is simply great.
Announcement from the flight deck were very good. They were clear and understandable.
The announcements from the cabin crew were good too. Some of them were to fast but still clear and understandable.
Baggage delivery in Johannesburg was as always a perfect thing. First bags arrived on the belt 20 minutes after arrival and priority bags were delivered first.
Our summary:
A very solid and good business class product on this flight with Swiss international Air Lines.
The seats are not the newest model but still very comfortable and in good conditions.
The inflight service for this night flight was top notch.
The food was delicious and fresh and the crew did a fantastic job. They went above and beyond for their customers in business class.
It just showed once more, that the crew does the biggest difference to a product.
Notes:
- Paul the Sheep does not get any benefits from the Hotels/Airlines etc.
- Paul will always pay for the services in order to be able to rate freely and truly about the experiences.
- If you a jre interested in more details, please send me a private message and I will be happy to share.