I had explained in this article, how I booked this ticket at the last minute.
This one initially only cost me 90,000 miles and $200. But the return flight (Zurich-Montreal) was booked in Economy.
As I predicted in my article, business class seats on the return flight were finally “freed up” by Swiss for Aeroplan mile holders.
When I arrived in Nice on Monday morning, I received an alert fromExpertFlyer announcing me this excellent news.
So I called Aeroplan when they opened (7am Eastern time) and the agent was able to confirm my seat in Business without any additional cost. On the contrary, I was even refunded $65… because my original reservation was in economy… it’s hard to understand!
The round trip on Swiss, in business class, cost me only 90,000 miles and $135. A real bargain!
As of late 2015, the rate is 110,000 Aeroplan miles.
I had read a lot of good comments about the Swiss business class… and I can only agree. The quality of the product is excellent, both on the outward and return journeys. The crew members are smiling, available, which is a change from other companies.
Here is a summary with many pictures.
I arrived at the airport around 2:30 pm. Almost no waiting in the Swiss Business line.
The airport is surprisingly empty at this hour. Even though I was in the priority line (stroller + business class), there was absolutely no wait for security checks in the regular line.
Those who know Montreal Trudeau Airport know that this line can be particularly busy, especially in the evening.
I usually go to the National Bank lounge which is a Priority Pass lounge.
Since I’m flying on business tonight on a Star Alliance flight, I can access the newly renovated Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, which is right across the street.
It is much more airy than the National Bank Lounge. The chairs are well spaced, clean.
As I arrived at the lounge, the Air China flight from Montreal to Beijing had just left its gate.
As I am accompanied by my baby, it is rather difficult for me to take pictures and serve myself food/drink. However, I notice that the provider must be the same as for the National Bank Salon. The food and drinks are the same.
However, there is a little more room to serve yourself without being rushed, unlike the National Bank Lounge.
After a short hour in the Salon – I enjoyed the baby changing room, which is a real plus for parents, I head to my door. A small picture of the Swiss camera from tonight:
I am among the first to board (stroller + business class) and can take some pictures of the empty cabin.
Traveling with a baby and having asked Swiss for a cot, my seat tonight will be the 6K. It has the advantage of being individual, located on the right side of the device. Here is Alexandra taking her place in MY chair.
The goodies distributed are a red/black Swiss hat and the usual earplugs, night mask, socks. Add to that a plush for the baby 🙂
The staff at Swiss is very caring and has often offered to help me with the baby. I really enjoyed it and could see that I was not “an exception”. The service was very courteous, smiling with all the other passengers in the Business cabin.
We start with a glass of champagne with which comes the menu of the evening and the form to fill in for the choice of breakfast.
The takeoff is delayed a few minutes, the captain explains that anyway, it is not possible to land in Zurich before 6 am and that the winds are favorable. There were no delays on arrival.
Shortly after takeoff, the Swiss staff came to install the baby bed which will not be useful for me… my baby didn’t manage to fall asleep.
The service begins, and I comfortably install my baby on the table on my right with a blanket and pillow.
If you are traveling alone with a baby, it’s a good choice to take this type of seat (shelf on the right) so that your baby can lean on the windows.
The tablecloth is put. An aperitif is served and I decide to start directly with the excellent St-Émilion proposed. A small bowl of snacks is also served (dried tomatoes, olives…)
On the menu tonight, I choose to have the Beef Fillet – Watercress Butter – Basil Potato Gratin, Roasted Mushrooms with Balsamic Vinegar… and it was a very good choice.
The meat was very tender, and the side dishes were very good too.
The dessert is a mango mousse cake.
The choice of films offered at the IFE is very good, as is the quality of the screen (perhaps a little small compared to other companies). However, it is not tactile.
Regarding the seat, I found it very comfortable. There is a massage function which is nice. The bed lies flat and I’m comfortable when I lie down (I’m 5’8″).
About 90 minutes before landing, the lights are turned back on. Breakfast is served… in waves. In fact, flight attendants go back and forth between the seats and the galley, responding to orders made in the form provided before takeoff.
While this allows for a more consistent and personalized choice, I found this way of working rather time consuming. For example, I waited 20 minutes before being served.
After landing, I was able to unfold my stroller in the aircraft’s galley, assisted by a flight attendant to hold my baby. Thanks again to the kindness and professionalism of the crew members!
Zurich airport is small… and that’s good because I’m used to flying through London Heathrow, Amsterdam Schipol or Paris CDG.
A short 2-minute streetcar ride between the two terminals:
Having 2 hours before my connection to Nice, I go to the Business lounge of Swiss which is of a very high quality.
No alcohol for me at 7am though:
As the latter does not have a baby changing room, I was shown the way to the “nursery”.
The space reserved for babies is exceptional. Play mats, lots of toys, 5-6 changing tables with sinks, microwave…
A real happiness for parents and children during a stopover. I spent almost an hour there for the greatest happiness of my little one. We made a detailed report here.
In short, Zurich has entered my “top” list of European stopovers since Montreal.
The flight to Nice is very short (45 minutes), but the landscapes overflown are grandiose.
We pass over the Alps, the Italian lakes, before arriving in Nice by the Italian coast and Monaco. I let you admire it:
It was a great trip in business class on Swiss with Aeroplan miles. I’m going to do the same route in 3 weeks for the holidays – long planned this one.
As of December 15, you will unfortunately have to spend 110,000 Aeroplan miles to take this same trip due to the devaluation of the Aeroplan program. I’m thinking of trying to book a new premium for next summer before this devaluation occurs.
Savings are here:
