Round-Trip Flight Review: Swiss International Air Lines & Lufthansa
Routing: Belgrade (BEG) - Zurich (ZRH) - Delhi (DEL) // Delhi (DEL) - Frankfurt (FRA)
Belgrade Airport (BEG)
When Vinci first revealed plans for the renovation and expansion of the Belgrade Airport, I was genuinely excited. Sadly, the reality hasn’t quite met my expectations. The new facilities are efficient enough, but despite being relatively new, parts of the terminal already look worn and less than spotless. Compared with many Western European hubs, it feels a bit dated before its time.
BEG-ZRH | LX 1413 | Airbus A220-300
The aircraft was an A320neo, very new and in good condition. I flew economy and managed to get an emergency exit seat, so I enjoyed extra legroom - though I wasn’t as lucky on the next leg of my trip.
I arrived just in time for boarding - no lingering in lounges for me these days, as airports have become more stressful than relaxing. Online check-in made the process smooth, and both security and boarding were quick.
Many passengers were connecting onto Swiss flights to the USA and Canada. The flight operated on time with a load factor of around 95%. The cabin crew were professional and courteous, though service was minimal - just a small Swiss chocolate and a bottle of water.
The only complication came upon arrival in Zurich. We landed at the ABC terminal in the Schengen area instead of the usual Terminal E for Swiss long-haul /non-Schengen arrival/departures. With only 50 minutes to connect to my Delhi flight, it turned into a sprint across the airport.
ZRH-DEL | LX 146 | Airbus A330-300
This long-haul leg was an unexpected highlight. Compared to my previous Swiss experience on the São Paulo–Zurich route (which had been underwhelming), the improvement in service was noticeable.
We boarded to a welcome drink and a small cup of cashews.
Dinner followed shortly after, with chicken or vegetarian options, tasteful enough for economy class.
A few hours before landing, immigration forms were handed out with Swiss-branded pencils, a charming old-school touch. Bottled water was also provided.
Before descent, a light breakfast arrived: a warm lattice pastry, a drink, and ice cream, with another Swiss chocolate to finish.
The crew were exceptional - professional, warm, and genuinely attentive. One flight attendant even took the time to ask about my trip and offer Delhi recommendations, which I appreciated as one of the few non-Indian passengers onboard.
The flight was nearly full (about 95% load factor) and departed and arrived on time.
DEL-FRA | Lufthansa | Airbus A340-600
My return to Europe began with Lufthansa from Delhi to Frankfurt on the A340-600. Exhaustion won, and I slept through most of the flight, so I can’t fairly comment on the service. Still, based on experience, I doubt Lufthansa’s style matches the warmth and attention I received on Swiss - despite both airlines being part of the Lufthansa Group.
The flight was punctual, and the A340-600 remains one of the more comfortable long-haul aircraft in service.
Pros:
• Punctual flights across all segments
• Efficient boarding
• Excellent Swiss long-haul service
• Thoughtful touches (Swiss chocolates, cashews, pencils)
• Friendly and professional Swiss crew
Cons:
• Belgrade Airport already showing signs of wear despite being new
• Short Zurich connection complicated by terminal change
• Lufthansa segment unremarkable (though to be fair, I slept through it)
Share your travel experience by submitting a trip report to exyu@exyuaviation.com
Great report, thank you very much!
ReplyDeleteGreat report. Well written.
ReplyDeleteLH group has been saving on catering after the pandemic. There used to be 2 meals on their long-haul, now it is a meal and a sandwich before landing. Not to mention their short-haul, where you have to pay for everything beyond a small bottle of water
ReplyDeleteThat is no longer true. LH has reinstated hot meals in Y as a second meal on longer long haul flights and no longer charges for anything in longhaul Y. Those were Covid survival measures. Furthermore LH is working on the FOX project - Future Onboard Experience across all service classes that should be fully implemented by summer 2026. LX has already implemented some of the improvments and LH is to follow.....
DeleteSecond hot meal like a grilled cheese sandwich as breakfast? No thank you, I try to avoid Lufthansa on longhaul flights. And that Not only because of food
Deleteanon 11:19 I wasn´t even aware they charged stuff on long haul - it used to be included in the price.
DeleteAnd they still serve only water on European flights
I agree with you about BEG. There is no architecture in the new additions, it's all just corridors and shops. And the materials used are very cheap and prone to wear and tear. It looks acceptable now, but give it 10 years... it's not at all made for the future.
ReplyDeleteExactly!
DeleteTotally agree!
DeleteWhat’s the point of showing meals withot removing the lid
ReplyDeleteWhat aircraft is the first picture?
ReplyDeleteI’m sure it’s 321neo, even though the writer claims it’s 320neo, that picture shows door 3R.
DeleteThe point of the airport is to offer you efficient service. Took me exactly 5 min to pass security and passport control the other day. If you are looking for architecture go to Rome or Barcelona, not Belgrade airport.
ReplyDeleteFor some it matters. This is from Skytrax: "While the old Terminal 1 was a true architectural gem, its upgrade in the early 1980s brought the modern Terminal 2. However, the ongoing extension, which has dragged on for years, is nothing more than a dull corridor made from prefabricated materials". Would be happy with this 5-minute efficiency. Today transited via BEG and waited more than half an hour for the security control. In peak hours this airport is a mess.
DeleteHalf an hour wait is not a mess, a mess is waiting 2 hours for passport control, regular situation in many major EU hubs. Was there at 16h, not sure if it was peak hour, but when I entered the Tesla square, was packed...
DeleteYes around 4pm
DeleteChocolates served on Swiss flights are abomination.
ReplyDeleteJust washing windows between gates C1 and C5 in BEG would give very different feeling. Now it has an impression of a neglected corridor in a forgotten part of the World. And you have to pass this part to get to all C gates.
ReplyDelete+1
Delete