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Taken August 2003 from London, Heathrow - LHR to Miami, FL - MIA

This was an award ticket so other than the exorbitant taxes of £80 I didn't pay anything. Swiss Airlines sometimes offer mileage promotions on selected routes for free tickets, and as I'd been wanting to go to Miami for a long time thought this was an ideal opportunity. I stayed one night in the Zurich Swissotel on the way out which I always enjoy.

The Zurich-Miami leg was about a third full in business, but full in economy. In front of me was obviously one of the flight attendant's boyfriend as she kept going over for a kiss and cuddle every half-hour: a tiny bit unprofessional, but harmless I guess. Service-wise I couldn't fault the flight although it dawned on me that Swiss has a bit of catching up to do in terms of seat comfort as several of the higher profile airlines now provide a flatbed in business class. Swiss' new fleet of A340s feature this and I'm looking forward to trying it out.

On the way back business was full and the cabin crew were a bit off the mark. I slept rather than eat, but noticed the dinner service took an absolute age with one attendant in particular looking really hacked off. She almost barked at one guy for asking for a wine they didn't have. I just wanted some cheese and thought she'd forgotten after about half an hour. When she eventually arrived I declined, but she made it very clear she'd gone to the trouble of getting the cheese and would therefore prefer if I ate it!!! Talk about cranky...

Transfer time at Zurich was about an hour so I didn't really have time to use the Allegra arrivals lounge for a shower and breakfast, but do recommend for future visitors. Overall a very satisfactory experience though some in need of service enhancements since other carriers have upped their game considerably. Now that Swiss have been admitted into the oneworld alliance I hope their fortunes are going to turnaround.