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Taken August 2004 from London, Heathrow - LHR to Geneva - GVA

There are some basic facts to know about Swiss International Airlines, which seems unfortunately to have become almost the polar opposite of the friendly world-class service once provided by Swissair.

First, everything related to service in economy class costs money, and generally more than what you would pay at the airport. This includes peanuts. And water. This seems beyond extreme to me, but so be it. This is how they have chosen to treat economy class customers and try to survive (I personally have my doubts that it will work).

Second, apparently in an attempt to keep up with Easyjet and wring every possible penny from its passengers, Swiss has reduced baggage allowance to 20 KG TOTAL per PERSON (not bag). I would expect this from the likes of Ryanair, but was shocked to find this out while checking in at Heathrow. Having earlier traveled from the United States, I was way over this limit and ended up paying more for my bags than for myself (even though I weigh far more than 20 KG). I was also very put off by the attitude of the staff, which reacted with horror that I would think to travel with more than a few pairs of underwear and some socks.

This is not Swissair. It is a shame how far they have deviated. They will get you there on time, but don't pack much and don't arrive hungry (or thirsty), or you will be expected to fork over major cash (and they ask for exact change to boot). I for one will go out of my way to find other ways of getting to Switzerland in the future after they way that I was treated.