I managed to grab one of those promotion fare of 99 Euro for 2. In the end, we were 4 in total travelling. This report will only have photos on the return, MXP-BRU as I left my camera in my carry on in the overheadbins. Since I did not want to disturb the aisle passenger to grab my camera, I left it.
03 April 09
LH 1813
Seat 4F (window)
A319
EDT: 1110
Arrived about 1.5 hours to Zaventam from Eindhoven with the train. I did already an online check in the day before (just in case any delay due to the trains). One weird thing about online check-in is that it does not seem to have the function to put in your FFP. So I proceeded to the check-in counter to get a print. The LH check-in counter was handling also OS check-in and there were 4 distinct check-in, Baggage drop, First/SEN/*G, Business/FTL/*S and economy. As a SEN, I proceeded to the SEN check-in. Ground handling is by Globeground I believe (correct me if wrong). I have always hated it when airlines don't have their own staff handling ground service as they always don't know the latest rule/info. One of my travelmates wanted to use his Privilege card, and the first thing the check-in staff mentioned was that it was not possible. I had to push for her to try it, which of course worked.
Anyway, we proceeded to A-concourse and proceeded to the Scandinavian Airlines lounge to wait.
Boarding was at 10.30, but started about 10 mins. later. This was a codeshare flight with Swiss. (in fact you can purchase this also on the Swiss site). Load was light, about 50% with only one passenger in Business.
We were warmly greeted by the purser at the door. Annoucements were made in French, German, Italian and English. Departure was on-time and after the seat-belt sign was turned off, a few mins. after that, a rather large snack consisting of a chocolate bar and Sandwich was distributed followed by drinks (inld. alcoholic drinks). The FA's were friendly and efficient and also generous in drinks offerings, always asking if anything else besides the one you ordered. They also made several rounds after that.
The flight was smooth with clear views all the way. We arrived on time with after so many trips to MXP on Alitalia, the bridge was finally used for deboarding. Baggage arrived on time and for once, priority tag worked at MXP!
A shot of the baggage reclaim area
Overall, I would say that this has been a breath of fresh air compared to Alitalia. The standard of service is on par with Brussels Airlines (except maybe the buy on board food). Very good service and I do hope that they will succeed.
05 April 09
LH 1814
Seat 11A (window)
A319
EDT: 1310
After a wonderful weekend in Milan, it was sadly time to go. We took the MXP bus from the central station and arrived at approximately 11.45 at MXP. This time I did not do any online check-in, but that was no problem because load today was also light, slightly less than 50%. Checking in at the *G counter was a breeze. Since I was only the one with SEN, I used the Priority security lane and I would say it was a real blessing as the normal lines were snaking along due to the various intercontinental flights that morning.
Thus I had about a few mins. to wait for my friends to get through security. Meanwhile, I managed to grab the following shots
SQ B777 pulling into stand for preparation back to SIN
AZ + SQ
MXP - becoming a *A hub?
After that, we proceeded to the LH Lounge. Again, we had to separate here, as SEN, I used the SEN part with a friend and my other friend as *G had to use the Business lounge. Difference is the food offering, in the Business lounge, there were only chips and limited alcohol selection. While the Senator lounge had fingerfood and some sandwiches with champagne. At about 1230, we walked to the gate which when we arrived, had nearly boarded everyone with just the last few passengers arriving after us. Again, what a relief to be boarding using the air bridge. Here are some shots of the cabin,
Seat with LH Italia headrest
Seat back
Seat pitch
Controls
Purser
Reading materials
We departed on time with 0 passenger in Business and about 45% load. Here are some views during taxing
Take-off was smooth with a nice view of the Malpensa area. Soon, service started with all 3 crews giving all the attention to the passengers in economy. Announcements were done in Italian, German and English. I don't remember if French was used, but it was only used during arrival into BRU.
Again, a snack and chocolate bar was handed out.
My friend requested for a wine and to our surprise, it was provided in a proper wine glass and filled to the top!
Is that cool or what! in economy..
Manage to take a overview of the cabin in-flight. You can see the load.
Anyway, flight was smooth and we landed on time. Again, the crew were again superb, friendly and helpful.
Baggage was again on time and in fact I did not feel that we had to wait anywhere in between!
As mentioned in quiet some places, the crew are currently all from mainline LH crew, so I do hope that when they do put in the Italian trained crew, they will have the same attitude and service oriented thinking as the mainline crew. This would really put LH a step fwd compared to Alitalia.
Would I travel with them again, for sure yes. I do hope that they succeed and provide a true alternative to Italy and within Italy.
Thanks for reading and hope you enjoyed the report.
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