Flying London to Switzerland, early 1940

I wonder if there is anyone here that has some familiarity with travel early in WWII?

I am aware that, after the fall of France, a regular route from the UK to Switzerland existed via Lisbon. However, I have been asked the simple question as to how someone would make the journey from London to (say) Zurich, if they needed to get there in (say) April 1940? Did people turn up at Croydon airport and then fly to France, and thence to Switzerland? On what airlines, and on what planes? Would the route have involved a stop? Is there a good account anywhere of what might be involved?

James

 

http://www.ww2f.com/topic/30490-commercial-airlines-during-ww2/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Overseas_Airways_Corporation#The_war_years

 

Dear Pacifist,

Superb - a whole host of immediate data and lines of enquiry. Much appreciated.

james

 

bit about Swissair in WW2 on wiki.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swissair

 

Owen,

Many thanks for pointing out this additional info. I have a much better understanding now, and indeed found some excellent info here

http://aerosociety.com/Assets/Docs/Publications/The%20Journal%20of%20Aeronautical%20History/2013-03_BOAC1940-50_Watson.pdf

All the best,

James