Swiss Business Class: Is It Worth the Hype? (A320 & A321 Deep Dive)

SWISS Business Class: A Review of Intra-European Flights (November 2018 - Present)

Flying Business Class within Europe can be a mixed bag. While the seats themselves might not always scream luxury, the overall experience often makes it worthwhile. I've flown SWISS International Air Lines Business Class numerous times, and here's my take, updated for 2024.

One of the first things I noticed was the improved legroom on non-bulkhead seats. Initially, I favored bulkhead seats, but the extra space made a significant difference on longer flights. SWISS now utilizes the A220 (formerly Bombardier C series) extensively on European routes, alongside the A320 and A321. The A220 has a 2x3 configuration, but the middle seat is blocked in Business Class, creating a more spacious 1x2 layout. While it resembles Economy, the blocked seat provides extra room.

The service on SWISS intra-European flights is consistent across aircraft types. Upon arrival, you'll find a small bottle of Henniez water and a refreshing towelette at your seat. However, a pre-departure drink isn't always offered. The in-flight meals can be a hit or miss. On a flight from Zurich to Rome, I enjoyed a delicious Aubergine Caviar plate, cheese, and pistachio mousse. However, on flights from Moscow, the meals were served lukewarm, which was disappointing. On the plus side, they usually offer hot chocolate, and before landing, flight attendants distribute Swiss chocolates – a nice touch!

SWISS often uses third-party lounges, such as the Aspire Lounge in Amsterdam. The SWISS Lounge at Domodedovo Airport in Moscow can be underwhelming, with some staff being less than pleasant. The flights are generally on time, and the flight attendants are professional and friendly. Announcements are typically in English and German, with Italian on flights to Rome and some French.

Despite the Economy-like appearance, SWISS Business Class offers several advantages: priority check-in and boarding, lounge access, advance seat assignment, and an additional baggage allowance. The guarantee of an empty seat next to you is a major plus. While I appreciate the extra legroom and SWISS lounges in Zurich, the inconsistent meal temperatures have influenced my choices. When flying from Moscow to Western Europe, Aeroflot's Business Class is often a superior option. However, SWISS's competitive fares and my loyalty to Oneworld and Star Alliance often sway my decision.

Ultimately, flying SWISS intra-European Business Class is about the overall experience, not just the seat. The added perks and generally reliable service make it a worthwhile option for many travelers.