REVIEW: Can A Just Okay Flight (SWISS A330-300 Business Class: BOS – ZRH) Still Make For A Good Award Redemption?

Don’t do it – do not fly SWISS – you will regret this. A few of the things, friends told me when I was mulling over flight options to get to Europe for the start of side to side cruises. Not encouraging at all but I still went ahead and booked the flight – would I regret it?

This was how my Holland America comped cruise trip began (which ended up being 56 days total in Europe including a last minute bucket list dream Olympics trip!) After spending a day and half exploring Boston, it was time to head to finally explore a little bit of Switzerland.

FLIGHT INFO

HOW I BOOKED 

HOW TO EARN THE POINTS FOR REDEMPTION

AIRLINE TRANSFER PARTNERS: 

• American Express Membership Rewards – 1:1 transfer ratio; xfers usually instant
• Bilt Rewards – 1:1 transfer ratio
• Capital One – 1:1 transfer ratio; xfers usually instant
• Chase Ultimate Rewards – 1:1 transfer ratio; xfers usually instant

CREDIT CARDS: These cards are currently offering great sign up bonuses that would allow you to transfer to Aeroplan!

• Capital One Venture 
• Chase Sapphire Preferred/Reserve : read why you should consider the Preferred card!
• Chase Business Ink Cards

CHECK IN/SECURITY

One of the nice things about booking business class is that the experience can start well before you board the plane – these are the extras that help make the entire flying experience better, smoother and more luxurious.  

You know the feeling of dread when you see the check-in line is miles long? This time is different as you can the business class counter which is typically significantly shorter than the economy class.

And for those that check bags and worry about them being overweight: LX business class allows two pieces of luggage up to 32 kg/70.5 lb each vs one piece up to 23 kg/50 lbs for classic and flex economy tickets. Interestingly, it is also listed that this business fare allows for two carry on items (no weight restrictions listed) along with one personal item. Since I had checked in online, I was able to drop off my bag quickly (this was so I didn’t have to pay to store it whilst exploring Zürich during my long layover).

And once you’re checked in, getting through security is easier through the premier access line. I didn’t use this line as I found the Clear + TSA Precheck line first, after getting some side eye by people waiting in the crazy long, normal security line – as I just zoomed by them (fairly confident but also desperately hoping that I would not have to do a walk of shame to the end of that line especially since a couple of people felt impelled to tell me that where the back of the line was…and this is why flying business is worth it)

BOS LOUNGE ACCESS

Lufthansa

Funny enough, the thing that I was most excited about with this flight was that I would be flying out of BOS and would be able to visit the Chase Sapphire Lounge. But the logistics would not be in my favor as that lounge was near B40 and the flight was departing from E11 and I only had a little over an hour before the departure time and it’s ~20 minute walk between the two)!

SWISS is part of the Lufthansa group so no surprise that with the lounges was the Lufthansa lounge. It was decently full by the time I arrived so unfortunately I was not able to take many photos. The check-in process was quick and it was nice that the agent re-iterated the information that boarding would be directly from the gate and that he would let me know when it was time to board.

It ended up that the flight was delayed which turned out to be a blessing as I was able to watch Zaccagni score a dramatic equalizer for Italy at 90’+8 in a heartbreaker tie for Croatia and Luka Modric. Boarding was a bit chaotic as it was well underway when they started boarding from the lounge – people were a bit unnerved and rushed to their seats.

CABIN CONFIGURATION/SEAT

If you like visuals, look at the photo in the check in section that shows how the 45 business seats are configured on this SWISS’s A330-300. There is a smaller cabin with two rows for the 9 business seats between first class and the bathrooms and galley space and the second larger eight row cabin. The Aero Vantage business class seats are arranged in an alternating 1-2-1, 2-2-1 configuration so luckily there are a number of good choices for those flying solo (I don’t want to be seated and sleep next to someone I don’t know if I am flying business personally)

The reason I opted for the throne chair (and why it is a premium seat that SWISS charges for) is with the alternating 1-2-1, 2-2-1 configuration – these chairs end up having a lot of space. They are the width of the two business seats in front so you can spread out a bit more….but the space was not designed with much storage – there is extra storage to the left (where my jackets are hanging) for the throne chairs. Top left photo shows the small wing that doesn’t do much to afford privacy for these seats.

The business class seats are 20.5″ wide and convert into a 79” fully flat bed. For reference, first class seats are 22″ wide and also convert into a 79” fully flat bed (set in a 1-2-1 configuration) and the economy seats are 18″ wide, have a row pitch of 31″ and recline 6′ (with a 2-4-2 configuration).

A basic amenity kit with socks, eye mask, ear plugs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, lotion and lip balm were provided at each seat. It did come in a nice metal Victronix case. 

I do love that this seat had two windows and with this being an Airbus, that there are proper window shades

The plane was dated….and then some that showed it’s age with scraps, scruff and pieces coming loose. Another example would be that the massage and firmness buttons did not work (maybe they have always been there more for show than function) Note that they are Universal AC (110V) and USB-A sockets at each seat.

Beautiful tip is to keep slippers or shoes accessible when converting to bed mode.  Otherwise trying to dig for them when going to the restroom can make for a frustrating experience! 

IN FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT/WIFI

12.4″ touchscreen HD display monitor which is very small compared to other airlines’ business class displays and contrasted with the 9″ touchscreen display in economy. I didn’t use the IFE or even check out the offering as I wanted a quick bite and as much sleep as possible.

You would be able to use their internet for messaging (via WhatsApp) free of charge. Wi-Fi for 4 hours was CHF 25 and for the entire flight was CHF 35 (flight was 7 hours 10 minutes)

FOOD/DRINK

Menus: Wines, dinner and non alcoholic choices. Top right photo is the back of the breakfast menu (that the FA also brought to my attention once I ordered the quicker option with him) with information on the SWISS arrival lounge – one of my favorite perks of business class flights and/or status.

The quicker option – I did eat before heading to the airport and had a healthy amount to eat at the lounge so this was perfect for me. The starter and cheese were actually really tasty but the dessert was (not surprising) disappointing.

FLIGHT EXPERIENCE 

Pre departure drinks were served and the menus were distributed at that time. The service was efficient and friendly especially with the cabin being full – I was able to get my meal quickly and as importantly, it was also cleared quickly so I could get to sleep.

Unfortunately since the plane and/or that seat area was so hot, I didn’t sleep quite as much as I was hoping (I was aiming for 5 hours but ended up getting closer to 3).

ZRH LOUNGE ACCESS

SWISS Arrivals Lounge

I do love my arrivals lounges in general but on this day, it was a necessity for many reasons! I am so short that couldn’t access the overhead bin without assistance + lack of storage space,so I decided to store my water bottle with my backpack up top….and I hadn’t checked that it was completely closed – so there was a wet mess. It had soaked my backpack so I had to use the hairdryer in the bathroom =/

When you come into the SWISS arrivals lounge, you are asked if you would like a shower and then are given a city as that’s how the showers are named! And there are also some relaxation rooms (named after Swiss cities)

Pro tip: Switzerland is expensive – you should have a bigger breakfast than I did (I was so hot after the flight and spending so much time drying my stuff killed my appetite)

OVERALL IMPRESSION 

So what did I think of my flight? It was okay – just okay. Compared to the other business class flights and even the domestic first flights, I have taken – this would be one of, if not the lowest ranked flight. But do I regret it and spending points on this flight, no?

I made this award booking as it would allow me to explore a new destination but I had tempered my expectations for the flight, especially since it was a business class seat. Honestly the hard product (plane/seat) was below average and the soft product (on board service) was average. But I found that having lounge access to be unexpectedly useful (and even delightful) at BOS and ZRH.

Honestly having a lie-flat seat meant that I was able to sleep on the overnight flight and arrive decently rested for a full day of exploration…which for me is the main reason to use points for a business class flight. I don’t need it to be flashy (but don’t mind when it is) and don’t count on being well fed on the plane. I am continually adding to my miles and points balance and then using them because it allows me to baby my knee which will continue to be one of my highest priorities. Don’t let comparison be the thief of joy – even now, I would still book SWISS to fly back to Switzerland!