I recently returned from a quick trip to Bavaria. I booked the trip as an Aeroplan reward in SWISS Business Class from Zurich, a good value at 70,000 miles. However, I really hoped for an upgrade opportunity at check-in. As most of you know, SWISS doesn’t allow mileage redemptions in First except to Miles & More top-tier elites. However, they do often allow paid upgrades from Business Class, even award tickets. And sure enough, I received an offer to upgrade at check-in, perhaps my only chance to fly SWISS B777 First Class. All for the low, low price of CHF 2,049.
So yes, I pulled the trigger and paid the upgrade fee (about $2,400) for the flight from Zurich to Chicago. Why? Partially because there’s a sucker born every minute, and I’m living proof. But also, who knows when the next opportunity to check out SWISS First and the First Class lounge in Zurich might present itself. So what were my initial impressions of this extreme splurge?
SWISS Offers Good (If Confusing) Ground Handling at Zurich
SWISS offers dedicated check-in facilities at ZRH, and a pair of excellent First Class lounges. It’s a tad bit confusing to figure out which check-in area you should use (Check-In 1 or 3), but you’ll get to where you need to go eventually regardless. My flight to Chicago departed from the E Gates, but the hotel shuttle dropped us off at Check-In 1. I walked inside and found SWISS First Class/HON Circle check-in pretty quickly. I let the agent know I had a First Class ticket to Chicago, and was quickly assisted by someone inside.
You can then clear security at a dedicated checkpoint, where you’re usually the only person in line.
It wasn’t until later that I realized Check-In 1 technically handles departures from the A Gates. Check-In 3 handles departures from the E Gates. I guess SWISS gets enough bloggers and other assorted poseurs wanting to use both First lounges that they assume you’re there on purpose. If you accidentally check-in at the wrong area, the check-in agent will simply ask you when you’d like a shuttle transfer to the other terminal. (I initially asked for a 12 pm shuttle, but the A Lounge agent obliged my request to head to the E Lounge earlier.)
SWISS First Class Lounges Are Excellent (Both of Them)
As mentioned, I accidentally turned up at the SWISS First Lounge A. This lounge is intended as a Schengen lounge, and is a bit smaller. However, it’s still an excellent lounge, with a variety of seating areas and a full sit-down dining area.
I had an excellent cappuccino and fresh orange juice before heading over to the E Gates. Like Lufthansa and Air France, SWISS offers an on-demand van transfer whenever you’re ready. The transfer also includes a private passport control station before you board the van.
Once at the E Gates, you enjoy a larger lounge with an outstanding outdoor terrace to do some planespotting.
And you can indulge in some very, very good eating either at your seat, or in the sit-down restaurant.
Overall, I rate the experience as pretty close to what Air France and Lufthansa offer. SWISS definitely makes you feel special when you fly First Class.
SWISS B777 First Class is Solid, If Not World-Beating
SWISS B777 First Class consists of eight seats in a 1-2-1 configuration. The fully-enclosed suites aren’t as fancy a product as, say, Emirates or Singapore Airlines, but I found them sufficiently competitive. I actually found the seats somewhat reminiscent of ANA’s 777 First Class, which is a solid product.
No, you don’t get the floor-to-ceiling walls of Singapore Suites or Emirates First Class. But the seat is comfortable and reasonably private, both in seat and bed mode. The bed in particular is quite comfortable, and lent itself for a nice, long nap after the meal. Speaking of the meal…
SWISS Excels With First Class Catering and Service
I found myself quite satisfied with the catering selection on this flight. I pre-ordered a main course of capuns, which carried over despite my upgrade to First. The menu also includes a regionally appropriate selection of Swiss wines and cheeses. I found the quality quite good. And most importantly, the portion sizes were manageable, much appreciated after I ate too much in the lounge.
At least on this flight, SWISS provided excellent service. The First Class FA handling our aisle was remarkably kind, and indulged my questions about the food and drink menu. (In particular, she gave me the lowdown on capuns, a traditional dish from the eastern part of Switzerland.)
There’s Very Little Ground Handling or Amenities at Chicago O’Hare
Some airlines, in particular Air France and Lufthansa, offer some ground handling at the destination airport. Both escort First Class passengers off the plane and do the front of the immigration line. SWISS, though, doesn’t offer any expedited handling on arrival. And at Chicago, there’s no meaningful lounge access available. It’s not exactly SWISS’s fault; Chicago is a United hub, after all, and United doesn’t offer lounge access on arrival for Star Alliance partners. This strikes me as a missed opportunity, though I don’t know what the alternative is. Short of Star Alliance opening a lounge at ORD, anyway.
Final Thoughts
I’ll have to think about where exactly this flight ranks, but SWISS B777 First Class certainly ranks up there in terms of top premium cabin experience. Was it worth spending $2,400 for the privilege? That’s in the eye of the beholder, but 70,000 miles and about $2,500 in taxes and upgrade fees strikes me as not so bad.
