This was my first flight on an A320Neo, and it happened to be with my favorite European airline, Swiss International Air Lines (Swiss), on the route from Zurich (ZRH) to Hamburg (HAM) in Business Class.
Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS)
Swiss is the national flagship carrier of Switzerland, based at Zurich Airport (ZRH). As part of the Lufthansa Group, Swiss stands out as the premium airline within the conglomerate. Not only is it known for its premium service, but Swiss also leads in revenue and profit within the Lufthansa Group. In 2023, SWISS achieved a revenue of approximately 5.6 billion USD and recorded a historic profit of 800 million USD.
As of 2024, Swiss operates 87 aircraft, including six active A320Neo planes (2024). The A320Neo features the latest engine technology known as “Geared Turbofan.” Along with modern aerodynamic wing tips, called Sharklets, the A320Neo is about 20% more fuel-efficient compared to a standard A320. Noise emissions are significantly lower due to vortex generators, reducing the noise footprint by about 50%.
The A320Neo has a maximum range of 3.600 km and a capacity of 180 seats in a 3-3 configuration. The Business Class is flexibly located in the front rows.
Check-In
Check-in at Zurich Airport was as smooth as ever. I had already completed the online check-in via my mobile phone, so I only needed to drop off my baggage at the Business Class counter. While many business travelers now travel without checked luggage, I still prefer to check my baggage, even if it’s the size of cabin luggage. This allows me to avoid carrying a suitcase through the airport and dealing with liquid restrictions. Fortunately, checked luggage is still included in the Business Class ticket price.
Security checks were swift and hassle-free thanks to the Fast Lane. Zurich Airport is extremely well-organized and has been awarded multiple times for its service quality. In my opinion, it’s the best-organized airport from a passenger’s perspective.
Swiss Business Class Lounge Zurich (ZRH)
The Swiss lounges at Zurich Airport are among the best offered by European airlines, both in Business and First Class, and the Senator Lounges are equally excellent.
During my visit to the Swiss Lounge, I was not disappointed. A superb breakfast buffet, ample seating, power outlets and friendly staff awaited me.
Despite knowing that I would have another breakfast on my flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Hamburg (HAM), I couldn’t resist the beautifully presented buffet.
I enjoyed delicious fresh Swiss cheese, high-quality meat, excellent coffee and cappuccino, and orange juice. A breakfast chef was also available to prepare tasty scrambled eggs and omelets to order.
Boarding and Crew
Boarding started on time. The flight was almost fully booked, and the crew did an excellent job. The new A320Neo cabin features larger overhead bins, allowing most carry-on luggage to fit easily.
Upon reaching my seat, I found the usual bottle of water and a refreshing towel. A little tip: Swiss’s refreshing towels are great for removing stains from clothes.
Seat Product and IFE
The seating on this A320Neo is standard for a European carrier. New Recaro slim seats are installed in a typical 3-3 configuration, with Business Class located in the front rows. Business Class passengers sit in the same seats as Economy Class, but the middle seat is kept free. This flexible setup allows the airline to adjust the Business Class size based on demand, maximizing revenue from the more expensive Business Class tickets.
There is no individual in-flight entertainment (IFE), but the tray tables are equipped with a mobile kit for securing tablets or phones. There is no Wi-Fi system onboard.
Catering
The catering on the Swiss A320Neo Business Class from Zurich to Hamburg was impeccable, as always. Along with Austrian Airlines, Swiss offers the highest quality Business Class catering on short-haul European flights.
The presentation, quality of the food and the crew’s professionalism were outstanding. Breakfast included warm croissants with fresh salmon, eggs, tomatoes, delicious bircher muesli and fresh orange juice.
After the breakfast service, the obligatory coffee service followed. In Business Class, Swiss serves Nespresso coffee, freshly brewed using machines specially designed for airplane galleys. Incidentally, one of these Nespresso machines costs around 30.000 USD.
It must be emphasized that such a level of catering service on a European short-haul flight is unparalleled. Additionally, the professionalism and friendliness of the crew were particularly noteworthy. Of course, it’s always challenging to judge a crew as a whole since frequent flyers know that experiences can vary. However, I have consistently had positive experiences with SWISS crews. They seem to be doing many things right, which is reflected in the airline’s ongoing success.
Landing
The flight from Zurich to Hamburg was punctual, with landing occurring about 10 minutes ahead of schedule. An absolutely successful flight experience, which I can recommend to both business and leisure travelers.