Another summer vacation is over. Since we couldn't decide on a destination this year, we let the availability of Miles & More award flights decide. So it was Dubai! For the return flight, we chose SWISS Business Class on an Airbus A330-300. Read our review to find out what our first SWISS Business Class flight was like.
Boarding LX243 to Zurich
About half an hour before the scheduled start of boarding, we left the lounge (Review of the Lufthansa Business Lounge) and walked to today's departure gate, D14. Just as we arrived, boarding for first and business class passengers had already begun.
SWISS offers this flight from Muscat, the capital of Oman, via Dubai to Zurich. So, there were already passengers in the cabin when we boarded. It was also stiflingly hot.
SWISS Business Class in the Airbus A330 – Cabin
The ambience in SWISS Business Class was modern, simple, and unfussy. We really liked the design. The wood accents on the seats add an Alpine flair and a touch of modern chic.
The Business Class cabin features an alternating 1-2-1 and 2-2-1 layout. The individual window seats are generally reserved for HON Circle and Senator Miles & More members. The biggest disadvantage of the two window seats is that you have to step over the legs of your neighbor. These seats are therefore extremely unsuitable for solo travelers. We sat in row 12 on the way to Zurich, in seats D, G, and K.
SWISS Business Class in the Airbus A330 – Seat
Unfortunately, we were unable to use our child seat, which is specifically certified for use in airplanes, on this flight because the Business Class seat has an airbag in the belt. Cabin Master We had to consider that there might be a problem with the deployment. So we had to check the child seat shortly before takeoff.
The SWISS Business Class seat on the Airbus A330 lacks storage space. There was barely any room to stow anything. There was only a small compartment under the monitor, a magazine compartment in the middle, and a shoe compartment. The latter was almost too small even for a size 11. Otherwise, the seat offered a reading light and a sturdy table.
The seat was controlled via a control panel in the armrest. There were three quick-select buttons for sleep, lounge, and takeoff/landing. I could also adjust the footrest and lumbar support. Another advantage of the seat was the massage function and the ability to individually adjust the firmness. This was especially important for sleeping comfort!
Initially, I was concerned about whether my son or I would be able to sleep in this seat. Although a flat bed could be created, the seat felt cramped, and a mattress topper wasn't offered. The bed was about two meters long and adequate for my height of 1.83 m. My son fell asleep immediately after takeoff, and I also found peace and quiet for two hours.
SWISS Business Class on the Airbus A330 – Entertainment
The screen is outdated in terms of both size and resolution. Other airlines, including those within the Lufthansa Group, offer significantly better systems. The monitor is operated via a touchscreen or a remote control in the armrest. The movie selection was decent. Unfortunately, the over-ear headphones provided did not feature active noise cancellation.
SWISS also offers Wi-Fi on its Airbus A330s. However, this is quite expensive and not necessary for our short night flight.
SWISS Business Class on the Airbus A330 – Service
Even before takeoff, the very attentive flight attendant offered champagne, orange juice, or water. Afterwards, the menu and a sort of breakfast order form were handed out. The extensive breakfast selection and the option to customize your own breakfast set SWISS Business Class apart from its competitors.
Since I wasn't tired yet, I had a midnight snack served after takeoff. It included a salmon mezze platter, a warm tomato and mozzarella sandwich, and a leek and apple soup. This was accompanied by two small pieces of cheese (Gruyère and Cambert) and a caramel crouton for dessert. I drank it with a glass of Duval-Leroy Brut Champagne and a water.
About an hour before landing, as we were flying over Zagreb, breakfast was served. I had pre-ordered two crepes, a small bowl of fruit, orange juice, and a smoothie for the start of the flight. I also had a cappuccino. Everything was delicious!
SWISS Business Class on the Airbus A330 – Amenities
On the night flight from Dubai to Zurich, SWISS offered only a small amenity kit in Business Class. This was a black metal box from the Swiss manufacturer Victorinox. It contained a sleep mask, socks, a toothbrush, earplugs, and lip balm.
A fluffy blanket, a pillow, and a bottle of water were also waiting for me at my seat upon boarding. A coat hanger is also provided at every seat for hanging up jackets and coats. However, other amenities such as pajamas or slippers were not provided.
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Review of SWISS Business Class on the Airbus A330-300
Review of SWISS Business Class on the Airbus A330-300- Service3.5/5
- Seat2.5/5
- Entertainment3/5
- Cleanliness3.5/5
- Beverages4/5
- Food4/5
- Price/performance3/5