Swiss Airlines premium economy worth it

Traveling long-haul can be a test of endurance, often leaving you feeling cramped and exhausted upon arrival. While the allure of Business Class is undeniable, its price tag can quickly put it out of reach for many. So, what if there was a comfortable middle ground?

Enter Swiss Airlines Premium Economy. This travel class promises an elevated experience without the hefty cost of Business or First Class. But is Swiss Airlines Premium Economy worth it for your next journey? This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know, helping you decide if this upgrade is the smart choice for your travel style and budget.

What is Swiss Airlines Premium Economy?

Swiss International Air Lines introduced its Premium Economy product in June 2021, aiming to bridge the gap between Economy and Business Class, primarily on its long-haul routes. You'll find this class across their Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A340-300 fleets, with the new Airbus A350-900 aircraft also featuring an enhanced Premium Economy cabin in the future.

Here’s what sets it apart:

Enhanced Seating & Comfort

The core of the Premium Economy experience lies in the seat itself. Swiss Premium Economy seats are designed for greater comfort and privacy compared to standard Economy.

• More Space: Expect a significantly wider seat, measuring between 18 and 19 inches, compared to approximately 17 inches in Economy.
• Increased Legroom: With a generous seat pitch of around 39 inches (compared to 31 inches in Economy), you get substantially more legroom to stretch out.
• Fixed-Shell Design: A key feature is the innovative hard-shell design, meaning your seat reclines within its own shell, so you won't disturb the passenger behind you.
• Ergonomic Features: Seats include a fold-out leg rest and an adjustable headrest for better support on long flights.
• Power & Connectivity: Each seat is equipped with a universal 110V power port and USB-A charging ports. The upcoming A350 cabins will even feature wireless charging pads and Bluetooth connectivity for your own headphones.

Elevated In-Flight Experience

Beyond the seat, Swiss Premium Economy enhances your journey with upgraded amenities and services.

• Dining: You'll receive an alcohol-free welcome drink before takeoff. Passengers can look forward to an expanded culinary selection, including a choice of three hot meals served on china tableware, a notable step up from Economy. Mid-flight snacks and an upgraded pre-landing meal are also part of the experience.
• Entertainment: Enjoy a larger 15.6-inch high-resolution screen, a substantial upgrade from the 11-inch screens in Economy, offering a broad selection of movies, TV shows, and music. High-quality, noise-reducing headphones are provided to enhance your viewing and listening pleasure.
• Amenities: A complimentary amenity kit made from sustainable materials is provided, typically containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, sleeping mask, and earplugs. You'll also find a pillow and blanket at your seat.
• Cabin Atmosphere: While not always a completely separate cabin, the Premium Economy section is generally located at the front of the Economy cabin, offering a calmer and more private atmosphere due to fewer seats.

Additional Perks

Swiss Premium Economy also offers practical benefits that can make your travel smoother.

• Baggage Allowance: Passengers enjoy a double baggage allowance compared to Economy Class, allowing two checked bags of up to 23 kg each.
• Priority Services: You'll benefit from priority boarding, allowing you to settle in faster. While lounge access is not complimentary, Premium Economy travelers can purchase discounted access to SWISS Business Lounges at Zurich and Geneva airports, and the Zurich Airport's SWISS Arrival Lounge.

Comparing Premium Economy to Economy and Business Class

Understanding where Swiss Premium Economy fits in the grand scheme of travel classes is crucial for your decision.

Economy vs. Premium Economy: A Clear Upgrade

The differences between Swiss Economy and Premium Economy are significant, especially on long-haul flights. Economy typically offers a 31-inch seat pitch and 17-inch width, with standard meals and amenities.

With Premium Economy, you gain:

• Significantly more personal space and legroom.
• A wider, more comfortable seat with a fixed-shell recline.
• Enhanced dining experience with better food presentation.
• Improved entertainment system with larger screens and better headphones.
• Double the checked baggage allowance.
• Thoughtful amenity kit and priority boarding.

For many, these upgrades transform a potentially grueling long-haul flight into a much more pleasant experience.

Premium Economy vs. Business Class: A Different League

It's important to manage expectations when comparing Premium Economy to Business Class. While Premium Economy offers a substantial step up from Economy, it is not Business Class.

Key differences include:

• Seat Type: Business Class typically offers lie-flat seats, allowing for proper sleep, which Premium Economy does not. Swiss Premium Economy seats recline significantly but are not flat beds.
• Lounge Access: Business Class tickets generally include complimentary lounge access. Premium Economy offers discounted lounge access, but it's not free.
• Service & Dining: While Premium Economy offers enhanced meals, Business Class typically provides a more extensive, restaurant-style dining experience with a wider selection of premium beverages and more personalized service.
• Price Point: This is often the most significant differentiator. Business Class can be two to three times the price of Premium Economy, or even more.

Swiss Premium Economy is designed to be a comfortable middle ground, offering a taste of premium travel without the full Business Class price tag. It's an "excellent intermediate between Economy and Business".

When is Swiss Airlines Premium Economy Worth It?

So, given these features, when does the investment in Swiss Airlines Premium Economy truly pay off?

• Long-Haul Flights: For journeys exceeding 6-8 hours, the extra space, recline, and improved amenities can make a significant difference to your comfort and how refreshed you feel upon arrival.
• Overnight Flights: Being able to recline further and have more personal space can greatly aid in getting some rest, making overnight flights more bearable.
• Taller Travelers: If you're tall or simply value extra legroom, the 39-inch pitch in Premium Economy is a game-changer compared to Economy's tighter squeeze.
• Desire for Enhanced Comfort on a Budget: If Business Class is too expensive but you dread the thought of a long flight in Economy, Premium Economy offers a noticeable upgrade at a more accessible price point.
• Business Travelers on a Budget: For those traveling for work but without a Business Class budget, Premium Economy provides a more conducive environment for rest or light work.
• Families Needing More Space: Traveling with children can be easier with the added room and improved entertainment options.
• Specific Aircraft Routes: Swiss has installed Premium Economy on its long-haul Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A340-300 fleets, ensuring a consistent product on these routes. The upcoming A350s will further enhance this experience.

Factors to Consider Before Booking

Before you click "book," weigh these factors:

• Price Difference: Is the additional cost for Premium Economy a reasonable jump for your budget? Sometimes, the price difference can be minimal, making it an easy decision. Other times, it might be substantial, requiring careful consideration.
• Flight Duration: For very short flights (under 4-5 hours), the benefits might not justify the extra cost. The longer the flight, the more valuable Premium Economy becomes.
• Personal Comfort Priorities: How much do you value personal space, better food, and enhanced entertainment? If these are high on your priority list, the value proposition increases.
• Aircraft Type: While Swiss offers a consistent Premium Economy product on its long-haul fleet, it's always good to confirm the aircraft type for your specific flight.
• Alternative Options: Could an exit row or bulkhead seat in Economy provide enough comfort for less? Or are there opportunities to upgrade using miles or points?

How to Get the Best Deal on Swiss Airlines Premium Economy

Securing a good deal can make the "worth it" factor even stronger:

• Book in Advance: Like most airline tickets, booking early often yields better prices.
• Look for Sales and Promotions: Keep an eye out for Swiss Airlines' special offers or seasonal sales.
• Consider Bidding for an Upgrade: Some airlines allow passengers to bid for upgrades closer to departure. While not guaranteed, it can sometimes result in a fantastic deal.
• Utilize Miles or Points: If you're a member of the Miles & More program or a Star Alliance frequent flyer, check if you can use your miles to book or upgrade to Premium Economy.

Conclusion

Deciding if Swiss Airlines Premium Economy is worth it comes down to balancing cost with your personal comfort needs, especially on long-haul flights. It offers a significant upgrade from standard Economy with more spacious seating, enhanced dining, better entertainment, and a more generous baggage allowance. While it doesn't offer the lie-flat luxury of Business Class, it provides a highly comfortable and noticeably more premium travel experience at a more accessible price point.

For many travelers, particularly on longer journeys, the added space and amenities make the extra investment a worthwhile one, allowing you to arrive at your destination feeling more relaxed and ready to go. So, on your next trip, consider giving Swiss Premium Economy a try – your body might just thank you!

Have you flown Swiss Airlines Premium Economy? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Swiss Premium Economy a lie-flat seat?

No, Swiss Premium Economy seats are not lie-flat. They feature a fixed-shell design that allows for a generous recline of up to 31 degrees, providing significantly more comfort than Economy, but they do not convert into a flat bed.

Does Swiss Premium Economy include lounge access?

No, complimentary lounge access is not included with a Swiss Premium Economy ticket. However, passengers in Premium Economy can purchase discounted access to SWISS Business Lounges at Zurich and Geneva airports, as well as the SWISS Arrival Lounge in Zurich.

What's the baggage allowance for Swiss Premium Economy?

Passengers flying Swiss Premium Economy are allowed two checked bags, each weighing up to 23 kg (51 lbs). This is double the allowance for standard Economy Class fares.

Can I choose my seat in Swiss Premium Economy for free?

While you can select your seat at check-in, Swiss typically charges a fee for advance seat selection in Premium Economy more than 24 hours before departure.