SWISS Completes Premium Service Overhaul

SWISS has launched redesigned inflight service for Business and First Class passengers on long-haul flights, completing what the airline calls its most comprehensive service renewal to date.

The changes follow the carrier’s Economy service updates introduced in March, representing a full cabin refresh across all travel classes as part of the airline’s “SWISS Senses” programme.

The economy class service refresh introduced new meal presentation and upgraded amenities.

Airplane tray meal with rice, curry, vegetables, dessert, bread roll, butter, cucumber salad, and a cup of orange juice on a foldable tray table.
A small bottle of Bottega sparkling wine, two plastic cups with drinks, and a dish of mixed nuts on a tray table in a Swiss airline cabin.
A selection of packaged snacks, drinks, and pastries arranged in trays on a counter, as seen in a swiss airlines economy food review.
A SWISS Economy menu card placed on an airplane tray table, with part of the seatback visible in the background.

Inflight Feed reviewed the new economy service on the Bangkok to Zurich route, finding the carrier’s “Senses” concept delivers noticeable improvements in passenger experience.

Swiss Economy Class Review

Business Class changes

The updated Business Class service introduces a Swiss aperitif after takeoff, replacing the standard nuts service with fresh elements, such as olives, alongside the carrier’s signature Alpine Essence cocktail.

A glass of water, a glass of champagne, a bowl of olives on a napkin, and a SWISS Business class menu are arranged on a white surface, highlighting the elegance of SWISS inflight service.
A meal reminiscent of SWISS inflight service on a white table features a meat pie, mustard, crackers with cheese, water, and red wine, elegantly set with a fork and knife.
A bowl of orange soup with a spoon, bread and butter, a glass of water, and a glass of white wine, set on a white table with fork and knife on a napkin—presented in classic SWISS inflight service style.

Meals are now served trayless and include a separate soup course, with each course individually presented rather than served together.

An expanded cheese selection and new pralines from Aeschbach Chocolatier complete the dining experience.

A black box containing an assortment of chocolates arranged in three neat rows, reminiscent of the elegance found in SWISS inflight service, with light and shadow cast across a plain surface.

For overnight flights exceeding ten hours, passengers receive Muntagnard sleepshirts and additional seat covers.

New amenity kits developed with Swiss brand VIU feature Alpine Valley-scented products from Soeder.

Four minimalist soft cases and pouches in black and mauve—reminiscent of SWISS inflight service amenities—are arranged on a burgundy surface against a light pink background.
Experience SWISS inflight service with this travel kit: a black pouch, eye mask, maroon socks, toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, and a small towel—perfectly arranged on a maroon surface for your comfort.
A gray pillow with white stripes and a folded gray bed sheet set, reminiscent of SWISS inflight service comfort, are displayed on a white surface against a two-tone pink and white background.
A gray pillow, folded gray sheet, rolled-up gray blanket, and folded dark cloth arranged on a pink and burgundy background evoke the comfort of SWISS inflight service.
A black t-shirt and a maroon t-shirt, reminiscent of SWISS inflight service elegance, are laid flat on a light surface with contrasting shadows.

First Class upgrades

First Class passengers now receive service on fine porcelain with black tableware elements, replacing previous service items.

The service begins pre-departure with a Confiserie Sprüngli apéro, flûtes, and welcome drinks.

A plated meal with mashed potatoes, braised meat, stuffed pepper, and greens, alongside bread, spreads, a glass of red wine, water, and a SWISS First menu on a white table.

Inflight service includes an amuse bouche trio, trolley service for cold items at the seat, seasonal sorbet, and a five-cheese selection with expanded bread options.

Afternoon tea service has been added to longer daytime flights.

Comfort items include Zimmerli of Switzerland pyjamas and slippers, plus amenity kits featuring Sisley products.

Additional Swiss brands, Rohner and VIU, are offered individually by cabin crew.

Industry context

“Our new premium inflight services make flying with SWISS much more than just transport,” said Chief Commercial Officer Heike Birlenbach, indicating the carrier’s focus on experiential differentiation in competitive long-haul markets.

The updates are part of SWISS Senses, which includes new cabin interiors, seating, and ambient lighting across all travel classes on long-haul aircraft.

Images courtesy of Swiss.

How SWISS Reimagined Economy Class.

SWISS Launches ‘SWISS Senses’ Economy Experience

Zurich, March 3 2025 – Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is revolutionising its Economy and Premium Economy Class experience with the launch of ‘SWISS Senses’ on March 5.

A New Chapter in SWISS Hospitality

The ‘SWISS Senses’ concept encompasses upgraded food and beverages, enhanced comfort items, and a signature scent.

These elements connect deeply with Swiss culture and hospitality while introducing premium touches to long-haul travel.

“This is one of the biggest service investments in the airline’s history,” says Heike Birlenbach, SWISS’s Chief Commercial Officer.

“These innovations offer a tangible improvement in our Economy and Premium Economy Class services, providing our customers with a memorable travel experience that reflects the heart of Swiss hospitality.”

Sustainable Design: Elevated Tableware

SWISS partnered with deSter to develop elegant, sustainable tableware.

The new black trays and bowls blend aesthetic elegance with durability, perfectly complementing the refreshed cabin experience.

Air New Zealand enhances the dining experience on Flight 1345 with a meal tray featuring scrambled eggs, hash browns, bread, butter, dessert, salad, cutlery set, refreshing water, and their newly launched red wine—all elegantly presented on a white surface.

This supports SWISS’s commitment to sustainability and aligns with its closed-loop recycling process, helping reduce waste while ensuring long-lasting performance.

The shift from disposable containers to reusable items will significantly decrease the airline’s environmental footprint.

Welcome Aperitif

As the aircraft reaches cruising altitude, Economy and Premium Economy passengers will receive a distinctly Swiss welcome.

A bottle of white wine, a glass of wine, and cheese cubes in a bowl sit alongside a paper napkin with the "SWISS" logo and a red "SWISS Economy" menu on the table. It's reminiscent of when Air New Zealand launched its wine selection with flight 1345.

SWISS will serve a traditional Sbrinz cheese appetiser to complement a complimentary aperitif, setting the tone for Swiss hospitality to follow.

Main Meal Service

Economy Class passengers will enjoy revamped Swiss-inspired main courses featuring tender meats paired with seasonal Alpine vegetables and traditional accompaniments.

The meals will now be presented on the sleek new black tableware, enhancing the visual appeal and dining experience.

Premium Economy passengers will receive an even more elevated culinary experience with higher-quality ingredients, more generous portions, and refined presentation that rivals Business Class offerings on many other carriers.

Pre-Landing Refreshment

SWISS has wholly reimagined the pre-landing meal service. Previously served in simple cardboard boxes with basic offerings such as sandwiches, yogurt, and croissants, these meals now come in elegant, reusable bento boxes or stylish trays.

swiss economy class breakfast box
Swiss airlines economy class meal european flights
Swiss airlines economy class meal european flights

The new presentation is matched by improved quality and variety in the food offerings.

Expanded Beverage Program

The ‘SWISS Senses’ concept extends to a carefully curated beverage selection. Passengers will enjoy a variety of Swiss red wines selected to pair perfectly with the new menu items.

SWISS has also added Rivella, Switzerland’s beloved national soft drink, to give passengers an authentic taste of Swiss culture at 35,000 feet.

The Sensory Touch: Alpine Valley Fragrance

A distinctive feature of the ‘SWISS Senses’ concept is the introduction of a signature scent called “Alpine Valley.”

Developed in collaboration with Zurich-based company Soeder, this unique fragrance infuses the aircraft lavatories with aromatic larch, fresh citrus, and herbal notes—giving passengers a sensory connection to Switzerland’s breathtaking mountain landscapes.

Comfort Enhancements for Better Rest and Entertainment

SWISS has introduced new bedding, including pillows and blankets made entirely from recycled materials.

These sustainable comfort items align with the latest ‘SWISS Senses’ cabin design that will be rolled out across the airline’s long-haul fleet.

Setting New Standards

While competitors have made incremental improvements to their economy offerings, SWISS’s holistic approach simultaneously addresses multiple aspects of the passenger experience.

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Birlenbach adds, “With ‘SWISS Senses,’ we’re taking significant steps toward our premium aspirations, ensuring that the SWISS experience is distinctive and memorable across all cabin classes.”

Beginning March 5, 2025, passengers can experience the new ‘SWISS Senses’ concept on all SWISS long-haul flights.

All photos courtesy of Swiss.

SWISS HOSTS POP UP RESTAURANT INFLIGHT

[dropcap size=small]A[/dropcap]pop up restaurant inflight? That’s exactly what happened last month on Swiss International Airlines flight LX16 from Zurich to New York. In a world-first, Michelin Star Chef Andreas Caminada from Schloss Schauenstein, a historical castle which features his award-winning restaurant, teamed up with Swiss to create this inflight culinary adventure.

Planning for the “SWISS Meets Caminada” flight commenced 12 months before the flight to ensure a smooth and enjoyable inflight experience for everyone on board.

No duty-free trolleys loaded onto LX16 as they would take up too much space, so they were left behind. Equipment from galleys was also stripped to a bare minimum to provide Caminada and his team ample space to work in the galleys. The preparations and practice for the final flight commenced two days before departure at the Gate Gourmet Zurich Airport facilities. As you will see, the result is quite spectacular!

BOARDING TIME

Caminada and his team were there to meet and greet passengers with champagne and breakfast snacks before the flight and offer them a taste of what’s to come during their journey to New York.

INFLIGHT

Passengers in First Class were offered an 11-course meal while Business Class were offered ten courses, and Economy Class passengers were tempted with some unique meal creations. Dishes in Economy included items such as Char with Marinated Carrots, Mackerel with Radishes and Horseradish and Langoustine on Pumpkin.

Work in the inflight galleys was non-stop to provide the meals for everyone onboard, with no chance of even the slightest break for the cabin crew or Caminadas’ team.

Feedback from passengers was well received, and towards the end of the flight, Andreas Caminada passed through all cabins and farewelled and thanked passengers for joining the special flight. Every passenger walked off the aircraft with a gift bag containing Swiss Chocolates and a wool hat.

THE CAMINADA GALLERY

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Swiss & The Chedi – NEW SWISS TASTE OF SWITZERLAND PROGRAM

[dropcap size=small]T[/dropcap]he five star Chedi Andermatt which is located in the Urseren Valley, just a two-hour train ride from Zurich, will be the ambassadors for the current Swiss International Airlines “SWISS Taste of Switzerland” program.  From now until March 2015 passengers travelling in SWISS First and Business Class cabins (Ex Switzerland) will be able to taste these new dishes from the Canton of Uri. Passengers will also be able to experience local Swiss wines and regional cheeses with their meals.

BUSINESS CLASS INTERNATIONAL OPTIONS

Balik Salmon Tartare with Mango Dressing
Swiss Sturgeon in a Tomato-and-Artichoke Sugo with Mussels
Beef Tenderloin in Olive Jus.
Marsala Mousse with Orange Jelly and Pistachios

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FIRST CLASS

First Class customers can expect something a little more special including;

Lobster with Honeydew Melon and Banana Crème
Chestnut Soup with Maple Syrup and Almond Tuile
Veal Steak on a Soubise Sauce
Gilt Head Bream with Orange and Cardamom Sauce
Rice Pudding and Poached Pear with Saffron

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BUSINESS CLASS EUROPEAN SERVICES

Customers flying to Switzerland from Europe between 4 and 17 February 2015 will be treated to specialities from the Canton Uri and should expect to sample dishes such as:

Meatballs in a Herb Cream Sauce with Rice and Leeks
Sliced Polenta with Grated Local Cheese served with a Mushroom Ragout and Glazed Root Vegetables
Chocolate Mousse and Crème

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