BY: CRJ
Recently, I had the opportunity to fly Swiss International Air Lines in Business Class on the Stockholm to Zürich route, a journey that highlights the airline’s dedication to refined comfort and attentive service. My journey began on a tranquil Friday evening at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, where I was impressed by the seamless check-in process—there were no lines in any cabin, reflecting efficient ground operations.
As a premium traveler, one often expects a bustling Economy queue, but this time, the terminal felt almost exclusive.
Upon entering what I assumed was the SAS Gold Lounge, I was initially underwhelmed by the limited buffet and the basic wine selection presented in bag-in-box format—my meal consisted of simple carrot and cucumber sticks paired with potato salad. It turned out I had mistakenly entered the SAS Business Lounge, not the Gold Lounge. Navigating Terminal 5’s lounges can be confusing due to overlapping signage; the SAS Gold Lounge, I later discovered, offers enhanced amenities such as panoramic runway views, bottled wines, and elevated hot dishes like smoked salmon. Both lounges, however, provide a tranquil retreat before departure.
Boarding the Swiss flight, I found the Business cabin notably spacious, with only three of twelve seats occupied—ideal for privacy and personalized service. Once settled, the cabin crew welcomed me with bottled water and a napkin, a thoughtful gesture before the main beverage service commenced. The in-flight experience truly began after takeoff.
I requested a glass of Duval-Leroy champagne, which was promptly delivered and proved to be an excellent aperitif, accompanied by a selection of pretzels and crackers. After a couple of refills, dinner was served, and I opted for the veal dish over the lasagna. The noodles, while visually understated, were surprisingly flavorful, and the meal was complemented by a fresh salad and artisan bread. For wine, I sampled a robust Swiss red, with an Italian option also available.
The highlight of the meal was undoubtedly the curated Swiss cheese plate, showcasing the airline’s commitment to regional specialties.
Dessert was a sweet finish, pairing well with cognac, though the signature Swiss liqueurs were unavailable on this occasion. The attentive crew ensured my glass was never empty, alternating between champagne and water throughout the flight.
Reflecting on the journey, I was impressed by Swiss’s hospitality and culinary offerings. However, the intra-European Business Class seat remains a standard economy seat with the middle seat blocked, lacking the true lie-flat comfort found on long-haul routes. While service and cuisine were exemplary, a more luxurious seat would elevate the overall experience—ironically, the bus ride to Arlanda offered greater physical comfort than the aircraft seat.
