a new SWISS Business Class seat with its large side table

The blue glow of Suvarnabhumi Airport can be seen many kilometres away

Fine dining aboard SWISS.

Swiss wines are excellent but little known outside their home country.

Tradition meets retail at Suvarnabhumi Airport, one of several SWISS Asian destinations.

SWISS Flight LX181 Bangkok to Zurich
Business Class
25 July 2011

It has always been a pleasure to fly aboard SWISS, now so more than ever with the introduction of new A330 and A340 aircraft on SWISS' longhaul Asian routes.  The new SWISS Business Class has improved the travel experience on multiple levels with clever use of space and extra attention to details—and that includes a supremely comfortable, flat-bed seat, as is expected in today's competitive business travel market.

Check-in at Suvarnabhumi Airport was quick, easy, and friendly.  SWISS Business Class passengers have access to the THAI Business Class Lounge before departure, where a selection of reading material, drinks, and an international selection of food are available.  Happily, in comparison to other airlines, SWISS keeps boarding time to a minimum and expedites the process to the benefit of passengers and staff alike.

When entering the aircraft, the first thing to notice about the new SWISS Business Class is that each well-padded seat has its own side table, much like an armchair and table would be set up in a home.  The second thing is the unusual 2-2-1 configuration in the A340-300 aircraft on this flight, great for single travellers who want no one next to them or for couples wanting the same.

It is soon apparent that SWISS has made several practical modifications to customary seat environments.  From the well-placed control panel right at the fingertips to the inclusion of a second control panel for easy access while reclined, it seems no detail has been overlooked in maximising ease of use in the flying experience.  The tray table is stored in a horizontal position and is released with the press of a button.  There is also a 'glove compartment' and space for shoe storage, and the armrest drops down to allow for a more comfortable sleeping position when the warm blankets and feather pillows start working their magic.  Lighting has also been given a lot of thought, with mood lighting an additional option beyond the usual overhead light and the reading lamp.

Not many airlines have a menu with illustrations, but Business Class dining on SWISS flights has always had that extra touch of class.  As for food and beverage service, Switzerland's excellent wines were served in accompaniment of a selection of dishes, vegetarian option included.  Swiss wines are not generally exported because production is small and the locals buy up every bottle possible, so it's a treat to be able to enjoy them when the opportunity arises.  Being that the flight departed Bangkok at 11:20pm and arrived in Zurich at 6:15am, the food service offered a small dinner right after takeoff and small breakfast before arrival.