Nice: SWISS Upgrades Longhaul Economy Class Experience

SWISS is updating its soft product in longhaul premium economy and economy class, a genuine upgrade that will make for a better onboard experience, especially in the rear of the aircraft.

SWISS Upgrades Economy Class + Premium Economy Soft Product Onboard

While the Swiss carrier has cut free meals, snacks, and drinks from its short haul flights, the airline will expand its “SWISS Senses” concept in what it calls a “revamped long-haul air travel experience.” Let’s look at the changes, all of which appear to be genuine improvements.

Welcome Aperitif With Cheese Appetizer

Both economy and premium economy passengers will be served a welcome aperitif, accompanied by a Sbrinz cheese appetizer, in what SWISS calls “a nod to Switzerland’s ‘apéro’ culture.”

SWISS will also be offering a broader selection of beverages that include a new Swiss red wine and “typical” Swiss soft drinks such as Rivella.

New Menu Options + Upgraded Pre-Arrival Meal

Main dishes will change with several new menu options highlighting tastes of Switzerland, more snacks will be offered between meal services, and  an “upgraded” pre-landing meal will now be served on a tray or in a “reusable bento box.” Economy class meals will also be served on modern black re-usable tableware.

(This is how JetBlue serves its meals on its transatlantic “Core” product)

Alpine Valley Signature Scent

Passengers will now smell a new signature fragrance called Alpine Valley, which has been created specifically for SWISS in collaboration with the Zurich-based Soeder company. It will be available in the lavatories in soap, hand lotion, and facial spray form. Alpine Valley “combines aromatic larch with fresh citrus notes and subtle hints of herbs to bring a little Swiss alpine nature aloft.”

“Soft” Bedding

New bedding with “soft pillows and blankets that are made entirely of recycled materials” will be offered in economy class and premium economy class. Such a description always makes my eyebrows go up, but Delta’s bedding is also made of recycled materials and very comfortable. Offering an above-average blanket and pillow would be a big value-add to the product.

CONCLUSION

Swiss is upgrading its soft product in economy and premium economy class (and I have to say, it already wasn’t bad…)

As SWISS Chief Commercial Officer Heike Birlenbach explained:

“These new product and service highlights will tangibly enhance the air travel experience for our Economy Class and our Premium Economy Class guests. Taken together, they represent one of the biggest service investments in the history of our company. And they bring us a further step forward in providing our customers with a quality air travel experience that is hallmarked by both Swissness and a devotion to detail, to help ensure that we consistently achieve our high premium aspirations.”

I’m still not keen to fly economy class, but this certainly sounds like a very pleasant experience in the back of the plane.

images: SWISS