Swiss Airlines

History of Swiss Airlines

Swiss International Airlines is the largest airline in Switzerland. It was founded in 2002 after the collapse of Swissair, the Swiss air carrier. It started operations on March 31, 2002.

In 2005, Swiss International Air Lines merged with Lufthansa of Germany. Swiss International Air Lines joined the Star alliance. By 2019, revenues already amounted to CHF 5 billion.

Swiss Airlines fleet

Most of the aircraft fly medium range, such as the Airbus A220-100 and Airbus A220-200. Some models (Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A350-900) are designed for long-haul flights. Each aircraft offers several classes of service.

Classes of service

Business class is about 1.5 times more expensive than economy class.

Loyalty programs

The company does not have its own loyalty program, but has joined the Miles & More project popular in Europe, which was developed for frequent flyers. Miles are accumulated for flights and purchases and spent on privileges.

Another way to earn rewards is to pay with SWISS Miles & More credit cards at stores, restaurants and during online purchases.

Airline customers receive not only award miles, but also status miles. With them, you can achieve the status of a frequent flyer.

There are 3 levels for program members:

1. Frequent Traveller. Opened upon reaching 30,000 status miles or 30 flights per calendar year. Privileges include priority check-in, access to lounges and increased baggage allowance.
2. Senator. Over 100,000 status miles per calendar year. Priority baggage claim, access to Senator and Star Alliance Gold lounges and 2 upgrade vouchers.
3. HON Circle. 600,000 HON Circle points or 30 flights in 2 consecutive calendar years. Waiting list priority, Senator partner card, First Class lounge and terminal access, exclusive limousine and shuttle service and 6 upgrade vouchers.

Baggage rules and regulations

All passengers have the right to bring hand baggage on board the aircraft. Dimensions and weight depend on the class of service:

1. SWISS Economy. 1 seat up to 8 kg. Maximum dimensions: 55 x 40 x 23 cm.
2. SWISS Business. 2 seats up to 8 kg. Maximum dimensions: 55 x 40 x 23 cm.
3. SWISS First. 2 x 8 kg. Maximum dimensions: 55 x 40 x 23 cm.

• Liquids are transported in containers not exceeding 100 ml. The containers are packed in a transparent plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 liter. 1 passenger – 1 bag.
• Medicines and baby food are carried without restrictions.
• Baggage allowance depends on the class of service, fare and level in the loyalty program.

Levels in the loyalty program:

1. Economy Light. No baggage allowance.
2. Economy Classic and Flex. 1 seat up to 23 kg.
3. Business. 2 seats up to 23 kg.
4. First. 3 seats up to 32 kg.

Separate rules apply to sports equipment and hunting firearms. Excess baggage is carried at an additional cost.

No carry-on or luggage allowed:

• lithium batteries;
• flammable materials;
• items containing gases;
• radioactive materials and toxic substances;
• fragile items;
• pyrotechnics and explosives;
• mercury, alkali, acid and other corrosive substances;
• magnetic objects;
• electroshock weapons.

Registration instructions

The procedure can be completed online, at the airport counter or through a self-service terminal. Online check-in opens 23 hours before the flight. It is available via computer, smartphone, tablet and app.

• A few hours before the flight, you must go to the counter, drop off your luggage, get your boarding pass and then proceed to the plane.
• Self-check-in is allowed through a kiosk at the airport a few hours before the flight. You need to enter your name and reservation number and print out your boarding pass.
• Automatic check-in is available. It closes 24 hours before departure. Data for check-in are entered after booking a ticket, and the boarding pass is sent automatically in a message or by e-mail.

Contact Swiss Airlines

The company communicates with customers in English through feedback forms. On the “Contacts” page of the official website there is a feedback form for other questions: registration of pets, refunds for tickets and other flight details.