Flying SWISS A320 Business Class felt like the classic short-haul European premium experience: efficient, predictable, and just about comfortable enough for the two-and-a-half-hour hop from Zurich to Malaga. The product hasn’t changed much over the years, with the same economy seat layout and a blocked middle seat in business, but SWISS dresses it up with lounge access, priority handling, and OK food.
We chose to route from London to Malaga via Zurich because, over the August bank holiday, it was actually comparable in price to fly business class from Heathrow via Zurich than to book EasyJet direct from Gatwick. Yes, the journey took longer, but it turned out to be a far more pleasant experience overall.
In this review:
Flight Details
Date: 21 August 2025
Time: 21:30
Flight number: LX2120
Ticket class: Business
Aircraft reg: HB-JDI
Aircraft type: Airbus A320neo
Flight time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Seat: 3A
Position: Window, third row from the front, left-hand side
Airport Experience
Zurich is one of the easier European hubs to transit. Passport security were quick, and we had access to the SWISS Lounge. It was spacious but initially quite busy. Within half an hour the crowds thinned out, making it a calm space before departure. The catering in the lounge was disappointing though: food was poorly presented, and while there was a decent selection of wines and spirits, nothing stood out as premium.
Boarding & Welcome
By the time we reached the gate, twenty minutes before departure, boarding had already started and the aircraft was nearly full. Despite being among the last to board, the whole process looked calm and organised. It’s very different to the more frantic Heathrow experience. The doors closed promptly, and before pushback the crew took meal preferences, politely switching between German and English. The welcome was warm but efficient, very much in line with SWISS’ reputation but no welcome drink. There was a bottle water on the seat when we boarded, so already better than most European business class.
Seat
We were seated in row three, in a quiet cabin with several rows left empty. The SWISS A320neo Business Class seat is exactly what you’d expect: a standard European economy seat with the middle blocked off. This design dates back to the 1980s when European airlines wanted maximum flexibility, and SWISS has stuck with it since its launch in 2002. The seats were slimline and functional, but a little on the hard side. The one real drawback was the tray table. It’s small, especially when the person in front reclined their seat, which nearly sent my drink flying.
What is the best seat on SWISS A320 Business Class?
All seats are technically the same, so choice comes down to personal preference. The bulkhead offers slightly more privacy, but it’s less practical for storing luggage under the seat. Rows two and three felt like the sweet spot. It’s close enough to the front for a quick exit but not so near the galley that you’d be disturbed. Comfort levels were consistent throughout, though no seat could really be called plush. There were electrical points, unlike SWISS A220.
See the seating plan on SeatGuru.
Onboard Experience
The flight ran smoothly, and service was exactly as expected for a short European business class leg. The crew were professional, attentive without being overbearing, and the cabin stayed quiet throughout the journey. There’s a large overhead bin space which is easy to access.
Food & Drink
Dinner service began about an hour into the flight. There were two choices: chicken risotto or a vegetarian curry. Presentation was simple, but the flavours were better than average for this type of route. The tray table felt tiny, especially with drinks and dishes competing for space. Champagne was the highlight of the drinks service — SWISS serves Jacquart, which is good quality and a nice surprise on a short-haul sector. This was served with two types of red and a couple of white wines. Drinks were topped up willingly, though the overall range was limited.
In-flight Entertainment
There was no WiFi onboard, which feels outdated in 2025. At least there was a charging point, which made it easier to rely on personal devices. Overhead screens looped adverts for Breitling in between the moving map and flight information, showing arrival times and remaining flight duration. Functional, but nothing more.
BG1 Verdict
SWISS A320neo Business Class is exactly what you’d expect from a European carrier: same seat as economy, middle seat blocked, and service that’s polished but unremarkable. Perfectly good for the short hop, but not an experience you’d go out of your way to book.
BG1 Tip
Download entertainment before boarding, as there’s no WiFi and the onboard screens don’t do much beyond the flight map.
Why not follow follow us on TikTok and Instagram.
Leave a Reply