Flying Swiss

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In late May, my wife and I flew from Zurich to Los Angeles on Swiss Air Flight 40, a 12-hour economy journey aboard a Boeing 777-300ER. Armed with points, a DIY amenity kit, and low expectations, we stepped off the plane feeling refreshed—and genuinely impressed.

Here’s why Swiss Air’s economy class is a points hacker’s dream for long-haul travel, plus my tips to make it even better.

Booking with Points: A Solid Redemption

I redeemed 63,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points per person by transferring them to United MileagePlus and booking through the Star Alliance portal . The process wasn’t flawless—United’s interface can be clunky—but it paid off. Cash fares were ~$950, yielding ~1.5 cents per point, a strong value for economy. Pro tip: Check out Upgraded Points guide to booking Europe with points & miles.

The Cabin: Cozy but Noisy

We snagged seats 44H (aisle) and 44K (window) with an empty middle seat—poor man’s business class. The location was great for easy access and views, but the cabin was louder than our quieter outbound flight in Lufthansa’s A380 small upper-deck economy cabin. With 32 inches of pitch, legroom matched Southwest’s standard seats. The in-flight entertainment (IFE) stole the show: a crisp, responsive screen with movies, shows, and interactive flight maps.

The Food: Swiss Flavors Shine

We bought sandwiches from Zurich Airport, but Swiss Air’s catering was a delight. The first meal was a hearty pasta dish; the second, a standout Swiss spaetzle with a rich, chicken paprikash-style sauce that packed incredible flavor. Unlimited galley snacks and Mövenpick ice cream was handed out somewhere over Greenland. They also served “Quollfrisch Hell, ” a crisp Swiss lager, free of charge.

My Comfort Strategy: DIY Economy Hacks

Our DIY amenity kit included:

• Sleep mask

• Compression socks

• Travel toothbrush and toothpaste

• Moisturizing sheet mask

• Noise-canceling earplugs

These, plus the empty middle seat, helped my wife sleep. I used the Timeshifter app to sync sleep and caffeine with LA time, dodging jet lag. Want my kit checklist? Reply to this email!

Airports: Zurich Shines, LAX Delivers

Zurich Airport was efficient and spacious. We grabbed sandwiches, cleared security fast, and boarded early. LAX’s Tom Bradley Terminal was modern and easy—customs took under 45 minutes. I love the high ceilings.

The Crew: Attentive and Engaging

The Swiss crew was a cut above, circulating more frequently than our Lufthansa guide and offering warm, attentive service. Their enthusiasm for the Mövenpick ice cream hand-out made it a highlight.

Why I’d Book Swiss Again

Swiss Air’s Flight 40 isn’t a lie-flat suite, but it’s proof long-haul economy can feel great.

• Flavorful meals (that spaetzle and sauce!)

• Modern cabin

• Attentive crew

• Free drinks and surprise dessert

• Passenger-first vibe

Book via Star Alliance to stretch your points.

Your Turn to Fly Smart

Try Swiss Air with TPG’s points valuation chart and a DIY kit. Got a long-haul economy hack? Reply and share!

Until next Thursday,

Jeff

The World Unfolding

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