It feels like I just got back from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and here I am, packing up the family again (two adults, four kids, and way too many snacks) for another trip to Dubai. 

Why am I heading back so soon?

Simple: the weather. 

The forecast at home calls for endless rain, and that is a little too much gray for my taste. So I am swapping umbrellas for heat so intense you could fry an egg on the sidewalk.

The timing works out perfectly because I stumble across some ridiculous off-season hotel deals. Case in point: Andaz Dubai The Palm – normally about $400 a night – drops to just $80 in June. 

At that price, even my suitcase is excited.

So here is the plan: trade rain for desert sunshine, snag luxury hotels on a budget, and see if SWISS A330-300 Business Class lives up to its reputation. 

From the “throne” seat setup to Swiss chocolates at 35,000 feet, I am testing whether this cabin still deserves its crown.

Award Flight Booking (9/10)

I look at the cash price for this flight in the summer months, and it hovers around $5,000. That feels wild for such a short hop on an older aircraft. Paying cash is out of the question.

Instead, I turn to Avianca lifemiles. 

The standard redemption rate is 42,000 miles one way, but my Avianca lifemiles American Express® Elite Card gives me lifemiles Plus status. That perk includes a 10 percent discount on award bookings, which brings my cost down to just 37,800 miles plus $80 in taxes and fees. 

For a flight that normally sells for thousands of dollars, this feels like a huge win.

Even better, I am able to book this ticket just a few weeks before departure. Award space is usually hard to find for six people, but SWISS releases enough seats to Star Alliance partners for me to lock in the whole family on the same flight. 

That alone feels like a small miracle.

Here is the exact itinerary I book:

• Flight Number: LX242
• Route: Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (DXB)
• Departing: 12:30
• Arriving: 21:05
• Duration: 6 hours 35 minutes
• Departure Date: May 31st, 2025

There are two catches. 

First, SWISS does not let me pick seats in advance without paying extra, which feels a little stingy for a Business Class product. 

Second, I cannot select special meals online. Since my wife is vegetarian and my kids need child meals, I have to call in to make those requests. It works out, but it adds an unnecessary extra step to the process.

TPA Pro Tip: If you are leaving from Zurich (ZRH), consider staying at an airport hotel the night before. My favorite option is the Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport, which is directly connected to the terminal. It is only a five-minute walk to check-in, the rooms are modern and comfortable, and Hyatt treats elite members very well.

Business Class Airport Check-In (7/10)

SWISS runs its own check-in building at Zurich Airport (ZRH), called Check-In 1. It is a longer walk than the main check-in areas, and the First and Business Class counters are all the way at the far end. 

By the time I get there, I already feel the heat. Welcome to European airports in the summer. Air conditioning never seems strong enough, and I am practically sweating through my shirt before I even make it to security.

The lines are busier than I expect. Eight counters are open in total, with five dedicated to families and three for standard Business Class passengers. To my surprise, the family lines move faster. 

Either SWISS puts its top agents in those positions, or the teams are competing to see who can process passengers more efficiently. It feels very Swiss either way, and it works to my advantage.

The check-in agent is friendly and efficient. She confirms that our flight leaves from Terminal E, which means I need to clear passport control and then take a train to reach the gate. At this point it sounds simple, but it quickly becomes important later.

Security And Immigration

Security is also packed. 

The Economy Class line wraps around the corner, and even the Business Class side is full of people. 

A quick tip for anyone traveling on busy holiday weekends: if you are departing from Terminal E, it can easily take 45 to 60 minutes just to clear passport control. The heaviest rush is usually between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., when most international flights leave. 

I always plan for extra time when traveling with the family so I do not have to rush.

Airport Lounge: SWISS Business Class Lounge (N/A)

Remember how the check-in agent tells me our flight is leaving from Terminal E? 

Well, I make my way to the SWISS Business Class Lounge in Terminal E, with four kids under the age of ten, only to be told that my flight is actually departing from Terminal D. 

That means I need to backtrack, take the train again, and essentially do the airport tour. Did I mention the four kids? On the bright side, the train ride comes with huge scenic images of Switzerland plastered along the walls, which feels like a mini travel ad before takeoff.

I am relieved that I do not need to clear passport control again, but I do have to go through security once more. Between the detours and the extra lines, the lounge time disappears. I never actually get to sit down and experience the SWISS lounge properly.

It is a shame because the Terminal E lounges are the flagship SWISS Business Class lounges. They are known for spacious seating, fresh food, and some of the best runway views in Zurich. 

If you are into plane spotting, these lounges are a dream. 

Instead, I just get a quick glimpse before heading back to my gate.

TPA Pro Tip: If you are not flying Business Class, the Aspire Lounge in Terminal E is a fantastic alternative. It is part of Priority Pass, so you can get in with cards like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or The Platinum Card® from American Express. It has solid food, comfortable seating, and the same great runway views.

SWISS A330-300 Aircraft Cabin And Layout (5/10)

The layout of the SWISS A330-300 Business Class cabin feels a little awkward. Seats are arranged in both 2-2-1 and 1-2-1 configurations, which creates a mix of options but not always the most consistent flow. 

It makes me look forward to the new SWISS Senses cabins, which promise a sleeker design similar to the Lufthansa Allegris updated Business Class.

There are actually two separate Business Class cabins on this aircraft. A smaller, more intimate section sits right behind First Class, while the larger cabin stretches further back. The seating itself is a bit of a gamble. 

In the 2-2 rows, some seats are directly on the aisle, while others are offset with a bit more space and privacy. Choosing carefully can make a big difference in comfort.

The best seats are the famous “throne” seats, which usually cost extra to reserve. On this flight, we luck out. Since the plane is full and families are seated together, I end up in one of these coveted spots. 

It is a nice win and makes me appreciate the extra storage and privacy they provide.

As a side note, when I am waiting to board, I notice that SWISS is offering a Business Class upgrade for $1,320 per person on this six-and-a-half-hour flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Dubai (DXB). I only ask out of curiosity, since I am already booked in Business Class with points, but it is a good reminder of just how much value award redemptions can deliver.

TPA Pro Tip: If you are flying eastbound out of Zurich, grab a seat on the right-hand side of the aircraft. The views of the Alps after takeoff are spectacular and worth the neck craning.

SWISS Business Class Seat (6/10)

Even though this SWISS A330-300 is showing its age, the Business Class seats still feel comfortable when I am sitting down. The padding holds up well, and the layout gives me enough personal space to settle in for the flight.

There is some storage space under the television, and it is almost comically larger than the entertainment screen itself. Beyond that, storage options are limited. There are no deep bins or hidden compartments, so I have to keep most of my things either at my feet or in the overhead.

The power outlets and headphone jacks are set off to the side of the seat, which makes them easy to reach without twisting or fumbling. I also like the oversized reading light. It is flexible, maneuverable, and bright enough to read comfortably without blasting my neighbor with unwanted light.

The footwell is angled, which some people dislike because it narrows as it stretches forward. Personally, I find it comfortable. It gives my legs a natural resting position when I am seated, even if it is a bit tight when I stretch out fully.

For coats and jackets, SWISS provides hangers and sturdy knobs at the front of each seat. If I do not want to keep my jacket at my seat, the crew offers to stow it for me. It is a small touch, but it adds to the overall sense of a premium experience.

SWISS Business Class Bed (6/10)

Since this is a daytime flight, I do not get a full chance to stretch out and sleep for hours. 

I still test the seat in lie-flat mode, and overall it feels decent. There is plenty of length, and the pillows and blankets are fine. They are not luxury hotel quality, but they do the job. 

“Good enough” is probably the best way to describe the bedding.

The angled footwell, which feels comfortable when I am sitting, is less forgiving when I lie down. It narrows toward the end, and that squeeze is noticeable when I try to move around.

Privacy depends heavily on where you sit. If you are in one of the 2-2 seats closer to the aisle, there is very little separation. It is easy to feel exposed, and I even get bumped a couple of times as people walk by. 

In contrast, the throne seat is by far the best option. With its wide side tables and built-in privacy, it makes the flatbed experience much more comfortable.

On-Board Entertainment (4/10)

The first thing I notice is the almost comically small entertainment screen. For an international Business Class cabin, it feels tiny, more like what I would expect in Economy Class on most modern planes. 

The age of the system shows in other ways too. 

The touchscreen is often unresponsive, and the interface feels clunky. There is no way to save movies to a favorites list, which is one of my go-to features on newer systems.

The content itself is not terrible, but it does not blow me away either. There are a handful of “new” releases, like Paddington in Peru, Beetlejuice 2, Dune: Part Two, Gladiator 2, and Joker 2. They are more “recent-ish” than truly fresh. 

Still, it is enough to pass the time if you want a movie marathon.

At least there is a moving world map, which ends up being the only thing I really use. I am happy to track progress and glance at flight details, so the outdated screen does not bother me too much in the end.

In-Flight Wi-Fi

On the connectivity side, Wi-Fi is available. 

Messaging services are free, which is a nice perk, and the paid plans are sold as either half-flight or full-flight passes. I take a look at the pricing (see photos), but I decide not to try it on this trip. 

For a relatively short flight, I am fine being offline.

A330-300 Business Class Lavatory (6/10)

There are only two bathrooms in the Business Class cabin, and both are located between the two sections. For a cabin of this size, that feels a little sparse. 

Lines form periodically during the flight, which makes sense given the limited setup.

The bathrooms themselves are small, which is expected on an older Airbus A330. Still, they feel especially tight compared to the newer widebodies that now feature windowed lavatories and more spacious layouts. 

On SWISS, you just get the basics.

Cleanliness is also hit-or-miss. 

At one point, the bathroom looks like it has been through a rush of passengers, with toilet paper scattered on the floor. It reminds me of my lifeguard days at a public pool, when the least glamorous part of the job was cleaning up after other people. 

Some things never change, even at 35,000 feet.

SWISS Business Class Amenity Kit (6/10)

SWISS provides a basic amenity kit by Victorinox, which feels fitting for a Swiss airline but is not exactly groundbreaking. 

Inside I find the essentials: socks, an eye mask, lip balm, a toothbrush, and ear plugs. Everything I need to get through the flight comfortably, but nothing that really stands out.

The kit itself comes in a cloth bag that supposedly transforms into a small tote or pouch. At least, that is what I think it is meant to do. 

Personally, I prefer the old hard case versions that SWISS used to offer. Those cases had more of a premium feel, and they actually came in handy after the flight. My kids loved using them as little lunch boxes, which gave them a second life instead of just ending up in a drawer.

SWISS Business Class Food And Beverage (7/10)

One of the things I always look forward to in Business Class is the meal service. On SWISS, the catering has a reputation for being thoughtfully designed, often with a local twist. 

Pre-Departure

The pre-flight drink selection is simple: water or champagne. That is it. 

I am a little surprised that there is no orange juice, mocktail, or anything special. Since this is Zurich, it would be nice to have a signature welcome drink, the way airlines in the Middle East and Asia do, or even something fun like the KLM blue mocktail.

After Takeoff: Nuts And Drinks

Shortly after departure, the crew serves a round of drinks with a small bowl of cashews. Only cashews, nothing mixed. 

Word of caution: the tray table is a bit tricky to pull out and seems to jam easily, which even the flight attendants struggle with at times.

Main Meal Service

Another round of drinks comes before the first course. 

The starter is a vegetable tartar with garlic cream cheese mousse and pickled red onions, created in partnership with Hiltl, a fantastic vegetarian restaurant in Zurich. It is absolutely delicious – so good, in fact, that I try to get a second one. 

Unfortunately, they are all gone.

The main dish is chicken in a creamy Casimir curry sauce, served with pilaf rice. The presentation is underwhelming, but the flavor more than makes up for it. 

The curry has a bold, strong taste with plenty of sauce. Since I love dishes that are “swimming” in sauce, it is perfect for me. The rice soaks up the extra, which makes it even better.

Before dessert, there is yet another drink service. 

By this point, I have lost track of how many glasses of wine and soda the crew is pouring, but it feels like every 15 to 20 minutes. In fairness, the glasses are small, especially for soft drinks, and they never leave the can.

Dessert is a lemon cake with mascarpone, a sweet and refreshing finish to the meal.

As the flight winds down, the crew hands out Swiss chocolates, a simple but iconic way to end the service.

Overall Service Flow

The entire lunch service takes between 90 minutes and two hours. Normally, I do not mind a slow-paced meal, but since I miss out on the lounge before boarding, I am hungrier than usual. The extended service feels a bit too drawn out this time.

There is only one formal meal service on this flight, with no pre-landing snack or light meal. That said, the galley is stocked with snacks and Mövenpick ice cream for self-service later on. Let’s just say the ice cream disappears quickly, and the mystery of who eats it all remains unsolved.

SWISS Staff And Service (7/10)

Overall, the service on this flight is good. It is not over the top, but it is certainly not bad either. 

The crew is friendly and polite, even if they miss me a couple of times with small things like the hot towel, a drink refill, or part of the meal service.

What impresses me most is how well they interact with my kids. Each child receives a small toy bag, and one flight attendant keeps giving my daughter high fives throughout the flight. It is a simple gesture, but it makes the experience more fun for them and a little easier for me.

I also strike up an interesting conversation with one of the cabin crew. 

He notices that I know the little “lavatory trick” of opening and closing the doors from the outside, and he asks how I know about it. When I tell him that I have worked in the airline industry and now write airline reviews, we chat about different carriers and products. 

He admits that the SWISS A330-300s feel dated compared to other airlines and says the crew is just as excited as the passengers for the new cabin configurations to arrive.

I am trying to make it a habit to talk more with the crew on these flights. They have incredible stories, and most are genuinely kind people. As a bonus, making a personal connection often leads to more attentive service… and more chocolate!

Final Thoughts

So, is SWISS on the same level as Emirates or Etihad? 

Absolutely not. 

But here is the thing: it is functional, it is available, and it is an incredible deal with points. It is hard to complain when I manage to fly my entire family of six in lie-flat Business Class seats, booked just a few weeks before departure, for a fraction of the cash price. 

That alone feels like a win.

That said, the SWISS A330-300 Business Class product is dated. In fact, it is the weakest version of SWISS Business Class in the fleet. The SWISS 777-300ER Business Class is better, but even that still lags behind most competitors. 

I am already counting down the days until the new SWISS Senses cabins roll out, starting in early 2026 on the Zurich (ZRH) to Boston (BOS) route with the Airbus A350-900.

As for me, I have bigger problems now.

Like how to keep the kids awake on the drive to the Andaz Dubai The Palm, and then how to actually get them to fall asleep once they are hyped up by that unmistakable “new hotel” smell – even though it will be close to midnight. 

Ah, the joys of traveling with kids.

Kevin Zanes