Airlines

SWISS unveils new ‘SWISS Senses’ air travel experience with totally new cabin interiors

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is to offer its customers a totally new and more personalized ‘SWISS Senses’ air travel experience from 2025 onwards. The centerpiece of the new customer product is an entirely redesigned cabin for the airline’s long-haul aircraft fleet. SWISS unveiled its new cabin interiors to the public today.

SWISS extends Premium Economy Class to its Airbus A340 fleet(Opens in a new browser tab)

SWISS First: privacy assured

The new SWISS First suites offer their guests total privacy with closable sliding doors, a spacious personal wardrobe, a large seat table, seat heating and cooling, a wireless charging station and a screen display that is as wide as the suite itself. An advanced and spacious new washroom has also been developed for the new SWISS First cabin. The facility draws its inspiration from the famous spring in Vals in Canton Graubünden: a slate-black exterior, and a green interior that alludes to the spring’s fresh and cooling water.

SWISS Business: aisle access from every seat

The totally redesigned SWISS Business cabin is intentionally conceived to meet a wide range of wishes and needs. In addition to ‘classic’ Business Class seats, the new cabin offers various further seating options such as double seats for passengers travelling together. Selected seats can also be closed off with a sliding door. All the new SWISS Business seats feature seat heating and cooling and a wireless charging station.

SWISS Premium Economy: tried-and-trusted retained

The highly popular SWISS Premium Economy Class with its greater seat comfort and superior cabin service will remain an integral feature within the new air travel experience. SWISS was the first airline in the Lufthansa Group to introduce the new Premium Economy seat which, with its 48-centimetre width and its almost one-metre pitch, has set new industry benchmarks.

SWISS Economy: optimum construction for greater seat pitch

The new SWISS Economy cabin will be equipped with new comfortable and functional seats. Thanks to their optimum construction, seat pitch has been increased. The new cabin interiors will be installed from 2025 onwards, initially on the SWISS Airbus A330-300 fleet and later on the company’s Boeing 777-300ERs. The new Airbus A350-900s on order will be delivered with their new cabins already installed.

Airlines

A Costly Mistake: Passenger Pays for Fuel After Disruptive Flight

A Western Australian man has learned a costly lesson after his unruly behavior on a flight resulted in the aircraft having to turn back. The passenger was ordered to pay over $5,000 in fuel costs, along with a significant fine, for causing the plane to divert.

The incident occurred in September 2023 when the man, who was not publicly named, became disruptive on a flight from Perth to Sydney. Due to his behavior, the pilot was forced to turn the plane around and return to Perth, which required dumping fuel to land safely.

The passenger pleaded guilty to charges of disorderly behavior and non-compliance with safety instructions. As a result, he was ordered to pay $8,630 to the airline to cover the cost of the wasted fuel and was also fined $6,055. This combined penalty of over $11,000 is a stark reminder of the severe consequences of disruptive behavior on flights.

While this is not a typical punishment, other cases of in-flight misconduct have resulted in hefty fines. One passenger in the United States was fined over $40,000 for a series of offenses, including bringing their own alcohol on board, being intoxicated, attempting to smoke marijuana, and sexually assaulting a flight attendant.

The Australian Federal Police emphasized that disruptive behavior on flights will not be tolerated. They warned that individuals who cause disturbances can face significant financial penalties and legal consequences. The case of the Western Australian passenger serves as a clear message that obeying airline staff and adhering to safety regulations is essential for a smooth and safe flight.