Review: SWISS Senses FIRST CLASS in the Grand Suite from Zurich to Boston

It has been almost exactly a year and a half since Lufthansa first introduced its Allegris cabin on long-haul routes. Now SWISS is following suit with its identical onboard product, the Senses cabin. There is, however, one small difference in the very front of the cabin: First Class.

With the Grand Suite, Lufthansa’s Swiss subsidiary is marketing a product it itself describes as a new chapter in commercial aviation. Reason enough to take a closer look at this special way of traveling and to answer the question of whether it’s worth it.

Flight details

Here are the obligatory flight details:

• Flight: LX 52 Zurich (ZRH) – Boston (BOS)
• Seat: 1A (+D+E)
• Aircraft: Airbus A350-900 HB-IFA (delivered October 2025)
• Scheduled departure: 17:30
• Scheduled arrival: 20:00
• Block time: 8h 30min
• Date of travel: November 28, 2025

Booking

Just over two weeks ago, Miles&More made headlines by announcing that SWISS Senses and Lufthansa Allegris First Class flights were now bookable with miles. While checking these claims, I was lucky enough to find one of the very rare award availabilities in SWISS Senses. From Oslo, the connection was available at the time of booking for 57,000 miles one way plus €530 in surcharges.

Combined with the return flight on Lufthansa, the total came to 114,000 miles and €1,030. The surcharges in particular are quite painful, but in my case still tolerable due to the relatively low mileage required. With the new Miles&More system, it’s also important, if possible, to book return flights. Ignoring for a moment the absurd surcharges of over €1,000 for one-way flights departing North America, even Business Class would have required 79,000 miles, and First Class as much as 153,000 miles.

On top of that, there were around 20,000 additional miles and €200 in surcharges for the flights to and from Oslo, which should also be mentioned. Compared to 93,000 miles one way from Berlin, this was still the better option.

The First Class booking consisted of the following flights:

• Oslo – Zurich in Helvetic Business Class (Embraer E195 E2)
• Zurich – Boston in SWISS Senses First Class (Airbus A350-900)
• Boston – Frankfurt in Lufthansa First Class (Airbus A340-600)
• Frankfurt – Oslo in Lufthansa Business Class (Airbus A320)

This review of the Senses First Class Grand Suite only covers the Zurich–Boston sector, though it’s worth briefly mentioning that the feeder flight with Helvetic was my best continental flight in years.

Check-in

Our journey begins in Zurich at Check-in Area 1, the exclusive check-in lounge for SWISS (and Lufthansa) First Class guests as well as HON Circle Members. If you’re traveling with checked baggage, it’s taken from you here, and after a document check you receive your boarding pass. Unlike Lufthansa, however, there are no special boarding pass folders for First Class travelers.

From there, it’s about 100 meters through the terminal to the escalator that leads to the security checkpoint for First Class and HON Circle Members. While it doesn’t feature CT scanners or other modern security technology, the small number of eligible guests means the process is still quick. It can’t quite compete with my experience in Munich on my Allegris First Class flight to New York, but the advantage in Zurich is that you end up directly in the First Class Lounge at the A gates.

Lounge in Zurich

In Zurich, as a First Class traveler (or HON Circle Member), you can choose between two different First Class Lounges. Arriving at the main terminal, you’re taken directly to the SWISS First Class Lounge at the A gates. Here you can order à la carte food and drinks, reserve a meeting room, work, or even smoke. Personally, however, I like the second First Class Lounge at the E gates much better, so I took the earliest possible transfer to the E gates and only enjoyed a double espresso at the A gates.

The option for First Class Lounge guests to be driven to Zurich Airport’s satellite terminal (E gates) is definitely the most pleasant way to change terminals, even if it’s “only” in a Sprinter van. Thanks to this transfer, you don’t even have to check in again upon arrival at the First Class Lounge at the E gates, as the transfer staff takes care of that. With only just under an hour until boarding, I was grateful for every extra minute in the lounge.

I headed straight to the restaurant area and was warmly welcomed. After a quick look at the menu, I ordered a tartare, beef fillet, and a chocolate soufflé. I also noticed that the cheese fondue had made its way back onto the menu. Apparently customer feedback is taken seriously here. Everything tasted very good (as always), though the soufflé was already cold when served due to the way the ice cream was plated on top.

Boarding

About 20 minutes later than planned, I made my way to the gate after receiving an email about a delayed departure. Unfortunately, there were no indications of this from the lounge staff. Even when asking at the counter about another topic, no information was provided. This was, however, my only criticism of an otherwise excellent lounge experience.

Boarding then proceeded in the usual groups, with First Class guests and HON Circle Members boarding in Group 1 right after pre-boarding. Apart from me, there was only one other First Class guest on the flight, plus a HON Circle Member in Business Class, so the process was quick and efficient. On board, you’re greeted directly at the door. Since boarding was via the second door, we passed through the first Business Class cabin to my First Class suite, where I was immediately welcomed with an amenity kit, champagne, and cheese straws.

As only two passengers including myself were booked in First Class, and the other passenger was seated in the opposite window suite, I was able to use the middle suite and thus the Grand Suite. This was proactively offered to me by the flight attendants.

Cabin

The SWISS Senses First Class on the Airbus A350-900 features up to four seats. There are two window suites (one on each side) and one double suite. The latter can accommodate two people, but since not every flight will have a couple traveling together, there are often only three seats in use. This results in the following layout: 1–(1/1)–1. SWISS also offers the option to book a Grand Suite, which combines window suite 1A and the double suite 1D/E for even more privacy.

The SWISS Senses First Class is separated from both the galley and Business Class by relatively thin curtains. From the first aisle, both the window suite (1A) and the Suite Plus (1D/1E) are accessible, while the second aisle only provides access to the window suite (1K). This makes the latter arguably the most private suite.

The First Class lavatory is located in the forward galley. While it’s not particularly spacious, it includes all the necessary amenities you might need during a flight. Although other airlines may offer a larger selection of items in the lavatory itself, some things are handed out at the seat after boarding, which I’ll cover later.

The Grand Suite

The Grand Suite combines the two types of suites, giving you access to both a window suite (1A) and the Suite Plus or double suite (1D/E). Since there’s only one row of First Class seats, the curtains separating it from Business Class and the forward galley effectively create a real suite with separate sleeping and working/dining areas and almost complete privacy.

Because I like to look out the window during takeoff, even in the dark, I decided to store my luggage in the middle suite and use it for sleeping, allowing me to sit by the window while dining. When traveling as a couple, it’s still perfectly possible to dine together in the window suite, which even allows two people to eat together thanks to a seatbelt on the ottoman.

Seat functions

The seat offers everything you’d expect from a modern First Class seat. It can be adjusted electrically in many ways, and both the ottoman and the windows are electrically operated as well. Typical of Allegris/Senses, there are also seat cooling and heating functions. With nearly 90 cm of seat width in the window suite and 2 × 60 cm in the middle suite, there’s more than enough space everywhere.

In addition to the large 27/43-inch 4K monitor (window/middle suite), each of the three possible seats has its own tablet. In the middle suite, each seat can even be controlled via the other seat’s tablet. For seat adjustments, there are also several quick-access buttons next to each seat, though these aren’t always ideally positioned.

In the window suite, the screen is at least touchscreen-enabled. Unfortunately, there’s still no separate small controller for operating the large screen in the middle suite, so you have to use your phone instead. This connects via Wi-Fi and an individual code and then allows control of the screens. You can also pair your own Bluetooth headphones wirelessly.

SWISS doesn’t yet seem to fully trust the system, as you’re (at least for now) still given wired headphones instead of wireless ones, unlike Lufthansa Allegris First. Given that most of the seat’s weaknesses are technical in nature, it’s all the more disappointing that these well-known issues haven’t been resolved after 1.5 years.

Storage & surfaces

When traveling alone, there’s naturally more than enough storage space for the maximum two carry-on suitcases and the personal item First Class guests are allowed to bring on board. However, if you’re only using the window suite or, as a couple, the Suite Plus, the situation is different. In that case, you can definitely only fit one carry-on trolley and possibly the personal item; the rest has to be stored elsewhere (often in Business Class). Unfortunately, this is now also the case with some other airlines’ onboard products.

Each of the two suites includes a wardrobe with two hangers for jackets and clothes, as well as a large mirror. There are also plenty of smaller storage compartments and surfaces in both parts of the Grand Suite. In each suite half, you can store items weighing up to 10 kg in a small compartment and charge them via USB-C.

All three seats also feature an international power outlet and at least a place to set down a drink. In the window suite and seat 1E, there’s also a long surface from which the large, sturdy table can be folded out. Wireless charging is also available here.

Privacy

The greatest strength of the new Senses First cabin, and especially the Grand Suite, is privacy. Even on its own, the 1.8-meter-high walls and felt doors are ideal for shielding you from others’ views. With the Grand Suite concept, this privacy extends even further to the aisle, which you don’t share with anyone else and which was only entered by flight attendants during service. The advertised “apartment-like” feel is surprisingly achieved.

For sleeping, however, I still closed the doors of the middle suite, partly to reduce noise. For safety reasons, the doors have fairly large handles that also serve as viewing windows into the suite. This hardly affected my sense of privacy at all.

Seat comfort

I had partially criticized seat comfort in my Allegris First Class window suite review. With SWISS, nothing has changed here either, although this time I managed better with the still somewhat awkward seatbelt for takeoff and landing. Thanks to the wide range of seat adjustments, long flights are still quite manageable, making the comfort limitation less dramatic.

Upon boarding, I found two pillows per suite and a fleece blanket for each seat. If you tend to get cold, you can easily snuggle up and get comfortable. Unlike when sleeping, I never found the seat too firm while sitting.

Sleeping comfort

The biggest weakness and disappointment was actually the sleeping comfort in the middle suite of my Grand Suite. The suite is practically designed for sleeping in a double bed above the clouds. However, the gap between the two seat cushions, generously referred to as mattresses, was bothersome, and they were unfortunately far too firm for me. Sleeping on my return flight in Lufthansa’s old First Class was significantly more comfortable.

In addition, when using the double bed, you can’t fasten a seatbelt, as there are only belts for the individual seats, not for both together. Especially since the window suite manages to offer both a regular belt and a second, wider belt, this would have been desirable here as well. As a result, if you want to sleep in compliance with regulations, you actually have less space in the Suite Plus than in the window suite, effectively negating the entire purpose of the Grand Suite for solo travelers.

Ultimately, if traveling alone, you can simply have the bed made up in the window suite anyway, since you can’t eat/work and sleep at the same time. Switching the use of the two suites also makes little sense, as the middle suite lacks a large table and the larger screen isn’t more practical due to missing connections and the cumbersome smartphone control.

Food & drinks

Unlike on previous SWISS flights, albeit with longer flight times, there was enough food this time. Nevertheless, the meal service was strictly divided into two parts, with the options for the second meal only presented about two hours before landing via an extra menu. This meant there weren’t ten hours between meal services as on flights from Japan. Still, a preview in advance, as offered by Lufthansa and others, would be desirable, especially when the second service is labeled as anytime dining.

At the time of my flight, SWISS was running its truffle weeks, so alongside the regular options you could choose a truffle-based dish in every course. I didn’t miss this opportunity, and it’s likely a pleasant change for frequent SWISS First customers, at least during the first service.

Lunch

Calling it lunch on a 5 p.m. departure might be a stretch, but since a second meal service was offered around 6 p.m. local time (in Boston) before landing, this categorization still seemed sensible. It began with a selection of breads and rolls served with truffle cream, butter, and olive oil. I chose the signature appetizer: Balik salmon with crème fraîche and blinis. This was followed by a somewhat too-thick carpaccio with truffle, unfortunately lacking a sauce or even oil, as well as a tasty fresh salad.

As an intermediate course, there was a very good truffle artichoke soup, along with an avocado sorbet (not pictured) that was pleasantly refreshing and cleansed the palate.

For the main course, I had a chicken breast with morel cream sauce, tagliatelle, green beans, and sweet potatoes. As a SWISS First Class guest, you can preselect your main course. Curious about how pasta would taste in the air, I chose this dish in advance. While you don’t know which of the preselectable mains would be loaded anyway, you definitely get a wider selection.

The pasta was surprisingly satisfying, though certainly not at the level of a restaurant on the ground. Unfortunately, the chicken was a bit dry, though still within acceptable limits. Some might argue that at these prices and with modern technology, near perfection should be expected, so I ultimately wasn’t completely thrilled and went for a small digestive nap.

Snacks

Shortly before going to sleep, there were a few pralines and a final glass of champagne. I declined the offered espresso to at least get some rest. Had I not gone to sleep or still felt hungry, I could have requested more pralines, chips, cookies, or fresh fruit at any time.

Toward the end of the flight, there were again a few pralines, along with two rather meager little chocolate bars; the kind usually handed out on short-haul European economy flights. A large bar, like the one I was given as a nice gesture on my feeder flight from Oslo, would have been far more appropriate. Alternatively, a small box of pralines, as Lufthansa offers, would also be a good option.

Dinner

Dinner, or the second meal service, started with a veal saltimbocca with wild broccoli and risotto, which unfortunately wasn’t very creamy. The veal was also quite tough, likely due to the thickness of the meat combined with overly dry reheating.

The final truffle dessert from the first menu was definitely tasty, though a bit too truffle-forward for my liking. Ultimately, the pronounced truffle flavor is something I personally associate more with savory dishes. Combined with the ice cream and fruit, however, it was still refreshing and enjoyable.

Drinks

While the drink selection onboard SWISS Senses First Class isn’t bad, it could be a bit more exclusive in my opinion. I personally liked the champagne very much, though the red wine I tried wasn’t quite to my taste, which can, of course, be attributed to personal preference. One thing I’d love to see is SWISS serving Rivella onboard as well, not just in the lounges. That would nicely complement the overall local selection of food and drinks.

Service

The service was definitely one of the highlights of the flight. One of the two flight attendants responsible for First Class was especially proactive and communicative. As in January, they weren’t yet fully familiar with all the seat functions, but we had a lot of fun testing them together. Throughout the entire flight, my glasses were never less than half full unless I politely declined a refill.

This highlights another advantage of the SWISS First Grand Suite. Since three-quarters of the seats were occupied, even with just one flight attendant assigned to First Class, there was essentially always someone available to fulfill the next request. Among the four SWISS First Class flights I’ve taken this year, this one was by far the best in terms of service.

In-flight entertainment

The best feature of the entertainment system in SWISS Senses First is also the 4K camera overview. During my flight (or taxi phases), this worked flawlessly and without stuttering. Unfortunately, due to darkness, its usefulness during the flight itself was limited. As with Allegris, you can choose from five different perspectives.

Even when the camera isn’t usable because it’s too dark or cloudy, the SWISS entertainment system still offers plenty of options. While the movie selection is quite large, it’s a shame that for series only selected episodes are available rather than entire seasons. Once you’ve watched the available episodes, however, you can always switch to the 3D flight map, which for me is often the more appealing option anyway.

Wi-Fi

As a SWISS First Class passenger, Wi-Fi is free. Otherwise, there are three options ranging from free (messaging) to €27 (for 4 hours) and up to €37 (for the entire flight). It’s not particularly cheap, especially given the speeds, which don’t allow video streaming. Personally, I’d probably stick with the free option. Interestingly, as a First Class guest you don’t need a voucher code for full Wi-Fi access. Logging in with your Miles&More Travel ID linked to the booking is sufficient. If you don’t have a Miles&More account, you simply receive a standard voucher code.

Extras

Under “Extras,” I’d like to address the provided amenities. You receive an amenity kit that unfortunately isn’t particularly special or distinctive, especially when compared to what Lufthansa offered during the first months of Allegris First Class. The contents themselves (earplugs, sleep mask, toothbrush, and Sisley creams), as well as additional items like high-quality reusable socks, Ricola, mouthwash, or a glasses-cleaning cloth, are solid, though.

What is truly excellent is the Zimmerli pajama, which I also like to use privately and which, unlike other sleep shirts or pajamas, still looks like new after repeated use. However, at the regular price of €200 listed on the Zimmerli website, it’s not really worth it. All the better that you receive one of your choice (short- or long-sleeved) as a gift.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning the disappointment of the ground Personal Assistant service in Boston. While at some destinations the staff waiting at the end of the jet bridge can help speed up immigration or at least provide tips and information, here they couldn’t even tell me where the buses to the ferry pier depart. Faster immigration is probably legally impossible, but in that case SWISS/Lufthansa could save themselves this expense altogether.

Conclusion

This flight will definitely stay in my memory for a long time. You don’t experience something like this every day, which makes it all the more enjoyable. I would fly Senses First Class again anytime if the (mileage) price is right. However, I wouldn’t spend extra miles or money on the Grand Suite. In my opinion, you can get nearly the same level of comfort in just one of the window suites.

For clarity, here’s a brief list of the pros and cons of the SWISS Senses Grand Suite, though it doesn’t cover every detail:

Translated by Ditmar