Can You Redeem Miles For SWISS First Class? Probably Not, But...

SEN status isn't all that exclusive, as nearly everyone who's ever visited a Senator lounge will be able to confirm!

but that's also *G ppl

True, but I can't imagine the FRA lounges seeing thousands of Aegean and SA golds every day.

*SA as in the JNB-based airline which no longer flies to Europe.

The best way, in my opinion, is to buy J tickets and bid for upgrades. I've had 4 upgrades clear this year for 700 ish CHF. Of course this assumes you get a decent deal on the J ticket, but that isn't too hard. Miles redemptions are crazy now, so I much preffer to upgrade J segments using vouchers or 70k miles.

Selling first class for miles is just crazy, that should never happen (for a true first class, products like BA First are a different matter).

actually, the fact that it's exclusive for sen and hon, status only acquired by "butt in seat" and no booking on line but only over the phone, combined with their large fleet all having 8 F seats, makes it pretty accesible for that subset of people

each time i wanted a LX first flight and called sufficiently early, i got exactly what i wanted, on the date i wanted, for 2 pax.

with no CC points etc it is the real frequent flyer system, from years ago...

i definitely like it

I got to go on Swiss first from FCO-ZRH-LAX when Lufthansa overbooked my initial FCO-FRA-IAH Lufthansa first class booking. Not saying it replicable, but if anyone encounters the same situation, you can ask about Swiss First options, even on a different route. Note that you have to wait till the Lufthansa German number contact you themselves, as the partners (lifemiles or Aeroplan) can’t make that switch for you

Not any longer. Recent changes in the program made it quite difficult. I am Senator for years but can't be bothered. It is not worth the effort ( and money ).

I am Senator for years and I don't remember availability in first with Swiss. Like ever. Recently Lufthansa made it very difficult as well ( I never plan trips few days in advance though ). I guess with new first class and only 4 seats it will be almost impossible - unless 2 or more seats are available 24-48 hrs before the flight.

Last year I was on a Lifemiles Award ticket from LAX to ZRH in Swiss business class and was called to the gate as the flight was boarding. They upgraded me to first. Was a huge shocker.

I recently booked a business class return YUL-ZRH flight for 140,000 Aeroplan points and even though seats.aero showed six of the eight first class seats were empty the day of departure on both flights, Swiss wanted 2000 CHF ($2,525) for an upgrade each time. And they wouldn’t budge.

I got surprisingly upgraded to First Class on my last flight JFK-ZRH (from business bought with miles) on 24th december (Oh Santa!); and yeah I confirm, the Swiss First is absolutely faboulous !
The crew was 100% taking care of the 8 pax in First, always ready to refill your drink, or propose food (which was really tasty !).

And even at ZRH, you get a private transfer from terminal E (non schengen) to a private border check, and access to the first class lounge before your connecting flight, which is a splendid lounge!

I don't know on which basis they give upgrade like that, but I really loved it (I'm just M&M silver).

@Rob , I have read blogs claiming it's possible to do it from scratch for less than €2k. Whether it's worth pursuing is a different question.

Your status definitely played a role there. LH upgrade me fairly often on European flights due to my *G from another airline (though quite a few of those upgrades are a bit of an annoyance as I end up moving from my aisle seat to a window on a full flight).

I have lived in Switzerland. They take a great pride in safety. Numerous Regulations, and you must follow the rules.

I am astounded by this fire in Crans Montana. If its part of Switzerland, and it is. It is very sad for all those involved, most sad for parents of their children.

Today I got upgraded free to Swiss First on a Aeroplan award ticket on my first leg from JFK-ZRH with a 1K UA status?

Not complaining but I assume I can’t use the First Class Terminal in Zurich as my second leg is still in business?

I was already in the Senator lounge when my mobile boarding pass showed the first class upgrade so I was not able to test the first class dining section of the LH lounge as I saw the upgrade close to boarding

@ MrChu -- Congrats! You should have no issues using the SWISS First Lounge Zurich if you're connecting beyond the airport, even if it's in business class. Have a great trip!

Thanks Ben. Appreciate your prompt response!

From 36000 ft I have to say that Swiss may not have the best hard product although very spacious on their A330-300 but their soft product is amazing.

Some of the most friendly flight attendants I have met and they are really making an effort to keep everyone happy in First Class. And the food is pretty good so are the wines.

I flew Qatar QSuites two weeks back and although the hard product is good and so is the food the flight attendants are like zombies and you can’t chat with them. Swiss on the other hand is great. Wi-Fi is tolerable too and it’s free for the whole flight for first class