The best fares are found for NYC departures, where you can find deals in the mid to upper $2000 range. Otherwise, departures from other East Coast gateways (Boston and Miami) run in the low $3000 range. The best bargains are for travel to Barcelona, Rome, Zurich or Geneva.
From the Midwest (Chicago) and West Coast (Los Angeles, San Francisco), fares start in the low to mid $3000 range and work their way up into the low $4000 range.
SWISS is consistently rated as having one of the best International Business Class products, so when fares are discounted by up to 50% from their regular rates it’s a good time to experience their hospitality!
Please note that these fares are booking as deep discount ‘P’ fares which will affect how many miles you’ll earn for your respective Frequent Flyer Programs.
As far as Terms and Conditions are concerned:
Departures must take place between June 30 and August 24. Return travel must be completed by August 31. A 7 day minimum stay is required.
SWISS has just started a great contest that will award a lucky winner a trip to Switzerland and be a guest of celebrity Chef Reto Mathis as he takes you on a ‘Safari’ of the finest dining opportunities in St. Moritz.
For those of you familiar with SWISS, you’ll recognize Chef Mathis as one of the Chefs who has previously participated in SWISS’ ‘Taste Of Switzerland’ culinary program. This program provides passengers flying in First and Business Class an opportunity to experience the menus of some of Switzerland’s finest Chefs.
The following video features Chef Mathis as he discusses his participation in SWISS’ program:
The prize package includes 2 Economy Tickets on SWISS to St. Moritz from any USA gateway, 3 nights at the Hotel Steffani in St. Moritz and a pair of 8-day First Class Rail Passes so that you can explore the beauty of Switzerland by train.
Additionally, the trip will need to take place between October 1 and 19 due to the Chef’s availability. The deadline to enter the contest is May 4, and is open to USA residents only.
The reason for the question is that when it comes to contests and European laws, there usually needs to be some kind of skill question that will make an entry valid.
The European Centre For Allergy Research Foundation (ECARF) has certified SWISS as the first airline that meets or exceeds certain standards when it comes to accommodating passengers with substantial allergen issues.
Beginning in May, SWISS will begin to implement a thorough overhaul of their onboard menus, cabins and lounges that will provide options to those suffering from allergies.
As far as onboard dining is concerned, ‘LX’ will begin to offer Gluten Free & Lactose Free foods and beverages as standard options. Additionally, passengers will be able to request special allergy-friendly meals for all SWISS long-haul flights (all classes) and in Business Class for Intra-European routes. This can be done up to 24 hours prior to departure.
As far as cabin amenities are concerned, SWISS will begin to provide the option of synthetic pillows and blankets in First and Business Class on long haul routes. They will also go as far as removing flowers and air fresheners that pose risks to allergy sufferers.
On the ground, SWISS will be providing allergy friendly bread, dairy and beverage options in all of their Lounges in Switzerland.
This is just the first step in a migration by the LH Group when it comes to caring for passengers with allergies. I have been part of meetings and presentations that focus on this topic and this step by LX is the tip of the proverbial iceberg.
In the not-too-distant future, Lufthansa Group passengers will have the ability to review ingredients and nutritional value of their onboard dining options prior to their flights (including special meal choices). Access to this kind of information will obviously allow passengers to make the best decision possible for their dining options and avoid items that would cause allergic reactions as 35,000 feet. An exact timeline for rollout has not been established but it is on the horizon.
