Review: SWISS Senses Airbus A350-900 Business Class (YUL-ZRH)
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Quick answer: SWISS Senses Business Class on the Airbus A350-900, tested on flight LX87 from Montreal (YUL) to Zurich (ZRH), has 45 seats in 1-1-1 and 1-2-1 layouts, with a fully flat bed and a touchscreen of about 24 inches. Our verdict: a clear step up from the route's previous product, and bookable with Aeroplan points.
Foreword
The Airbus A350-900 marks a new milestone in the modernization of SWISS International Air Lines’ long-haul fleet. The airline’s first aircraft, named « Lausanne, » was assembled in Toulouse before completing its test flights in 2025.
As is tradition at SWISS, the aircraft bears the name of a Swiss city. This one pays tribute to the Olympic capital located on the shores of Lake Geneva.
It was precisely this aircraft that we had the opportunity to fly on. It is easily recognizable thanks to its special livery titled « SWISS Wanderlust, » a unique artistic decoration that celebrates Switzerland and its cultural diversity.
Unlike traditional paint, this livery is composed of special films applied directly to the fuselage and engines. The patterns, digitally projected and then cut into hundreds of elements, were applied by hand with great precision. In total, more than 380 m² of the aircraft’s surface is covered by these graphic elements representing symbols of the country, from its landscapes to its cultural traditions.
This A350 doesn’t just introduce a new aircraft to the fleet: it also inaugurates the airline’s new generation of long-haul cabins, called SWISS Senses. This product will gradually equip the ten A350s that SWISS plans to integrate into its fleet by the early 2030s.
For Milesopedia readers, the arrival of this aircraft on the Montreal–Zurich (YUL–ZRH) route is particularly interesting. For over ten years in the community, this SWISS-operated flight has often been considered a sweet spot of the Aeroplan program: a direct connection to Central Europe accessible with points, with a generally solid product.
Until now, the route was primarily operated by Airbus A330. The introduction of the A350 therefore represents a significant evolution and an excellent opportunity to discover the airline’s new Business cabin.
Flying Economy on this route instead? Read our review of SWISS Economy on the A330-300 between Montreal and Zurich.
This flight also held particular interest for me. I had recently had the opportunity to test the new Lufthansa Allegris Business Class, also on the Airbus A350, which allows for a particularly interesting comparison between the two Lufthansa Group products.
Both airlines are part of the same group and developed their new cabins based on similar seats. However, each airline adds its own identity: materials, colors, cabin ambiance, and service style differ to reflect their brand.
This LX87 flight between Montreal and Zurich was therefore the ideal opportunity to discover the SWISS version of this new generation of cabins and to see how SWISS Senses compares to Lufthansa Allegris, while rediscovering a route well known to Aeroplan travelers.
SWISS A350-900 Senses Business Class — Cabin
The cabin discovered aboard this aircraft is part of the new SWISS Senses concept, the new generation of long-haul products from SWISS International Air Lines. Introduced starting in 2025 with the arrival of the new Airbus A350-900s, this program represents the most significant overhaul of the airline’s onboard experience.
Beyond the seat itself, SWISS Senses encompasses the entire cabin experience: new interior design, premium materials, « Human-Centric » lighting designed to mitigate the effects of jet lag, as well as a modernized entertainment system.
The Business cabin of the SWISS Airbus A350 is organized into two sections totaling 45 seats. The configuration is unusual and deserves explanation, as it differs from several more uniform Business products.
The cabin consists of eight rows divided into two sections, with certain rows offering special seats. Rows 2 and 8 notably offer more spacious Business Suite-type seats.
The rest of the cabin alternates between different configurations:
- 1-1-1: with a single center seat
- 1-2-1: with two more traditional center seats
This alternation creates a fairly varied cabin, where each seat doesn’t offer exactly the same experience. Some travelers will prefer window seats for their privacy, while others will seek the isolated center seats often called « throne seats. »
Visually, the SWISS Senses cabin immediately stands out from Lufthansa Allegris, despite a similar seat base. SWISS has opted for a much darker and warmer ambiance. The seats are upholstered in burgundy fabric, the partitions are ebony black, and several surfaces (notably certain tables) adopt a cork-colored finish.
The overall effect creates an elegant and subdued atmosphere, quite different from Lufthansa’s lighter and more minimalist approach.
SWISS A350-900 Senses Business Class — Seat
For this flight between Montreal and Zurich, I had chosen seat 3A, a window seat considered one of the most interesting in the cabin.
This type of seat is positioned directly by the windows, with a large table between the seat and the aisle, which creates an appreciable sense of privacy. The layout naturally protects from passage in the aisle and almost gives the impression of being in a small cocoon.
For her part, Véronique had chosen seat 3E, an isolated center seat often nicknamed a « throne seat. » This type of seat is particularly sought after since it sits alone in the center, with large tables on each side.
It therefore offers even more personal space and a slightly larger screen.
From a technological standpoint, the seat is very comprehensive. Controls are notably made via an integrated iPad-type tablet, which allows control of the screen, lighting, and all seat positions.
Settings and Connectivity
The available settings are numerous:
- Multiple positions: varied settings for the backrest and footrest
- Seat firmness: customizable setting according to your preferences
- Seat temperature: individual control for optimal comfort
- Large table: approximately twice the length of a typical business class table, very practical for working or eating
- Connectivity: universal power outlet, USB and USB-C ports
Storage, however, remains relatively limited. There is a closable side compartment, practical for certain personal items, but the overall space remains more restricted than on some other recent Business products.
In terms of comfort, the seat proved very pleasant in all positions, including in fully flat bed mode. On this night flight of approximately 7 hours 20 minutes, I was able to sleep about three hours, which is generally a good indicator of the actual comfort of a business class seat.
SWISS A350-900 Senses — Service and Onboard Experience
The cabin was completely full for this LX87 flight between Montreal and Zurich, with a 100% occupancy rate, which also gives a good idea of the popularity of this route among Aeroplan travelers. Despite this, the service remained smooth and attentive throughout the flight.
Meals and drinks
The service begins shortly after takeoff with a glass of Jacquart Mosaïque Brut champagne accompanied by mixed nuts. The crew is attentive and professional throughout the flight, with a service pace well suited to a night flight.
The evening meal is served in four courses, restaurant-style.
After a starter consisting notably of grilled halloumi accompanied by a house salad, the main course offers several choices, including beef tenderloin with demi-glace sauce, chicken supreme with herb butter, sautéed gnocchi, or cauliflower steak. The cooking is successful and the dishes arrive hot, with careful presentation.
The service continues with a cheese plate, then dessert, in my case a mango and cranberry cheesecake, before concluding with a selection of Swiss chocolates.
Before landing in Zurich, a breakfast is also offered, with a choice made in advance during boarding, including for example a hot omelet or pastries such as croissants. Between the two services, a sweet or savory « movie snack » is also available upon request.
Onboard Entertainment
Each seat is equipped with a very large touchscreen of approximately 24 inches, even more impressive in the center « throne » seats. The entertainment system is fast and easy to use, either directly via the touchscreen or using the tablet integrated into the seat, which also allows control of several cabin functions.
The content selection is solid, with numerous movies, series, and music albums. Good noise-canceling headphones are provided to enjoy the system.
As is often the case on recent aircraft, several external cameras are available: forward, downward, overhead, and on the sides of the aircraft. It’s a detail, but watching the approach and landing in Zurich from these angles is always very interesting. An interactive map also allows real-time flight tracking.
Wi-Fi and Amenity Kit
As on several long-haul flights today, Wi-Fi was available for a fee, but I did not use it during this flight.
The amenity kit proved rather simple: it contains essential items such as socks, a toothbrush, and earplugs, but some items sometimes seen elsewhere, such as an eye mask, were absent.
Overall, the onboard experience was very solid, combining an elegant cabin, a comfortable seat, and attentive service, which confirms the generally positive reputation of SWISS’s long-haul product.
First Class Visit
I also had the opportunity to take a look at First Class, and the contrast with Business is immediately noticeable. The cabin is based on a concept of fully enclosed suites, with only a few very exclusive spaces aboard the A350.
The Single Suites
The Single Suites, of which there are only two in the aircraft, resemble a true private space more than a simple airplane seat. The walls can close completely to create an isolated suite above the clouds. In front, a large movable ottoman can serve as a footrest, a seat for sharing a meal, or simply a space to relax.
The whole is very refined: solid wood table, separate cocktail table, personal wardrobe, multiple storage compartments, and a 32-inch 4K QLED screen for entertainment. Once transformed into a bed, the space becomes surprisingly generous for an airplane.
The Suite Plus
In the center of the cabin is the Suite Plus, even more impressive. Designed for passengers traveling together, it offers a second fully adjustable seat and a significantly wider bed, accompanied by a 43-inch QLED screen that almost gives the impression of a small private cinema.
And to go even further, SWISS is even preparing a First Grand Suite, an even more exclusive configuration that will combine a Single Suite and a Suite Plus connected by a private corridor, creating a true personal lounge isolated from the rest of the cabin.
In practice, this First Class takes the idea of privacy and space very far. That said, even if the experience is clearly spectacular, the new SWISS Senses Business already offers a very high level of comfort and modernity for the majority of travelers.
Bottom Line
With the arrival of the Airbus A350-900 and the SWISS Senses cabin, SWISS is clearly modernizing its long-haul product. The seat is comfortable, the cabin elegant, and the different configurations allow choosing a tailored experience, notably with the very intimate window seats or the particularly spacious « throne » seats.
On this night flight between Montreal and Zurich, the seat comfort allowed me to sleep nearly three hours, which often remains the best indicator of the quality of a business class. Without completely revolutionizing the concept of the modern Business product, SWISS offers here a very solid experience that significantly improves the product previously offered on this route.
For Aeroplan travelers looking for a direct flight between Montreal and Zurich, the new SWISS Senses Business Class aboard the A350-900 represents today one of the most interesting options for crossing the Atlantic with points.
Check out the best Aeroplan credit cards page to accumulate enough Aeroplan points to treat yourself to a SWISS business class flight starting at only 60,000 Aeroplan points!
Other Reviews to Consult
SWISS A350 Business Class Swiss Senses — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SWISS Senses cabin?
SWISS Senses is the new generation of long-haul cabins from SWISS International Air Lines. Introduced in 2025 with the Airbus A350-900s, it includes a new interior design, « Human-Centric » lighting, modernized seats, and an improved entertainment system.
How many seats does the Business Class of the SWISS A350 have?
Business Class has 45 seats divided into two sections and eight rows. The configuration alternates between 1-1-1 and 1-2-1 layouts, with Business Suites in rows 2 and 8.
What is the best seat in Business Class on the SWISS A350?
Window seats offer good privacy thanks to the table that separates the seat from the aisle. Isolated center seats (« throne seats ») are particularly sought after for their additional space and larger screen. The Business Suites in rows 2 and 8 are the most spacious.
Can you book SWISS Business Class with Aeroplan points?
Yes. SWISS is part of Star Alliance and the Montreal–Zurich flight is accessible with Aeroplan points. This route is in fact considered one of the best value propositions in the program for reaching Central Europe.
How does SWISS Senses compare to Lufthansa Allegris?
Both cabins share a similar seat base, but the ambiance is very different. SWISS has opted for dark and warm tones (burgundy fabric, black partitions, cork finishes), while Lufthansa favors a lighter and more minimalist approach. Consult our Lufthansa Allegris review for details.
Does the seat convert to a flat bed?
Yes, the seat converts to a fully flat bed. On this night flight of approximately 7 hours 20 minutes, the comfort was sufficient to sleep about three hours, which is a good indicator for a business class product.
What is the screen size in SWISS Senses Business Class?
The touchscreen measures approximately 24 inches. The center « throne » seats offer a slightly larger screen. The system is controlled by the touchscreen or by the tablet integrated into the seat.
Which credit cards allow you to accumulate the most Aeroplan points?
Several Canadian credit cards allow you to accumulate Aeroplan points. Consult our comparison of the best Aeroplan credit cards to find the one that best suits your profile.
