This Airline’s New First-Class Suites Are Like Chalets in the Sky

Within the last year, several airlines have introduced new high-end first-class experiences. But a recent announcement from SWISS International Air Lines raises the bar, with the airline announcing an entirely new cabin concept that offers first-class travelers an experience more akin to a mountain chalet than an airline seat. The new first-class product, dubbed “Swiss Senses,” is the most premium product the Zurich-based carrier has ever offered.

The July 29 announcement includes changes to all four cabin classes (First, Business, Premium Economy, and Economy), but the most noteworthy changes centered on the striking new First Class Suite. It’s the largest interior aircraft upgrade in SWISS’s history, and a clear signal that, as with other airlines, the Zurich-based carrier is chasing a luxury-focused market.

Fewer seats, more space, Swiss aesthetics

One extra-large first class suite will be able to accommodate couples traveling together. Photo: Swiss Air Lines

Only three First Class cabin suites will be on each aircraft, including one double suite for passengers traveling together. That’s a dramatic reduction from the eight-seat first class layout currently used by Swiss, offering more space per passenger (as well as significantly increased ticket costs). Each suite comes with sliding privacy doors, a spacious closet area, and a seat wide enough to accommodate full bedding. Details like seat heating and cooling, wireless charging, and a screen so large it looks more like a cabin window than a television screen are designed to make passengers forget they’re in the air. Even the restroom reserved for first-class is upgraded, with a design inspired by the famous Vals spring, in Switzerland’s Graubünden region.

The color palette in the new suites emphasizes warm neutrals and deep natural colors, reminiscent of a modern Swiss cabin. The airline says it’s designed to promote a “a sense of coziness and comfort,” complete with a lighting system and a custom cabin scent both designed to help combat jet lag.

The new suites will debut on SWISS’s newest Airbus A350-900s, expected to come into the airline’s possession in late 2025. The first route flown by the planes will be Zurich, Switzerland, to Boston, Massachusetts, starting January 1, 2026. The airline also announced it plans to have “SWISS Senses” cabins integrated into existing A330-300 and 777-300ER planes in early 2026, with all planes in the fleet completed by 2028.

Swiss Business gets a “Swiss Senses” upgrade, too

Business class travelers will also see improvements in comfort as part of the SWISS Senses overhaul, with most changes focused on creating more space and customization options. Every Swiss Senses Business class seat will have direct aisle access and the ability to convert into a lie-flat bed, plus new seat heating and cooling, wireless charging, and additional bag storage. Some seats will have sliding privacy doors, while others will have extra space to work. It’ll have the same color scheme as first-class, with rich shades of red and deep coal colors. Planes are expected to have 45 Business class seats available after conversions are complete.

Changes to Economy and Premium Economy

A new SWISS Senses Premium Economy rendering. Photo: Swiss Air Lines

The changes to Economy and Premium economy are less significant than the changes to premium classes, and less likely to be noticed by travelers. Premium Economy will keep it’s one-meter seat pitch, but is getting improved cushioning and a new, more modern design. Standard economy passengers will get seats with better ergonomics (according to the airline), improved headrest screens, the ability to connect Bluetooth devices, and USB ports at every seat.

As of now, the amount of personal space per passenger in Economy and Premium Economy is not expected to shrink to accommodate the premium changes. However, there will be fewer of each type of seat available, with planes like the Airbus A350-900 going from 195-210 Economy seats per plane to 156 per plane with the new layout. Those same planes will have 86 upgraded seats between Premium Economy, Business, and First, showing a clear goal of trying to attract higher-value customers. For Economy flyers, it’s likely to mean fewer empty seats on flights, smaller chances of having an empty seat next to you, and fewer options for seat selection if you book last-minute.

How it compares to other premium products

SWISS isn’t the only airline pushing the boundaries of luxury in the sky. Several global carriers have recently announced upgraded options, reflecting shifting goals in the post-pandemic travel landscape.Air France recently announced an updated version of its La Première suites, set to debut in 2026. It’ll offer suites with up to five windows per first-class passenger, with lounge-style seating and fully enclosed walls.Emirates, long known for its opulence at 30,000 feet, is expanding its “Game Changer” suites, with floor-to-ceiling walls, virtual windows, and personal climate controls.Singapore Airlines continues to upgrade its A380 suites, with separate beds and couches, private sliding doors, and other touches designed to feel like a luxury hotel room in the sky.Japan Airlines recently won global accolades for its proposed new cabins based on traditional Japanese architecture and design, while Qantas Airways won for the suggestion of introducing wellness zones for passengers to stretch, acclimate, and otherwise attempt to fight jet lag in the sky. More like thisAirports + FlyingWhat It's Really Like to Fly in Luxury in Emirates Business Class