Much as Qantas has QantasLink, European airline SWISS does something similar for many of its own short hops. On selected flights, SWISS services run as ‘Helvetic Airways’. Service matches SWISS standards, and the SWISS logo appears on the aircraft tale. In fact, you can book these flights using miles just like any other SWISS service. Thanks to KrisFlyer, this sees me jetting off in Business Class on the new Helvetic Airways / SWISS Embraer E195 E2.
It’s a plane that I hadn’t flown on before – which isn’t something I can often say. It’s a modern regional jet that’ll soon find its way Down Under – set to join the Virgin Australia fleet by the end of 2025. But before that happens, I take the Embraer E195 E2 jet for a spin with Helvetic Airways on this journey from Germany to Switzerland.
Check-in, lounge and boarding
Check-in for today’s Helvetic Airways Embraer E195 E2 Business Class flight is a little slow. There are very few desks staffed, and half of the agents are dedicated to a different line. Nonetheless, I get through – and the fast-track lane at security helps keep things moving.
With a Business Class ticket, access is granted to Lufthansa’s Business Lounge in Hamburg. But for those with Star Alliance Gold or an Amex Platinum or Centurion Card, the higher tier Senator Lounge awaits instead. I make my way through and find a well-equipped lounge on the Senator side: albeit a little dated.
Hot food is reasonable – there’s more than what’s pictured here. I’m enjoy a bite, tackle a little bit of work, and then I’m on my way.
It’s a bit of a hike to the gate, but it’s good to stretch those legs. Boarding begins with priority passengers, so I take the chance to get seated promptly and settle in.
Helvetic Airways (SWISS) Business Class seating on the Embraer E195 E2
Hello… Economy Class? If you’re not accustomed to flying in Europe, this part may take you by surprise. In this part of the world, short flights in ‘Business Class’ have you seated in Economy. Yes, really. Booking Business Class means having a spare seat beside you – not sitting in a different type of chair.
On some planes, that translates into a vacant middle seat. Here, given the 2-2 cabin layout, it means you get a pair of seats to yourself. While the physical seat isn’t anything to get excited about, I appreciate the extra space and elbow room. It’s a short hop, anyway.
I also notice how the seating software zigzags passengers. In one row of Helvetic Airways Embraer E195 E2 Business Class, the passenger is assigned to the aisle. In the next row, the assigned seat is beside the window, and so on. This means any passenger in the cabin can recline without impacting the person behind them. (And, hey, if the passenger behind has switched sides and isn’t in their assigned seat, that’s on them).
USB charging is available – handy for a quick top-up of your smartphone. I would have preferred an AC outlet for my laptop, though. Particularly as the AC outlet on my next flight would prove to be faulty. Otherwise, the seat is as you’d expect with a tray table and storage pouch. Welcome to Business Class, Economy style!
Food and beverage in Helvetic Airways (SWISS) Embraer E195 E2 Business Class
Okay, so you don’t get a nicer seat. But other than that, Business Class ticks the rest of the boxes. Along with priority check-in, lounge access, priority boarding, a boosted baggage allowance and the extra space above, you can also expect a meal.
Today’s flight is less than 90 minutes from gate to gate, and leaves Hamburg at 9:35 am. Even so, water is given before take-off and there’s time for a tasty breakfast tray in the sky. The croissant is perfect, and the cheese, fruit and yoghurt round out the plate. This hop is part of a longer journey from Hamburg to Dubai, via Zurich – so I see no harm in indulging with a glass of Champagne. Today, it’s Jacquart.
After the meal service, crew distribute SWISS-branded chocolates. That’s common of all SWISS flights I’ve taken – not just this journey in Business Class on the Helvetic Airways Embraer E195 E2.
Service in Helvetic Airways (SWISS) Business Class on the Embraer E195 E2
On this quick hop from Hamburg to Zurich, there’s little time left over after the meal is done. Take in a few glances out the window and you’re practically there.
Today’s journey aligns with some unfavourable weather along the way, and on arrival. We pull up at a remote stand, but there’s a dedicated Business Class bus waiting at the bottom of the covered staircase. At least, we’re out of the cold quickly.
From the flight itself, there isn’t much to say about the service in Helvetic Airways (SWISS) Embraer E195 E2 Business Class. The usual service flow is completed promptly, and passengers continue on their way.
The verdict
All up, this is a pleasant hop between Germany and Switzerland. It’s also a jaunt that doesn’t hit the hop pocket. In fact, when using Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles to fly from Germany to the Middle East, this detour via Switzerland doesn’t add any extra miles to the asking price.
Sure, if there were a direct flight available straight from Hamburg to Dubai using miles, I’d have taken it. Personally, I don’t take unnecessary connections just because you can get an extra flight ‘for free’ – my time is far more valuable than that. But when taking a detour is your only option … or, at least, the only option other than paying full fare … it’s handy to know tricks like this.
It all comes down to the way that Singapore Airlines prices reward flights on its partners. Rather than strictly based on distance, KrisFlyer uses zones. That means ‘Europe to Middle East’ costs the same number of miles regardless of where you begin and end within each zone – and whether or not you take a connection along the way. For instance, Hamburg to Zurich to Dubai on the same day counts as ‘Europe to Middle East’, even though the first flight is ‘Europe to Europe’. All that matters is where you start, where you finish, and that you stay within either zone if you transit.
For just 33,500 KrisFlyer miles and €147.71 (currently ~A$255), the day’s travel was taken care of. It may not have been a direct flight, as I’d usually prefer. But I’d certainly rather use this KrisFlyer sweet spot than pay thousands for full-fare Business Class on a direct flight! Even if that means getting Business Class service in an Economy-style seat on the short hop before the long leg…
Also reviewed: SWISS Airbus A330 Business Class (Zurich – Dubai)
All photography by Chris Chamberlin, who travelled at Point Hacks’ expense using PayRewards points.
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