Lufthansa vs Swiss Business Class — Star Alliance German-Speaking Carriers Compared
Lufthansa and Swiss are both owned by Lufthansa Group and both participate in the Star Alliance and Miles & More loyalty programme. However, their business class products and hub experiences differ. Here is how they compare for travellers departing from the UK.
5
Lufthansa
vs
0
Swiss
Specification Comparison
Category
Lufthansa
Swiss
Long-haul product
Business Class (777/747/A350)
Business (A340/777/787)
Seat width
26 inches
24 inches
Hub
Frankfurt (FRA) — world-class
Zurich (ZRH) — excellent
Home lounge
First Class Terminal FRA (unique)
SWISS First Lounge ZRH (outstanding)
Loyalty programme
Miles & More (shared with SWISS)
Miles & More (shared with LH)
Short-haul product
Business / best short-haul
Business — excellent short-haul
Connection to UK
Via FRA (90 min from LHR)
Via ZRH (100 min from LHR) or GVA (90 min)
Expert Verdict
Lufthansa leads — primarily because of the Frankfurt First Class Terminal (unique in the world) and a generally more consistent long-haul product. Swiss Business is excellent but is primarily a short-to-medium haul carrier; for transatlantic and long-haul routes, Lufthansa has the edge.
Is Lufthansa better than Swiss for business class?
For long-haul premium travel, Lufthansa leads — particularly because of the Frankfurt First Class Terminal. For short and medium-haul routes (within Europe and to the Middle East), Swiss is exceptionally pleasant and the ZRH lounge is genuinely world-class. Both share the same Miles & More loyalty programme.
What is the Lufthansa First Class Terminal?
The Frankfurt First Class Terminal is a separate facility only accessible to Lufthansa First Class and select HON Circle members. You enter at street level, are personally escorted through immigration, access a private restaurant, cigar lounge and spa, then are driven to the aircraft on the tarmac in a private car. Nothing like it exists elsewhere.
How do I earn Miles & More miles from the UK?
Miles & More does not have a co-branded credit card widely available in the UK. The most effective earning method is transferring Amex Membership Rewards or using Star Alliance partner programmes. Star Alliance Gold status earned on Lufthansa gives access to all Star Alliance business class lounges globally.
Does SWISS fly from the UK?
Swiss flies from London Heathrow (T2) and Manchester to Zurich and Geneva, with connections to intercontinental routes. The London connection time is short — SWISS and Lufthansa operate highly efficient connecting service at ZRH and FRA.
Is the Zurich airport lounge good?
The SWISS First Class and Senator Lounges at ZRH Terminal E are excellent — particularly the First Class Lounge with its panoramic views of the Alps on clear days. The dining programme is refined and the shower suites are outstanding.
Can I use Avios on Lufthansa?
Avios (British Airways) are not directly redeemable on Lufthansa. However, Miles & More can be used for Lufthansa flights, and Amex Membership Rewards can be transferred to Miles & More. Star Alliance Gold status (earned via Miles & More or United MileagePlus) gives lounge access across all Star Alliance carriers including Lufthansa.
Which is better for connecting to Asia — Lufthansa via Frankfurt or Swiss via Zurich?
Lufthansa via Frankfurt has more frequent and varied Asian connections. ZRH has excellent connections via SWISS to Tokyo, Singapore and Beijing but fewer frequencies. For most UK travellers, FRA offers more choice. However, the ZRH lounge experience can make a SWISS connection preferable for a more relaxed transit.
Is there a direct flight from the UK on Lufthansa or Swiss to the US?
Yes — both Lufthansa (from LHR T2) and Swiss (from LHR T2 and MAN) operate transatlantic services. Lufthansa flies LHR to JFK and other US gateways. Swiss flies GVA and ZRH to JFK and beyond with connections from UK airports.