After years of hearing about the Airbus A220-300, I finally had the chance to fly one. Originally developed as the Bombardier CSeries before Airbus took over in 2018, the aircraft has been praised as an efficient, comfortable alternative to both the Embraer E-Jet family and smaller Airbus and Boeing models. SWISS has been flying them for a while now, and since this flight was only slightly more expensive than a low-cost carrier, it was an easy choice.
Maybe it was the glorious weather throughout this trip, or perhaps the generous pour of Heineken I enjoyed at the open-air viewing area, but something about this aircraft and flight made me feel like I was taking my very first flight again. I was giddy!
This turned out to be one of the most enjoyable short-haul flights I’ve taken in years. The aircraft itself was a massive step up from the usual A320s and 737s that run across Europe, and the overall experience on SWISS was polished, efficient, and comfortable.
Zurich Airport and Check-In
Zurich Airport is modern and highly functional, but the contrast between landside and airside is striking. The landside terminal design is industrial, with low ceilings, heavy use of concrete, and a muted grey color palette. It feels efficient but slightly cold. Once airside, the atmosphere completely shifts. Large windows, open spaces, and natural light create a bright, airy setting that feels far more inviting.
Check-in was a little confusing. The usual Check-in 1 area was closed for maintenance, meaning I had to navigate to Check-in 3, tucked away inside the airport shopping area. It wasn’t the most intuitive location, but the signage was decent enough to eventually point me in the right direction.
Since my bag was overweight, I had to pay for a checked bag. The SWISS app didn’t allow me to modify my booking after checking in online, so I had to sort it out in person. The app also wouldn’t generate a mobile boarding pass, repeatedly telling me to check in despite already having done so. This wasn’t a big deal with plenty of time, but it would have been frustrating if I’d been in a hurry.
Security was smooth, and amusingly since I was travelling economy today, the “Premium” security lane had a longer queue than the regular one. While those who had paid extra were waiting in line, I walked straight through with no delay.
The airport itself was spotless, organised, and in typical Swiss fashion- ran as efficiently as expected. The most noticeable thing was the silence. There were plenty of people around, yet it felt strangely hushed, almost as if an unspoken rule existed that everyone should keep their voices down. It was oddly peaceful but a little eerie at the same time.
For aviation enthusiasts, Zurich Airport has an outdoor viewing deck near the B gates, attached to the “Sports Bar and Lounge.” Ironically there weren’t any sports being shown, or even any TVs that I could see, but the view out onto the apron was excellent.
Boarding and Remote Stand Experience
Boarding was well organised from Gate D52, though we were bussed to a remote stand. This might not be ideal in winter, but on a clear March day, it was actually a great opportunity to see some of the aircraft up close. The lineup of private jets, SWISS aircraft, and a few others parked nearby made for an interesting ride across the tarmac.
Cabin and Seat – As Good As Economy Gets?
Stepping onto the A220-300 (Reg: HB-JCM), the first thing that stood out was how premium it felt compared to other regional jets. The seats were spacious, and the overall design had a refined, high-end feel. Brown leather upholstery, chrome trim, and SWISS-embossed headrest covers gave the cabin a sleek, polished look.
The seating layout is 2-3, which immediately makes the cabin feel more open than a standard A320 or 737. The windows are huge, easily some of the biggest on any narrowbody jet, allowing for excellent views of the Alps on departure. As you can see below, the only thing bigger than the windows perhaps, is my smile on this awesome aircraft!
Legroom was more than generous, and the tray table was solid and large enough for a laptop if needed. The seat reclined slightly, and since the flight wasn’t full, I had the row to myself. The only real letdown was the lack of in-seat power. Not an issue for a short flight, but given the A220’s range, even a single USB port would have been a useful addition. The seat-back storage was divided into two smaller netted compartments. It was fine for a phone or small items, but I was slightly worried that something like a power bank could slip out in turbulence.
Takeoff and Flight Performance
The A220-300 is an impressive machine. Takeoff was incredibly smooth and powerful, with a fast climb that felt effortless. For a nearly empty flight, it felt like the aircraft was showing off its full potential, rocketing into the sky and settling into the climb with barely any noise.
At cruise, the cabin remained quiet and comfortable. The A220’s advanced design makes a real difference in passenger experience. Even at 40,000 feet, the cabin pressure was comfortable, and there was no noticeable engine noise or vibration.
SWISS doesn’t offer built-in in-flight entertainment or Wi-Fi on this route, but with the huge windows and stunning evening views over France and the Channel, it wasn’t missed.
Service and Swiss Touches
The crew were professional, friendly, and efficient. Shortly after takeoff, they came through the cabin offering bottled water and pointing out the SWISS Saveurs buy-on-board menu. The food options looked better than most carriers, though I didn’t order anything this time.
A small but appreciated detail was the Swiss chocolate given out just before descent. It’s a tiny touch, but it made the flight feel just that little bit more thoughtful.
Arrival at Gatwick
The descent into London was smooth, and the clear skies painting a gorgeous sunset made for a scenic approach. With a light passenger load, deplaning was quick and easy via a jet bridge. The flight crew stood at the cockpit door thanking passengers as they left, with a visible sense of pride about them that only people who truly love their career can afford.
Immigration at Gatwick was fast, sailing through the e-gates with no wait. In spite of that, my checked bag was already waiting on the carousel by the time I got to the baggage hall. Perhaps my expectations of baggage handling at Gatwick are long outdated, but this was a pleasant surprise.
Final Thoughts – The A220 and SWISS Were Outstanding
This was one of the best short-haul flights I’ve taken in recent years. The Airbus A220-300 is an outstanding aircraft, offering better comfort, better design, and better performance than most other narrowbody jets.
Much like the pre-arrival chocolate, SWISS delivered a smooth, enjoyable experience with excellent cabin design, thoughtful touches, pleasant crew and a well-organised operation from start to finish.
The only real downsides were the lack of in-seat power and the potential inconvenience of remote stand boarding in bad weather. Neither took away from what was an otherwise fantastic flight.
This is an aircraft I would actively seek out again. Given the choice between an A220 and a typical A319/A320 or Boeing 737, I’d pick the A220 every time- and with 389 A220’s delivered as of January 2025, and 516 backordered globally, hopefully that’ll become easier and easier to do in the coming years. SWISS made a strong impression, and I wouldn’t hesitate to fly with them on this route again.
