SWISS operates several different aircraft to Europe, including A340s, which have the airline's new 170-degree reclining seats, and A330s, which are outfitted with seats that the airline refuses to identify. (I’ve been asking SWISS for the specs for years.) I’ve heard so many complaints that I’ll just say they are poor.

Good News The A340s are popping up on routes other than Los Angeles-Zurich, including New York, which is where we saw them. Do whatever you can to catch one, to the extent of flying to a gateway other than your usual one (see table below). But ask about the equipment: As you can see by the chart, SWISS uses both aircraft on the New York/JFK-Zurich route.

First Class Another good thing about the new A340s is that they offer three classes of service, now rare on transatlantic routes. SWISS is also one of the few European participants in Amex’s 2-for-1 program offering First Class. (BA is another but Zurich is a much better place to make a connection than Heathrow.)

Mileage Games The airline is a Star Alliance member, so you can earn elite and mileage credit with United and US Airways, if that’s your deal. You can also book seats to Europe on SWISS—with United and US Airways miles—via the Star Alliance award chart: 80,000 Business Class; 120,000 First.