Swiss first-class awards now bookable with United miles, but there's a catch
If you've dreamed of flying in Swiss' highly rated first class, we have good news.
Related: Swiss Perfection: A Review of Swiss First Class on Its Flagship Boeing 777-300ER
Flying first class on Swiss typically requires paying cash or holding elite status with Miles & More from Lufthansa Group (which owns Swiss) for the privilege of booking a first-class ticket using miles.
But now, United MileagePlus members can book Swiss first-class award tickets. That said, there are some big caveats you should be aware of. This news was first reported by Live and Let's Fly.
How to book Swiss first class with United miles
The biggest thing to know about booking Swiss first-class award tickets with United miles is that they're only bookable within three days of departure. In turn, you can only use this for last-minute award tickets.
Additionally, only connecting itineraries show first-class awards on United's website. You can't book a flight directly from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Geneva Airport (GVA) as a Swiss first-class award. However, you can book JFK to Munich International Airport (MUC) via GVA. The JFK-GVA flight would be in the Swiss first-class cabin, with the second flight in business class since there's no first-class cabin on that flight.
This example award costs 121,000 United miles, plus $32.60 in taxes and fees.
Right now, Swiss first-class awards are not showing on other Star Alliance partner websites, such as Air Canada Aeroplan or Avianca LifeMiles.
Caution: We've seen this before with sad news in the end
It's also worth pointing out that over the past five years, we've seen Swiss first class become available for brief periods using partner miles. On some occasions, Swiss canceled those bookings, claiming it was a mistake.
Until now, the only guaranteed way to book Swiss first class with partner miles has been the airline's three-hour flight between Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) and Buenos Aires, Argentina's Ezeiza International Airport (EZE).
This route is a continuation of the route between Sao Paulo and Zurich and is open to partner award bookings regularly. It doesn't require booking only a few days in advance.
Finally, there's no guarantee that this isn't a glitch on United's website. These awards could go away at any time, so book quickly if you see something you want to fly.
Bottom line
If you're flexible and longing to try Swiss first class, you can book it using United miles — at least, for now. Just remember that you can only book connecting tickets and you must book within three days of departure. But even then, award space can be tough to come by.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.