SWISS Launching Nonstop Flights from Zurich to Washington DC
SWISS International Air Lines announced that the airline will add two new cities to its route network early next year. Beginning in the first quarter of 2020, SWISS will launch nonstop flights from the airline's hub in Zurich (ZRH) to Washington DC (IAD) and Osaka, Japan (KIX).
These new routes will be made possible with the arrival of two new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. SWISS will shift smaller aircraft to its new routes while upgrading the airline's existing service to Miami and Tokyo.
Service to Miami is currently operated with the Airbus A330 while Tokyo is served with the Airbus A340. In a press release, SWISS noted it will be adding year-round 777-300ER service to Miami and Tokyo due to increased demand in both passenger traffic and cargo. "As The Airline of Switzerland, we connect our home country with the world’s key economic, societal and tourist destinations,” SWISS CEO Thomas Klühr stated.
SWISS New Route Details
Zurich (ZRH) to Osaka (KIX)
- Service begins March 1, 2020
- Operates 5x per week
- Aircraft: Airbus A340
Zurich (ZRH) to Washington DC (IAD)
- Service begins March 29, 2020
- Operates daily
- Aircraft: Airbus A330

SWISS Routes Receiving Upgauged Aircraft
Zurich (ZRH) to Tokyo-Narita (NRT)
- 777-300ER Service begins February 2, 2020
- Operates daily
Zurich (ZRH) to Miami (MIA)
- 777-300ER Service begins in Summer 2020
- Operates daily
How To Fly SWISS' New and Upgauged Flights
SWISS is a Star Alliance member, allowing members of partner airline frequent flyer programs to redeem points or miles for the airline's flights. United MileagePlus, Air Canada Aeroplan, and Lufthansa Miles & More are just a few Star Alliance programs through which SWISS flights can be booked.
SWISS has already loaded the airline's Boeing 777-300ER flights from Zurich to Tokyo. However, the airline's new service and upguaged flights to Miami have yet to be added to the airline's schedule. This means that travelers looking to book SWISS' new nonstop flights to Washington DC or Osaka will have to wait.
If you're hoping to score a seat in first class on SWISS, you'll likely be out of luck. Unless you are a Miles & More Senator or HON Circle elite frequent-flyer, SWISS first class award flights are off-limits. Fortunately, while often hard to find, nonelite frequent flyers can book SWISS business class. Of course, economy class is your best bet when SWISS' new flights are loaded into the airline's schedule.
Related: SWISS First Class Review

Here's how many United MileagePlus miles you'll need to book a one-way ticket from Washington DC to Zurich when flights go on sale:
- Business Class: 70,000 miles
- Economy Class: 30,000 miles
Bottom Line
SWISS offers a fantastic onboard product not only in first and business class but also in economy. Additionally, Zurich offers a number of connecting flights to destinations throughout Europe. As a Star Alliance member, US-based flyers can book SWISS' new flights to Washington DC and upgauged 777-300ER flights to Miami using United MileagePlus miles. While SWISS' new flights have not been loaded into the airline's schedule just yet, the new routes will likely be available later this year.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
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 $6,000 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.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.

