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Swiss does something unSwiss like – Light fares from Geneva

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A lot of us like Swiss International Airlines – be it their great service, consistent quality or even the nice lounge at Zurich.

Well, Swiss is trying to pull a fast one with the launch with services between Geneva and London Airport – Geneva Economy Light and Geneva Economy Flex.

So what’s the difference other than price?

Geneva Economy Light
– No Checked Luggage
– No Rebooking/Cancellation allowed
– Hand baggage allowance of one piece at 8kg in 55x40x23cm

Geneva Economy Flex
– 1 Bag at 23Kg
– Rebooking and Cancellation allowed
– Hand baggage allowance of one piece at 8kg in 55x40x23cm

This will apply for flights between

– Geneva – London City
– Geneva – London Heathrow
– Geneva – London Gatwick (winter season service, flying Monday, Saturday and Sunday

The difference between the fares is £25 extra one way, £40 return based on the fares Swiss are publishing:


To Genva    
                    Lite Fare   |    Flex Fare
From             Single  Return |  Single  Return 
London Heathrow  GBP 61  GBP 84 |  GBP 86  GBP 124
London City	 GBP 67  GBP 89 |  GBP 92  GBP 123
London Gatwick   GBP 45  GBP 67 |  GBP 70  GBP 107

Fare data: Swiss.com - http://www.swiss.com/countries/GB/local_content/Pages/new_fares_geneva.aspx?WT.ac=PRESENTER_GB_EN_02072013_1500_POS1_SWISS+new+fare+concept&WT.ad=PRESENTER_GB_EN_02072013_1500_POS1_SWISS+new+fare+concept

This follows KLM and British Airways experiments in hand baggage only fares, whilst competing with EasyJet who have a base at Geneva, by offering a lower price.

Is it a good move for Swiss? I’m not sure, as Swiss is a quality airline – which seems to be playing a Low Cost Carrier game. Whilst this seems to be in vogue to charge extra for hold luggage (or create a lower fare class from it), it does feel like “Grasping at Straws” to save/earn a few extra coins.

No other destinations have been rolled out yet with this new fare structure, but if this is remotely successful… I’d expect more routes to follow quickly…..