We’ve seen a trend with airlines to offer pre-ordering for meals in business class – mainly for long-haul routes. Swiss International Air Lines is trying something a little different – by offering the service on its short-haul network.
Known as “Pre-Select”, this free option was successfully launched on long-haul flights around two and a half years ago. It allows passengers to choose from a wider range of meals to suit their personal tastes during the flight.
On short-haul flights of over one hour from and to Zurich, passengers may now choose from a total of six cold dishes which are served with cheese and a dessert. On longer flights, there is a total choice of seven hot main courses depending on the destination – including one dish from the “SWISS Taste of Switzerland” menu, which is otherwise only offered on long-haul services.
The hot main courses are served with cheese and a dessert, plus a salad. The dishes are changed every three months to ensure variety.
With “Pre-Select”, you will enjoy a wider choice of meals. This, in turn, supports better planning by the airline and the sustainable use of food.
Having a more targeted loading process makes it possible to further reduce the unnecessary disposal of food and decrease waste – as well as the fuel spent lifting all the unused meals in the air.
SWISS passengers can order their preferred dish online, any time from six weeks up to 24 hours before departure.
Availability
This option is available on short-haul flights departing after 10 am. On flights departing before 10 am, the usual catering service will be available. The service is live and available for booking for those who qualify.
For those who can plan and like the certainty of a particular meal loaded onboard for them – this is a great option. It also helps the airline plan what it needs to use, thus reducing the costs long term, in terms of over-preparation of food, overordering, food waste (meals not being eaten), as well the cost of transporting those meals around Europe.
All you’ve got to remember to do is to book your meals in advance…
Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond. Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, in-depth coverage, unique research, as well as the humour and madness I only know how to deliver.
Our Social Media pool has expanded. You can find us across most networks as @economybeyond on Twitter, Mastodon, BlueSky, Threads and Instagram!
Also, remember that we are part of the BoardingArea community, bringing you the latest frequent flyer news from around the world.