How Can I Pick my Seats on Swiss Air?

Getting the right seat changes how you fly. It’s not just about legroom! It will be proximity to the exit, space to stretch or merely avoiding a cramped middle row. This can make or break the flying trip. Regular flyers know this. Swiss Air gives you the option to choose, but the Swiss Air seat selection rules vary based on the ticket. Some seats are free & the rest come with a cost. And timing matters. If you’re not sure when or how to pick, this guide by WingsTravo clears it up. Here’s how Swiss Air handles seat selection—and what you should do early.

How Do I Choose my Seat on a Swiss Business Class Flight?

If you’re flying SWISS Business Class, seat selection comes included. You don’t need to pay extra. As soon as you book, you can choose your seat through the airline’s website. Just head to “Manage Booking,” enter your details, & pick from the available seats in the Business cabin.

The layout depends on your aircraft, but long-haul flights often have a staggered 1-2-1 or 2-2-1 setup. Solo travelers usually go for the “throne” seat—one seat on its own with space on both sides. If you want that spot, act fast. They get taken quickly as per the Swiss Air seat selections.

Seat maps open up more as the flight date gets closer. If you didn’t choose a seat while booking, you can still grab one before check-in. Just don’t wait too long. Your preferred spot may be gone.

Already checked in? You’ll be assigned one, but you can still try switching at the airport if something better is open. Business cabins on SWISS gives you priority. Make it count by locking in a seat that actually works for you.

How Do I Choose My Seat after Booking on Swiss Air?

You want to choose seat on Swiss Air, you do:

• Go to the SWISS Air website and click on “Manage Booking” at the top of the page.
• Enter your booking reference and last name exactly as shown on your ticket.
• Select the flight you want to manage from your booking details.
• Click on the “Change Seat” or “Select Seat” option next to your flight info.
• View the seat map and choose an available seat that works best for you.
• If your fare doesn’t include free selection, you’ll see the seat price before confirming.
• Make the payment if required, and confirm your seat choice immediately.
• Once done, you’ll get a confirmation email with the updated seat details.

If needed more help, call Swiss Air at 1 (516) 738-4422 or 1-888-413-6950.

How Do I Avoid paying for Seat Selection on Swiss Air?

To skip the fees of seat selection on Swiss Air, start by booking the right fare. Economy Light and Classic usually charge for seats, but Economy Flex includes it. Business and First Class always come with free seat selection. If you are flying long-haul, those higher fares are your best bet.

You can also wait until check-in opens—usually 23 hours before departure. At that point, some seats may become free. But you risk getting a middle seat or being split from your group.

Another option? Frequent flyer status. Miles & More members with higher tiers often get seat selection perks. Some credit cards tied to airline programs might also include it. Lastly, keep an eye on promotions. Occasionally, Swiss drops seat fees during off-peak times or for specific routes.

How much is a throne Seat on SWISS Flights?

On SWISS long-haul flights, reserving a Business Class "throne seat": A solo window seat with added privacy. The Swiss Air seat selection fee for a throne seat is between CHF 99 and CHF 199 (approx. $100–$200 USD), depending on the route and flight duration. These seats are highly sought after for their enhanced privacy and space.

Albeit, if you're a Miles & More HON Circle or Senator member, get them at no extra cost. For other flyers, throne seats often become available for free during online check-in. And it opens 23 hours before departure. Attempting to select a throne seat between 48 and 24 hours before departure may not be successful, as the system might not confirm the seat assignment. Thus, the best time to secure a throne seat without a fee is during the online check-in window.

If you prefer to guarantee a throne seat in advance, paying the reservation fee is advisable. Otherwise, monitoring seat availability and checking in promptly can increase your chances of securing one without additional cost.

When you have a seat picked on Swiss Air early, you are in control. Wait too long, and you might end up stuck where you didn’t plan. Be if you want to avoid the back or stay near the exit, check your options fast. Charges depend on your ticket. If your fare doesn’t cover it, you can still pay to pick. Have questions or hit a snag? Get help from WingsTravo or Swiss Air at 1 (516) 738-4422 or 1-888-413-6950. No forms and no waiting. One quick call can settle it before check-in even opens.