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SWISS launches enhancements for these long-haul cabin classes

SWISS improves amenities on long-haul flights

By Mark Reif Mar 6, 2025 4:42 AM

SWISS Economy menu item — SWISS Economy meal SWISS

SWISS long-haul passengers seated in Economy and Premium Economy can now have a more enjoyable trip, with new amenities aimed at their senses. The new “SWISS Senses” program upgrades the long-haul flight experience, with a revamped interior, menu options, and more. The new concept is available now.

“SWISS Senses” elevates long-haul travel

SWISS A350 Economy seats — SWISS A350 Economy seats SWISS

Once the airplane reaches cruise altitude, Economy and Premium Economy passengers will be served an apéritif alongside a Sbrinz cheese appetizer in tribute to Switzerland’s apéro culture. New main courses offer curated flavors, and pre-landing meals arrive on a tray or bento box. All passengers can enjoy extended snack offerings and more beverages like Swiss soda, Rivella, or Swiss red wine. Every Economy meal will use black tableware.

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Also included in “SWISS Senses” are upgraded cabin interiors and seats in all travel classes across the fleet. That way, every traveler can sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight.

Additionally, the concept offers the Alpine Valley fragrance in soaps, hand lotion, and facial sprays. It’s made by Swiss company, Soeder, and uses citrus and herbal notes to capture the spirit of the mountains.

SWISS Chief Commercial Officer Heike Birlenbach said: “These new product and service highlights will tangibly enhance the air travel experience for our Economy Class and our Premium Economy Class guests. “Taken together, they represent one of the biggest service investments in the history of our company. And they bring us a further step forward in providing our customers with a quality air travel experience that is hallmarked by both Swissness and a devotion to detail, to help ensure that we consistently achieve our high premium aspirations.”

Mark Reif is a storyteller focused on the intersection of outdoor culture, travel, and design. From the peaks of Banff to the… Read Full Bio

These 2026 island getaways are surging in popularity right now

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Expedia just released its latest set of data: The 2026 Island Hot List, a trending list that compiles the emerging islands travelers are searching for before they become the next big thing. According to the newExpedia data, interest in these rising island destinations is up 55% on average year-over-year, while social media mentions have climbed 20% as travelers look for new experiences, better value, and fewer crowds. If you ask me, this is pretty surprising to hear it’s up 55%, especially when I thought islands were already one of the most popular year-round travel destinations.

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Six Senses Rome is a peaceful retreat in a beautifully chaotic city

the lobby at Six Senses Rome

Rome is one of the most visited cities in Europe, and by all accounts, it gets crowded. But considering that it’s one of the world’s most important epicenters for history, culture, food and architecture, we can forgive the crowds. After all, complaining about tourism when you’re a tourist is not the way. But booking yourself a peaceful respite to start and end each day most certainly is.

I chose Six Senses Rome as my home base during a recent four-day trip to the city. The property opened in 2023 in the restored 15th-century Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini. The historic building sets the tone before you even check in, with restored 600-year-old columns in the main entrance, pale travertine floors, a light-dappled lobby overflowing with greenery, and a massive marble staircase that’s almost comically regal. And its neighbor is the gorgeous San Marcello al Corso Church—so you can start your sightseeing by literally going next door.

5 Tips If You’re Traveling With Cigars: I Learned No. 2 the Hard Way

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Traveling with cigars can be challenging if you’re not prepared. The lack of preparation can lead to your favorite cigars getting smashed from inadequate storage, or they can peel because they weren’t kept at the proper temperature, among other issues. Sometimes you do all the right things, and still come away shaking your head.

I’ve been smoking cigars for two decades now, and it’s not beneath me to admit that I’ve made plenty of cigar travel mistakes in that span, and as recently as two weeks ago. You live, you learn, and hope you don’t waste a stogie on the next trip. My most recent cigar travel mistake is what inspired me to share these tips. Sure, there are plenty of articles out there offering similar advice. But this list comes from a cigar smoker and writer who has visited six countries and about a dozen states in the last year alone. And in that time, mistakes were made, and lessons were learned.