transatlantic · 8h 55m · 7,151 km
Chicago to Zurich
2 airlines · 2 aircraft ranked
In business class, United's Polaris (787-10) edges out the field with a 6.5/10.United is the only carrier offering premium economy on this route, scoring 4.5/10.
Quick pick
Fly United. It has 18 more inches of legroom and direct aisle access.
If fares are comparable, this is the better cabin.
Fly SWISS. It scores higher across seat comfort and amenities.
If prices are similar, go with this one.
Select two airlines to compare head-to-head
Data verified June 2026
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Route insights
- In business class, United's Polaris (787-10) edges out the field with a 6.5/10.
- United is the only carrier offering premium economy on this route, scoring 4.5/10.
- In economy, SWISS's SWISS Economy (A330-300) leads the field with a 4.1/10.
- SWISS is the only carrier offering first class on this route, scoring 7.8/10.
Frequently asked
Which is better in business: SWISS or United on ORD-ZRH?
SWISS Business (SWISS International Air Lines, A330-300) and Polaris (United Airlines, 787-10) score virtually the same in business: 6.4 vs 6.5/10. The biggest gap is power — AC + USB-C vs no power — but neither carrier pulls ahead overall.
Which is better in economy: SWISS or United on ORD-ZRH?
SWISS Economy (SWISS International Air Lines, A330-300) edges out Economy (United Airlines, 787-10) in economy, scoring 4.1/10 vs 3.4. The deciding factor: USB-A only vs no power. United Airlines fights back on seat width.
What are the best seats in SWISS SWISS First on ORD-ZRH?
Best: Window suites 1A and 1K have real windows and maximum privacy. Center suites 1D/1G work for couples traveling together. Avoid: Only 8 seats total so availability is limited. All are excellent. 8 enclosed first class suites with privacy doors. 32-inch IFE. Bose noise-canceling headphones. La Prairie amenity kit and skincare. On-demand Swiss cuisine with local wine pairings. Mattress pad, duvet, and full pajamas on overnight flights.
What are the best seats in SWISS SWISS Business on ORD-ZRH?
Best: True window seats (1A, 3A, 5A, 7A — odd rows) are closest to the window with the most privacy and direct aisle access. Avoid: Aisle-side throne seats (2A, 4A, 6A) are exposed. Pairs side (D/G) requires climbing over your neighbor in even-numbered rows. 45 Thompson Vantage staggered seats in 1-2-2 layout. NOT all seats have direct aisle access — the staggered layout means some window seats are aisle-adjacent while others are window-adjacent. 16-inch IFE. Swiss chocolate and cheese courses. Sprüngli pralines.
What are the best seats in SWISS SWISS Economy on ORD-ZRH?
Best: Window pairs (A-B, J-K) are best. Row 30 and exit rows offer extra legroom. Avoid: Center block middle seats (D or E). Last rows near rear lavatories. 183 economy seats in 2-4-2. 11-inch seatback IFE. Complimentary Swiss chocolate during service. USB power at every seat. 8-abreast is wider per seat than 9-abreast A350.
What are the best seats in United Polaris on ORD-ZRH?
Best: Window seats in odd rows (1A, 3A) are closer to the window with more privacy. Avoid: Even-row window seats are closer to the aisle. Same Safran Optima Polaris seat as 787-9 and 777-200ER. 16-inch IFE. Panasonic Ku-band wifi (paid). Saks Fifth Avenue bedding with mattress pad on request.
What are the best seats in United Premium Plus on ORD-ZRH?
Best: Window pairs (2 across) avoid the center middle seat. Avoid: Center middle seat in the 3-section. 2-3-2 premium economy (smaller cabin than 777). 13.3-inch IFE with Bluetooth. Enhanced plated meals with alcohol.
What are the best seats in United Economy on ORD-ZRH?
Best: Economy Plus rows offer 34-inch pitch vs standard 31-inch. Avoid: Last few rows near lavatories. 3-3-3 economy. 9-inch IFE. Economy Plus available for extra legroom. Panasonic Ku-band wifi (paid).