I just had the chance to fly SWISS’ Airbus A350 first class from Zurich (ZRH) to Boston (BOS), featuring the carrier’s new SWISS Senses product (I’ll talk more about how I booked this in my review, but I really wanted to check this out, so I could update my list of the world’s best first class products).
While I’ll share my thoughts on that flight shortly, in this post I’d like to briefly talk about the ground experience in Zurich, which I consider to be excellent, and then I’ll have full reviews soon.
SWISS has two lounges for its first class passengers at its Zurich hub — one Schengen, one non-Schengen — and it really makes for a well-rounded ground experience, as I consider these to be among the best first class lounges in the world. Both lounges are excellent, and it’s nice how they’ll even drive you from one to the other.
SWISS First Class Lounge Zurich Terminal E
The SWISS First Class Lounge Zurich Terminal E is the non-Schengen lounge (primarily for long haul passengers), and it’s 750 square meters (~8,100 square feet), with seating for 80 guests.
The lounge is broken up into two main areas, with one area primarily having seats for lounging around…
…and the other area being a restaurant and bar, with tables and booths.
There are a couple of features of this lounge that really stand out. The lounge features views of the apron, so the plane spotting from the lounge is amazing. Best of all, the lounge even has a terrace, with plenty of outdoor seating.
This is of course a lot more useful in summer than winter (when the terrace is typically closed), and you’ll often find that they even have special food on offer out there, ranging from ice cream to raclette. It really is such a lovely vibe, and such a contrast to so many lounges that are dungeons.
The other special feature of this lounge is that it has two bedrooms, which are the best bedrooms that you’ll find in any airport lounge. The mattress is the most comfortable one that I’ve ever slept on, as it’s so soft.
SWISS First Class Lounge Zurich Terminal A
The SWISS First Class Lounge Zurich Terminal A is the Schengen lounge (primarily for short haul passengers), and it’s 650 square meters (~7,000 square feet), with seating for 80 guests. In terms of design, I think I prefer this lounge to the other one, as it’s a bit newer and sleeker.
Just as in the other lounge, there’s one section dedicated to relaxing…
…and then there’s also a bar and restaurant area.
The downside to this lounge is that it doesn’t have a terrace, great views, or bedrooms. However, the lounge also has some advantages. For example, smokers will like this lounge, as it has a proper smoking lounge, and even has cigars on offer (the other lounge is fully non-smoking).
For those who want a proper place to work, I also like how this lounge has workstations, unlike the other lounge.
The lounge also has a dedicated limousine service area, where you’ll either be driven directly to your plane if departing from a remote stand, or there’s a shuttle service every 10 minutes to Terminal E, for those who are originating in Zurich and want to get there (since it otherwise requires taking a train, while this lounge has a direct flow from check-in). To be clear, there’s also a limousine service from Terminal E, but it’s a bit more restrictive.
SWISS First Class Lounges Zurich have amazing food
There’s one thing that’s identical in both SWISS First Class Lounges, and that’s top notch service, food, and drinks. No matter where you’re seated in either lounge, servers are constantly roaming around to see if you need anything.
The two lounges then have an extensive a la carte dining selection and wine list, with the options being identical in both lounges. After the Air France La Premiere Lounge Paris, this lounge might just have the best dining of any lounge, in my opinion. I’d be thrilled with the dishes served here at a great restaurant, in terms of both taste and presentation.
For example, I had a nice three course lunch, starting with beef carpaccio with cheese, arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, and olive paste.
I then had the salmon with fava beans, romesco sauce, and alpine herbs
Lastly, I had the ovomaltine mousse signature dessert.
This time around I skipped the cheese fondue, but I do think it’s worth emphasizing how this is on offer, and is absolutely delicious.
*chef’s kiss*
Bottom line
SWISS First Class Lounges in Zurich are top notch. Both lounges are great, so even if you’re traveling within the Schengen zone, you’re really not missing out by skipping the non-Schengen lounge (unless you want the bedroom or terrace).
In terms of accessing these lounges, a same day first class ticket on either SWISS or Lufthansa will get you in. Unfortunately that’s not as easy as it used to be, between SWISS restricting first class award availability to Miles & More Senator members and above, and Lufthansa now no longer releasing first class award space to partner frequent flyer programs.
What’s your take on the SWISS’First Class Lounges in Zurich?