SWISS recently opened a beautiful new lounge in the A Gates area of Zurich Airport (ZRH). Here’s a detailed review.
For questions on access, read this.
The lounge is open daily from 5:30a to 10:30p and seats 86 people.
If you are clearing regular security in Zurich, head right after the security checkpoint. Look for these signs:
Open the black door and head down a long hallway:
You’ll encounter another door, which serves as the actual entrance to the lounge. And oh what a beautiful lounge it is!
But also note the lounge has a dedicated security entrance. If eligible (first class or HON), you can simply use that entrance to check-in, clear security and enter the lounge directly. I attempted to photograph this, but was told (politely) I could not take pictures because it was a secure area. Follow check-in signage to access this area.
SWISS First Class Lounge Bar
I start with the bar because it is the most striking aesthetic feature of the lounge. Shaped like a an aircraft wing, it is both beautiful and functional.
The lounge has a large selection of alcoholic beverages. Wine and beer of course, but also hard liquor and plenty of top-shelf items. The alcohol menu is identical to the alcohol served in the E Gates (menu here).
SWISS First Class Lounge Seating
On the right side of the lounge, you’ll find several black leather couches and chairs for seating. Power ports are easily accessible and plentiful.
SWISS First Class Lounge Work Area
A quartet of workstations with sliding glass doors offer a quite environment to work. Printing is also available.
SWISS First Class Lounge Relaxation Room
Unlike the amazing “hotel rooms” available in the E Gates first class lounge, this lounge simply has a “relax area” with two semi-reclined easy chairs. The room is kept dark.
SWISS First Class Lounge Restrooms + Showers
The lounge features a separate restroom and shower area. The men’s restroom has four urinals, two stalls, and two sinks. Outside the door, an electronic sign welcomes visitors to the new lounge. The stonework is beautiful.
Six shower rooms are located nearby. Request a key from the front desk. My first key did not work. I thought I was doing something wrong, but a supervisor also could not open the door. He apologized, stating SWISS was still working out the kinks in its new lounge.
Towels plus an amenity kit with shower gel, body lotion, shampoo, conditioner, and a shaving kit were waiting on the counter. An electrical outlet with USB chargers was also available as well as a dental kit in a glass next to the sink.
SWISS First Class Lounge Dining
The highlight of my stay in the lounge was another Swiss culinary adventure. Although this lounge does not have the SWISS tasting menu like the E Gates lounge, the dining room was beautiful and the menu still impressive.
Here’s the full menu:
Chefs prepare your meal in an open kitchen.
I ordered cream of wild garlic soup to begin along with a green salad. Both courses were amazing.
It is very rare that I eat sausage, but I felt like bratwurst with rösti (potatoes). With spicy mustard and a mushroom sauce, it turned out perfectly. I enjoyed a glass of rosé champagne with it.
This lounge also has a beautiful coffee bar with barista. I enjoyed a cappuccino after dinner (with apologies to any Italian readers).
I also ordered “savory deserts form the kitchen” and this came out–
A beautiful brownie with ice cream and berries. Perfect!
A small buffet is also available:
SWISS First Class Lounge Smoking Room
Upstairs in the rear of the lounge is a smoking room. Inside the room is also a whiskey bar.
Next to the smoking room is a conference room and this solitary chaise lounge:
SWISS First Class Lounge Car Service
By summer, SWISS will offer first class passengers transport from this lounge to the E Gates to catch their intercontinental flight. A door in the rear of the lounge foreshadows a future car pick-up area.
CONCLUSION
I’ve never seen a more beautiful lounge intended for Schengen (shorthaul) passengers. I enjoyed every moment of my stay, including the extra hour thanks to a flight delay. Sure, I’d love the same hotel-style sleeping rooms as in the E Gates lounge and a Swiss Tasting Menu, but my expectations for this lounge were exceeded. If you’re flying through Zurich in first class, take time to enjoy this lounge!
It’s just missing Shisheido coconut soap, Clarins facial products and adorable rubber duckies to make you company during shower. 😉
Fantastic review, Matthew. Minor typo in the “SWISS First Class Lounge Car Service” section: intnerconinetal
Thanks Rob! Corrected.
Wow, this lounge is so stunning. The woodwork and stonemasonry are just gorgeous.