Throughout my journey to Zimbabwe, I deliberately deliberate a roughly 10-hour layover at Zurich Airport, to have the ability to do some lounge hopping, after getting off my SWISS 777 top quality flight from Miami.
There are two SWISS First Lounges in Zurich. In a earlier installment, I reviewed the SWISS First Lounge Zurich Terminal E, which is the non-Schengen lounge, and on this submit I’ll assessment the SWISS First Lounge Zurich Terminal A, which is the Schengen lounge.
Admittedly the Terminal E lounge is the “flagship” SWISS First Lounge, and is fairly particular. That being stated, the Terminal A lounge significantly exceeded my expectations. It’s a beautiful lounge with an similar food and drinks choice to the opposite lounge, fairly decor, and pleasant service.
SWISS First Lounge Zurich location
The SWISS First Lounge Zurich Terminal A isn’t that simple to search out, because the signage is proscribed, and I think that’s by design. While you’re in Terminal A, comply with the signage within the route to SWISS Lounges A, which is on the higher stage of the terminal (that’s stage three, one stage above the SWISS Alpine Lounge, for instance).
On this stage you’ll see the doorway to the SWISS Enterprise Lounge and SWISS Senator Lounge.
While you’re going through this, hold strolling to the suitable a brief distance, and then you definitely’ll see a door for the SWISS First Lounge. That is fairly simple to overlook.
SWISS First Lounge Zurich hours
The SWISS First Lounge Zurich Terminal A is presently open day by day from 5:30AM till 10PM, masking just about all departures from the airport.
SWISS First Lounge Zurich entry necessities
Who will get entry to the SWISS First Lounge Zurich Terminal A?
- Passengers touring in SWISS top quality identical day can entry the lounge whether or not arriving or departing; you’ll be able to even use this as an arrivals lounge, with out an onward boarding cross (assuming you may get by safety, which relies on the place your flight arrives from)
- Passengers touring in Lufthansa top quality identical day can entry the lounge, however not purely as an arrivals lounge, so there must nonetheless be a connecting section
- Miles & Extra HON Circle members get entry to the lounge at any time when flying a Lufthansa Group flight identical day; there’s no must be in top quality, and there aren’t any route restrictions
In every case, vacationers are allowed one visitor within the lounge.
SWISS First Lounge Zurich seating & format
The SWISS First Lounge Zurich Terminal A is roughly 650 sq. meters (~7,000 sq. toes), with seating for 80 friends. As some extent of comparability, the Terminal E lounge is 750 sq. meters, with the identical capability, so the lounges are roughly comparable in dimension.
The centerpiece of this lounge is a type of V-shaped bar (it then curves additional), the place all of the drinks within the lounge are served from, and which might seat as much as 14 individuals (seven on both sides).
The eating space is surrounding the bar. One aspect has six tables, whereas the opposite aspect of the bar has two tables. Since every desk seats two individuals, this brings the eating space capability to 16 friends at a time. As you’ll be able to see, that is fairly a sublime eating setup, and it appears like a restaurant high quality expertise.
Then off to the aspect of the lounge, you’ll discover the world supposed primarily for lounging. This house consists of a wide range of black leather-based chairs and couches, which have a little bit of privateness because of the wood panels separating them.
The very finish of the lounge has some bigger couches, perfect for those who’re touring with a bigger group.
On the other aspect of the lounge from the above house is an space with 4 workstations.
Whereas these workstations lack pure mild, they’re very sensible and personal, as they’ve glass shields that may be closed, making it simple to make non-public telephone calls, and so forth.
Lastly, close to the doorway you’ll discover an space with some magazines and newspapers.
It is a lovely lounge that feels fairly unique and intimate, and I discovered that it didn’t get too crowded. This has fairly a couple of similarities to the SWISS First Lounge Zurich Terminal E. The primary variations up till this level are that this lounge doesn’t have the identical views and pure mild as the opposite lounge, although on the plus aspect, it does have workstations, which you gained’t discover within the different lounge.
SWISS First Lounge Zurich leisure space
The SWISS First Lounge Zurich Terminal A has a leisure space, positioned proper subsequent to the workstations.
This primarily consists of 1 darkish room that has two daybeds the place you’ll be able to calm down.
For those who’re simply on the lookout for some peace and quiet for a second, it will do the trick. Nonetheless, it’s a far cry from the non-public bedrooms you’ll discover within the SWISS First Lounge Terminal E, so if you need severe sleep, be sure you head over there.
SWISS First Lounge Zurich smoking room & convention room
The SWISS First Lounge Zurich Terminal A is totally on one stage, with a couple of exceptions, as there’s a small staircase and elevator main up a stage.
One of many facilities here’s a smoking lounge, which is sort of civilized. Word that the opposite SWISS First Lounge doesn’t have a smoking space, so people who smoke could favor this lounge. It options a number of leather-based chairs, and has a small out of doors space the place you’ll be able to stand. It’s not the nicest airport lounge smoking house that you simply’ll discover on the earth, however it’s higher than what you’ll discover in public areas of the airport.
The lounge provides complimentary cigars right here, which I’m positive some admire. I don’t know why there’s a sticker with fee choices, however every part I’ve heard suggests there’s no price for them.
There’s additionally some liquor on show right here, which you’ll be able to assist your self to. Nonetheless, the lounge workers are additionally blissful to deliver you one other drink up right here.
Instantly subsequent to the smoking room you’ll discover a convention room, with a desk that may accommodate as much as eight individuals.
Additionally on this stage is the door resulting in the limousine service. The limousine service isn’t fairly as in depth as what you’ll discover at Lufthansa’s hubs, however reasonably it’s primarily supplied between terminals, for these going between Terminal A and Terminal E.
SWISS First Lounge Zurich meals & drinks
SWISS First Lounges have spectacular catering, and that’s true in each the Terminal A and Terminal E places, that are almost similar in that regard.
So far as the idea goes, servers roam the lounge and can give you drinks anyplace. Then it’s usually advisable that you simply eat within the eating space, the place the meals is primarily a la carte, although there’s additionally a small buffet.
Close to the doorway, this lounge has a desk with every kind of candy and savory snacks, starting from candies to nuts.
The lounge additionally has a small refrigerated show, the place you’ll be able to assist your self to no matter you’d like. One show has drinks, together with water, soda, juice, beer, smoothies, and extra.
The opposite show has snacks, starting from muesli, to finger sandwiches, to pastries, to different small appetizers.
Once I first arrived within the lounge, I ordered an americano and a few nonetheless water.
Afterward, I sat down within the eating space for a meal. Yow will discover the SWISS First Lounge menu under.
Yow will discover the SWISS First Lounge drink listing under.
For my fundamental course, I made a decision to order the falafel with hummus, eggplant caviar, pomegranate, and pita bread. How attractive and complicated is that this dish?! This isn’t your common lounge meals, and SWISS actually has a few of the greatest lounge catering on the earth.
Then for dessert, I ordered the domino cake with orange gel, tangerine sorbet, and mascarpone cream. It was as delicious because it was lovely.
Afterward within the night (I had a really lengthy layover!) I ordered an iced latte, and likewise helped myself to one of many cute-looking donuts (I don’t know the final time I’ve had a donut, however yum!).
SWISS First Lounge Zurich loos & showers
The SWISS First Lounge Zurich Terminal A loos are positioned within the very again left nook of the lounge.
The lads’s room has three sinks, two stalls, and 4 urinals, and was spotlessly clear, with toiletries from Soeder.
The lounge additionally has 4 bathe suites.
Every bathe suite has a sink, a rest room, and a walk-in bathe, with distinctive air flow. Even after taking a scorching bathe, the room didn’t really feel scorching in any respect, which was superior.
Backside line
The SWISS First Lounge Zurich Terminal A significantly exceeded my expectations, particularly for a Schengen lounge. Whereas the airline is primarily identified for its non-Schengen lounge in Terminal E, this lounge has most of the identical options.
This lounge has among the many greatest eating you’ll discover in any lounge, attentive service, areas for enjoyable, workstations, and a smoking space. There are execs and cons to every of the 2 lounges for top quality passengers on the airport, although I feel this lounge provides the complete expertise, minus the bedrooms and terrace. What a stunning lounge!
What’s your tackle SWISS First Lounge Zurich Terminal A?
