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About a year ago, my AwardFares co-founder and I booked round-trip First Class flights to Singapore during the special deal that was being offered by Lufthansa at the time. Our trip was initially booked on code-share Singapore Airlines flights in both directions, however, thanks to a cancellation and schedule change we were able to rebook our outbound flight in order to try SWISS First as well.
This was our first time flying SWISS First, and our first time visiting the SWISS First lounges, which were recently named the World’s Best Airline Lounge. We were looking forward to see if they would live up to that name!
In This Post
- In This Post
- Access
- SWISS First Schengen Lounge (Terminal A)
- Limousine Service
- SWISS First Non-Schengen Lounge (Terminal E)
- Hotel Rooms
- Food And Drinks
- Summary - World’s Best Lounges?
- Use Your Points On First Class Flights
- Read More
Access
The SWISS First lounges are very exclusive and requires a SWISS/Lufthansa/Star Alliance First Class ticket or being a HON Circle Member. You can access the lounges on a same day departure and arrival.
SWISS First Schengen Lounge (Terminal A)
After arriving in Zurich on a flight from Copenhagen we followed the signs for the SWISS A lounges. After struggling to find the SWISS First lounge entrance, we ended up asking at the SWISS Business lounge. The staff member greeted us and immediately escorted us over to the First Class lounge, which was hidden behind a fairly discrete door a bit further past the Business lounge entrance.
We decided to spend an hour at the Schengen lounge so that we could quickly grab a bite to eat and explore the lounge. I’m glad we didn’t decide to spend more time in this lounge since I definitely preferred the non-Schengen lounge.
The Schengen lounge felt quite compact, offering some seating areas, a bar, and a couple of tables for dining. It was quite busy just when we arrived, with most of the dining tables being occupied. The lounge staff also seemed quite busy, so we had to catch the staff to get a table and menus (rather than being offered to a table when we arrived).
Regardless of which lounge you want to use, if you’re a First Class passenger transferring from a Schengen flight to an international flight, you’ll want to first head to the Schengen lounge so that you can arrange the limousine service. When you arrive at the lounge, just inform the staff what time you’d like to be transferred.
Limousine Service
One of the unique features that SWISS offers to First Class passengers is an exclusive limousine transfer service that takes you from the Schengen lounge in Terminal A to the non-Schengen lounge in Terminal E. This also includes a private immigration passport checkpoint.
As our transfer time approached, we headed over to the limousine service area which was located upstairs and down a long corridor. The staff confirmed our transfer time and after a short wait we were escorted downstairs where we first cleared a private passport control point.
Even though it was just two of us, we were driven in a big minibus. I was quite surprised to see the the bus interior was designed to match the look and feel of SWISS First seats, featuring similar patterns, wood paneling, and side lamps. A nice touch!
After a short drive we arrived that the non-Schengen terminal. The driver escorted us to an elevator that took us right up into the SWISS First lounge.
SWISS First Non-Schengen Lounge (Terminal E)
Upon arriving, the space definitely felt more spacious. As you enter the main area of the lounge you’re immediately greeted by the champagne bar where you can see what champagnes are on offer.
Next to the champagne bar is the main bar. On one side of the bar is the large dining area with around 10 tables. On the other side are several seating nooks. I can imagine the views are great from this lounge, but unfortunately there wasn’t much to see outside since it was dark. Also, since we were visiting during winter, the outdoor terrace was closed.
Hotel Rooms
One unique feature in the non-Schengen SWISS First lounge is that it has two hotel rooms. Each room has a double bed, a private bathroom with a shower, and panoramic views of the airport. The rooms are available on a first come first serve basis and cannot be reserved in advance.
I was really looking forward to taking a shower and a short nap, so when I arrived at the lounge I asked if any rooms were available. The staff informed me that one room would soon be available and they would come and let me know when I could use it. I had a glass of champagne in the lounge and after about 10 minutes the room was ready.
The room felt very cozy and clean. There was a TV, hangers, and some space to store your belongings. The bathroom was equipped with a large shower and some amenities, including a toothbrush, shower cap, and shaving set.
Since it was already dark outside I had to turn off the lights to enjoy the views. There was plenty of activity to look at, with planes departing just outside the windows. Given that you’re so close to the action you’ll definitely get some noise into the room, but it wasn’t particularly disturbing. It might be nice for them to provide some earplugs though, just in case.
Two sets of water bottles are provided (still and sparkling), and a couple of chocolates!
I spent about 2 hours in the room with a shower and a nap, which was a nice way to re-charge before a couple of more hours in the lounge and for the upcoming flight.
Food And Drinks
Both of the SWISS First lounges had a great selection of champagne, wine, spirits, and a nice range of a la carte food options. For dining you definitely feel like you’re at a nice restaurant thanks to the menus and table service. There was also a small area of self serve snacks and desserts.
Four different Champagnes were available, of which I particularly enjoyed the Rosé and the Extra Brut:
- Champagne Carte Blanche Brut - Bauget-Jouette Epernay
- Champagne Rosé Brut - Bauget-Jouette Epernay
- Champagne Cuvée Brut - Piper-Heidsieck Reims
- Champagne Blanc de Noirs Premier Cru Extra Brut - Lombard, Epernay
We asked two different members of staff about the menu offerings at the two lounges. One told us the menus were exactly the same, whereas another one told us that the menus were different. In the end I think the food menus were identical. It seems the bar menu was also the same, however, the bartender told us that sometimes there might be some differences depending on stock and the timing when new items become available.
The food menu offers both a la carte and a set menu.
Earlier at the Schengen lounge, I had a glass of the rosé champagne, and the beef fillet and lobster Surf & Turf, which were both delicious. The Surf & Turf I had the Schengen lounge was from the set menu, but you can order those options as la carte as well (but maybe smaller portions?)
At the non-Schengen lounge I tried the Black tiger prawn curry, which was nice and spicy.
You can also order cheese fondue, however, I can’t say I’m a big fan of it, so I decided to skip it.
We enjoyed the rest of our time at the lounge and eventually make our way down to the gate for boarding.
Summary - World’s Best Lounges?
Overall the SWISS First Class lounges at Zurich were really fantastic, and as airport lounges go, I would probably say they do deserve being named the World’s Best Lounges. The food and drink selection was really good, I liked the clean and modern design, and the service was great. The hotel rooms are also a fantastic perk if you have a long layover.
However, other than the lounge there really wasn’t much else in terms of ground service provided at Zurich for First Class passengers. The limousine service between the terminals was a nice touch though, but I definitely would have preferred being driven to the plane, like Lufthansa offers at their First Class Terminal in Frankfurt.
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