After an uneventful flight from Paris to Zurich, we are now connecting at the airport of the Swiss capital, the airline’s hub.
Terminal
Passport control before accessing the bonded shuttle is quite lengthy due to the limited number of open booths and the fact that there is no priority passage available.
Then, an automatic shuttle bus takes us to the level of gate E from where the non-Schengen flights to Zurich depart.
Both the Business and Senator lounges are located in the middle of the boarding pier, on the first floor, and are accessible by elevator.
Reception
The queue to access the reception is very long, more than fifteen people waiting to be checked in by a lonely agent.
When the line gets shorter, we understand why: he really tries to help all the passengers and takes a lot of time with each of them. Unfortunately, even if this attitude is commendable, it slows down the flow of passengers and we will wait a good 10 minutes before we can be checked in.
As in Paris, Bertrand invites me to this lounge, as I still don’t have my Star Gold status at this time, so we are directed to the Senator lounge, unlike most other passengers who only have access to the Business lounge.
Lounge design
The lounge is really beautiful, and the areas really diverse.
The first thing that strikes you is the natural light that fills the entire lounge.
On the right after the entrance is the whisky bar, one of the attractions of this lounge Senator and it is there that we will choose to settle down.
To the right is the path to the dining area.
All along the way, loungers face the outside and the tarmac, ideal for relaxing, as well as mini phone boothes that allow you to make calls without disturbing your neighbors.
The food court is very well stocked, and various spaces are available: low tables, high tables.
Behind this dining area is a large lounging area as well as very private relaxation and sleeping areas.
But the highlight of this lounge, in my opinion, is the huge terrace that covers the entire length of the lounge and is accessible in good weather. Swiss has foreseen everything by putting binoculars to observe the take-offs and landings from the runways.
Catering
The available catering offer is very qualitative.
A cold buffet is available with salads to compose yourself, cold cuts, cheeses and snacks.
A hot buffet is also offered, with various items under a bell but also dishes prepared on demand with a chef.
The soft liquid offer is varied, and the available alcohols are of good quality.
As for the Whisky Bar, we initially thought with Bertrand that it was paid, before discovering that the 130 whiskies available could be tasted for free, incredible! We took advantage of it…
Lounge facilities
The lounge does not have a spa, but the bathrooms are very nice and showers are available upon request.
Bottom line
An excellent lounge experience, except for the long wait at the reception, far ahead of the European competition. The place is big enough that it never gets full, and the service is just perfect.
Articles similaires
Review: Lufthansa Senator lounge, Paris CDG
Zurich-Paris in business Class on Swiss: in line with what is expected
Gothenburg-Zurich in business class on Swiss: solid performance
Gothenburg-Zurich on Swiss in business class: good as usual
Zurich Paris in Business Class on Swiss: good and flawless
