Review: SWISS Alpine Lounge Zurich Airport (ZRH)

I have to say, the furniture looks stylish in a modern Nordic kind of way but it sure doesn't look very comfortable. Maybe that will be the next thing that overcrowded US lounges try to bring demand down a little...

No/not enough air conditioning necessitating the use of fans is a little rough

I've passed this entrance maybe 50 times and always thought it was some special place for skiers to...I'm not sure...check on their skis? Something Swiss that I don't understand? Anyway I'm clearly a fool but I now look forward to checking it out soon! The Senator Lounge is indeed always overcrowded.

Hi Ben! Been a loyal reader for many years now, but finally posting. Question regarding this (and other Swiss) lounge entry requirements at ZRH. You stated up top that all Star Alliance J pax have access, however Swiss' website seems to imply it's only "Lufthansa Group" J customers or Star Alliance Gold. Which lounge(s) can I use if I'm flying United J back to the States?

Also like to say, your posts have helped me plan countless amazing vacations over the years including my wedding and honeymoon so thanks! Keep up the great work.

The old F lounge used to be in that space.

Please tell me if I have this right: You take an escalator down to access the stairs going up?

Hah!

Gorgeous aesthetic!! But I can see how the seating may not be the most comfortable.

Also, sorry for not knowing ZRH airport well, but is this lounge accessible only for Schengen area flights?

This space was the old F lounge, I always wondered if they would make this a dedicated F lounge following it’s refurbishment.

It is defined as a Star Alliance Gold lounge, so if not flying Lufthansa Group, you would indeed need to be Star Alliance Gold.

I was here in March when the weather outside was cold and it was BOILING in the lounge. Great design but man they need a/c or just to not crank the heat

A beautiful lounge would love to go there!

Good day,
Since I manage that Lounge, I would like to clarify the access policy. It is NOT correct that star business class has access to it. Entry requirements are same as Star Gold Lounge and LHG Business class. BR

I just love the Jean Prouvé furniture in the lounges! Such high quality which is of course Swiss made.

Walked by the lounge over a dozen times and just thought it was a smoking area or some additional terminal seating. Who knew?

I guess the Swiss get used to going down 1 mountain and up the next they wanted to give you that experience in the airport....

@Jesper: Thanks for the clarification.

@Ben: Thanks for updating the article.

The picture with the eggplant casserole menu... looks like if you're Italian you can get yours with potato instead of ham and basil?

Also - seems very shortsighted to not build a new lounge with central air. Europe needs to get used to the fact that summers are hitting new highs every year and central AC is needed.

That's correct - except if you are flying TP, you can also use the Aspire lounge, at least at the moment. TP contracted them, when Swiss was keeping their lounges closed for a much longer period than the Aspire lounge.

@Super: I'm pretty sure the building is equipped with central AC and so is the lounge. But I agree, it's always very hot in there, even in winter. One possible explanation is the large oven, they use to prepare the hot food. However, it's not much cooler further away from the oven ... So I really wonder what is wrong with the AC.

Is this in the location the old Swiss F lounge was between A&B gates?

This is the space where the old First Class lounge used to be.
It is indeed a good option when the main lounge is crowded.

Hi Ben

I'd be happy to tell you briefly why the lounging seems so "hidden".
This lounge was the old SWISS first class lounge before the renovation.
Today, the first class security leads via escalator directly into the lounge from Checkin 1.
Previously, however, the first class security was separate and directly in the "transfer" area. So it was easy to find, as First Class and Hon Circle passengers came from the former security straight through the transfer hall into the lounges.

So hard to find, but good of Swiss that the lounge was not simply closed, but added as a more exclusive offer to the crowded Business / Senators lounges.

It was closed when we flew out at the end of May

Alpine is my favourite Zürich lounge and is located where the old first class A lounge was. I actually had access to the new first class A lounge, which is connected to the Alpine by a corridor that runs behind the business/Senator lounges past the transfer service. After I took a shower I went into the Alpine lounge as it was less crowded than first A, and the large sofas are very comfortable for crashing out on. I wasn't very impressed with the First Class A lounge, it doesn't feel much better than Senator. E first is much nicer and less crowded

Great lounge - thanks for the recommendation!

Very strange you like this lounge. I find it hot, with uncomfortable furniture, and poor food/drinks.

On Air Canada's Maple Leaf club lounge list, it states "SWISS Business Class Lounge, Zurich Airport (ZRH), Terminal A" as having lounge privileges... is this then a different lounge?

We are flying in on Swiss Air business class will we be allowed in to the alpine lounge?

If you are flying on swiss air business and your ticket has a swiss air number on it, you can enter. If you are booked on a code share with united under 016 stock you cant.

I found this out last year.