SWISS has just opened a new-style lounge with “alpine flair” at their hub in Zurich Airport’s Terminal A. The new lounge is open to Star Alliance Gold members as well as Star Alliance business class passengers.
The new lounge is 500 square meters (~5,400 square feet), so it’s on the small side as far as airline lounges go, and it can accommodate up to 100 travelers. It occupies the space of the former first class lounge in Terminal A. It’s open on Mondays through Fridays from 5:30AM until 6:30PM, which sure seem to me like limited hours (it’s not often you see lounges just open on weekdays).
So, what makes this lounge different? For one, the decor. SWISS describes the new lounge as “a mountain hut with quality Swiss materials,” which sure seems to me like an odd way to describe a lounge:
Of particular note are the light-wood elements and the bespoke furniture, much of it hand-made by Swiss craftsfolk. The quality alpine-style carpets and cushion covers are also hand-crafted and sourced from small Swiss manufacturers. Large communal wooden tables underscore the hut-like ambience, while the high windows offer fabulous views of the apron area and its flight activities.
The airline is also adopting a new food and beverage concept in the lounge. The centerpiece of the lounge is an oven in which seasonal dishes will be prepared. On top of that, guests will be offered a range of further ingredients to tailor the food to their tastes.
There will also be an extensive drink selection, including local Swiss wines and spirits. Wines will be served using a new and more eco-friendly dispensing system, which is supposed to improve the quality of the wine and the recycling.
Switzerland is known for “clean” design, and as much as I like that type of design in general, they often take it a step too far. With that in mind, I think SWISS’ new lounge is gorgeous — it’s cozy and warm, and I can’t wait to check it out.
In fairness, I think SWISS does a great job with many of their lounges — their first class lounge in Zurich has exceptional decor, and is one of my favorite lounges in the world.