Christmas Escape: Swiss Alpine Lounge Zurich Flughafen Review

The Lufthansa group of lounges are pretty standard and they are decent for airline customers. This consists of both Lufthansa and Swiss lounges. They do have rather weird entrance rules and categories as to how their lounge goes. I do have a slight preference for the Swiss ones. The flagship lounges are in Zurich. In stark contrast to how it works in Singapore, it is the other way over there. You might get into a better lounge with your frequent flyer status rather than being a paying premium cabin customer. I got a chance to check out the Swiss Senator Lounge in Zurich a couple of years ago. This is a rather new lounge and an addition. It is located in the A concourses before you clear borders controls. It is the newest one over here in Zurich. I have heard many good things about it including the decor and view.

Access Requirements

The Swiss Alpine Lounge is open daily from 5.30am to 6pm. Currently, all Lufthansa Group First Class, Business Class, Senators, HON Circle Members and Star Alliance Gold Members holders are allowed access to the lounge. You will not get access if you are in Star Alliance First Class or Business Class. This isn’t your standard Star Alliance business class lounge, since non-Lufthansa Group Star Alliance premium passengers can’t access this lounge unless you have Star Alliance Gold too. Typical access rules for guests follow. This is very weird. Lufthansa does it another way. I could get access to the better Senator Lounge with Star Alliance Gold in Economy but if I am flying SQ Business / First / Suites, I will be denied access. I got in on account of my Star Alliance Gold status while flying to Istanbul on Turkish Economy.

Arrival & Location

While I am departing from the E gates after clearing Schengen border controls, I swing by to check out the lounge in the A concourses prior. I am excited about this near lounge over the Senator Lounge in E gates which I had visited previously. Do make sure to cater some additional time for border controls. It is quite hard to find the lounge since there are no clear signs and the entrance is kind of hidden. A general guide is to head to the transit desks in Concourse A and spot a spiral staircase on the left. That is the entrance. You can also use the elevator next to it rather than the stairs.

I was warmly welcomed by the staff who was rather shocked that I turned up here rather than the Senator Lounge in Concourse E. We had a nice chat about Singapore Airlines and the lounge. I was invited in after presenting my boarding pass.

Swiss Air Alpine Lounge Zurich Flughafen 

I always appreciate the Swiss look of their lounge. This is especially true over here at the Alpine Lounge. I love the warm tones and the whole place was designed to feel like a mountain cottage in the Alps. It felt very homely and great to wait for your flights. The entrance lets you out right in the middle of the lounge and towards the left is the bistro as well as the dining area.

The rest of the lounge consists of the lounging area with couches spread throughout the lounge. The place is nicely designed. I love these seatings by the side of the lounge and they are so cosy with a great view of the tarmac and the planes. These are my first choice. I can stay here all day with a glass of wine.

The lounge also has a wardrobe area for you to hang your jacket and store your belongings. There are also some semi-private cubicles if you want more privacy to get some work or have a short meeting. Power outlets are located throughout the lounge and seating. This will be handy if you need to juice up your devices.

Moving back to the bistro area, there are large communal dining tables in groups.

Toilets and Showers

The lounge doesn’t come with showers. If you require one, you are better retreating to the Senator or Business Lounge. They do have their toilets which is always appreciated. They are nothing memorable but well-maintained. You can also find it stocked with Soeder products.

Food and Drinks

The refreshments are located in the bistro area of the lounge. This is found to the left. Everything is served buffet style here and self-service with a live station. There isn’t a bar here as compared to the other lounges in the network. I love the displays. It looked so classy and felt like a pantry in a luxurious mountain lodge. They had some special spirits, local wines, sparkling wines, ports, fresh juices, vitamin water, coffee, tea and soda.

You can find some soups, cheese, cold cuts and salads. There is also a huge array of snacks and sweets for you to go with drinks.

Last but not least the live station, the item change from time to time. On the day of my visit, they had this super delicious Coq au vin that was so delicious. It is prepared by the staff and finished in the oven before serving. It is so good that I mop off everything. This is one of the best dishes that I ever had in a lounge or restaurant out there. Period!

Conclusion

Outstanding! This is a fantastic lounge. I love the gorgeous decor and the warm vibes. It is exactly up my alley with the natural light and decor. I have to say that it is the nicest Lufthansa Group lounge that I have been to. The food and drinks options are better here also. They usually have the same menu but here the chef preps it on the spot. Besides the main, there are also numerous drinks and snack options. I love the generous selections. Don’t miss out on this lounge if you are flying out of Zurich Flughafen. It is nice to get access to this facility on account of my frequent flyer status even when I am flying in economy. I am craving for that Coq Au Vin right now!