During my trip to Zimbabwe, I purposely planned a roughly 10-hour layover at Zurich Airport so I could lounge-hop after exiting first class on a SWISS 777 from Miami.
I spent most of my time in the two SWISS First lounges in Zurich: SWISS First Lounge Zurich Terminal E and SWISS First Lounge Zurich Terminal A.
However, I also wanted to check out the SWISS Senator Lounge Zurich Terminal E, which I will be reviewing this time. During my last trip, I reviewed the adjacent SWISS Business Lounge Zurich Terminal E, so I thought it was time to check out something a little more upscale.
SWISS Senator Lounge Zurich has plenty of natural light and great amenities, including a terrace, whiskey club and shower suite. There’s a lot to be impressed with in the lounge, but I don’t think there’s much to be excited about in the food selection. Still, this is a great place to spend time.
SWISS Senator Lounge Zurich location
The SWISS Senator Lounge Zurich in Terminal E is very easy to find (Terminal E is a non-Schengen terminal, so it is primarily for long-haul flights).
Once you arrive at Terminal E (you’ll need to go through security, board the train, and pass through passport control), follow the signs in the direction of gate E36. Near the gate you can see the stairs and his two elevators to get to the lounge on the third floor (one floor above the concourse).
SWISS Senator Lounge Zurich opening hours
The SWISS Senator Lounge Zurich is currently open daily from 6am to 10pm and covers all departures from SWISS and Star Alliance partner terminals.
Entry requirements for SWISS Senator Lounge Zurich
SWISS follows the standard Star Alliance lounge access policy, but takes a unique approach to how it differentiates its lounges.
SWISS Senator Lounge Zurich seating and layout
The SWISS Senator Lounge Zurich measures 1,100 square meters (approximately 11,800 square feet) and seats 170 people. This lounge is slightly smaller than the adjacent SWISS Business Lounge, so expect it to be a little quieter overall.
When you enter the lounge, there is a layout map to get an idea of the atmosphere of the different zones.
Inside the entrance to the lounge, there is first a long, narrow area with limited seating and reading materials. The walls in this area are very cute with information about Switzerland’s highest mountains and largest lakes. There is also a machine in this area that can generate Wi-Fi codes.
At the end of that area are four phone booths. This has no seats or doors, but I think it’s meant to give you a little bit of privacy when you want to make a phone call.
At this point you are in the area where most of the seating in the lounge begins. There is an area lined with black leather chairs.
It’s also puzzling that SWISS has chosen to devote some of its lounge space to sponsored displays, given the limited lounge capacity at many airports. Because that space could be used for significantly more seating instead.
The back corner of the lounge has the largest seating area for lounging, with chairs arranged in rows facing each other.
Across from that space is a dining area with cafe-style tables, communal tables, high-top seating, and more.
There’s also an area with six semi-private workstations, perfect if you want to be productive. This is a blessing, as a surprising number of lounges lack the facilities to maximize productivity.
There is also a large relaxation area at the back of the lounge with approximately 10 individual pods.
Now, these pods aren’t exactly comfortable in the slightest, especially in their weird vertically reclined position. But I guess it’s better than nothing…
Last but not least, the lounge has a terrace with apron views, which is one of the coolest aspects of SWISS’s many lounges at the airport. Unfortunately, it was closed at the time of my visit due to the weather.
SWISS Senator Lounge Zurich Whiskey Club 28/10
One of the unique features of the SWISS Senator Lounge Zurich is the Whiskey Club 28/10, named after the runway at Zurich Airport.
As the name suggests, this bar primarily specializes in whisky, allowing guests to sample whiskeys from around the world. They have a wide selection, so if you’re a whiskey lover, you’ll definitely like it.
This area has a bar as well as sofas and other seating, making it one of the most comfortable areas in the lounge.
I always appreciate when airlines invest in unique experiences, and this certainly qualifies.
Food & Drink at SWISS Senator Lounge Zurich
The SWISS Senator Lounge Zurich has a self-service food and drink selection, but we frankly found it quite underwhelming and almost identical to what is served in the SWISS Business Lounge.
As for drinks, there is a station with several espresso machines, as well as a selection of teas.
Then there’s an area with beer, soda, and liquor.
There are also wine, juice, beer and water displays.
The food selection is very mediocre and not much better than your average lounge in the US. One station has a salad buffet where you can prepare your favorite salad along with chips and salsa.
Next, there are live cooking stations, with two types of soups (beef soup with diced eggs and vegetables, and root vegetable soup), two types of pinsa (one with chicken and one with feta), a lentil dish, Other menu items are available. of bread.
As for desserts, there are several jars with different sweets, as well as stations with fresh desserts.
I think the selection was OK, but for a flagship lounge that’s better than business class on long-haul flights, I didn’t think this was all that exciting.
SWISS Senator Lounge Zurich bathroom and shower
The SWISS Senator Lounge Zurich has a bathroom located almost in the center of the lounge.
The men’s restroom has four sinks, four toilets, and four urinals, and seemed fairly clean when I visited. Unlike the SWISS Business Lounge, unfortunately there is no apron view here.
The lounge also has a shower suite and is shared with the SWISS Business Lounge. If you need a shower, please proceed to the front desk. They will arrange a shower for you (although there may be a wait during peak hours). Showers are located outside the main part of the lounge, past the elevator.
The shower suites are fully equipped, each with a sink, toilet and walk-in shower.
The toiletries come in Soeder’s reusable containers, which seems to be the carrier’s standard product line these days.
conclusion
SWISS Senator Lounge Zurich is a very large lounge with plenty of natural light, a beautiful terrace, a whiskey bar, a relaxation area and a shower. While I appreciate those features, I think the food and drink selection in the lounge is a bit lackluster. I appreciate the concept of “live cooking,” but the number of dishes that can actually be served is very limited.
What do you think about SWISS Senator Lounge Zurich?
