Review: SWISS First Lounge Zurich E-Gates

The SWISS first-class lounge is considered one of the best in the world, at least if you believe the Skytrax ratings. Whether this reputation is truly deserved and what you can actually expect is something we’ll explore in this review of the SWISS First Class Lounge at Zurich Airport’s E-Gates.

This review is based on experiences from several lounge visits. The images and catering impressions largely reflect the situation as of October 2025, following the catering change in SWISS lounges.

Location & Transfer

The lounge is one of two SWISS lounges in Zurich available to First Class passengers and HON Circle Members. In addition to the lounge discussed here in the satellite terminal of Zurich Airport, there is another one located at the A-Gates in the main building. While the A-Gates lounge is within the Schengen area, Terminal E handles only non-Schengen flights.

In addition to the standard transfer between the terminals via the automated underground train, First Class guests have a second option to reach the satellite terminal. Every 20 minutes, a shuttle bus styled after the (old) SWISS First Class transports lounge guests under runway 10/28 to a dedicated entrance of the terminal.

This service can be arranged at check-in at the A-Gates lounge. There is a separate waiting area at the end of the upper floor of the Schengen First Class Lounge, where guests are collected by the transfer staff. From there, a lift takes them two floors down to a passport control checkpoint reserved exclusively for First Class guests. As a result, exit formalities can be completed within seconds, without any waiting.

The converted Mercedes Sprinter then stops at the satellite terminal directly in front of a lift that leads straight up to the lounge reception. When transferring from the A-Gates, there is no need to stop at the reception desk again, as guests are already checked into the system by the transfer staff and can proceed directly into the lounge.

Access Rules

The access rules correspond to those of other First Class lounges within the Lufthansa Group. Accordingly, access is limited to the following travellers:

• A ticket for a SWISS or Lufthansa First Class flight on the same day (+ 2 guests)
• HON Circle Members on any Star Alliance flight on the same day (+ 2 guests)

When flying with the Lufthansa Group, access is available not only on departure but also on arrival. If departing from Zurich with a Star Alliance partner airline, SWISS states on its website that only one guest may be brought along.

Facilities

Upon entering the SWISS First Class Lounge at the E-Gates, the first thing that stands out is the light-filled, fully glass-enclosed main area including the bar. Based on this perspective, let’s have a closer look at the lounge’s facilities and layout.

Restaurant Area

The lounge is roughly divided into four different areas. On the left-hand side is the restaurant area with a view of runway 32/14, featuring nine set tables. This is honestly my favourite area, as it is the brightest and, after all, this is where the food is served.

On the other side of the partition wall, there are four additional tables that can also be used for dining from the menu. Even if all these tables are occupied, this is not an issue. You can order and enjoy food anywhere throughout the lounge.

In front of the bar, there is a small selection of snacks and champagne. During my visits, however, these seemed purely decorative, as champagne was always served directly from the bar. The bar itself offers a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

To the right of the bar, there are various seating options, some of which are partially enclosed by wooden panels to create a sense of privacy. Architecturally, care has been taken to ensure plenty of natural light enters the lounge, resulting in excellent apron views from this area as well.

Behind the seating along the window front is a meeting room, which is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Unfortunately, it was permanently occupied during my last visit, so I have included a photo from a previous stay instead.

In addition to the views, there is another highlight common to all lounges in the satellite terminal: the terrace. In the case of the SWISS First Class Lounge, it is particularly spacious and offers a 180-degree view of the eastern part of the apron. Especially in summer, it is a wonderful place to spend time.

On the other side of the reception area are the restrooms, showers, and two bedrooms. The shower rooms are probably the least spectacular of all First Class lounges I have experienced and, in my opinion, do not differ much from those in the Business or Senator Lounges. The view from the restrooms (or rather, the washrooms), however, is quite fascinating.

Bedrooms

In addition to the two shower rooms, each of the two bedrooms also has its shower. Both rooms feature a queen-size bed, a (very) small television, a bathroom, a wardrobe, and a chair. One of the rooms also includes a barrier-free bathroom.

I found the bed very comfortable during previous stays, and no airport noise was audible. Unfortunately, the curtain must be kept closed while using the room to ensure privacy for both the guest and terrace visitors. A maximum usage time was not communicated to me at the time.

Food & Drinks

Since October 1, 2025, catering in the SWISS lounges in Zurich has been handled by the Austrian catering company DoN. Even though I, personally, saw little need for change in the previous offerings, part of the menu was replaced. In addition, there was a small service adjustment involving a warm, moist towel. More on that shortly.

Initially, these menu changes also affected what was probably the most iconic dish on the menu: cheese fondue. The fondue has since returned, hopefully for good this time. While this certainly improves the lounge’s aroma, I still find its temporary removal unfortunate, as few dishes represent Switzerland better. Fortunately, beef tartar is still available and can also be replaced with a vegetarian option.

In addition to the standard menu, there is a regularly changing seasonal menu. On my first round of dining, I actually ordered the beef fillet with truffle sauce, celeriac purée, and caramelized carrots. However, after the starter, I was served the regular beef fillet with autumn vegetables, rosemary potatoes, and Pinot Noir sauce.

I had my second meal in the restaurant area. Immediately after sitting down, bread was served and the warm towel at the table was heated (more on that in the service section). Along with the bread, I ordered a pumpkin and ginger soup, which was delicious.

For the main course, I chose a dish that was already on the previous menu: Zürcher Geschnetzeltes with rösti. This had always been one of my favourite dishes and was previously presented very elegantly. This time, however, I was disappointed by the presentation. Not only did the rösti appear relatively dark, but the overall plating was far removed from the refined style of a high-end restaurant. The taste was still good, but the presentation affected practicality, and with two plates, the table felt rather crowded.

For dessert, there was “Swiss chocolate mousse” made with Lindt chocolate, Alpine cream, and homemade raspberry sorbet. The clear star of this course was the sorbet, of which I promptly ordered an additional portion. The mousse itself was not bad, but once again appeared rather simply presented.

A brief note on the beverage selection: while it is extensive and varied, I believe there could be more emphasis on higher-quality options, especially when it comes to alcoholic beverages. Some non-European competitors offer significantly better (sparkling) wines.

Service

There is certainly nothing negative to say about the service in the SWISS First Class Lounges. During all of my visits so far, the service level has been very proactive and attentive. The only issue was the miscommunication during the first meal, which should not happen but was forgivable. Otherwise, it’s difficult to imagine the service being much better.

This is also where the new little dining feature comes into play: guests can pour the warm towel themselves or have it prepared by the staff.

Beyond that, no major differences in dining service were noticeable following the change in the gastronomic concept. Even previously, staff checked on guests’ well-being every 10–15 minutes during meals and refilled drinks as needed.

Extras

The SWISS First Class Lounge in the satellite terminal truly leaves little to be desired. If your flight departs from a remote stand, you even receive a chauffeur service. While most flights depart from gate positions, there are occasional departures that allow guests to enjoy this particularly special service.

Upon entering the lounge, a time is arranged for the exclusive transfer, usually aligned with the regular boarding time. Guests are then taken from the lounge via lift to a waiting BMW i7 sedan. Under an umbrella, of course, if it’s raining.

Alternatively, one could also list the hotel rooms or the terrace as extras. Both certainly not standard features, even in First Class lounges of Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, or other carriers offering First Class.

Conclusion