primeclass Lounge

primeclass Lounge – Zurich (ZRH)

Operated by global airport services provider TAV, the primeclass Lounge at Zurich airport welcomes all travelers, regardless of class of service or destination, on a pay-in basis. The club also welcomes elite and premium passengers flying with major airlines (including Turkish Airlines, American Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Delta), as well as members of popular airport lounge access programs such as Priority Pass.

The primeclass Lounge is located after passport control in Dock E, which is also known as the non-Schengen or long-haul departures concourse. Guests are welcome to visit the lounge when departing or arriving from Dock E. Technically, passengers departing from Docks A, B, and D also have access as long as they have their passport in hand and are willing to make a round-trip on the airport’s Skymetro people mover, though ultimately access to Dock E is at the discretion of border police, and guests should allow ample time to return to their gate.

primeclass Lounge ZRH design

Open-air deck at the primeclass Lounge Zurich

Situated on the upper floor of Zurich airport’s Dock E, the primeclass Lounge is an aviation lover’s paradise. Luminous and spacious, the 862 square meter club (approximately, 9,300 square feet) boasts two walls of floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the airport’s international gates and runway 32. On clear days, guests can revel in stunning vistas of the Swiss Alps and linger on the glorious open-air deck.

Built in 2018, the primeclass Lounge was designed by a Turkish architect, in a nod to TAV’s Turkish roots. The décor straddles a fine line between residential comfort and luxury: Earth tones, natural materials, hardwood floors, and plush carpets give the club a residential and relaxing vibe, while marble finishes and high-end Turkish and Italian furnishings add a luxurious touch.

Seating area at the primeclass Lounge ZRH

Guests have their choice of 180 seats including highly-private cube chairs, traditional lounge armchairs with power outlets at arm’s length, comfortable recliners, table-top seating, and dining tables. Families and groups will enjoy the living-room-like area with side consoles and plenty of space to spread out, while business travelers will appreciate the convenience of dedicated workspaces with handy power outlets. On summer days, 16 cushioned seats welcome patrons on the outdoor deck with a front-row view over the tarmac.

The primeclass Lounge is popular, for good reason, and is busy at peak times. Thankfully the layout is relatively open, and the designers have resisted the temptation to cram as many seats as possible. There’s ample space to walk around, though the most private seats are bound to be coveted. In order to cope with increasing demand, the management team is evaluating the possibility of building a dedicated First Class area which would offer enhanced privacy and service, an elevated food and beverage selection, as well as a-la-carte meals. The project is still on the drawing board at this time, but in the meantime the courteous staff is dedicated to offering a comfortable experience in the current space.

primeclass Lounge ZRH amenities

primeclass Lounge Zurich buffet zone

The primeclass Lounge is the only club at Zurich airport with its own, dedicated full kitchen, SWISS Lounges aside. All dishes are prepared freshly on site. When we visited, the selection included tasty sole and polenta, pasta, steamed vegetables, and indulgent panna cotta. The menu rotates monthly. Based on customer feedback, the culinary team is evaluating healthier options—while there’s already ample variety suitable for all tastes and lifestyles, the current selection is heavy on carbs.

All beverages are complimentary and self-service. The selection includes soda and juice, wine, middle-shelf liquor, as well as espresso and tea.

Guests who wish to freshen up may reserve one of the shower suites, which come with towels and all the essential bath amenities. Consider inquiring as early as possible as there may be a waitlist at peak times.

Private bedroom at the primeclass Lounge Zurich (ZRH)

The primeclass Lounge boasts two superb private, hotel-style rooms, available on a first-come, first-serve basis for an hourly fee (starting at 85 CHF for 3 hours.) Located in a quiet area in the rear of the club, the two sound-buffered suites are outfitted with a full bed, two nightstands, a small desk, space for bags, and luxurious ensuite private bathrooms with showers. Both rooms have a large window overlooking the Alps (with blinds for guests looking for shut-eye, though no direct access to the deck.) One suite is designated as a single room, while the second boasts a larger, queen-size bed. This luxurious amenity is only rivaled by the SWISS First Class and Arrival Lounges—which have much more restrictive access rules.

The club also features convenient secure electronic baggage lockers, located in the reception area. Other amenities include fast Wi-Fi and over-sized LCD televisions.

primeclass Lounge ZRH bottom line

primeclass Lounge – Zurich (ZRH)

The primeclass Lounge is by far the best independent club at Zurich Airport.

A stylish haven for passengers departing on long-haul flights, the primeclass Lounge features an open-air deck overlooking the Swiss Alps, an elegant and comfortable seating area, a generous hot and cold buffet, well-appointed work stations, and shower suites. Friendly and efficient service round up an excellent product.

Guests looking for the ultimate privacy and comfort can book one of the two luxurious private hotel-style bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, for a nominal hourly fee.

There’s only one catch: the primeclass Lounge routinely operates at capacity at peak times. The situation is expected to improve in the next few months when Emirates finally re-opens their long-shuttered lounge next door, though in the next few years, more flights will move to Dock E as Dock A closes for reconstruction.