SWISS Senator Lounge
- Complimentary cold buffet
- Complimentary hot buffet
- Complimentary cooked-to-order meals
- Complimentary soft drinks
- Complimentary full bar
- Accessible
- Air conditioning
- Flight information monitors
- Newspapers and magazines
- Outdoor deck
- TV
The SWISS Senator Lounge at Zurich airport Concourse E opened in January 2016 and serves long-haul flights to destinations outside Europe’s Schengen zone. The lounge serves Miles&More Senator passengers, Star Alliance Gold customers, as well as First Class passengers departing on Star Alliance carriers. Business Class passengers will be directed to the adjacent Business Lounge.
SWISS Senator Lounge ZRH design
The three SWISS lounges in Concourse E benefit from a superb location above the concourse level. The pristine space is surrounded by an open-air observation deck which boasts expansive views over runway 28 and the Swiss Alps. The views are equally impressive from inside, thanks to the floor to ceiling windows on the entire perimeter of the lounge.
The exquisite design is a modern take on SWISS’ traditional décor. It combines the airline’s signature touches – the elegant hardwood floors, posh Vitra furniture and accent walls made of Jura limestone – with a lighter and more expansive color palette, gorgeous woods and finishes, and subtle lighting. The ensemble is a showcase example of truly refined yet understated design, with a soothing but dynamic vibe. In sort, it’s everything we’ve always loved about the SWISS design, but in a brighter, less minimalistic, and more lively setting.
After checking in with one of the friendly employees, make a right and the automatic glass door will open, revealing a sanctuary which is a highlight of the lounge: the “28/10” whiskey bar. The space is furnished as a posh living room with leather L-shaped sofas and designer coffee tables arranged in a spacious layout along the floor to ceiling windows. Light mesh curtains add a vertical dimension to the décor while creating a homey feeling, while backlit geometric shapes within the walls add a dynamic and vibrant touch to the ensemble. Even if it’s too early for a drink, the space is hallmark of comfort and elegance.
Make a right from the entrance and you’ll enter a striking hallway linking the bar area and the main lounge area. The space is decked in fine wood features the coats of arms of the 26 cantons of Switzerland, along with a diagram of the highest peaks that adorn the Swiss Alps. The play of light and angles creates geometric shapes that accentuate the perspective. The ensemble is a remarkable display of creativity for what could have been a simple utilitarian hallway.
The hallway opens unto a spacious buffet area. Espresso machines, complete with SWISS branding, rest on a center island, while a buffet loaded with tasty treats stretches along the walls. Beyond is a vast dining area with an open kitchen – a truly expansive space which we expect to be busy but seldom crowded, thanks to its spacious and open layout.
The main seating areas are pretty typical of the traditional SWISS lounges with a wall of Jura stone as the backdrop, yet the panoramic view and attention to detail are second to none. The comfortable and large seats are flanked by individual side tables with built-in universal power outlets and individual lamps. The seating arrangement is spacious enough for travelers to enjoy a comfortable amount of space and privacy, even at peak times.
There’s also art – well, furniture arrangements – which are interesting, but we’ll confess, a bit disorienting.
We fell in love with the new Concourse E lounges at the first sight. The SWISS design is a hallmark of elegance and understated luxury.
SWISS Senator Lounge ZRH amenities
The SWISS Senator Lounge at Zurich airport Concourse E offers a solid range of amenities that is sure to satisfy the needs of every traveler.
The food and beverage offering is a major highlight. The new Concourse E lounges go beyond the traditional buffet, with a new concept dubbed “front cooking”: a large live cooking station where chefs prepare hot entrees on demand. Options include omelets in the morning and Swiss fare in the afternoon. One doesn’t need to wait in line to enjoy a quality meal, though: the buffet area features a generous selection of fancy appetizers and entrees, with an emphasis on creative canapes and tasty bite-sized portions.
In addition to a wide array of soft drinks and hot beverages, patrons will find a large selection of self-serve alcoholic beverages. But the exquisitely furnished and tastefully luxurious “28/10” whiskey bar steals the show. In a posh and intimate environment, visitors may sample over 120 varieties of whiskeys from all over the world, while gazing over the expansive views. Just be sure to keep an eye on the clock!
While it’s a large lounge intended to support multiple concurrent departures, the Senator Lounge caters to the most demanding privacy needs. Along the windows in a secluded area are private relaxation booths with elegant leather recliners flanked by side tables, where travelers may revel in the view in a quiet and soothing environment. There are also numerous individual fully enclosed workspaces which are suitable for phone calls. They’re dark, though – you’ll need to choose between the austerity and privacy of a workspace and the more uplifting environment of the open space.
Four tastefully decorated and well-appointed shower suites are shared with the adjacent Business Lounge. Towels and bath amenities are provided, but be sure to inquire at the reception early, as there may be a waitlist.
Finally, a beautiful observation deck surrounds the lounge and features exciting close-up views on the tarmac and Swiss Alps. However, access to the deck may be restricted based on security regulations and weather considerations.
SWISS Senator Lounge ZRH bottom line
The SWISS Senator Lounge at Zurich airport Concourse E (non-Schengen) is a model of convenience and functionality. More importantly, it successfully caters to every type of traveler, offering the right balance between open spaces and privacy, along with an impressive set of amenities. The seating areas are spacious and comfortable, and feature uplifting vistas. The expansive dining area boasts a dynamic vibe, excellent food, and luxurious cooked-to-order offerings. The relaxation and work zones offer excellent privacy. And the 28/10 whiskey bar is a luxurious touch which makes you literally forget you’re at an airport.
For more information on the new SWISS lounges at Zurich airport, see our blog post.
- The gorgeous design and expansive views.
- The private relaxation pods.
- The buffet and cooked-to-order meals.
- The exceptional whiskey bar.
- The shower suites.
- Not much, frankly.
Photo credit: Some pictures from rcs at vielfliegertreff.de – See more at vielfliegertreff.de.
SWISS Senator Lounge at Zurich (ZRH) welcomes:
- First Class passengers departing the same day on an international flight operated by a Star Alliance member airline (+1 guest and children under the age of 18.)
- Miles & More HON Circle members (+1 guest and children under the age of 18.)
- Miles & More Senator members (+1 guest and children under the age of 18.)
- Star Alliance Gold passengers departing the same day on an international flight operated by a Star Alliance member airline and traveling in any class of service (+1 guest)
Guests must be departing on the same flight as the passenger who invited them.
You may have access to SWISS Senator Lounge as a premium customer of one of the following airlines, or as an elite member of their frequent flyer program. Check the Access rules tab for more details, or use our lounge access wizard to find out if you have access.
Star Alliance
Access for eligible customers traveling on any Star Alliance member airline.
ANA (NH) | Aegean (A3) | Air Canada (AC) | |||
Air China (CA) | Air India (AI) | Air New Zealand (NZ) | |||
Asiana (OZ) | Austrian (OS) | Avianca (AV) | |||
Brussels Airlines (SN) | Copa Airlines (CM) | Croatia Airlines (OU) | |||
EGYPTAIR (MS) | EVA Air (BR) | Ethiopian Airlines (ET) | |||
LOT Polish Airlines (LO) | Lufthansa (LH) | SWISS (LX) | |||
Shenzhen Airlines (ZH) | Singapore Airlines (SQ) | South African Airways (SA) | |||
TAP Air Portugal (TP) | Thai Airways (TG) | Turkish Airlines (TK) | |||
United (UA) |
Other airlines
Eurowings (EW) |
5.0 / 5, based on 14 reviews
Overall ratings
One of the best lounge I’ve seen. Extremely large, with a very bright and pleasant design. You can enjoy great view on the planes and the Alps outdoor, too. Selection of food is a little bit limited, but there is an absolutely amazing whisky bar to compensate, with knowledgeable staff. There is also an area to relax and an area to work, as well as nice showers available. Overall a great lounge to relax before a flight.
Fantastic whisky bar with knowledgeable staff. A lot of space and a good food selection which could be larger.
New Lounge, great design. Very modern and bright. There is a lot of space. Efficient and friendly service.
For me one of the best lounges at the moment (beside the first class lounge which is even more top notch).
Good choice and quality of food
Many newspapers and magazines, good internet, very nice shower facilities.
Fantastic Lounge with very nice interior and sensational apron view. Great outdoor terrace, weather permitting. Plenty of seats in different areas.
Good choice of food including front-cooking and several self-service buffets. Selection of beverages is also very good – highlight is the unbelievable whisky bar.
Free WIFI, newspapers and magazines. Very nice restrooms. Also many other features like a quite area and a business centre.
Huge lounge with fantastic interior and plenty of seating in many different areas. The outdoor terrace offers great views of the apron and the alps.
Very good selection of food including a front cooking station and self service buffets. Choice of beverages is nice as well, highlight is the whisky bar with an enormous selection.
Free Wifi, newspapers and magazines, nice restrooms and showers and all the usual amenities including a room with relax chairs.
The lounge is beautiful. A lot of seating place. Very clean.
There is a buffet and a chef – restaurant like. You order something from a small menu.
There was TV, a lot of reading materials, private working area, good internet. The best thing in this lounge is the terrace – the planes are close to you, you have good view to some runways, this is the best view from a lounge in the world.
Welcoming lounge area kept in warm colors, offers plenty seating options throughout the space. Comfortable armchairs, in pairs or small groups, high-stool seating with amazing views of the Alps, and private loungers with tarmac views- there`s something for everybody. Large floor-to-ceiling windows bring in lots of natural light on both sides of the lounge. Catching a nice view is possible from almost every seat. Friendly and corteous staff, always busy to keep the place nice and clean. Best of all: the outdoor terrace – stretching the entire length of the lounge with nice views onto the airfield/tarmac.
Live cooking station with chef preparing fresh, hot items. Buffet serving pastries, muffins, cake, pretzels, salads, crackers, chocolate, fruit, fruit salad, gummy bears, Mövenpick ice cream … very appealing!
Beverages including soft drinks, beer, wine, spirits and champagne. Nice coffee automat with premium coffee specialties. Check out the amazing Whisky Club featuring a selection of more than 120 different whiskies.
TV, flight information screens, good selection of international and local newspapers and magazines, private work spaces, phone booths, relax area with private loungers.
A gorgeous lounge, hot food cooked on demand, plenty of space and privacy, and magnificent views.