[LuganoPirate]

I don’t often check-in for long haul flights in Zurich, but did so for my recent flight to South Africa.
I arrived by train and went straight to the separate First Class check-in which is a small private room in the check-in area with two desks and someone who personally greets you and looks after your luggage.

From there I was escorted to an escalator which took me directly to the private security screening area, where the police were unusually friendly, chatty and smiling – unlike those you usually encounter in the security line or anywhere else in Switzerland for that! It was great as I was the only one, so no pressure to speed up, happily took out my tablets, phone, keys etc and after a quick chat I went directly into the new lounge.

I was greeted on entry by very a friendly receptionist who showed me round the lounge as it was the first time I’d been there and explained all the features. The view was to the concourse rather than the apron so not much really to look at.

It’s on two levels, with the first floor being for snacks, drinks or a meal, bathrooms, showers etc. Plenty of seating and then upstairs is a cigar lounge with a small outside terrace. There was a large locked Davidoff humidor there but I wasn’t sure if the cigars were complimentary or not. Anyway I didn’t fancy one so never found out.

Everything was spotless, and the menu offered a good choice of food, including Fondue, just right for 35c heat!! What I missed however from the old lounge was the array of savoury snacks, Tapas style, you could help yourself to. On offer now were nuts, cakes and other sweets. Maybe it was the time of day, late afternoon, but more savouries would have been nice.

A full range of soft drinks, wines and a good choice of whiskeys and gins are available. An excellent Blanc de Blanc was served which was thoroughly enjoyed by Mrs. LP!

This is a kind of pre-lounge (unless departing from A and used by HON members) and you go down a long passage where you are met by Swiss staff who take you by car to terminal E from where most of the long hauls depart.

All in all a great experience and a massive improvement from the past, especially the private security screening, as before you’d just join the priority lanes before going to the lounge, and one I hope to repeat in the future.

5 users thanked author for this post.

Tom Otley, PeterCoultas, K1ngston, JollyFlyer, Londonian

[Senator]

Dear LuganoPirate, whilst the “newish” FCL A is nicer than the old FCL, I find it at best a poor cousin to the flagship FCL E in Zurich. I visit these about 5-6 times a year, and as soon as I enter FCL A I ask for a transfer to FCL E. A place I don’t mind spending a few hours 🙂

[LuganoPirate]

You’re right Senator, the FCLE is much nicer, and I spent just 30 minutes there. Mrs. LP longer as she had to wait for me. I really liked the private security clearance and the way you now go direct to the lounge rather than having to join a sometimes long queue at the regular security check.

[carbonclogs]

I was in FCL A on Monday early afternoon and snacks/tapas were available albeit somewhat hidden in an alcove near the open kitchen. We were collected by car from E gate but were unable to use the lounge security as it didn’t open until 15.30. This meant we had a short detour in the car to A pier security which was thankfully quiet followed by a challenge to get back out to the car as the security doors have been changed in the recent construction works. After 5-10 minutes trying doors and eventually using another departing planes gate we returned to car and back to FCL security and the lounge. I find it a small place and it quickly filled up on Monday. So like LP if heading out we transfer out to E as soon as we can.

[Author]

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