Swiss First Class Lounge Zurich

The good news is that with a gate A62 arrival, we were the closest to the FCL and in the Lounge in less than two minutes. Pleasant welcome from the friendly staff and were walking into a nearly empty lounge.  Pics from our last visit a week ago.

Having recently had breakfast in FRA, I only tried a couple of things... the carrot and shrimp salads were both very good.

All was well and we were happily passing the time not bothering anyone, when hoards of pax started arriving for the 1PM bank of international departure... so much so that every seat in the lounge was taken and it was standing room only.

The problem is compounded by the fact that the sofa groups are so close together that you have to excuse yourself and walk over other pax legs between the table and sofas. Basically like sitting in a window seat on the plane. What an idiotic design.

Let's talk about WiFi next. Unbelievably the Swiss First Lounge has no WiFi. It relies on the ZRH airport Wifi which provides one free hour but only after you give them your cell number and they text you a one hour code. You want WiFi for a 2nd hour, you either wait 7 hours or you pay 7 CHF!! Seriously??

I went to the front desk to inquire whether I was missing something. A sheepish agent apologized and admitted they had no WiFi system, adding that she can't believe that LX management won't install their own system. Yeah, me too. Wow.

At 12:05P we excused ourselves and schlepped our carry-ons over other pax to get first to the aisle and then to the lobby for our "van to the E gates". We joined about 15 other people and waiting for the 2nd elevator to go downstairs to the van area.

Once downstairs, we queued to go thru passport control and then into various vans to be shuttled to the E gates. Not sure why since we are all offloaded at the same locaton, but there was only one other pax (also ORD) in our van. Our driver opened the luggage compartment so we could put our own bugs in the van. Getting the picture? Obviously, we're not in Frankfurt anymore Dorothy.

Some 5 minutes later we arrived at the concourse E, not at our gate mind you, but in the lower level somewhere in the middle of concourse. Driver opened the luggage compartment so we could retrieve our bags.

As we entered the building, LX agent at E escorted us to and elevator and asked what gate?
SFO777: I have no idea. Chicago.
LX Agent: Oh, Gate E22. To the left near the end of the concourse.

Five minutes and numerous gates later we were at another queue, this one for a 2nd passport control in the last 10 minutes. Beyond that was our gate. Boarding commenced another 5 minutes later.

First Class ground treatment? Compared to Lufthansa, not even close.