Swiss Elegance Takes Flight

Text by Tharin Laorauvirodge

Gliding above the picturesque snow-capped Swiss Alps can quickly become an addiction for anyone flying Switzerland’s flag carrier Swiss International Air Lines. Whether you’re on the approach or ascending away into the sky, Zurich Airport (ZRH) — the main hub of the airline now simply called “Swiss” — is a preferred European airport for seasoned travelers not only for its beautiful storybook setting, but also for the comfort and refinements it offers.

With well-established connections to European destinations and beyond, Swiss has made sure your airport experience at ZRH is streamlined with eight lounges situated in Concourses A, D and E. The design of Swiss lounges captures Swiss elegance with simple lines, soft wood tones, luxurious surfaces and elevated lighting.

Swiss First Class flyers have access to the First Lounge in Concourse E which offers two private sleeping rooms; each with its own ensuite bathroom, sumptuous bedding and floor-to-ceiling windows providing a gorgeous view of the tarmac and the Alps. Upon stepping into the lounge, you will notice the exclusive wine bar which hosts over a thousand varieties for you to sample while waiting for your next flight. There’s another First Lounge in Concourse A should the location be more convenient for your next departure.

Also located in Concourse A is Swiss’ newest and expansive Business Lounge that offers designated areas for lounging, working, dining and socializing. If ever you should find this business class lounge too crowded, the lesser-known Swiss Alpine Lounge may be a good alternative. While smaller in footprint, the Swiss Alpine Lounge only admits First and Business Class passengers flying on a Lufthansa Group flight — that includes only flights operated by Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines. Even other Star Alliance airlines’ passengers are excluded.

In the air, the Swiss elegance follows you to your destination. Currently, Swiss deploys Boeing 777-300ER, Airbus A330 and Airbus A340 to its long-haul destinations. The design vocabulary utilized in all cabins is delightfully harmonious with what you find in the beautiful lounges. The calming wood tones highlighted by the monochromatic color schemes give a heightened experience that subtly whispers luxury. Swiss is one of the few airlines left in the world still committed to offering a First Class product, and all three Swiss long-haul plane types feature a First Class cabin. Unique to Swiss First is its offering of hand-crafted Balik smoked salmon, a delicacy that will make you overlook the absence of caviar — the customary maritime treat on most other airlines’ first class. Within Europe, the Swiss short-haul fleet comprises of Airbus A320/A321 family and Airbus A220. These reliable flying workhorses are seemingly standard, but you really don’t know the true joy of flying until you’re looking out at the Swiss Alps through the A220 huge windows as the plane descends towards ZRH on a low-altitude approach.

Swiss is undoubtedly among the very top brands in global commercial aviation. Swiss passengers can’t help but be delighted by the airlines’ efficiency and understated sophistication evident throughout the journey in the air and on the ground. So from now on, should someone ask what is Switzerland known for — in addition to watches and chocolate, you can decisively answer “Swiss.”

SWISS.COM
@FLYSWISS