Avgeek Heaven: Swiss Senator Lounge Zurich Review

Access & Location

Located in Terminal E  where non‑Schengen mostly long‑haul flights departs from.

Zurich terminals are easily connected with a train system – your only barrier/hassle might be the need to go through border control!

Lounge can be reached via the SkyMetro train after security, then passport control, and head toward gates E36— follow signs upstairs to level 3

Opening hours: Daily from ~6 AM to 10 PM

Access Eligibility

• • Star Alliance Gold members ( + one guest)

  • Miles & More Senator or HON Circle members

  • First‑Class travellers on SWISS or Star Alliance

  • Business class tickets alone will not get you in ! You will be redirected to “standard” Business Class lounges instead.

🛋️ Lounge Interior & Layout

The lounge is relatively large at 1,100 m² with seating for ~170.

A bright, wood-accented space bathed in natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows is consistent with the aesthetics of the alpine themed deco of Swiss premium classes onboard.

The spaces within consist of two main seating areas, a buffet and food area with large selection of dining tables, a quiet zone, terrace running through length of the lounge as well as it’s own Whisky bar.

Showers are by the reception and shared with the main Business Class lounge.

There is even a map to help you orient yourself..

If you walk straight through from here and past the Buffet you will be in the main seating areas..

The individually lined seating by the windows is great if you like watching the traffic on the tarmac whilst still being indoor..

If you are in travelling in a group, there are some good spots that can make  your own living quarters ..

Then at the far back you have the densest configuration of seating.

Having said that, all the leather chairs are very comfortable and well maintained, with lamps and charging ports beside you.

🍽️ Buffet & Live Cooking station

If you want hot food, the live cooking station is where it’s at…

Only, not everything is fresh and made to order as Swiss might have you believe – most items were already pre-prepared and COOKED and you could SERVE YOURSELF. I could not help but chuckle how this was not just an extension of the buffet?

Of the 3 main dishes available of the day, both the Green Curry & Vegetarian Goulash you could help yourself to.

Only the Risotto with green asparagus was prepared live for you. I thought this was interested; because Risotto takes some time to cook?

There are plenty of formal dining tables to enjoy your meal in..

The best spot might just be the stools by the other side with the terrace views..

Beverages

You can help yourself to various beverages with a Coffee island with multiple machines and dedicated tea counter.

The choice of soft drinks was rather limited but for the hard stuff, you have a good selection of wines and liquors as well as beers you can pour yourself !

Whisky Club 28/10

A standout feature of this lounge is this gorgeous Whiskey Bar which could very much be a standalone entity 

There are over 200 whisky labels supposedly, not that I had the time or inclination to count !

It’s a fully manned bar, with highlighted tasting options. On this visit, they were showcasing a Swiss Alpine Malt

and a 10 year old Benriach

Bartenders are enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Being the only person in the entire bar for most of the time I was there, I had a great chat with the bartender who was more than happy to pour whatever I wanted.

My knowledge of Whisky is not extensive, but they did have no Japanese Whisky but quite a few Scottish ones to pick from.

You have the same great terrace and apron views from here to and can easily just socialise here..

A Terrace Perfect for Planespotting

Perhaps my favourite feature especially during these summer months, this lounge boasts a large 325 square meter terrace space that is accessible on the entire left side of the lounge.

This full-length outdoor terrace is roofed for protection from rain or the blazing sun and offers fantastic apron and Alps views—ideal for plane spotting on brighter days !

During my time, the airport was relatively quite hence the almost empty lounge situation! Still, I managed to spot an Ethiopian 787, Turkish A330, Korean Air 777, a couple of Swiss A330 and 777s and many narrowbodies..

I was quite immersed in filming some take-offs to see test out my new camara’s zoom capabilities as planes take off.

From this side, you can only see take-offs from two of the runways – runway 28 and runway 16.

🚿 Amenities

Showers: Sleek, well‑appointed shower suites (shared with Business Lounge) bookable at reception; stocked with toiletries

• 

   

• Business & process support: Wi‑Fi, power outlets at most seats, printers/computers in work area.

• Rest areas: Recliner pods ideal for short breaks; phone booths offer partial privacy

There are even some mints in this area you can help yourself too!

✅ Overall Thoughts

The SWISS Senator Lounge in Terminal E is a premium, tranquil haven. For those with Star Gold or higher credentials, you are in for a treat!

Its curated whisky bar, scenic terrace, solid amenities, and elegant atmosphere make for a polished experience. The buffet satisfies, though it’s not the star attraction—whisky and relaxation are the main perks.

Compared to the regular Business Lounges, the Senator Lounge offers:

• A quieter environment,

• More premium drinks & spaces (especially the Whisky Club 28/10 and outdoor terrace),

• Enhanced amenities like pod seating and dedicated work zones.

I would also say, this lounge feels way more Premium than Lufthansa Senator Lounges

I’ve always had a little soft spot for Swiss, but I haven’t flown them long haul for a while now. And don’t intend to until they replace most of these super outdated 330 cabins with new Senses cabin.

Faze

Faze, founder of Wander Up Front and Elevate Your Stay, is a London-based travel specialist with a deep passion for aviation. With over 2 million miles flown, he has spent the last 7 years focusing on First and Business class experiences.

Faze provides straightforward, no-frills insights into premium airline products and services, sharing what matters to help travellers make informed choices.

Follow him on his adventures and behind the scene stories on Instagram !