Buy a Pass to a Swiss Business-Class Lounge for Just $39

It's not news to anyone that it can be rough to fly long-haul in economy. In addition to dealing with increasingly cramped seats and lackluster onboard service, you're stuck waiting between flights in the terminal with thousands of others in your same situation.

You can usually escape the crowds by utilizing a lounge membership program like Priority Pass. In most contract lounges, you're sure to get a seat, some snacks and a better chance at a power plug — and some lounges provide a much nicer experience. However, many airlines try to keep their airline-branded lounges from being overcrowded with economy flyers by charging high rates for day passes — or not allowing non-premium passengers in the lounge at any cost.

That's why this news is so noteworthy: Swiss Airlines is now selling economy flyers day passes for its exclusive lounges. Even better, the cost is a very reasonable CHF39 (just about US$39). For now, the Swiss lounges in Zurich (ZRH) and Geneva (GVA) are available — including ZRH's incredible Terminal E lounge (which we reviewed here) and the solid Terminal A lounge (which we reviewed as part of this flight).

For this price you'll get all of the following listed benefits:

• spacious lounge area with a modern SWISS design; distinct zones for relaxing, eating and drinking, or working undisturbed
• comfortable and relaxing seating, including the opportunity to lie down
• unique view of the fascinating airport world
• bathrooms with showers
• large selection of complimentary hot and cold dishes and snacks on the buffet
• complimentary alcoholic beverages, as well as hot and cold soft drinks
• separate, quiet desks and business zones
• selection of newspapers and magazines
• complimentary Wi-Fi access

In order to purchase the lounge pass, you're going to need to be traveling on a Swiss, Lufthansa, Austrian, Brussels or Edelweiss Air flight originating in or connecting through Zurich (ZRH) and Geneva (GVA). Lounge passes can only be purchased for the date of your travel on these airlines, and you're going to have to buy the pass online before you travel. But, the good news is that there's no limit to when you enter on the day you travel. Feel free to show up early and enjoy the lounge.

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To purchase a pass, visit the Swiss Lounge Access Voucher website, enter your flight number, select the number of passengers and click "Continue." On the next screen, you'll have to provide the name and eticket number for each passenger. So, it seems that Swiss will attempt to verify that each passenger is actually on a qualifying flight, and you won't be able to transfer the pass.

Bottom Line

While premium cabin travelers might not want any additional lounge guests, the news that Swiss is selling day passes to its premium lounges is welcome news to economy flyers. We applaud the carrier for setting a reasonable price and also reasonable purchasing restrictions.

H/T: Jason Rabinowitz

Would you purchase Swiss lounge access at this price?