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

Nov. 30, 2016
•
3 min read
Swiss Business and Senator Lounge E Gates Zurich
Buy a Pass to a Swiss Business-Class Lounge for Just $39
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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.

SWISS now has a spectacular business class lounge in ZRH's Terminal E.

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
The Swiss lounge in Terminal A boasts the world's longest staffed lounge bar.

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?

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.