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 undisturbedcomfortable and relaxing seating, including the opportunity to lie downunique view of the fascinating airport worldbathrooms with showerslarge selection of complimentary hot and cold dishes and snacks on the buffetcomplimentary alcoholic beverages, as well as hot and cold soft drinksseparate, quiet desks and business zonesselection of newspapers and magazinescomplimentary Wi-Fi accessThe 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.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.Sign up for our daily newsletterEmail addressSign upI would like to subscribe to The Points Guy newsletters and special email promotions. The Points Guy will not share or sell your email. See privacy policy.Bottom LineWhile 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 RabinowitzWould you purchase Swiss lounge access at this price?
