Review: Aspire Lounge (Airside Center) at Zürich Airport

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We visited Aspire Lounge in the Airside Centre of Zürich Airport. The lounge offered a spacious and functional setting, complemented by good food and drinks, although the design felt somewhat dated. Despite lacking the most modern amenities, the lounge provided a peaceful atmosphere and essential services, including Wi-Fi and power outlets. Read more from our review.

Zürich Airport has three terminals: A, B, and E. Terminals A and B are piers connected to an area called Airside Center, which allows for easy movement between the piers. Terminal E is a satellite, accessible by an automated train from Airside Center.

Switzerland is part of the Schengen Zone but not a European Union member. Terminal A handles only Schengen flights, while Terminal B serves both Schengen and non-Schengen flights. Gates B and D are on the same pier, but each gate has two different numbers depending on whether the destination is within the Schengen Area. Terminal E exclusively serves non-Schengen flights.

We discovered that our flight was departing from Terminal A, so taking the train to the satellite terminal was unnecessary. Instead, we decided to look for Priority Pass Lounges in the Airside Center. Locating the lounges was straightforward. After clearing the security check at Check-in Area 1, we turned to the left towards Terminal B. Following the clear lounge signs, we soon found stairs leading to the third floor, where we found the lounge lobby.

When we discovered that our initial choice, Marhaba Lounge, was at full capacity, we headed to Aspire Lounge. Both lounges were in the same lobby, so getting to the Aspire Lounge was just a matter of taking a few steps. Overall, we found the layout of Zürich Airport to be practical and easy to navigate.

There is another Aspire Lounge in the satellite Terminal E.

We accessed Aspire using our Priority Pass Membership. The lounge also accepted LoungeKey and DragonPass memberships. Aspire Lounges are for travellers without complimentary lounge access from their airline. However, it seemed that some business and first-class passengers also made use of this lounge.

Access is subject to availability, and the staff may restrict entry during peak times.

The receptionist verified our digital Priority Pass membership card and boarding passes. In no time, we were ready to enjoy the amenities. The staff was efficient and friendly, making for a smooth check-in process.

The Aspire Lounge was on the third floor and had a large, open layout with parquet flooring and traditional chairs, giving it a design reminiscent of the 1990s. While the space felt a bit dated compared to more modern lounges, it was clean and spacious. The lounge had windows facing the apron, but the view was limited, as the terminal's windows were far away and partially obstructed, making the view of the tarmac and planes less than ideal.

It was bright inside the lounge.

Although the lounge was functional, it lacked the modern amenities found in some other lounges. The seating options included high tables and sofa areas, but the aesthetic felt traditional. Not all of the seating was comfortable. Aspire Lounge may feel outdated to those who prefer a more modern, sleek design. However, it did offer a quiet and cosy space to relax before our flight, even if it wasn’t the most visually appealing.

The other Aspire Lounges we've visited in Helsinki and Copenhagen mainly offer cold food, with only a few simple warm dishes. Aspire Lounge at Zürich also offered cold options, including leaf and corn salad, bread, and sandwiches. However, that lounge also served some hot food, including traditional curry soup, ham pasta, rice, and cooked vegetables. Based on the food selection, this has been the best Aspire Lounge we've visited so far.

Not all aiport lounges serve warm food.

You could grab items like a single-serve yoghurt packet for snacks.

The drink selection at Aspire Lounges is consistently good. In Zürich, the lounge offered both regular and non-alcoholic bottled beers. Soft drinks were available in large bottles, and there was also a selection of juices. A coffee machine was available as well, and the selection of spirits was extensive.

Tea and coffee were available, served with sweet treats. The selection was simple and lacked specialities, with chips being a common option. We still felt it was enough.

The lounge provided essential amenities, including reliable Wi-Fi. There were dedicated work desks with power sockets for those who wished to stay productive, and other areas also featured numerous power outlets.

The Aspire Lounge had not yet transitioned to digital media, but it still provided paper newspapers and magazines for guests looking to unwind by reading. The selection was surprisingly good, so you'll likely find something interesting to read. A TV was showing local channels. Flight information screens kept everyone informed.

The lounge lacked showers, which was acceptable, but it also didn't have toilets inside, which is a significant drawback. We had to leave the lounge temporarily to access the public facilities and then return. Toilets located outside the lounge are impractical, and we don't appreciate this setting.

We rate the Aspire Lounge at Zürich Airport as a 3.5-star lounge. The facilities weren’t particularly modern, and some furniture showed wear. However, the food quality was better than in many similar lounges, and the atmosphere was peaceful. The lounge was easily accessible and conveniently located near the gates. While the view wasn’t awe-inspiring, the space was at least bright and welcoming.

Zürich Airport's layout was easy to navigate, leading us smoothly to the lounge lobby. Aspire Lounge, located on the third floor of the Airside Center, was a comfortable and functional space despite its somewhat outdated design. While it lacked amenities like showers and in-lounge toilets, it offered a decent selection of food and drinks. The staff were friendly and efficient.

The lounge's spaciousness and quiet atmosphere made it an excellent choice for relaxing before our flight. Its proximity to the gates was convenient, and the peaceful environment added to the experience. Notably, a sign in the lounge mentioned that this Aspire Lounge had been selected as the best independent lounge in 2023, reinforcing its reputation.

Have you visited any of the Aspire Lounges at Zürich Airport? Do you share our experiences? Comment below!

Tags: Zürich Airport, lounge, review Destination: Switzerland