Review: Aspire Lounge (Skyteam), Zürich Kloten Airport, Schengen

Visited October 2016

Aspire Lounge (Skyteam), Zürich Kloten, Schengen seating areas
Aspire Lounge (Skyteam), Zürich Kloten, Schengen

Where is it?

The Aspire Lounge is located airside in the main terminal building in the Schengen transit hall. The entrance is on the third floor, not far from the passport control to concourse D. The lounge lobby and reception area is shared with the Dnata Skyview Lounge nextdoors.

There is also an Aspire Lounge for non-Schengen passengers in concourse E, which was previously called Panorama Lounge.

How do I get in?

Passengers travelling with different Skyteam airlines get in such as Air France and KLM. It is also possible to access the lounge using Priority Pass.

Aspire Lounge (Skyteam), Zürich Kloten, Schengen access
Access rule

What’s it like?

The Aspire Lounge was previously divided into two lounges with separate reception desks and access rules. The Skyteam Lounge was on the left hand side of the reception desk and the OneWorld lounge on the right hand side. Nowadays the lounges have merged into one lounge, called the Aspire Lounge, however the division is still there, with two separate lounge areas that are not connected. Skyteam passengers are usually directed to the left while OneWorld passengers are directed to the right. Passengers entering using a Priority Pass can mostly decide themselves which section to use, or spend some time in both.

Aspire Lounge (Skyteam), Zürich Kloten, Schengen interior
The interior of the lounge

The Skyteam section on the left hand side has recently been refurbished and now has a new and fresh look with some familiar Aspire lounge elements in the interior. Although it was previously called Skyteam Lounge the old furniture were the same ones you would find in most Air France lounges. These have now been partly replaced with chairs and armchairs in black, although some of the old brown armchairs are still present.

Aspire Lounge (Skyteam), Zürich Kloten, Schengen interior
The new Aspire Lounge interior

The lounge basically consists of a triangular-shaped room with seating for 40-50 guests. There are panorama windows facing the transit hall with a limited apron view, which also provide some natural light during the day.

Aspire Lounge (Skyteam), Zürich Kloten, Schengen seating area
Some of the old Skyteam/Air France furniture are still there

Food and drinks

There is a new and rather nice-looking self-service buffet area divided into two sections, one used for alcoholic drinks and one used for food, snacks, coffee, tea and soft drinks.

Aspire Lounge (Skyteam), Zürich Kloten, Schengen self service buffet
The self service buffet area

The selection of alcoholic drinks includes red, white and sparkling wine, beer, and a standard selection of spirits, including gin, vodka, whisky and brandy.

Aspire Lounge (Skyteam), Zürich Kloten, Schengen wines and spirits
Alcoholic drinks

The selection of food includes different sandwiches, yoghurt, pastries, snacks and fruits. Hot food is usually available at meal times. The food selection is typically better and slightly more extensive in the OneWorld section of the lounge nextdoors.

Aspire Lounge (Skyteam), Zürich Kloten, Schengen drinks and snacks
Sandwiches, beer and soft drinks

Coffee, tea and soft drinks are also offered for self service.

Aspire Lounge (Skyteam), Zürich Kloten, Schengen self service buffet
Elegant design

Facilities

Free wireless internet is offered throughout the airport and naturally also in the lounge. The receptionist will usually print a small piece of paper with the personal Wi-Fi access code during the registration process.

There is a selection of Swiss and relevant international newspapers at a rack by the entrance. There are also some magazines available.

Restrooms are located in the lobby area outside the lounge and are shared with the Dnata Skyview Lounge. There are no showers available.

Aspire Lounge (Skyteam), Zürich Kloten, Schengen newspapers and magazines
Newspapers and magazines

Final impression

The recent renovation has given the lounge a well-needed facelift as well as a new and rather elegant feel to it. Although not spectacular by any means it is now a pleasant place to kill an hour inside with an acceptable selection of complimentary food and drinks

About MorePremium.com 1018 Articles
My interest in premium travels and frequent travels started in the 90’s, so to date I have over 20 years of premium travel experience. MorePremium.com will mostly be about my own experiences, based on my own knowledge and my travel history, but you will also find news items, analyses, tips and tricks and reports from events.

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