Swiss International Airlines - is 50min enough to transfer at ZRH [the new 2/2012- ZRH connection thread]

I currently have a reservation on hold that has is routed MAN-ZRH-PEK, but there is only a 50 min connection at ZRH. Is that enough? Do I need to go through the security check again at ZRH?
Thanks for all your help in advance!!

The official minimum is 35 minutes; I (and my checked bag) made a 40-minute connection last week in spite of a late arrival. At least the LHR flights are now able to dock directly in the terminal, and you are no longer required to go through another security screen.

I had to go through security a second time when switching between USAirline and Swiss. I had more than an hour and didn't make it. I don't know if your MAN-ZRH would require the same security re-check.

Coming from MAN make sure that the utmost incompetent and unfriendly check-in agents tag your bag correctly! I was booked MAN-ZRH-GVA and despite saying that I want it checked to GVA the hguy tagged it to ZRH:mad:

Welcome to FT, dyz1104!

Connecting from the UK to a non-Schengen destination via ZRH is much better since the opening of the new Pier B/D. There's no need to go through passport control or security check, but it could be a long trek from the arrival gate via Skymetro to Pier E. If your flight arrives at a non-gate position you will spend some time on the bus and less time walking! Follow the signs for transfers to E and when you reach the immigration hall bear left and down the escalator to the Skymetro platform.

If your flight from MAN is late and they think you can still make the connection they will probably drive you directly to Pier E.

I was on an evning MAN-ZRH flight last week which arrived in ZRH 43 mins late. Passengers for shorthaul and longhaul flights with scheduled transfer times of 50 and 55 minutes were picked up and driven directly to their flights. I was actually connecting to PEK but decided to travel to ZRH the night before to make sure I did not miss the inaugural flight. ;)

Coming from MAN make sure that the utmost incompetent and unfriendly check-in agents tag your bag correctly! I was booked MAN-ZRH-GVA and despite saying that I want it checked to GVA the hguy tagged it to ZRH:mad:

+1

The agents that LX uses at MAN T1 are horrid! The LH agents a few counters to the left seem much friendlier and less out to make your life miserable.

I had to go through security a second time when switching between USAirline and Swiss. I had more than an hour and didn't make it. I don't know if your MAN-ZRH would require the same security re-check.

That must have been the case before December 2011 - now for that connection you will not have to reclear security.

We're in F from PVG-ZRH connecting to C ZRH-ARN, with only 40 minutes to connect. I'm fairly confident that we'll make it, but is there anything we should be doing to make the process easier or more efficient?

With a short connection like that, does LX provide any particular assistance to arriving F passengers?

I've made an A-gate to B-bus-gate connection including security in 16 mins at ZRH and my bags made it.

We're in F from PVG-ZRH connecting to C ZRH-ARN, with only 40 minutes to connect. I'm fairly confident that we'll make it, but is there anything we should be doing to make the process easier or more efficient?

With a short connection like that, does LX provide any particular assistance to arriving F passengers?
There's no special assistance for arriving F passengers in ZRH, but if the incoming flight is late and the transfer time is under 30 mins they might transfer you directly to the connecting flight. Longhaul flights often arrive early but if you miss the connection they should put on a later flight to ARN.

I've made an A-gate to B-bus-gate connection including security in 16 mins at ZRH and my bags made it.
You obviously have more faith in ZRH than I do. ;)

I have upcoming trip EWR-ZRH-BCN with 50 min connection time in ZRH. Both are LX flights. How easy would it be for me to make this connection assuming the first flight is on time?

I have upcoming trip EWR-ZRH-BCN with 50 min connection time in ZRH. Both are LX flights. How easy would it be for me to make this connection assuming the first flight is on time?
You will arrive in Dock E where you go through security check. Then follow the signs for your departure gate which will take you for a short ride on the Skymetro train to the main terminal. You will also clear passport control to enter Schengen, then just go to your departure gate which is likely to be in Dock A. (No further passport check when you arrive in BCN.)

You may also want to check the more recent posts in the following thread. (Security check arrangements in ZRH changed in December 2011.)
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/swiss-international-airlines/503897-how-connecting-zrh.html

You will arrive in Dock E where you go through security check. Then follow the signs for your departure gate which will take you for a short ride on the Skymetro train to the main terminal. You will also clear passport control to enter Schengen, then just go to your departure gate which is likely to be in Dock A. (No further passport check when you arrive in BCN.)

You may also want to check the more recent posts in the following thread. (Security check arrangements in ZRH changed in December 2011.)
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/swiss-international-airlines/503897-how-connecting-zrh.html

Thanks. Sounds like quite a few steps before I can get to my gate. Is 50 min enough considering passing both security and passport control?

Thanks. Sounds like quite a few steps before I can get to my gate. Is 50 min enough considering passing both security and passport control?
Many people who post in this forum will say 50 minutes is enough. I'd say it's enough provided your flight arrives on time. ;)

Many people who post in this forum will say 50 minutes is enough. I'd say it's enough provided your flight arrives on time. ;)

Correct. And the OP also writes "assuming the first flight is on time". So, yes, he'll make it (assuming... :)).

I have had many short <long-haul> - ZRH - BCN connections in the last 10 years, and have never missed one. ^

I have had many short <long-haul> - ZRH - BCN connections in the last 10 years, and have never missed one. ^

I have never lost any connections long haul/short haul to/from Barcelona, but short haul/short haul, I may have missed 7/8, or even more, in the last 4/5 years. In any case, around 70% of those have been caused by bad weather.

I have never lost any connections long haul/short haul to/from Barcelona, but short haul/short haul, I may have missed 7/8, or even more, in the last 4/5 years. In any case, around 70% of those have been caused by bad weather.
I have only connected to/from BCN via ZRH once (or twice I suppose, outbound and inbound ;)) shorthaul to shorthaul. It would have been a 40 min connection in each direction.

On the way out I didn't want to spend half a day in the FCL in ZRH having missed the connection, so I flew to ZRH the evening before and stayed overnight before catching a morning flight.

On the way back I didn't care if LX had to put me up in a hotel overnight. My flight from BCN arrived 12 mins late (according to flightstats) and there was a car waiting to drive me to my connecting flight which was parked at an apron position. I'm not sure if I would have made the connection otherwise.

I have only connected to/from BCN via ZRH once (or twice I suppose, outbound and inbound ;)) shorthaul to shorthaul. It would have been a 40 min connection in each direction.

On the way out I didn't want to spend half a day in the FCL in ZRH having missed the connection, so I flew to ZRH the evening before and stayed overnight before catching a morning flight.

On the way back I didn't care if LX had to put me up in a hotel overnight. My flight from BCN arrived 12 mins late (according to flightstats) and there was a car waiting to drive me to my connecting flight which was parked at an apron position. I'm not sure if I would have made the connection otherwise.

Sleeping overnight in ZRH is always a solution, but taking in consideration the hefty rates at the Hilton and that we are not so far away, a short trip ends up like going to SIN.

I have done the route, in either directions, 3 times(not 6 ;))

1) Ex BCN there was a limo waiting for me at ZRH to take me to the MAN flight. ^. I remember sending a letter to LX thanking for the initiative because it was flying in Y and being a lonely SEN.
If I have missed the connection, it would have meant sleeping in ZRH and loosing most of the purpose of the trip
2) Ex MAN morning flight - OK
3) Ex MAN - afternoon flight - I missed the connection in spite of running through ZRH like crazy. They rebooked me on the later flight and I arrived to Barcelona at 22,35pm(not too bad if I was not flying the morning after at 9,30am :()

I guess that heavy traffic in MAN = delays and including Switzerland in Schengen made this short connection, specially ex MAN, in practically impossible.
Hopefully now, with the inaguration of the refurbished Pier B, is better.

Sleeping overnight in ZRH is always a solution, but taking in consideration the hefty rates at the Hilton and that we are not so far away, a short trip ends up like going to SIN.
That's when I stayed overnight in one of the "day rooms". There was no water between something like midnight and 4am (due to the construction works for Pier B) which made the place seem more spartan that it actually was. :eek: If I was catching the morning flight ex-MAN I would have stayed at the Hilton in MAN anyway so the cost was not that different.

I have done the route, in either directions, 3 times(not 6 ;))

1) Ex BCN there was a limo waiting for me at ZRH to take me to the MAN flight. ^. I remember sending a letter to LX thanking for the initiative because it was flying in Y and being a lonely SEN.
If I have missed the connection, it would have meant sleeping in ZRH and loosing most of the purpose of the trip
So they didn't send a limo because it was my birthday. :D I'm glad a limo is provided for connecting passengers on delayed flights. It's cheaper than putting them up in a hotel I suppose. ;) The limo driver nearly forgot to take me via passport control on the way to the MAN flight. I wonder if anybody would have noticed if my passport had not been scanned?

2) Ex MAN morning flight - OK
I've been on that flight quite a few times and at one time last year it often arrived in ZRH between 10-25 minutes late due to congestion in ZRH. I got to know the landscape around ZRH quite well. ;)

3) Ex MAN - afternoon flight - I missed the connection in spite of running through ZRH like crazy. They rebooked me on the later flight and I arrived to Barcelona at 22,35pm(not too bad if I was not flying the morning after at 9,30am :()

I guess that heavy traffic in MAN = delays and including Switzerland in Schengen made this short connection, specially ex MAN, in practically impossible.
Hopefully now, with the inaguration of the refurbished Pier B, is better.
I've been lucky with flights ex-MAN. Delays are usually due to delayed arrivals of incoming flights rather than heavy traffic in MAN, though once they miss their takeoff slot it could be a long wait.

I've flown MAN-ZRH twice since the refurbished Pier B opened. The first time we parked at D41 and it was quite a long trek to reach Grüezi D where buses used to drop us. The second time the evening flight arrived 45 minutes late (due to the late arrival of the incoming flight) and we parked at an apron position. C pax were driven to the familiar Grüezi D before hoi polloi in one of the "new 12-seat Mercedes Sprinters that have been specially fitted out in the SWISS design". :D It probably took about the same length of time as walking from D41.

The shiny Pier B/D is certainly an improvement on the old non-Schengen B bus gates but there are no moving walkways and the D lounge is still in the same place down the corridor with toilets outside. At least the lounge is now in secure area.

I'll be doing PEK-ZRH-MAN in July and the first offer was the 50 min connection, but lucky there is a later flight - means I get to have a few hours on the ground in Zurich. Plane spotting ;)

I'll be doing PEK-ZRH-MAN in July and the first offer was the 50 min connection, but lucky there is a later flight - means I get to have a few hours on the ground in Zurich. Plane spotting ;)
Welcome to FT, BCIA! I flew PEK-ZRH-MAN a couple of weeks ago but with an overnight stop in ZRH. ;) Since the timing of the PEK-ZRH flight has changed to early morning you have a choice of two connecting flights to MAN.

I haven't been there myself but the new Deck B observation decks (http://www.zurich-airport.com/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-211/) (above where MAN flights depart) are supposed to be very good for plane spotting. I believe you will have to clear passport control to get there and it costs 5 CHF to enter. Enjoy your trip!

Just booked BOS>ZRH>VLC round-trip on LX (53/2142, 2143/52). The transit time in Zurich is 1:05 outbound and 0:55 on the return. Any concerns with clearing customs and making my way back to catch the next flight, or is Swiss pretty good about planning for this?

Also, what is the transit process at ZRH? Do I need to collect luggage? When is customs cleared inbound/outbound? Will I need to go through security again? Do I remain in the same terminal?

Thanks for any info. Traveling with 2 small kids and want to be prepared.

Should not be a problem although with two kids it may take longer than if travelling alone. I have made 20 minutes connections myself but it helps if you know where to go. Therefore:

Upon arrival from BOS at an E gate, you will need to follow signs to A/B/D connections, take the train, pass imigration and go to the gate - usually a B gate. Your bags will be checked through to VLC.

On your return it will be the other way around: arrive at a B gate, go through passport control, take the train to the E gates and go to the gate. You can check your bags through to BOS and will have no security check in ZRH as you have gone through security in VLC.

See http://www.miles-and-more.com/mediapool/pdf/40/media_1059940.pdf for more info.

Thank you Michiel! Most helpful.

on your BOS-ZRH flight they display the gates for a number of onward connections on the IFE during descent stage plus a guide to moving around the airport.

IIRC there is also a ZRH video guide somewhere in the IFE system that you can watch anytime you want. It may also be on the LX website as well so have a loook there.

on your BOS-ZRH flight they display the gates for a number of onward connections on the IFE during descent stage plus a guide to moving around the airport.
The Gate assignment for connecting Flights during descent is also shown on Airbus operated European Flights (ie as long as it's not an RJ, you should always get it).

^ I have a question regarding those. I have a MUC - ARN flight coming up with a 1h45 stopover in ZRH (arrival 10:40, departure 12:25). Since I'm both inbound and outbound on Schengen flights, how much time would you reckon I'd effectively have to spend on the observation deck?

What is the deal with arriving from the USA and connecting onward to a Schengen destination? I understand that since the new security setup in Zurich there are no more security checks for US->Schengen flights, nor the other way around Schengen-> USA.

Can anyone confirm? Flying USA-ZRH-Schengen in a couple of days.

What is the deal with arriving from the USA and connecting onward to a Schengen destination? I understand that since the new security setup in Zurich there are no more security checks for US->Schengen flights, nor the other way around Schengen-> USA.

Can anyone confirm? Flying USA-ZRH-Schengen in a couple of days.

Yup, that is the case. Just a passport check and then on to your gate.

What is the deal with arriving from the USA and connecting onward to a Schengen destination? I understand that since the new security setup in Zurich there are no more security checks for US->Schengen flights, nor the other way around Schengen-> USA.

Can anyone confirm? Flying USA-ZRH-Schengen in a couple of days.

Yup, that is the case. Just a passport check and then on to your gate.

Is this the same for arrival from YUL(Montreal, Canada)?

Is this the same for arrival from YUL(Montreal, Canada)?
No. AFAIK Canada isn't an OSS (one-stop security) country.

Yup, that is the case. Just a passport check and then on to your gate.

We had a different experience on 19 Mar.

Arrived on UA from IAD at E gates, but this is also where LX arrivals from the US are located.

Coming off the jetway at E42, we exited directly onto the mezzanine level of the E terminal. We had two options. One was signposted for transfers to A, B, and E gates. The other was for transfers to D gates and Exit Zurich.

We were heading for the A gates, so we followed this direction which fed into a security check on the same level (mezzanine of E terminal). After security, transfer passengers to E proceeded up by escalator or lift to the E gates while A/B passengers headed down to the secure platform for the Heidi train. On arrival at the main terminal, we crossed the Schengen border at passport control and then were free to head towards the A or B gates.

The direction for D and Exit led directly down to the Heidi train platform without a security check. However, it is my understanding that D passengers undergo a transfer security check on arriving at the D gates through the new hallway from the train. Can anyone verify this?

There was a report that on rare occasions a USA flight on LX will arrive at the D gates, in which passengers were released directly into the D departures area without a security check as can happen on flights from UK. In theory, they could do the same over at the E gates, directing passengers into the upper level E-departures concourse off the jetbridge. But they did not do that on our flight. Could be a UA vs LX difference, not sure....

We had a different experience on 19 Mar.

Arrived on UA from IAD at E gates, but this is also where LX arrivals from the US are located.

Coming off the jetway at E42, we exited directly onto the mezzanine level of the E terminal. We had two options. One was signposted for transfers to A, B, and E gates. The other was for transfers to D gates and Exit Zurich.

We were heading for the A gates, so we followed this direction which fed into a security check on the same level (mezzanine of E terminal). After security, transfer passengers to E proceeded up by escalator or lift to the E gates while A/B passengers headed down to the secure platform for the Heidi train. On arrival at the main terminal, we crossed the Schengen border at passport control and then were free to head towards the A or B gates.

The direction for D and Exit led directly down to the Heidi train platform without a security check. However, it is my understanding that D passengers undergo a transfer security check on arriving at the D gates through the new hallway from the train. Can anyone verify this?

There was a report that on rare occasions a USA flight on LX will arrive at the D gates, in which passengers were released directly into the D departures area without a security check as can happen on flights from UK. In theory, they could do the same over at the E gates, directing passengers into the upper level E-departures concourse off the jetbridge. But they did not do that on our flight. Could be a UA vs LX difference, not sure....

Arriving from JFK a couple of days ago we indeed de-planed at the D gates. Quick passport control and off we went for our connecting flight at A66

However, it is my understanding that D passengers undergo a transfer security check on arriving at the D gates through the new hallway from the train. Can anyone verify this?That is correct.

So in other words: when arriving at Dock E, even if arriving from the USA, one always has to go through a security control when transfering? The only route out of Dock E which does not require a security check is the exit to Zurich?

Bummer, I thought that the US was considered safe and wouldn't require any more security checks for transfers. Apparently that is only the case when arriving on a flight from the USA at Dock D.

Apparently that is only the case when arriving on a flight from the USA at Dock D.To make this even more confusing: My last flight from YUL (late March) arrived at Dock D, too. I went for the Exit ZRH, but I wonder if connecting passengers were required to re-clear security or not? Or is Canada considered "safe" as well?

LYS-ZRH on Helvetic, with 1h 5m scheduled connection to ZRH-ORD on LX F.

Assuming the usual arrival and departure terminals. Will I arrive in Term A and then have time for a brief visit to the LX F lounge or should I go straight to Term E?

I'm guessing time to transfer to E, security, and passport control makes a lounge stop risky.

LYS-ZRH on Helvetic, with 1h 5m scheduled connection to ZRH-ORD on LX F.

Assuming the usual arrival and departure terminals. Will I arrive in Term A and then have time for a brief visit to the LX F lounge or should I go straight to Term E?

I'm guessing time to transfer to E, security, and passport control makes a lounge stop risky.

As you will just about pass by the F lounge, just go up and check. Worst case they will offer you the next shuttle to E with the F passport check before getting on the minibus. Best case you will have 15 or 20 min in the lounge. You should not have security after arriving from LYS.

I am flying First Class Swissair(through miles) and my zurich stopover is only 45 minutes...is it true there is some shuttle service that goes from plane to plane for first? Please let me know, thanks!

I am flying First Class Swissair(through miles) and my zurich stopover is only 45 minutes...is it true there is some shuttle service that goes from plane to plane for first? Please let me know, thanks!
Welcome to FT, ashcoza!

There is no special arrangement for First Class passengers transferring in ZRH, but if it's a very tight connection they usually provide a car to drive you between the flights. Are you connecting from longhaul F to longhaul F (in which case a car may not be necessary)? If you can tell us where you are flying from/to it might be possible to provide more information.

This site is so helpful, thanks!

I am coming from NYC on First class from United then first class to tanzania on swiss...so its different airlines but i booked it all under miles in united so i don't know if they will plan it out or what. 45 minutes is probably the fastest i have ever seen for a connection, especially on international

This site is so helpful, thanks!

I am coming from NYC on First class from United then first class to tanzania on swiss...so its different airlines but i booked it all under miles in united so i don't know if they will plan it out or what. 45 minutes is probably the fastest i have ever seen for a connection, especially on international
Your UA flight will almost certainly arrive at an E gate and your LX flight will also depart from an E gate. There's no need for passport control and strictly speaking no security check, but they may not be able to separate passengers arriving from the US (who should not need to clear security) from other passengers and you may need to go through security. As there's no need to change terminals 45 mins should be fine.

I am confused! According to the ZRH transfer guide (www.miles-and-more.com/mediapool/pdf/40/media_1059940.pdf) available on M&M website Europe non-Schengen to intercontinental connections should work as follows:

• Security check immediately on arrival at Dock B (Transfer zone D), passengers arriving from an OSS country+ do not have to go through a security check if arriving directly at Dock B
• No passport check required
• Stay at Panorama Lounge Dock E possible
• Onward flight from Dock E

+OSS indicates "One Stop Security" countries. This category includes all EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, UK and USA. Passengers on aircraft arriving from these countries are not required to clear any further security check as long as their flight arrives directly at a dock.

I've done UK (an OSS country) to intercontinental connections 3 times since the new Pier B/D and central security opened. The first two times I went through passport control in ZRH on purpose but a couple of weeks ago I decided to go directly to Dock E as my incoming flight arrived late.

It was an apron arrival but the plane parked close to Dock B and a ride on the "Business bus" was probably quicker than walking from D41 to Grüezi D. What I still don't understand is once inside Grüezi D, the escalator down to the passport control area and another escalator down to the SkyMetro platform seemed to be exactly the same whether you arrived at a gate or by bus. If you bear left when you reach the passport control area and go down the escalator you end up on the platform for the "unclean" carriage of Heidi's train. Once in Dock E I had to follow some circuitous route to security check before going up to the departure level. I could not see how arriving directly at a gate would have avoided security in Dock E.

Has anyone arriving from the UK and connecting to intercontinental managed to transfer in ZRH without having to re-clear security?

Has anyone arriving from the UK and connecting to intercontinental managed to transfer in ZRH without having to re-clear security?

Same question from me, arriving from the US and connecting to GVA today, after taking the Heidi train, I only saw 2 choices: exit Zurich and gates A/B/D. Chose the latter, and ended up at a security checkpoint. Right afterwards, there was an escalator and elevators for the A gates, which took you to passport control.

Did I somehow miss an earlier turnoff for the A gates, before the transit security checkpoint? There was no priority lane at the transit security checkpoint, so exit Zurich might actually be a better option at peak times...

Same question from me, arriving from the US and connecting to GVA today, after taking the Heidi train, I only saw 2 choices: exit Zurich and gates A/B/D. Chose the latter, and ended up at a security checkpoint. Right afterwards, there was an escalator and elevators for the A gates, which took you to passport control.

Did I somehow miss an earlier turnoff for the A gates, before the transit security checkpoint? There was no priority lane at the transit security checkpoint, so exit Zurich might actually be a better option at peak times...
The ZRH transfer guide linked in my previous post does not claim that arrivals from the US do not have to re-clear security.

From intercontinental to A/B/E :
• Security check immediately on arrival at Dock E

From intercontinental to D:
• Skymetro transfer to Airside Center, connecting corridor directly to Dock B (D Gates)
• Security check required, but no passport check

If arriving in E the options are exactly as ORDinary guy described in post #10 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18373421-post10.html). But some flights from the US apparently dock at a D gate, in which case passengers are presumably treated in the same way as those arriving from the UK (non-Schengen, OSS country).

Yes, the lack of priority lanes for transit security is :td:.

The ZRH transfer guide linked in my previous post does not claim that arrivals from the US do not have to re-clear security.

OK, now that I have looked at the document more closely, it indeed only mentions the security bypass for OSS countries for flights docking at B - however the footnote on the same page is very confusing:
"+OSS indicates “One Stop Security” countries. This category includes all EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, UK and USA. Passengers on aircraft arriving from these countries are not required to clear any further security check as long as their flight arrives directly at a dock."

So, I plead extenuating circumstances on that one :p

If arriving in E the options are exactly as ORDinary guy described in post #10 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18373421-post10.html). But some flights from the US apparently dock at a D gate, in which case passengers are presumably treated in the same way as those arriving from the UK (non-Schengen, OSS country).

Thanks for that, hadn't scrolled through the entire thread before posting. So I did miss a turnoff while still in E - not surprised, as I just headed for the train on autopilot like I always do. Now I know!

OK, now that I have looked at the document more closely, it indeed only mentions the security bypass for OSS countries for flights docking at B - however the footnote on the same page is very confusing:
"+OSS indicates “One Stop Security” countries. This category includes all EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, UK and USA. Passengers on aircraft arriving from these countries are not required to clear any further security check as long as their flight arrives directly at a dock."

So, I plead extenuating circumstances on that one :p
And I'm not convinced that even if your flight arrives directly at Dock B you can transfer to intercontinental flights without going through security. ;)

So I did miss a turnoff while still in E - not surprised, as I just headed for the train on autopilot like I always do. Now I know!
No, I don't think you missed a turnoff unless you wanted to go to "Exit Zurich". I once did it (coming from Dock B) and ended up having to walk the whole length of the baggage claim hall.

I thought transfer in ZRH was going to be more straightforward but I'm not so sure now.

No, I don't think you missed a turnoff unless you wanted to go to "Exit Zurich". I once did it (coming from Dock B) and ended up having to walk the whole length of the baggage claim hall.

I'm almost certain that I did miss a turnoff to a transit security checkpoint located in E - otherwise connecting passengers who are both arriving in, and departing from, that remote concourse would need to take the heidi train back and forth just to get through security.

I thought transfer in ZRH was going to be more straightforward but I'm not so sure now.

No kidding, and not just for connections... The person behind me at the transit security checkpoint near the D gates actually wanted to exit the airport, and hadn't noticed that she was headed the wrong way...

Your UA flight will almost certainly arrive at an E gate and your LX flight will also depart from an E gate. There's no need for passport control and strictly speaking no security check, but they may not be able to separate passengers arriving from the US (who should not need to clear security) from other passengers and you may need to go through security. As there's no need to change terminals 45 mins should be fine.

Wow..well I am in the istanbul lounge...yep you read that correct..that was not in my plan. I got out of my EWR-ZUR flight...right away i go out and the lady says i miss the flight, she says it rudely and I am a bit annoyed and she tells me this as I am running out hoping to catch it and then when I say what should i do next she replies saying that maybe if i wasn't running i would've heard her. I say are you kidding me, do you not get i am frustrated and trying to just make a close flight, she makes a bad face and turns to the next passenger...I don't know if its because I am young and not dressed well, but for a first class ticket...not the type you would be welcome too

well I goto the transit desk...no one is apologetic and more so apathetic. They just point fingers elsewhere say here is your option, take it or leave it
so instead of the first class 3 cabin direct I paid for on swiss and united. I gooto istanbul in a business class that is simialr to an economy seat and now am waiting to go to another connection. Worst part is, I get to dar es salam a day late, miss my only meeting there, paid for a hotel which i will lose a lot of money on, and I have to goto zanzibar now anyway which they refused to root me t oo. They just did not want to deal with me and I Was as polite as can be. I am nottoo sensitive of a passenger, but I can honestly say I felt insulted and like a worthless passneger from the way they treated me and bounced me around, the attitude made all the difference.
Ultimately i am powerless, this is the 2nd issue I had with united(I booked a first class with them in march and the swiss air leg from cairo-zurich switched planes bc of an issue on their schedule so i paid for a first class fare 3 cabin, once again i got the same 2 cabin economy like business) and united was unapologetic and pointing fingers at swiss air.
I was with continental for a while and was previously a platinum there. I am sodisapointed they don't even reply to my email complains and I don't know who to talk to.
thanks for letting me vent and i figure if anyone knows what to do or how to handle this situation its you guys.

thanks in advance

Wow..well I am in the istanbul lounge...yep you read that correct..that was not in my plan. I got out of my EWR-ZUR flight...right away i go out and the lady says i miss the flight, she says it rudely and I am a bit annoyed and she tells me this as I am running out hoping to catch it and then when I say what should i do next she replies saying that maybe if i wasn't running i would've heard her. I say are you kidding me, do you not get i am frustrated and trying to just make a close flight, she makes a bad face and turns to the next passenger...I don't know if its because I am young and not dressed well, but for a first class ticket...not the type you would be welcome too

well I goto the transit desk...no one is apologetic and more so apathetic. They just point fingers elsewhere say here is your option, take it or leave it
so instead of the first class 3 cabin direct I paid for on swiss and united. I gooto istanbul in a business class that is simialr to an economy seat and now am waiting to go to another connection. Worst part is, I get to dar es salam a day late, miss my only meeting there, paid for a hotel which i will lose a lot of money on, and I have to goto zanzibar now anyway which they refused to root me t oo. They just did not want to deal with me and I Was as polite as can be. I am nottoo sensitive of a passenger, but I can honestly say I felt insulted and like a worthless passneger from the way they treated me and bounced me around, the attitude made all the difference.
Ultimately i am powerless, this is the 2nd issue I had with united(I booked a first class with them in march and the swiss air leg from cairo-zurich switched planes bc of an issue on their schedule so i paid for a first class fare 3 cabin, once again i got the same 2 cabin economy like business) and united was unapologetic and pointing fingers at swiss air.
I was with continental for a while and was previously a platinum there. I am sodisapointed they don't even reply to my email complains and I don't know who to talk to.
thanks for letting me vent and i figure if anyone knows what to do or how to handle this situation its you guys.

thanks in advance
Bad luck with the Connection, but there's not a lot LX can do with a 45 minute connection when you have a 45 minute delay arriving into ZRH.
The fact it was a redemption Ticket may have somewhat limited the rebooking/rerouting clauses.

Had a 53 minute connection yesterday. I made it along with 1/2 checked bags :rolleyes:

Bad luck with the Connection, but there's not a lot LX can do with a 45 minute connection when you have a 45 minute delay arriving into ZRH.
The fact it was a redemption Ticket may have somewhat limited the rebooking/rerouting clauses.

WAs not just that, I understand issues happen with a tight schedule, but the attitude and service i received afterward was down right a slap in the face. From being ignored, just having a take it or leave it attitude that seemedl ike they felt they were doing me a favor just by talking to the m
get this, right now i am stiill in tanzania airport bc my bags never came through. I have been in transit for 2 days, no apologies, nothing, just people saying it wasn't my fault. Paid for a first class 3 cabin fare, ended up on a business for 3 bad connections on a flgiht that was just as good as economy on the regional turkish airlines flights. Missed my meetings pand purpose of trip. They wouldn't reissue me to zanzibar and didn't give it a thought so i lost hotel moeny, missed my meeting, had to rebook a flight to zanzibar and on top of that...they lost my bag so here i am still in the airport

just a disgrace of a trip if I have ever seen one

Just did a 45 minute connection GVA-ZRH-SIN with the GVA-ZRH plane being parked at an apron stand (so bus). Fortunately a separate bus for C pax, so left the stand fairly quickly.
The biggest delay was at passport control. That seemed to be very slow, with every single passport/id-card being scanned, so about 30 seconds per pax (even the CH/EU line). I guess I was there 3 to 4 minutes, but it's the first time I've had a wait of any kind there.
A Heidi train pulled into the platform just as I got to it, but they seemed to be cycling them at 3 minute intervals.
Total time from touchdown to departure gate was about 25 minutes.

Just want to confirm with the regulars if 50 mins is enough for BOS-ZRH (LX) - SIN (SQ)?

Just want to confirm with the regulars if 50 mins is enough for BOS-ZRH (LX) - SIN (SQ)?

If flights are on time you can make it. Both flights leave from the E gates. But the longer the delay of your inbound the more risky.
On separate tickets i would not try.

On the same tickt you could, since the SQ flights leaves pretty early. There are several connections later in the day from ZRH via BKK, DOH, FRA etc.

I will arrive with LX in ZRH from GVA, in C and continue with LX in F to EWR. Connection time is short with 40min.
Can I expect any transfer or service re. my continuing flight with LX in F? I'm LX SEN if that helps.

thanks

If flights are on time you can make it. Both flights leave from the E gates. But the longer the delay of your inbound the more risky.
On separate tickets i would not try.

On the same tickt you could, since the SQ flights leaves pretty early. There are several connections later in the day from ZRH via BKK, DOH, FRA etc.

Thanks.

I will arrive with LX in ZRH from GVA, in C and continue with LX in F to EWR. Connection time is short with 40min.
Can I expect any transfer or service re. my continuing flight with LX in F? I'm LX SEN if that helps.

thanks
LX has special transfer arrangements for F pax between GVA and ZRH. They also provide direct limousine transfer for F pax with less than 40 min transit time in ZRH.

http://www.lufthansa.com/online/portal/lh/de/info_and_services/at_the_airport?nodeid=3282115&l=en&cid=18002#ancAbT3

If your incoming flight is late or arrives at a non-gate position, you are likely to be collected and driven to your connecting flight (via passport control). However if your flight arrives at a gate on time, you may have to make your own way to the FCL or Dock E.

LX has special transfer arrangements for F pax between GVA and ZRH. They also provide direct limousine transfer for F pax with less than 40 min transit time in ZRH.

http://www.lufthansa.com/online/portal/lh/de/info_and_services/at_the_airport?nodeid=3282115&l=en&cid=18002#ancAbT3

If your incoming flight is late or arrives at a non-gate position, you are likely to be collected and driven to your connecting flight (via passport control). However if your flight arrives at a gate on time, you may have to make your own way to the FCL or Dock E.
Thanks Gentleman,
I was not sure about this procedure, but you just confirmed it. ^

This is a very useful thread. I'm a little surprised there aren't more posts with other experiences. I'm helping a friend and his wife on an award ticket for USA-ZRH-CDG and thinking that 55 minutes is just pushing it since they are checking bags. Yes, chances are they would make it, but why start out your vacation worried about a connection in a new airport (for them)?

This is a very useful thread. I'm a little surprised there aren't more posts with other experiences. I'm helping a friend and his wife on an award ticket for USA-ZRH-CDG and thinking that 55 minutes is just pushing it since they are checking bags. Yes, chances are they would make it, but why start out your vacation worried about a connection in a new airport (for them)?
Which airline are they flying ZRH-CDG? They should be able to check their bags through to CDG so they only need to clear security and passport control. Their route should be: arrive in E, clear transfer security, ride Skymetro train to the main terminal, clear passport control and go to the departure gate in A or B (usually A assuming they are flying LX).

Have you looked at the ZRH transfer guide (http://www.miles-and-more.com/mediapool/pdf/40/media_1059940.pdf)? Flights from the US often arrive early.

Which airline are they flying ZRH-CDG? They should be able to check their bags through to CDG so they only need to clear security and passport control. Their route should be: arrive in E, clear transfer security, ride Skymetro train to the main terminal, clear passport control and go to the departure gate in A or B (usually A assuming they are flying LX).

Have you looked at the ZRH transfer guide (http://www.miles-and-more.com/mediapool/pdf/40/media_1059940.pdf)? Flights from the US often arrive early.

They are arriving on LX from SFO and then LX again into CDG. They ended up choosing the shorter, one hour connection because even if they are late and miss that the next flight is 2.5 hrs later. They should be fine.

They are arriving on LX from SFO and then LX again into CDG. They ended up choosing the shorter, one hour connection because even if they are late and miss that the next flight is 2.5 hrs later. They should be fine.
I wouldn't recommend booking a European shorthaul to longhaul transfer with one hour connection when the next flight is not until the following day but from a longhaul to a shorthaul shouldn't be a problem as there are later flights on the same day.

Hi Folks,

Quick question , booking a flight lhr-zrh zrh-nbo, and the connection time seems to be 45 min. Is that enough time to make connection for myself and my bags?

Flying Swiss..

Thanks!

Hi Folks,

Quick question , booking a flight lhr-zrh zrh-nbo, and the connection time seems to be 45 min. Is that enough time to make connection for myself and my bags?

Flying Swiss..

Thanks!
Throretically yes, but LHR Flights are frequently delayed due to the congestion there... Having said that, the early (6am LX345) Flight you're talking about is almost always on time as it doesn't suffer from knockon delays having overnighted at Heathrow, but with no alternative (direct) Flights to Nairobi until the next day, you're taking a bit of a chance.

Flying Ath-Zrh- Bom 1.30 hrs connecting time should be enough as the bags booked all the way thru and security checked at Athens. Just passport control at ZRH then ??

Flying Ath-Zrh- Bom 1.30 hrs connecting time should be enough as the bags booked all the way thru and security checked at Athens. Just passport control at ZRH then ??
Yes.

on June 29 I will be connecting in ZHR from Milan MXP and continuing to MIA in F (all LX) with 55 min connection time. Is that enough also for checked bags? No extra security for flights to US?
Thanks

There is extra security for flights to the US from ZRH. However, there are many connections that appear to be around an hour and doable.

Frankly, I would try for a bit more time, just in case your inbound flight is delayed.

Very useful thread.

Have an IAD-ZRH-IAD already booked on UA, but might have to do a side trip to Berlin. My ZRH-IAD leg leaves at 11:55, and am considering an Air Berlin flight from TXL scheduled to arrive at ZRH at 10:10. I'm used to FRA, and have never transferred at ZRH, so not sure of a few things.

Does anyone know where the Air Berlin flights arrive (I assume A or B)?

As I won't be able to get my ZRH-IAD boarding pass in TXL, is there any type of UA transfer desk that will save me from having to exit to the check in counter?

Finally, based on the transfer document and info posted earlier, am I right to assume there shouldn't be any extra security b/c it's a US-bound flight?

Thanks all

55 minutes is no problem at ZRH. You'll arrive in A and leave from E meaning you'll have to take the Heidi train.

Note, there is NO special security anymore for US bound flights at ZRH!

Thank you!:)

Normally, AB flights get in at B, the time to get to E should be no more than 15 mins (there is a passport checkpoint along the way, but I never waited more than 5 mins.

As far as I know, there is no UA desk inside the secure area, but will you not be able to get the BP via OLCI?

If you are in C or F, going out to check in and then going back in should take no longer than 15 mins.

I am not sure which ground handler UA has on contract at ZRH, but you might be able to try at the transfer desks. There is one at the base of the B pier and one at the base of the A pier, as well as a few at E, I am not sure however if they can handle UA.

Securitywise, you should be OK. I had flights out of ZRH to SFO, PHL and ORD this year and there was no extra security.

Happy flying :)

It's probably best if you just head directly to your departure gate after arrival from TXL, since it'll save you the trouble of an additional security check.

Swissport handles UA flights at ZRH. The transfer desk at the B pier is usually not attended. You have the option of contacting the transfer tesk right by the A Gates, the one in Dock E or heading directly to your UA gate.

I'm not fully familiar with UA's ground processes, but from what I've observed, US carriers usually have a separate desk for transit passengers at the gate.

You'll arrive in A and leave from E meaning you'll have to take the Heidi train.
Or as the OP is flying in F, he could go to the F Lounge and get driven to E Dock rather than having to take the Heidi Train.

Or as the OP is flying in F, he could go to the F Lounge and get driven to E Dock rather than having to take the Heidi Train.

Do you think there will be enough time for this option?

Do you think there will be enough time for this option?

Worth trying. Just go up and ask at reception. Good chance they will take you down to the van straight away... Otherwise they will give you 5 minutes in the lounge.

It works. But I would definitely go to the F lounge and let them drive you to E. There is a separate customs desk too that saves you time. Going on your own to E with the train will lead you through regular customs that might be crowded.

Thanks to all of you for the useful suggestions!!!^

It works. But I would definitely go to the F lounge and let them drive you to E. There is a separate customs desk too that saves you time. Going on your own to E with the train will lead you through regular customs that might be crowded.
Sorry to be picky but what you refer to as customs must be passport control.

We are booked J on LX's 10pm flight out of EWR, into ZHR ...with a 45 min
[booked by LX] layover until ZHR-CPH. I have studied this thread but remain confused. What would be the quickest way for us to proceed in Zurich? Obviously, I am worried about the shortness of this connection. Does Swiss tend to hold flights for connecting pax? Thanks

We are booked J on LX's 10pm flight out of EWR, into ZHR ...with a 45 min
[booked by LX] layover until ZHR-CPH. I have studied this thread but remain confused. What would be the quickest way for us to proceed in Zurich? Obviously, I am worried about the shortness of this connection. Does Swiss tend to hold flights for connecting pax? Thanks

You will arrive in ZRH at Terminal E. Your flight to CPH will depart from Terminal A. So you just need to take the Heidi train from Terminal E to Terminal A.
Indeed, I can often read "connecting passengers" on the screens in ZRH when LX is holding flights for connecting pax.
If you are much too late into ZRH, LX will rebook you.

P.S. Today the flight from EWR was 16 min. earlier in ZRH and the flight to CPH left ZRH 14 min. later.

Sorry to be picky but what you refer to as customs must be passport control.

Sure, you're right. I meant passport control.

PetLUX,

Thank you for that very clear explanation. Paula

PetLUX,

Thank you for that very clear explanation. Paula

I´d like to add that when you come up from the Heidi train, the connecting flights are now through a walkway on the right whereas the bulk of the people will go left to the passport control desk at the hall the escalator/stairs lead to. Those only lead to baggage claim and the exit and you would have to re-enter with the ZRH-originating passengers. If you take the walkway on the right, queues should also be shorter for passport control there as well as security.

It´s easy to just go with the major flow (in my arrivals throughout the may, there were only maybe 10 or so besides me turning right) and I almost missed it the first time I went through the new setup, too.

Flying Schengen-ZRH-NRT with 50 min connection in F.

So I arrive in A and head over to the F lounge. The First lounge is in the same "complex" as the Senator and Business lounge? #2 on this map.
http://www.swiss.com/web/EN/services/airport/Documents/ZRH_Airportmap_Lounges.pdf

Then there is passport control and a shuttle to E gates from the F lounge? If I am very late they might have a vehicle at my arriving flight?

Flying Schengen-ZRH-NRT with 50 min connection in F.

So I arrive in A and head over to the F lounge. The First lounge is in the same "complex" as the Senator and Business lounge? #2 on this map.
http://www.swiss.com/web/EN/services/airport/Documents/ZRH_Airportmap_Lounges.pdf

Then there is passport control and a shuttle to E gates from the F lounge? If I am very late they might have a vehicle at my arriving flight?
The entrance to the FCL (www.flickr.com/photos/26284978@N02/6901836357/) is by the transfer desks (http://www.flickr.com/photos/26284978@N02/6901829649) (#1 on the map).

Someone will escort you downstairs from the FCL to passport control and a shuttle to E gates.

Flying JNB/ZRH/MAD on LH in F/J with a 60 minute connection. Not too worried about making the connection as the JNB/ZRH flight seems to have a very good on-time record and there are flights to MAD later in the day. But perhaps the cognoscenti would be so kind as to help with my personal dilemma?

From what I have read I understand my transfer will involve:
1. Arriving at the E gates
2. Pass through security
3. Take the train to A gates area
4. Go through passport control
5. Board my MAD flight from A, B or D gates

Did I get that right?

Now here's the real crux: I gather that as an arriving F pax I am entitled to use the F lounge. Assuming that time is available (I really just want to nosey around) where in my schedule does that fit in? Will it be a long detour or more or less on my way? And if I actually get into that hallowed sanctum will I be entitled to be ferried by car to my MAD flight?

Many thanks! :)

Flying JNB/ZRH/MAD on LH in F/J with a 60 minute connection. Not too worried about making the connection as the JNB/ZRH flight seems to have a very good on-time record and there are flights to MAD later in the day. But perhaps the cognoscenti would be so kind as to help with my personal dilemma?

From what I have read I understand my transfer will involve:
1. Arriving at the E gates
2. Pass through security
3. Take the train to A gates area
4. Go through passport control
5. Board my MAD flight from A, B or D gates

Did I get that right?

Now here's the real crux: I gather that as an arriving F pax I am entitled to use the F lounge. Assuming that time is available (I really just want to nosey around) where in my schedule does that fit in? Will it be a long detour or more or less on my way? And if I actually get into that hallowed sanctum will I be entitled to be ferried by car to my MAD flight?

Many thanks! :)
All correct except your flight to MAD will depart from an A or B gate. If you want to visit the FCL it will be between 4 and 5. They'll only drive you to the MAD flight if it departs from a remote apron position.

Thanks for that sprinting response, NewbieRunner! ^

Hi, Ive a flight booked on 25th August from Prague arriving in Zurich 16:05 with a 1:10 minute gap before my connecting flight to Birmingham BHX. at 17:15. Im flying with Swiss.

Ive never been to ZRH before and this is my first time making a connecting flight, assuming my flights are on time is the connection time feasible?

Thanks in advance :)

Hi guys. first time here as I have never flew on Swiss.

But when checking for a last minute flight home on united.com from PEK-YYZ, the only Business class award travel available was PEK-ZRH (on LX) and then ZRH-YYZ (on AC), more or less a long way home.

I will have 1hr and 30min to make the connection. From reading here, I figure it should be enough time, so I booked the ticket. But after booking it and reading a bit more about ZRH, I find myself drawn in all the terminal/Schengen/non-Schengen information.

Can anyone tell me if arriving from PEK, which terminal will I be arriving on LX and which terminal will I be departing for AC? :confused:

Furthermore, will I have to clear immigration/custom? If so, does ZRH have priority lines from business class pax? So maybe I can still have time to buy the chocolate I promised my nephew. :D

Any comment is greatly appreciated.

Hi guys. first time here as I have never flew on Swiss.

But when checking for a last minute flight home on united.com from PEK-YYZ, the only Business class award travel available was PEK-ZRH (on LX) and then ZRH-YYZ (on AC), more or less a long way home.

I will have 1hr and 30min to make the connection. From reading here, I figure it should be enough time, so I booked the ticket. But after booking it and reading a bit more about ZRH, I find myself drawn in all the terminal/Schengen/non-Schengen information.

Can anyone tell me if arriving from PEK, which terminal will I be arriving on LX and which terminal will I be departing for AC? :confused:

Furthermore, will I have to clear immigration/custom? If so, does ZRH have priority lines from business class pax? So maybe I can still have time to buy the chocolate I promised my nephew. :D

Any comment is greatly appreciated.
Both your LX flight from PEK and AC flight to YYZ use E terminal/gates. You will need to clear transfer security but there's no need for passport control or customs. 1 hour 30 minutes should be more than enough and you will have time to buy chocolate!

Hi guys. first time here as I have never flew on Swiss.



Enjoy the flight - they´ve got a very nice product in business

Hi, Ive a flight booked on 25th August from Prague arriving in Zurich 16:05 with a 1:10 minute gap before my connecting flight to Birmingham BHX. at 17:15. Im flying with Swiss.

Ive never been to ZRH before and this is my first time making a connecting flight, assuming my flights are on time is the connection time feasible?

Thanks in advance :)
Welcome to FT, avaratoth!

1 hour 10 mins should be fine for this connection. Your flight from PRG will arrive at an A gate, and your flight to BHX will depart from a D gate. From your arrival gate just follow the signs for D gates. The route will take you through passport control but no security.

Both your LX flight from PEK and AC flight to YYZ use E terminal/gates. You will need to clear transfer security but there's no need for passport control or customs. 1 hour 30 minutes should be more than enough and you will have time to buy chocolate!

Thanks! That's great news!!! Well, not so much for my brother as he has been trying to keep the sweets away from his kids! :D

Enjoy the flight - they´ve got a very nice product in business

Thanks. I have been always flying with either United or AC because they are usually the fastest one. But, there's a first for everything and I can't wait to try some Swiss service finesse!

Welcome to FT, avaratoth!

1 hour 10 mins should be fine for this connection. Your flight from PRG will arrive at an A gate, and your flight to BHX will depart from a D gate. From your arrival gate just follow the signs for D gates. The route will take you through passport control but no security.

Thanks very much for your help - you've certainly put my mind at rest :D

Hi guys. first time here as I have never flew on Swiss.

But when checking for a last minute flight home on united.com from PEK-YYZ, the only Business class award travel available was PEK-ZRH (on LX) and then ZRH-YYZ (on AC), more or less a long way home.

I will have 1hr and 30min to make the connection. From reading here, I figure it should be enough time, so I booked the ticket. But after booking it and reading a bit more about ZRH, I find myself drawn in all the terminal/Schengen/non-Schengen information.

Can anyone tell me if arriving from PEK, which terminal will I be arriving on LX and which terminal will I be departing for AC? :confused:

Furthermore, will I have to clear immigration/custom? If so, does ZRH have priority lines from business class pax? So maybe I can still have time to buy the chocolate I promised my nephew. :D

Any comment is greatly appreciated.

You will be absolutely fine and as you are in transit without entering a Schengen country there is no passport control nor customs.

You will both arrive and depart from Terminal E.

90 minutes will give you some time also at the Panorama Lounge which you can access due to your business class ticket and which is located on the top floor of Terminal E

NRT-ZRH-ARN (Stockholm) with 45 minute connection. I did the reverse (50 min) with no problem and the flight was 10 min late. However, here I have to go through security? If I understand the new system correctly an "approved" country allows connecting in Europe without security. So USA-ZRH-XXX does not require security in ZRH. What about Japan?

NRT-ZRH-ARN (Stockholm) with 45 minute connection. I did the reverse (50 min) with no problem and the flight was 10 min late. However, here I have to go through security? If I understand the new system correctly an "approved" country allows connecting in Europe without security. So USA-ZRH-XXX does not require security in ZRH. What about Japan?
Japan isn't one of the approved "safe" countries, so you will have to clear security before boarding Heidi's train. You will also go through passport control on arrival in Pier A.

In my experience (admittedly only once) arrivals from the US cannot escape transit security either unless the flight arrives at a D gate.

I just wanted to chime in my recent experience. 50 mins was enough to transit for me but not for my bags.

I just wanted to chime in my recent experience. 50 mins was enough to transit for me but not for my bags.

Did you arrive and depart from E?

Anyone else have data points on this? I have a 45 minute connection EWR(UA)-ZRH(LX)-NBO and as I'm headed to JRO to climb Kilimanjaro I'd hate to lose my luggage.

David

Did you arrive and depart from E?

Anyone else have data points on this? I have a 45 minute connection EWR(UA)-ZRH(LX)-NBO and as I'm headed to JRO to climb Kilimanjaro I'd hate to lose my luggage.

David

45 minutes should be fine, also for luggage, but things can occasionally go wrong, with any airline or any airport. Therefore, as always, bring critical ie non-replaceable items on board. Bring your hiking/climbing boots as hand baggage or wear them on the plane...

OT: I saw someone wearing full skiing gear on a flight to GVA last winter. He did take his helmet, goggles and ski boots off when on board!

Welcome to FT, avaratoth!

1 hour 10 mins should be fine for this connection. Your flight from PRG will arrive at an A gate, and your flight to BHX will depart from a D gate.

Yes, thats true for 99.99% of the flights so the OP will be fine!

Just out of curiosity: my flights from the UK to ZRH all arrived at the D-Gates. Well, with the exception of my flight from LHR last weekend when much to my surprise the A319 docked at the far end of the E-Gates opposite SQ's A380.

Does anyone know why they have an LX flight from Heathrow dock at that terminal rather than at B/D?

Does anyone know why they have an LX flight from Heathrow dock at that terminal rather than at B/D?

Hard to say, but it's been done in the past, when the inbound flight is running late and is carrying several transfer passengers with a long-haul flight departing from E. The times I've seen it happen it was with one of the evening LHR or MAN arrivals.

Hard to say, but it's been done in the past, when the inbound flight is running late and is carrying several transfer passengers with a long-haul flight departing from E.

Ah, that makes sense. There were loads of pax to Nairobi etc and they were on a short connection.

Thx!

Hard to say, but it's been done in the past, when the inbound flight is running late and is carrying several transfer passengers with a long-haul flight departing from E. The times I've seen it happen it was with one of the evening LHR or MAN arrivals.
I've never seen this happen but it makes perfect sense. It's good to know ZRH is more flexible than FRA, although I have seen MAN arrivals dock at lower C gates when there are many passengers connecting from upper C gates. One advantage of the UK not being a Schengen country. :p

I've never seen this happen but it makes perfect sense. It's good to know ZRH is more flexible than FRA, although I have seen MAN arrivals dock at lower C gates when there are many passengers connecting from upper C gates. One advantage of the UK not being a Schengen country. :p
While I've been on a delayed LX327 from LHR that parked at an E gate a year or two ago, I didn't think that would have been quite as likely for an arrival at the same time as the SQ 380 was at ZRH (ie between 8 am and 11:45) - as if nothing else knockon delays to departing L/H Flights would have been eased by not having to worry about the Curfew about to kickin (LX327 is scheduled to arrive at 21:25, but had been delayed an hour in Heathrow due to a Thunderstorm on this occasion), but also because for a late arrival such as that, the A321 that I'd arrived on obviously wasn't needed for any more Flights that night, meaning he ground Crew had all night to reposition it to the appropriate Gate for it's next Flight, whereas arriving from BHX, the Aircraft would presumably have been needed to be towed pretty quick over to A/B Pier for it's next Departure.

Having read this thread carefully I have to admit I am not 100% confident that I know exactly what to expect transferring at ZRH. Especially regarding passport control, security checks from/to USA and the most efficient way to transfer on an LX F ticket.

This is what I've deciphered. Please correct me where I am wrong.

ARRIVING from USA connecting to Schengen:
ORD-ZRH in LX F with 2hr connection to LYS in LX C

arrive Term E take Heidi train for connections to Term A
exiting train take walkway to the RIGHT for connections and passport control only (?no security if arriving from USA?)
proceed to nearby LX FCL in Term A to wait for next flight
car/limo bus transfer from FCL to LYS flight if apron departure (likely)


DEPARTING from Schengen connecting to USA:
LYS-ZRH in LX C, with ONLY 1 hr connection to ORD in LX F

arrive Term A, bus or walk to terminal and FCL
time permitting, very quick stop at FCL
if no time, car/limo bus from FCL will take me directly to E
passport control on the way to E, no security
board through F/C lane at gate in Term E
if LYS flight is late then may get car directly to E


Questions:

No security check arriving from USA into Schengen, or departing from Schengen connecting airport to USA?
Arriving from LYS at ZRH is likely an apron location - expect and wait for the F/C limo bus or faster just to walk to Term A? It's a tight 1 hr connection.
Does LX find you in the FCL when it's time to depart to your next flight by car/bus?


Many thanks to NewbieRunner and others on this thread. Especially for tolerating recurring and long questions like this one!

[QUOTE=PittDoc;19075900]
Questions:

No security check arriving from USA into Schengen, or departing from Schengen connecting airport to USA?


See my post #32, up-thread.

Even though my example in that post was on UA from IAD, the LX flights from ORD also seem to usually arrive Dock E with the same protocol. While Zurich Airport ostensibly classifies USA as a one-stop security arrival (i.e. no need to undergo additional security during transfer), in reality they are only utilizing this capacity when flights arrive at dock D. On USA flights arriving dock E you will still pass security before going down to the Heidi train. Coming up from the train at Main Terminal, you will pass through Schengen Passport Control on your way to the FCL.

Unless things have changed.....:)

Even though my example in that post was on UA from IAD, the LX flights from ORD also seem to usually arrive Dock E with the same protocol. While Zurich Airport ostensibly classifies USA as a one-stop security arrival (i.e. no need to undergo additional security during transfer), in reality they are only utilizing this capacity when flights arrive at dock D. On USA flights arriving dock E you will still pass security before going down to the Heidi train. Coming up from the train at Main Terminal, you will pass through Schengen Passport Control on your way to the FCL.
That was exactly my experience arrving on LX from ORD in April.

Now to PittDoc's other questions...

Arriving from LYS at ZRH is likely an apron location - expect and wait for the F/C limo bus or faster just to walk to Term A? It's a tight 1 hr connection.
If you arrive in C, you'll be taken to the terminal on a special Business Class bus. You cannot walk from an apron position to the terminal.

Does LX find you in the FCL when it's time to depart to your next flight by car/bus?
They'll tell you what time to return to the reception for a car ride but won't come to find you.

I am looking for some help on how to deal with some upcoming travel through ZRH. I am currently living about an hour outside of ZRH. I will be traveling from Southeast Asia, last leg BBK to ZRH on Dec 24 and arriving at 6:50am. I am then trying to get to EWR for Christmas and ideally would like to get on United’s 10:20 direct to EWR that same day. From what I’ve read from this thread it seems in most cases 3 hours would be enough time to transfer.

However, I think my plans are a little more complex for two reasons.

1. My BBK to ZRH is the last leg of a United award travel I have already booked and the ZRH to EWR will be a completely separate reservation that will be booked by my employer. So I’m assuming I will need to claim my backs in ZRH and then start the check in process again. So I’m a little worried about how much time this will take.

2. Since it will be quite warm in Southeast Asia in December and quite cold in New York I will need two suitcases, one with warm clothes the other with cold clothes. This is not a problem for my Southeast Asia trip as I am in Business and can just take the second suitcase. However ZRH to EWR will be coach and I would prefer to only check 1 bag. (I might return with a second bag from EWR, so I want to make sure I only start with one). I know there is luggage storage in ZRH and was considering storing a bag before I leave for EWR.


So given the likely need to claim my bags in ZRH and the need to get one back stored in ZRH before I leave on my connection, would 3 hours be enough?

There are not too much other flight options that day that don’t involve at least one connection, and since I’ll have been traveling for 15 hours at that point, I would really prefer the direct flight. If all else fails I can go home for the night and look to travel the next day, but I would rather get back to the States for Christmas Eve if possible.

Any advice and guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Welcome to FlyerTalk, ZRHexPat

I assume with BBK you do mean Bangkok, IATA Code is BKK.

You'll be able to interline your baggage from BKK to EWR, even when on two tickets. You'll have to provide the agent in BKK with your details from the second flight - he/she should be able to check it through.

The luggage storage at ZRH airport - the one in the train station, which you probably mean - is intended for storage only up to 24 hours.

So, check one luggage through to EWR, and the other one just to ZRH. This should be entirely possible.

Given you've 3 hours 30 minutes, and about 1 hour home (if I understood that correctly) you should be able to bring the luggage you don't want to bring to EWR home, do a turnaround, and still make the 10.20am connection.

Will you take a train? Then, check timetable on www.sbb.ch - otherwise, with a car you'll be more flexible (Should be fine with traffic on 24.12.)

If, for whatever reason, the agent can't check through one baggage, and check the other one just to ZRH (Should be definitely possible, but we all know BKK :D ) - then have both luggages checked to ZRH only, pick them up, about that time it will be 7.20am, and the United checkin - 3 hours before flight time - will just be opened, drop the one luggage there, then head home do drop the other one.

I would not worry too much - make sure to check the SBB timetable (or car/other transport) beforehand, but it should just about work..

Sorry about the Typo, I did mean BKK.

That is good to know that I can try and check the bag straight through to EWR even when traveling on two tickets.

I don’t think I would have enough time to get home and back as it would have to be by train, so that was why I was looking to store the bag.

I was actually looking at leaving it at the attended left luggage office (http://www.zurich-airport.com/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-157/), (found via some other posts, http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/swiss-international-airlines/1084191-zrh-luggage-storage.html) It says it is near car park pay station 2 and it says you can store up to 3 months.

So I guess I would plan to collect the 1 or 2 bags, depending on how successful I am at checking through. Then clear customs in ZRH, drop one back off near P2 and then get over to the United Check in Counter to check the bag I’m taking (if necessary).

Does anyone see any problems with this plan?

Sorry about the Typo, I did mean BKK.

That is good to know that I can try and check the bag straight through to EWR even when traveling on two tickets.

I don’t think I would have enough time to get home and back as it would have to be by train, so that was why I was looking to store the bag.

I was actually looking at leaving it at the attended left luggage office (http://www.zurich-airport.com/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-157/), (found via some other posts, http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/swiss-international-airlines/1084191-zrh-luggage-storage.html) It says it is near car park pay station 2 and it says you can store up to 3 months.

So I guess I would plan to collect the 1 or 2 bags, depending on how successful I am at checking through. Then clear customs in ZRH, drop one back off near P2 and then get over to the United Check in Counter to check the bag I’m taking (if necessary).

Does anyone see any problems with this plan?

Your plan seems fine then - didn't know about the attended left luggage facility (well, as I'm living about 30min away from the airport, I never needed it so far)

However, just keep in mind it will not be too cheap - 12 CHF for the first day and 7 CHF for every additional day (Only becoming cheaper after 15th day)

So, depending on how long you'll be in EWR, it will be about 54 CHF (7 days) to 103 CHF (14 days)

I've got Schengen-ZRH-BKK coming up next week, arriving ZRH on LX C and departing ZRH on TG F, 90 mins connection time if all goes well.. Do I have time enough to visit the lounge? Will I have to make my own way to the E terminal

I've got Schengen-ZRH-BKK coming up next week, arriving ZRH on LX C and departing ZRH on TG F, 90 mins connection time if all goes well.. Do I have time enough to visit the lounge? Will I have to make my own way to the E terminal

If your incoming flight is on time, yes, you do have enough time.

Your *A F ticket will allow you to visit the *A F lounge, which happens to be the mediocre SEN lounge in the A terminal, or the contract lounge in the E terminal. No transfer for TG F pax. As you'll getting much better food in F then in the SEN lounge anyway, I would just heading straight towards the E gates, and wait there in the lounge for your boarding to begin.

Arriving from JFK at 1045 AM, have a train leaving from the airport train station at 1:13. I think I have more than enough time to make it, but just want to confirm with you all (esp since I'm arriving from a non-EU city, might be heftier immigration lines?)

Arriving from JFK at 1045 AM, have a train leaving from the airport train station at 1:13. I think I have more than enough time to make it, but just want to confirm with you all (esp since I'm arriving from a non-EU city, might be heftier immigration lines?)

That will be more than enough time. If you're flying in Business/First class, or holding FTL/SEN/HON status, you'll be able to enjoy the new Swiss arrival lounge (outside customs) which is open till 12.30am

That will be more than enough time. If you're flying in Business/First class, or holding FTL/SEN/HON status, you'll be able to enjoy the new Swiss arrival lounge (outside customs) which is open till 12.30am

Thanks! Flying in business, so will do.

Incidentally, train arrives into Zurich HB at 1:23, and I have to catch the TGV leaving at 1:34 to Paris. Tight connection? I've been through the HB before and 11 minutes seems like plenty of time, but I'm not so good with time!

Incidentally, train arrives into Zurich HB at 1:23, and I have to catch the TGV leaving at 1:34 to Paris. Tight connection? I've been through the HB before and 11 minutes seems like plenty of time, but I'm not so good with time!
The 1:13pm Train is scheduled to arrive at HB Platform 15, and the 1:34pm TGV leaves from Platform 17. (Maybe you should doublecheck that with your dates at www.rail.ch, go to 'timetable', from Zurich Airport to Paris, then click 'show all details' of the connection you want to make, and it'll display the scheduled Platforms for the whole trip)

It should be plenty of time, provided you're towards the front of the Train from the Airport - with the TGV's reserved Seating, it can be a longish walk to the correct Carriage.
But - why not take an earlier Train to HB from the Airport, there's one every 10 minutes or so. A leisurly stroll down to the Train Station when the Arrivals Lounge closes, and you could catch say the 12:43 or 12:47 Trains, allowing yourself over half an hour to make your connection at HB and settle into the TGV with less stress.

The 1:13pm Train is scheduled to arrive at HB Platform 15, and the 1:34pm TGV leaves from Platform 17. (Maybe you should doublecheck that with your dates at www.rail.ch, go to 'timetable', from Zurich Airport to Paris, then click 'show all details' of the connection you want to make, and it'll display the scheduled Platforms for the whole trip)

It should be plenty of time, provided you're towards the front of the Train from the Airport - with the TGV's reserved Seating, it can be a longish walk to the correct Carriage.
But - why not take an earlier Train to HB from the Airport, there's one every 10 minutes or so. A leisurly stroll down to the Train Station when the Arrivals Lounge closes, and you could catch say the 12:43 or 12:47 Trains, allowing yourself over half an hour to make your connection at HB and settle into the TGV with less stress.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll probably do that.

I am looking at booking IAD-ZRH-IST with a 1h 25m connection in ZRH.. UA to LX.

IST is not part of the EU, so I'd be completely non-Schengen, correct? So no immigration and customs in ZRH? Just a security check of hand-luggage?

Also, will UA issue my LX BP for ZRH-IST? Or must I visit the transfer desk in ZRH?

[QUOTE=warreng24;19118457]I am looking at booking IAD-ZRH-IST with a 1h 25m connection in ZRH.. UA to LX.

Not a problem. Forget what I wrote before, I misread your post.

I am looking at booking IAD-ZRH-IST with a 1h 25m connection in ZRH.. UA to LX.

IST is not part of the EU, so I'd be completely non-Schengen, correct? So no immigration and customs in ZRH? Just a security check of hand-luggage?

Also, will UA issue my LX BP for ZRH-IST? Or must I visit the transfer desk in ZRH?

Hi warreng24,

If everything is on the same ticket I do not think you have to worry. In such a case very likely you will get all your BP at check-in.

1h25' in ZRH are more than enough, even if you have to change terminals with the underground train.

I am flying this week from USA to BCN via ZRH(so having to go through passport control and a guaranteed change of terminal), with a 45' transfer, and I still believe it will be OK(not so sure about the bags though)

Hi,
I will be arriving in ZRH on LX975 in Y ETA 10:55 am for a connecting flight on SQ345 in C (ETD 11:45 am). No check-in luggage. Looking at the transfer info on ZRH website, it seems LX975 arrives in A/B and SQ departs from E. Can I make it for my connecting flight? Thanks.

Hi,
I will be arriving in ZRH on LX975 in Y ETA 10:55 am for a connecting flight on SQ345 in C (ETD 11:45 am). No check-in luggage. Looking at the transfer info on ZRH website, it seems LX975 arrives in A/B and SQ departs from E. Can I make it for my connecting flight? Thanks.

Assuming your incoming flight is one time, you can make it easily. Just follow the signs "Transit, e gates", you'll have to exit Schengen in ZRH in the main terminal before hopping into the Heidi train to the E gates. If you're arriving early and your flight to Singapore hasn't been boarding yet (probably it will be boarding, the A380 starts quite early) then feel free to visit the Panorama lounge in the E gates.

Assuming your incoming flight is one time, you can make it easily. Just follow the signs "Transit, e gates", you'll have to exit Schengen in ZRH in the main terminal before hopping into the Heidi train to the E gates. If you're arriving early and your flight to Singapore hasn't been boarding yet (probably it will be boarding, the A380 starts quite early) then feel free to visit the Panorama lounge in the E gates.

Thanks, YuropFlyer. :)

Is a 40 min connection possible for the following LX flights?

ARN (Schengen?) >>> ZRH >>> HKG

From what I'm gathering so far, it sounds like arrival may be at Dock A/B and then departure at Dock E. The pax traveling (not me) likely will not be checking luggage. It seems that there won't be a security check, but there will be passport control. Connection between docks is by train.

I haven't traveled much in Europe so I'm not familiar with the Schengen policies, or ZRH for that matter. Thanks!

Is a 40 min connection possible for the following LX flights?

ARN (Schengen?) >>> ZRH >>> HKG

From what I'm gathering so far, it sounds like arrival may be at Dock A/B and then departure at Dock E. The pax traveling (not me) likely will not be checking luggage. It seems that there won't be a security check, but there will be passport control. Connection between docks is by train.

I haven't traveled much in Europe so I'm not familiar with the Schengen policies, or ZRH for that matter. Thanks!
They seem to sell this connection (LX1255 > LX138) on swiss.com so it must be legal but I wouldn't like to risk it myself.

Is a 40 min connection possible for the following LX flights?

ARN (Schengen?) >>> ZRH >>> HKG

From what I'm gathering so far, it sounds like arrival may be at Dock A/B and then departure at Dock E. The pax traveling (not me) likely will not be checking luggage. It seems that there won't be a security check, but there will be passport control. Connection between docks is by train.

I haven't traveled much in Europe so I'm not familiar with the Schengen policies, or ZRH for that matter. Thanks!

It's legal, it's possible, and unless the arriving flight is more than 15min late, you should be fine if you're experienced at travelling airports..

However... it's a very late evening flight. LX might be less interested in holding the flight to HKG should your incoming flight be late. Usually the later the day is, the more the European flights tend to have a chance of delay. And while ARN certainly is good at deicing, no every European airport is so good at it, and if the schedule goes crazy, your plane might have been to other airports before where it caught some delay...

I would book this only if arriving a day later in HKG won't kill your schedule..

This itin has been reserved, but not booked yet, and will be for end of November. I'm sure that ice may come into play at ARN at that time of the year. The pax will be in J but is trying to get an earlier flight ex-ARN instead of this current one, but that flight seems to increase in cost with some significance.

I don't like 40 min connections in any airport!

This itin has been reserved, but not booked yet, and will be for end of November. I'm sure that ice may come into play at ARN at that time of the year. The pax will be in J but is trying to get an earlier flight ex-ARN instead of this current one, but that flight seems to increase in cost with some significance.

I don't like 40 min connections in any airport!

Ask your T.A. to contact their rep at Swiss. 40 minute connection while it may be legal especially with HKG and only one flight a day has significant risk of missing flight 1 and then be at risk to also miss flight 2!

Ask your T.A. to contact their rep at Swiss. 40 minute connection while it may be legal especially with HKG and only one flight a day has significant risk of missing flight 1 and then be at risk to also miss flight 2!yes - i've related this back to the person traveling on the itin that even the ZRH experts don't like it! the earlier flight was selected originally, but the company travel dept went ahead and reserved this one because it was cheaper.

yes - i've related this back to the person traveling on the itin that even the ZRH experts don't like it! the earlier flight was selected originally, but the company travel dept went ahead and reserved this one because it was cheaper.

Get the company travel department to contact their travel agent or their direct agent contact at LX and see if they will switch to the earlier flight at the correct price. Alternatively advise the person travelling that they may need to be prepared to shift their entire work agenda as the probability of arriving 1 day late in HK is a bit hire than zero.

Get the company travel department to contact their travel agent or their direct agent contact at LX and see if they will switch to the earlier flight at the correct price. Alternatively advise the person travelling that they may need to be prepared to shift their entire work agenda as the probability of arriving 1 day late in HK is a bit hire than zero.this will be on a Thursday evening already so Friday is already forgone regardless. my understanding the agent has some special rate too which is only applicable to the later routing. i agree that those will be additional expenses in event of misconnect. anyway, my GF (the pax) is dealing with the travel staff - company pref. is CX and their J fare is way higher than the LX J fares when she was researching so she's saving the company on travel regardless which of these LX itins she ultimately gets booked on.

this will be on a Thursday evening already so Friday is already forgone regardless. my understanding the agent has some special rate too which is only applicable to the later routing. i agree that those will be additional expenses in event of misconnect. anyway, my GF (the pax) is dealing with the travel staff - company pref. is CX and their J fare is way higher than the LX J fares when she was researching so she's saving the company on travel regardless which of these LX itins she ultimately gets booked on.

Well, then if it's just a day less of free time/weekend time before the actual work does start, I would book the tight connection happily, just make sure that the first night in HKG is fully refundable if cancelled before 6pm - so, should the flight to HKG be missed, the hotel may be cancelled free of charge for the first night, and instead a nice sleep and day in ZRH being enjoyed, paid by LX ;)

Well, then if it's just a day less of free time/weekend time before the actual work does start, I would book the tight connection happily, just make sure that the first night in HKG is fully refundable if cancelled before 6pm - so, should the flight to HKG be missed, the hotel may be cancelled free of charge for the first night, and instead a nice sleep and day in ZRH being enjoyed, paid by LX ;)she's based in HKG, so she'll be going home. but definitely another way of looking at it!

okay, 40 min connection not necessary now. earlier flight ex-ARN now reserved. thanks all!

I am flying tonight on LX19 from EWR. I have a very short connection (45 min) to LX 1018 to DUS. Biz class on a Z fare (I think). Did manage to reserve 5K... Hopefully that sticks!

Question - how likely are they to hold LX1018 for me? Is LX19 typically arrive on time or late?

Will LX automatically put me on the next avail flight to DUS if I miss the connection?

TIA

Tony

They are unlikely to hold LX1018 for you if your incoming flight is late but provided you are travelling on one ticket they'll put you on the next available flight which might be LH.

BTW 5K is a good seat, I might even prefer 5K/7K to the coveted 4A/6A.

Several years ago I had to undergo a security check then passport control when I took a minibus from the LX F lounge to E, then had to go through security check again at E. What is the story now?

Several years ago I had to undergo a security check then passport control when I took a minibus from the LX F lounge to E, then had to go through security check again at E. What is the story now?
The FCL is in behind security now. You only need to go through passport control downstairs before boarding a minibus. No further security check when you arrive in E.

Thanks!

Update - Arrived on-time from LX19, and was easily able to make it to LX1018. Even had time enough to stop in the lounge for a coffee and water! Will get to spend more time in the lounge next week on my way back to the US, though I might just end up in the Tower lounge since I will be coming in from Ireland (LX401) and have about 3.0 hours till LX18.

Update - Arrived on-time from LX19, and was easily able to make it to LX1018. Even had time enough to stop in the lounge for a coffee and water! Will get to spend more time in the lounge next week on my way back to the US, though I might just end up in the Tower lounge since I will be coming in from Ireland (LX401) and have about 3.0 hours till LX18.

Where does LX401 arrive? In the A gates? If I wish to do a little shopping before heading to the lounge, which area is recommended for Duty free (heading back to US). Should I bother with the lounges in the main terminal or head straight to the E gates? (have 3 hours before LX19).

Cheers

Will get to spend more time in the lounge next week on my way back to the US, though I might just end up in the Tower lounge since I will be coming in from Ireland (LX401) and have about 3.0 hours till LX18.
The Tower Lounge? That's in FRA. :confused:

Where does LX401 arrive? In the A gates? If I wish to do a little shopping before heading to the lounge, which area is recommended for Duty free (heading back to US). Should I bother with the lounges in the main terminal or head straight to the E gates? (have 3 hours before LX19).
Flights from DUB should arrive in D. I don't know if there are many shops in Dock E but if you have 3 hours you'll probably want to go through passport control (but not through customs) and do your shopping in the Schengen area of the airport.

The Tower Lounge? That's in FRA. :confused:


Flights from DUB should arrive in D. I don't know if there are many shops in Dock E but if you have 3 hours you'll probably want to go through passport control (but not through customs) and do your shopping in the Schengen area of the airport.

Thanks - I am confused!!

(I did a bunch of reading since I also had connection in FRA). Is the Lounge in the E dock the Panorama lounge?

So - arrive in D, move to A and do some shopping, visit Business Lounge in A, then go to E dock? Panorama lounge for 30 minutes before flight??

Thanks for all your help!

So - arrive in D, move to A and do some shopping, visit Business Lounge in A, then go to E dock? Panorama lounge for 30 minutes before flight??
Sounds like a plan! There's a lounge in D but it's out of the way and the lounge in A is more convenient if you are going through passport control anyway.

Would be arriving on Lufthansa from MUC switching to Swiss Airlines onward to BOS.

Check this thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/swiss-international-airlines/1313900-50min-enough-transfer-zrh-new-2-2012-zrh-connection-thread.html)

You should be fine assuming no major delay on your MUC-ZRH flight.
Your BOS flight will depart from terminal E, you need to go through passport control and catch an internal train to get there. few minutes should do the trick.

GBM

Just love to connect in ZRH. 2 examples:

STR-ZRH-VIE in 2011 when there was still security for intra-Schengen transfer.
Flight out of STR was heavily delayed due to bad weather (thunderstorm) first in STR then in ZRH. Touchdown in ZRH at 4.45 PM. Bus to terminal, security, arriving at gate A84 to VIE "Oh, there you are already Mr. Petzlux!" Entered the aircraft, "boarding completed", door closed and push-back at 5.10 PM.

Recently arriving from NRT, leaving the aircraft, security, passport control, Heidi train and entered the FCL 15 minutes after leaving the A343.

I Have a Connection in December via ZRH and wanted some advice. I have reviewed the two threads from all of the previous posts and did not see anyone who had a similar circumstance. I am flying BOM to ZRH and the ZRH to BRU. I have a 65 minute connection time. It seems as though that should be sufficient, I am just concerned about any additional security coming from India and any hold ups.

Is this a manageable connection?

I Have a Connection in December via ZRH and wanted some advice. I have reviewed the two threads from all of the previous posts and did not see anyone who had a similar circumstance. I am flying BOM to ZRH and the ZRH to BRU. I have a 65 minute connection time. It seems as though that should be sufficient, I am just concerned about any additional security coming from India and any hold ups.

Is this a manageable connection?
As long as your flight arrives on time you will be fine. It doesn't matter if you come from India or Canada. By the time you get to security they don't know where you came from and don't care. As long as you arrive from outside EU you will have to clear security - and passport control as you are entering Schengen.

NewbieRunner

Thanks for the quick reply. That's what I thought, but I just wanted to confirm.

Take care and have a nice day

Hi all.

I've got a pair of flights coming up at an end of a bigger trip, which requires me to go from Barcelona to Zurich, and then onto Birmingham.

Now, if my memory serves, Schengen services arrive/depart from A dock, and that the Non-Schengen European flights operated by Swiss and its affiliates normally go from the back end of the D dock.

Now, the problem:
LX1955 is due to arrive at 16:35
LX424 is due to depart at 17:10

And I know I should had read the ticket better but Swiss allowed me to book the ticket.

My question is simple: Will I able to make that connection?

Thanks.

Did you try looking at this thread http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/swiss-international-airlines/1313900-50min-enough-transfer-zrh-new-2-2012-zrh-connection-thread.html here on the first page of the forum?
Or this one, right below it http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/swiss-international-airlines/1405874-how-i-love-zurich-airport-schengen-non-schengen-transfer-under-10-minutes.html
No searches needed. MCT is 35 mins.

Having done a similar connection (BCN-ZRH-MAN) and many other Schengen-ZRH-UK connections, I wouldn't be comfortable with 40 mins.

A arrival gates to D could be quite a trek especially if the BCN flight arrives at a high A gate. My connection was 40 mins but the flight from BCN arrived 12 mins late (according to flightstats). There was a car waiting for me to drive me via passport control to the MAN flight but it was probably thanks to my status. Others may not have been that lucky.

I wouldn't have booked this connection if it was at the start of a trip but I was going home after a long weekend away and wouldn't have minded if LX had to put me up in a hotel in ZRH. :p (However, it's more likely they would have put me on connecting flights via FRA.)

As you can tell I'm not in love with ZRH like many other posters in this forum. ;) I've often flown through ZRH because of longhaul LX C seats and attractive European LX Z fares which earned 2500 miles per segment. Since the latter reason is no longer valid I'm unlikely to see ZRH as often.

Thanks UAPremExecflyer- wasn't aware of the thread when I tried to search this morning.

NewbieRunner... that's what I wanted (or not wanted) to hear. I'm a SEN for what its worth, so you never know. A dock to D dock is... a fair olde hike.

Lets hope LX1955 is on time or early. Or else I'm going to have to get fit very quick.... Although looking at recent history... I'm not 100% convinced as it seems to be an even it being early, just on time or late.

Oh well - at least this at an end of a trip!!!

Thanks :)

Now, the problem:
LX1955 is due to arrive at 16:35
LX424 is due to depart at 17:10

I had a similar concern for our itinerary in early September, wondering about connecting from LX1955 to the daily flight to BOS, ex ZRH pier E at 17:40 -- again, a "legal" connection but a tight one. My concern was heightened by looking at the on-time performance record of the flight from BCN on FlightAware (http://flightaware.com/live/flight/SWR1955) or FlightStats (http://www.flightstats.com/go/FlightRating/flightRatingByFlight.do?id=280520051&airlineCode=LX&flightNumber=1955).

That particular flight seems to be low on the LX priority list, experiencing equipment substitutions and delays quite often. The recent ZRH arrival experience showing now on FlightAware is somewhat more consistent than I was seeing in the summer, but it's still sufficiently variable that as of today FlightStats reports a 39% on-time record ("very poor") since the beginning of September, and an average 23 minutes' delay.

It's a little difficult to understand the LX scheduling policy here, timing the BCN connection to arrive relatively late in the afternoon connection window then showing indifference to on-time performance. It's the first BCN-ZRH flight after a dawn option, so afternoon passengers ex BCN have no good alternatives. Presumably there are some airport staffing advantages to having the flight depart in close proximity to the BCN-GVA flight, but I suspect those savings must be outweighed by the costs and disaffections of missed ZRH connections.

For what it's worth (~0), we made our (slightly delayed) BOS connection despite a 30 minute departure delay at BCN, but a lot more breathlessly than our ~70 year old bodies like our connections to be. In your case, with only an A>D transfer and quite a number of alternative (albeit one-stop) later connection options to BHX, I'd be inclined to chance it . . . but I recommend researching those alternative connections before you travel.

Molly and I are heading back to the States tomorrow LCY-ZRH-EWR. We only have an hour on the ground to go from non-Schegen D to non-Schengen E. Is this a reasonable connection? We're both in business class, I've heard at Frankfurt sometimes a car or van will be sent for premium passengers on tight connections.

Shouldn't be a problem as long as the LCY flight is not delayed too much. Just don't "fuss around" and go straight to E.

Molly and I are heading back to the States tomorrow LCY-ZRH-EWR. We only have an hour on the ground to go from non-Schegen D to non-Schengen E. Is this a reasonable connection? We're both in business class, I've heard at Frankfurt sometimes a car or van will be sent for premium passengers on tight connections.

No car or van- you still should be fine.

If your flight from LCY arrives at an apron position a mini-bus will take Business Class passengers to the terminal without having to wait for the rest of the passengers. This could often be quicker than walking the length of D Pier from the far end where ex-UK flights usually dock. Just follow the signs for E gates, down to the Skymetro platform and to E. There will be security check after you get off the train.

If your inbound from Barcelona arrives at the new B gates pier and your flight to Boomingham leaves from the D gates then it should be much easier.

Looking for some advice here. I'll be flying PRG-ZRH-WAW on 16/12/2012. LX does not want to ticket an itinerary with 35 minutes of connecting time in ZRH online. The next flight leaves 4,5 hours later. Would you suggest I book a ticket with that 4,5h connecting time and hope to arrive at the gate on time to rebook myself for the earlier flight? Or should I just leave PRG in the afternoon altogether? I will be flying on a D fare with hand luggage only. I will be really grateful for your replies. :)

Hey FTers,

I just did it again - too optimistic about ZRH connection times in winter.

Here's a schedule:
Wed. 30.01.2013 09:40 (WAW) - 11:50 (ZRH) LX 1343
Wed. 30.01.2013 13:05 (ZRH) - 16:25 (SFO) LX 38
Wed. 30.01.2013 21:21 (SFO) - 23:01 (LAS) LX 3280

Technically I have 75mins for a transfer, which should be more than needed from A/B to E. But just looked at a current LX/OLT1343 on-time stats
http://uk.flightaware.com/live/flight/SWR1343

Many of them arrive at 12:00, some of them even at 12:20, which cuts my time down till 45mins. I know, most likely still doable bit I so hate having no buffer. Cheap, inflexible fare so I have what I paid for.

let's see how it goes
mfk

Looking for some advice here. I'll be flying PRG-ZRH-WAW on 16/12/2012. LX does not want to ticket an itinerary with 35 minutes of connecting time in ZRH online. The next flight leaves 4,5 hours later. Would you suggest I book a ticket with that 4,5h connecting time and hope to arrive at the gate on time to rebook myself for the earlier flight? Or should I just leave PRG in the afternoon altogether? I will be flying on a D fare with hand luggage only. I will be really grateful for your replies. :)

4,5 hours is enough time to go into Zurich city for lunch/beer/walk/whatever. If that doesn't interest you, I'd take the later flight out of PRG. 35 minutes may normally be plenty of time, but you don't want to be stuck paying a walkup fare if the inbound is late

Hey FTers,

I just did it again - too optimistic about ZRH connection times in winter.

Here's a schedule:
Wed. 30.01.2013 09:40 (WAW) - 11:50 (ZRH) LX 1343
Wed. 30.01.2013 13:05 (ZRH) - 16:25 (SFO) LX 38
Wed. 30.01.2013 21:21 (SFO) - 23:01 (LAS) LX 3280

Technically I have 75mins for a transfer, which should be more than needed from A/B to E. But just looked at a current LX/OLT1343 on-time stats
http://uk.flightaware.com/live/flight/SWR1343

Many of them arrive at 12:00, some of them even at 12:20, which cuts my time down till 45mins. I know, most likely still doable bit I so hate having no buffer. Cheap, inflexible fare so I have what I paid for.

let's see how it goes
mfk

Cheap/Inflexible doesn't mean that you're out of look if it's all on one ticket (Which I assume so)

If you're missing your flight to SFO, or latter LAS, because of the incoming flight being delayed, Swiss will rebook you onto another connection there.

(And also pay for hotels, meals etc., plus you can grab EU comp. if the delay is too much and wasn't due to one of the reasons that exclude it)

Just make sure, if your flight is delayed a bit but not massively, to rush to the gate your flight will take off. If you're arriving with, say, 40 minutes before your other flight departes, and all other pax are making the connection, you might have to argue with LX a bit why YOU missed it. And no, visiting the lounge doesn't count as a valid reason ;)

Yesterday saw a lot of snowfall in ZRH, but also in other European cities. So basically the whole flights within Europe got delayed.

LX is pretty good at handling delays, last time there was very bad weather (Early November) they simply cut some lunch-flights, and when afternoon and better weather came, all flights were on time again (and people got rebooked quite smoothly.. no queues at all in ZRH at 5pm, when I flow out... and the weather/delays were horrible in the morning till lunchtime)

Cheap/Inflexible doesn't mean that you're out of look if it's all on one ticket (Which I assume so)

If you're missing your flight to SFO, or latter LAS, because of the incoming flight being delayed, Swiss will rebook you onto another connection there.

(And also pay for hotels, meals etc., plus you can grab EU comp. if the delay is too much and wasn't due to one of the reasons that exclude it)

Just make sure, if your flight is delayed a bit but not massively, to rush to the gate your flight will take off. If you're arriving with, say, 40 minutes before your other flight departes, and all other pax are making the connection, you might have to argue with LX a bit why YOU missed it. And no, visiting the lounge doesn't count as a valid reason ;)

Yesterday saw a lot of snowfall in ZRH, but also in other European cities. So basically the whole flights within Europe got delayed.

LX is pretty good at handling delays, last time there was very bad weather (Early November) they simply cut some lunch-flights, and when afternoon and better weather came, all flights were on time again (and people got rebooked quite smoothly.. no queues at all in ZRH at 5pm, when I flow out... and the weather/delays were horrible in the morning till lunchtime)

Ditto, aware how efficient Swiss is despite one terrible experience in C & *G which ended up with nice miles transfer from LX.

best!
mfk

what would you say of a 55 minutes transfer such as:
Arriving at Dock E - shower at Lounge dock A - Boarding at dock A (GVA) ?

Am I too optimistic ? If traveling on C, security and passport should be fast...

what would you say of a 55 minutes transfer such as:
Arriving at Dock E - shower at Lounge dock A - Boarding at dock A (GVA) ?

Am I too optimistic ? If traveling on C, security and passport should be fast...

This is VERY optimistic indeed.

Depending on how many flights just arrived, it might be you've to wait a bit, especially at passport control (Schengen immigration) - and even security might take a little bit time.

And showers in the Main LX lounge can sometimes be full (only 2 showers)

It might be very possibly faster to actually follow the signs that say "Exit Zurich" (only Immigration, no security this way!) - and once landside, head there directly to the arrival lounge - always showers immediately available, much much more convenient, and thanks to a much better concept quicker as well to shower / getting dressed again.

Assuming zero waiting time at immigration, you can make it from Airplane to Arrival lounge in about 10-15 minutes (Depending on your walking speed, and how well you understand the airport)

Back airside from the arrival lounge, it takes you about 2 minutes to the security, and then another 2-10 minutes (depending which gate you've.. ) to the gate. Again, assuming security has zero waiting time and takes only 2 minutes, it should take you between 6 and 14 minutes from the Arrival Lounge to your departure A gate.

Means: If all goes perfect, you've about 16-29 minutes from airplane to lounge and back to gate, you should be back at the gate at latest 15 minutes before departure, giving you 40 minutes - (16 to 29) = 11 to 24 minutes to shower.. let's estimate some values in the middle, you've 15 to 20 minutes for a shower. Just about enough.

However, queues might make things harder, and you're really cutting it close that way.

Possible? Yes! Would I do it? Only if the airplane arrives perfectly on time or even a bit early, and if everything goes smooth up to the lounge (Meaning, you arrive at the arrival lounge at least 40 minutes before your scheduled departure time - don't forget, even if you're getting delayed at that moment, you've not taken a big detour, as you'll have skipped arrival security this way, and had 0 extra control/check.)

I would try it.. with a timely check on your watch, and check the departure gate upon arrival. If it's a A6x, it means little walking time. A5x means bus gate, short walk. A7x means middle walking time, A8x means, better get your sport shoes on..

And probably no time to enjoy the nice breakfast offerings in the arrival lounge..

Everything assuming you depart before 1pm - at this time the arrival lounge closes.

If after 1pm, just check the regular LX Lounge in Gate A..

This is VERY optimistic indeed.

Depending on how many flights just arrived, it might be you've to wait a bit, especially at passport control (Schengen immigration) - and even security might take a little bit time.

If after 1pm, just check the regular LX Lounge in Gate A..

wooooh, thanks for the very detailed answer. That's a good idea, I will try that. I can always back-track when I'm at arrival lounge if I'm too late.

Given your answer, I assume departure security is quicker than E arrival security (even in C).

From Arrival Lounge, do I have to go out through customs and back in again or can I go back in more quickly ? (I remember the old way where the lounge staff was escorting us back through passport control).

Assuming zero waiting time at immigration, you can make it from Airplane to Arrival lounge in about 10-15 minutes (Depending on your walking speed, and how well you understand the airport)

Back airside from the arrival lounge, it takes you about 2 minutes to the security, and then another 2-10 minutes (depending which gate you've.. ) to the gate. Again, assuming security has zero waiting time and takes only 2 minutes, it should take you between 6 and 14 minutes from the Arrival Lounge to your departure A gate.

Means: If all goes perfect, you've about 16-29 minutes from airplane to lounge and back to gate, you should be back at the gate at latest 15 minutes before departure, giving you 40 minutes - (16 to 29) = 11 to 24 minutes to shower.. let's estimate some values in the middle, you've 15 to 20 minutes for a shower. Just about enough.


Wow. I would call this an answer with Swiss precision... :-)

wooooh, thanks for the very detailed answer. That's a good idea, I will try that. I can always back-track when I'm at arrival lounge if I'm too late.

Given your answer, I assume departure security is quicker than E arrival security (even in C).

From Arrival Lounge, do I have to go out through customs and back in again or can I go back in more quickly ? (I remember the old way where the lounge staff was escorting us back through passport control).

The new lounge is properly landside, so no way back without any checks anymore.

You're right, often the main departure security is quicker than the security at the E gates (where you would go through, if you would follow the transit signs) - I'm SEN so I always use the business/first queue, and the worst waiting time was about 3 minutes.. usually it's less.. (might be that during holiday peak season it might be longer, but that's just my personal experience)

Just make sure to head straight through the airport - there are plenty of shops to try to lure you into spending your money, something you won't have time at all, if you want to enjoy a nice shower. And definitely check your departure gate for your flight to GVA when arriving asap, if it's A67 or so, you will have much more time than if it's A86..

Got it !

Thanks for your help !

Connected here last saturday from Frankfurt to New York in 45 Mins. Made it without any problems (incl. Terminal change). Luggage made its way, too

So connecting JFK(AA)-ZRH(LX)-TLV, my understanding is that everything will be from Dock E so I don't need to re-clear any security?

What if I want to visit a *G lounge with showers (LX Senator or Business)? How do I get to those? I assume I'll have to re-clear security for that? Is 2 hours connection time enough to head over for a quick shower and back for my onward flight?

Thanks!

I am sorry if I missed the answer earlier in the thread; this will be my first trip through ZRH. Will I need to re clear security or just transfer to make the connection to FRA? And will this be enough time?


Think you.

I am not a very experienced flyer so please bear with me.

I have a business class booking VIE-ZRH-SIN-BNE. The e-ticket says 'issued on behalf of Swiss International Air Lines"

The VIE-ZRH sector is flight LX3559 operated by Tyrolean Airways for Austrian Airlines. This arrives in ZRH at 21:35 & ZRH-SIN (LX178) departs 22:45

Will this be ample time to make the connection? Will I be able to book my luggage through to BNE at VIE?

Thanks.

I think I erred in saying that LX3559 is operated by Tyrolean Airways. It's actually shown as 'codeshare' so I guess LX3559, an A320, is operated by SWISS.

My apologies.

I am sorry if I missed the answer earlier in the thread; this will be my first trip through ZRH. Will I need to re clear security or just transfer to make the connection to FRA? And will this be enough time?


Think you.

Yes and yes. Upon arrival at ZRH (usually dock E) you will go through security. You will then board a train to the main terminal where you will go through passport control. 55minutes is enough at ZRH under normal circumstances.

I am not a very experienced flyer so please bear with me.

I have a business class booking VIE-ZRH-SIN-BNE. The e-ticket says 'issued on behalf of Swiss International Air Lines"

The VIE-ZRH sector is flight LX3559 operated by Tyrolean Airways for Austrian Airlines. This arrives in ZRH at 21:35 & ZRH-SIN (LX178) departs 22:45

Will this be ample time to make the connection? Will I be able to book my luggage through to BNE at VIE?

Thanks.

You will have ample time. On arrival you will need to go through passport control but not security at ZRH. The SIN flight will probably depart from dock E (it hasn't started yet...) which you reach with the underground train from the main terminal. If you are not familiar with ZRH, I would suggest you go to dock E and if you have spare time then check out the Panorama lounge there, you will have access as a C passenger.

If your BNE flight is on a single ticket you will be able to check your bags through, assuming this is on SQ.

It doesn't really matter which airline operates the VIE-ZRH leg, OS or LX.

I think I erred in saying that LX3559 is operated by Tyrolean Airways. It's actually shown as 'codeshare' so I guess LX3559, an A320, is operated by SWISS.

My apologies.

LX355x (x=1-9) is normally a codeshare on OS flight, so your flight should be operated by Austrian/Tyrolean. But as said before, it really doesn't matter.

Does anyone have the official MCT sheet from KVS that they can post?

Does anyone have the official MCT sheet from KVS that they can post?

For what connecting airline(s)?

I read through the thread, but I would appreciate your opinion.

I booked an award ticket with United for a mid March trip. The route is VCE to ZRH in C with LX 1661 (morning flight) operated by Helvetic airways continuing to YYZ in C with AC with only a 40 minute connection. I'm checking bags. Will I and the bags make it? I'm not familiar with ZRH, but will study the map.

Should I change it to VCE-(LH)-FRA-(LH)-ZRH-(AC)-YYZ all in C. In this route, the connection in FRA is 1 hr 30 min and in ZRH 1 hr 10 minutes?

In either case, will I get all my boarding passes at VCE?

Thanks for your help.

I read through the thread, but I would appreciate your opinion.

I booked an award ticket with United for a mid March trip. The route is VCE to ZRH in C with LX 1661 (morning flight) operated by Helvetic airways continuing to YYZ in C with AC with only a 40 minute connection. I'm checking bags. Will I make it? I'm not familiar with ZRH, but will study the map.

Should I change it to VCE-(LH)-FRA-(LH)-ZRH-(AC)-YYZ all in C. In this route, the connection in FRA is 1 hr 30 min and in ZRH 1 hr 10 minutes?

Thanks for your help.
swiss.com sells the connection from LX1661 to AC879 so it must be legal, though I wouldn't book this connection myself.

I read through the thread, but I would appreciate your opinion.

I booked an award ticket with United for a mid March trip. The route is VCE to ZRH in C with LX 1661 (morning flight) operated by Helvetic airways continuing to YYZ in C with AC with only a 40 minute connection. I'm checking bags. Will I make it? I'm not familiar with ZRH, but will study the map.

Standard advice applies--if the inbound flight operates on time, 40 minutes is plenty of time to make the connection. You will have to clear passport control in Zurich but it's usually quick. I've never transfered onto anything other than LX at ZRH so I can't comment on how AC would handle a short connecting passanger. If you misconnect, it will be LX's duty to reroute you, and they obviously have plenty of flights--but they might try to connect you through the US, so that's something to keep in mind if you want to avoid that (the LX YUL flight may also be an option, looks like it's just an hour later than AC's YYZ flight)

Your bags will make it too (unless AC fails)

Should I change it to VCE-(LH)-FRA-(LH)-ZRH-(AC)-YYZ all in C. In this route, the connection in FRA is 1 hr 30 min and in ZRH 1 hr 10 minutes

The double connection is double the risk. Unless the VCE-FRA flight is much earlier than VCE-ZRH, then you can keep this option as a backup if it looks like the ZRH flight is delayed

Thanks for the replies.

Will LX issue all the boarding passes?

Standard advice applies--if the inbound flight operates on time, 40 minutes is plenty of time to make the connection. You will have to clear passport control in Zurich but it's usually quick. I've never transfered onto anything other than LX at ZRH so I can't comment on how AC would handle a short connecting passanger. If you misconnect, it will be LX's duty to reroute you, and they obviously have plenty of flights--but they might try to connect you through the US, so that's something to keep in mind if you want to avoid that (the LX YUL flight may also be an option, looks like it's just an hour later than AC's YYZ flight)

Your bags will make it too (unless AC fails)



The double connection is double the risk. Unless the VCE-FRA flight is much earlier than VCE-ZRH, then you can keep this option as a backup if it looks like the ZRH flight is delayed

They won't be able to route the OP through the USA unless they are a US Citizen as the APIS information won't have been completed in time IIRC.

Bags are a risk not to make it.

I have done this a few times (40 minute cnx at ZRH) and given that VCE typically arrives at a remote stand there is no time at all for delays (it is a walk off one plane walk on to the other during final call boarding situation). If you have any delay also at passport control forget it.

I would risk it- knowing that I was taking a risk and that the end result may be a day late arrival at my final destination- if I could not delay by one I would take the option via FRA.

Thanks for the replies.

Will LX issue all the boarding passes?

Theoretically yes. I have had a number of issues with the "link" not working to either the AC or the UA systems- although Swiss lurker has taken the PNR to understand why in this case. In the event (somewhat likely in my experience) that the link doesn't work you will need to pick up your boarding pass at the gate in Zurich.

I would risk it- knowing that I was taking a risk and that the end result may be a day late arrival at my final destination- if I could not delay by one I would take the option via FRA.
Unless the OP is rerouted via YUL.

Unless the OP is rerouted via YUL.

I wouldn't risk these short connections if I had to be there, and certainly not in winter. I also wouldn't count on the bags, but ZRH is efficient...

I also wouldn't count on the bags, but ZRH is efficient...

It is indeed efficient. on December 21 my son arrived from Newark, the flight was 40 min late and his connection to VRN was just 40 min after. He arrived in E, had to clear custom, go to A and flight to VRN was at non-gate position.. He made it , and bags too.
Additionally, on Jan 2 I was on a VRN-ZRH-MIA, 1h 10' connecting time , arriving at non gate: I walked to the F lounge, freshen up 10 min, driven to E, with no particular rush. Could never do that at FRA...

Thanks everyone for the replies. Although it may be a bit risky, it sounds like 40 minutes is doable at ZRH. I hope everything goes smoothly. My final destination is in the U.S., but United showed availability only via YYZ at the time of booking, so I took it. If I miss the AC flight, hopefully they can rebook me via Canada or straight to the U.S.

Taking a later flight is an inconvenience. But, I'm going home and I have an extra day off. Also, spending some time in Zurich (which I've never been to) doesn't sound bad. :)

Thanks everyone for the replies. Although it may be a bit risky, it sounds like 40 minutes is doable at ZRH. I hope everything goes smoothly. My final destination is in the U.S., but United showed availability only via YYZ at the time of booking, so I took it. If I miss the AC flight, hopefully they can rebook me via Canada or straight to the U.S.

Taking a later flight is an inconvenience. But, I'm going home and I have an extra day off. Also, spending some time in Zurich (which I've never been to) doesn't sound bad. :)

Sounds like you have it under control then ^. I think you'd be able to make it out the same day, but if your reaction to an overnight is--cool, I get to spend a night in Zurich--you're definitely good to go :D

I think, unfortunately, you'll make your original flight. No free night in Zurich and no avoiding the transit in Canada :(

Hi there, new member and have been reading through this thread looking for some information on a flight I'm about to Book, but haven't found a specific answer:

I will be flying from BOS to ZRH on 7/14-&/15 over night and would have a 50 minute layover before flying to ZAG. Here is the actual itinerary:

BOS -> ZRH
Swiss Air LX0053 7/15 10:55 AM (Terminal E)

ZRH -> ZAG
Croatia Air OU0461 7/15 11:45 AM (Terminal D I think)

I believe both terminals should be non-Schengen (USA & Croatia), will I still have to go through security and/or passport control? Also, with switching airlines will I have to claim luggage outside security?

Hi there, new member and have been reading through this thread looking for some information on a flight I'm about to Book, but haven't found a specific answer:

I will be flying from BOS to ZRH on 7/14-&/15 over night and would have a 50 minute layover before flying to ZAG. Here is the actual itinerary:

BOS -> ZRH
Swiss Air LX0053 7/15 10:55 AM (Terminal E)

ZRH -> ZAG
Croatia Air OU0461 7/15 11:45 AM (Terminal D I think)

I believe both terminals should be non-Schengen (USA & Croatia), will I still have to go through security and/or passport control? Also, with switching airlines will I have to claim luggage outside security?
Welcome to FT, msd5568!

Since you will be connecting from non-Schengen to non-Schengen you don't have to go through passport control but you will almost certainly have to clear security. Your luggage may be checked through to your final destination.

If you miss the connection you will have a rather long layover in ZRH. ;)

The last couple of times I've flown through Zurich (Intl-ZRH-Schengen), the immigration queues have been downright scary. Nearly gave me a heart attack getting to the gate the first time and we ended up missing the flight the second time.

So whilst the inbound is okay, on the way back home, I'd like to avoid any drama as far as possible.

Does anyone have any input on outbound immigration times at Zurich early in the morning? Have they improved? Or maybe they were never bad and I just had bad luck?

We will be flying in from Geneva and have a choice of two flights that connect with the 154 to BOM:

dep GVA @ 6h00 = 3h connection in ZRH
dep GVA a 7h40 = 1h connection

I know the BOM flight will depart from E, but I'm not sure where the arrival from GVA will end up.

The flight will also likely determine if we stay the night in Geneva or just drive in from Grenoble very early in the morning.

Whilst we will be in Business, we (I) move a bit slowly :)

Thanks!

jasepl: You should be fine with the 7:40 flight

It's giving you 1 hour 10 minutes in ZRH, and your past experience must indeed have been very unlucky - I've rarely experienced queues at immigration, and certainly never more than 5 minutes, in ZRH. 1 hour 10 minutes will give you plenty of time. Of course, if you absolutely can't miss your flight for an appointment in Bombay, then book the earlier connection, but as you're with a Schengen Visa anyway (which means, LX would be able to book you onto another connection or place you in a hotel) I would take the 7:40 flight, and have no hurry to the airport at Geneva in the early morning.

Thanks YuropFlyer.

These two past experiences were in the last 18 months and were both on Intl-ZRH-Schengen. On the way out of Schengen, I've had a longer layover or checked-in at Zurich so I wasn't sure of the passport control situation.

I'll just be going back home, so no rush to get back, but I'd like to avoid the drama of a rushed or, worse, missed connection as far as possible.

I was originally planning to fly out of Lyon, which meant no choice and a good 1h40 connection. But the fare difference ( for two ) between LYS and GVA is significant enough that we may as well drive the 20 minutes more to Geneva instead.

Thanks for the reassurance; I think I'll take the 7h40 and me croserai les doigts!

Hello everyone,

I've booked a flight on LX that departs from CPH and goes to FCO with a connection in ZRH.
So the routing will be CPH-ZRH-FCO, with both segments on LX.
In ZRH, do I need to go through immigration/re-clear security?
Also, does anyone know if the connection will involve a terminal change?
I have a 1 hour connection time in ZRH, and I'm not sure if this is enough.

Thanks for any help-

Hello everyone,

I've booked a flight on LX that departs from CPH and goes to FCO with a connection in ZRH.
So the routing will be CPH-ZRH-FCO, with both segments on LX.
In ZRH, do I need to go through immigration/clear security again?
Also, does anyone know if the connection will involve a terminal change?
I have a 1 hour connection time in ZRH, and I'm not sure if this is enough.

Thanks for any help-

Edit:
one more question: do I need to claim my luggage and re-check them in ZRH by any chance?

I have a 1 hour connection time in ZRH, and I'm not sure if this is enough.


Normally, 60 mins is more than adequate. The flights you mention tend to use the main terminal which includes the piers/gates A, B and D. They belong to the central security zone, and thus require no security checks. Normally, it is only if one of your flights uses the remote terminal, featuring Gates E, that such checks are required, when your arrival is from a safe origin airport.

Next time, why not ask the airline? And check the very ample, very clear information on their website?

You can also track which gates have been used recently by 'your' flights by consulting the arrivals and departures information of both Swiss and Zurich Airport.

These sources are much more reliable than a simple forum as this one.

Hello everyone,

I've booked a flight on LX that departs from CPH and goes to FCO with a connection in ZRH.
So the routing will be CPH-ZRH-FCO, with both segments on LX.
In ZRH, do I need to go through immigration/clear security again?
Also, does anyone know if the connection will involve a terminal change?
I have a 1 hour connection time in ZRH, and I'm not sure if this is enough.

Thanks for any help-

Edit:
one more question: do I need to claim my luggage and re-check them in ZRH by any chance?

1. All three countries are part of Schengen, so no immigration at either end nor in the middle at ZRH.
2. The flights should arrive and leave in either A or B which are close to each other, shouldn't take more than 10 minutes to change flights.
3. 1 hour is more than enough in ZRH (unless you get delayed massively, but then 2h might be too short as well).
4. Luggage will be checked through to final destination.

Thank you very much alfahund.

Hey guys.

Me and a friend will be flying with LX, doing a ARN-ZRH-NRT. With only a 50 minute window between ZRH and NRT, we were wondering if we'll make it in time. I have no clue what gate we'll be arriving / departing from, but I think that we'll depature from gate E. I also have no clue about the security procedures we'll go through. We're arriving from a Schengen country but departing to a non-schengen country.

LX 1249 arrives at 12:10 (12.10 pm) at ZRH
LX 160 departs at 13:00 (01.00 pm) from ZRH

Any information / advice would be appreciated!

Hey guys.

Me and a friend will be flying with LX, doing a ARN-ZRH-NRT. With only a 50 minute window between ZRH and NRT, we were wondering if we'll make it in time. I have no clue what gate we'll be arriving / departing from, but I think that we'll depature from gate E. I also have no clue about the security procedures we'll go through. We're arriving from a Schengen country but departing to a non-schengen country.

LX 1249 arrives at 12:10 (12.10 pm) at ZRH
LX 160 departs at 13:00 (01.00 pm) from ZRH

Any information / advice would be appreciated!

You'll arrive at the A gates, about 2-10 minutes walk to the automatic train (immigration just beforehand) to the E gates.

If you're arriving on time, you should have about 15 minutes time to visit the lounge (If you've access) in the E gates.

Enjoy your transit at ZRH airport :)

OK... I'm new at connecting internationally (well, not that experienced).

Booked J Class:

YYZ (AC) - LHR (LX) - ZRH (LX) - BCN

Assuming everything arrives on time, we've got over 2 hours between LHR and ZHR so I'm not worried about that connection. Am I right to assume that our bags will just be forwarded all the way to BCN without me having to collect it any point?

ZRH - BCN is a 45 minute connection. When I arrive in ZHR, is 45 minutes enough for myself and my bags? (Do I have to go through security again? Immigration?)

On the way back, we're going through Geneva but the connection time there is about 90 minutes so I'm not worrying about the way back as much as this 45 minute connection. The booking agent assured me it was ok or they wouldn't allow the booking .... uh sure...

OK... I'm new at connecting internationally (well, not that experienced).

Booked J Class:

YYZ (AC) - LHR (LX) - ZRH (LX) - BCN

Assuming everything arrives on time, we've got over 2 hours between LHR and ZHR so I'm not worried about that connection. Am I right to assume that our bags will just be forwarded all the way to BCN without me having to collect it any point?

ZRH - BCN is a 45 minute connection. When I arrive in ZHR, is 45 minutes enough for myself and my bags? (Do I have to go through security again? Immigration?)

On the way back, we're going through Geneva but the connection time there is about 90 minutes so I'm not worrying about the way back as much as this 45 minute connection. The booking agent assured me it was ok or they wouldn't allow the booking .... uh sure...

45 Mins should not be a problem at ZRH, even with some minor delay you should be OK, as should your bags.

Regarding checkpoints, no security but immigration because you travel from non-Schengen into Schengen territory. It will be quick though as normally, they will glance at your passport, swipe it, and at most ask you one or two questions. No fingerprints or pictures or such things.

A small hint: Get seats on the left for ZRH-BCN as that should get you a nice view of the city and the alps under the most common departure regime.

45 Mins should not be a problem at ZRH, even with some minor delay you should be OK, as should your bags.

Regarding checkpoints, no security but immigration because you travel from non-Schengen into Schengen territory. It will be quick though as normally, they will glance at your passport, swipe it, and at most ask you one or two questions. No fingerprints or pictures or such things.

A small hint: Get seats on the left for ZRH-BCN as that should get you a nice view of the city and the alps under the most common departure regime.

Thanks for the reassurance and info on immigration.

Argh, we're booked on the right side right now. I'll have to see if we can switch over to the left. LOL

OK... I'm new at connecting internationally (well, not that experienced).

Booked J Class:

YYZ (AC) - LHR (LX) - ZRH (LX) - BCN

Assuming everything arrives on time, we've got over 2 hours between LHR and ZHR so I'm not worried about that connection. Am I right to assume that our bags will just be forwarded all the way to BCN without me having to collect it any point?

ZRH - BCN is a 45 minute connection. When I arrive in ZHR, is 45 minutes enough for myself and my bags? (Do I have to go through security again? Immigration?)

On the way back, we're going through Geneva but the connection time there is about 90 minutes so I'm not worrying about the way back as much as this 45 minute connection. The booking agent assured me it was ok or they wouldn't allow the booking .... uh sure...

I have done similar with Swiss and had my bags not make the connection twice.

First time YUL-ZRH-BCN with a 1:15 connection in ZRH. Bags didn't make it, delivered the next day.

Second time LHR-GVA-BCN with a 1:00 connection in GVA and bags didn't make it. Again they were not delivered until the next day.

So just be prepared and take some basics in your carry on.

LX 139 to LX 316, with 55min connection, flights on time, bag didn't make it to LHR. Was delivered at 7pm to my office on the same day.
Upon arrival at LHR the agent had already received a telex that the bag had been left behind in ZRH. Pax connecting from other incoming flights were filing similar reports.

I have done similar with Swiss and had my bags not make the connection twice.

First time YUL-ZRH-BCN with a 1:15 connection in ZRH. Bags didn't make it, delivered the next day.

Second time LHR-GVA-BCN with a 1:00 connection in GVA and bags didn't make it. Again they were not delivered until the next day.

So just be prepared and take some basics in your carry on.

Yikes!! We're going on a cruise from BCN but we'll be in the city for 2 complete days before we embark. If our luggage misses our connection, at least we'll still be in the city if they deliver it in a day or two...

just thought i would share my experience of a *40-min* transfer at ZRH last week...

I was scheduled ARN-ZRH-YUL...

The ARN flight left Stockholm late, made up the time, and then was forced into a holding for ten minutes. Was supposed to arrive at 12:10 in ZRH... finally disembarked at 12:27....

Ran through the airport only to be met with a very crowded passport control area and painfully slow passport officers. After lining up for 13 minutes and having every page of my passport carefully inspected, I made it onto the transfer tram at 12:47....

Sprinting off the tram, I made it to gate #56 at 12:51 for my 12:50 flight.
Initially the staff told me the flight had been closed and that I wouldnt be able to pass through. Out of breath, sweaty and kind of irked, I more or less insisted on being let aboard, and they called down, opened the flight back up, and let board.

As I walked on the plane, the FA's doing F and C pre-flight seemed genuinely surprised to see me coming down the ramp, and congratulated me on making it.

I believe i was the only pax transferring from ARN, because the way i was sprinting and running like a madman, theres no way anyone could have made it before me.

Surprisingly, my luggage also made it aboard, as it wasnt until about 13:05 that we pushed back...

So... though I could see someone with a 40 minute connection making it, it really does hinge on the incoming flight....

What I will comment on though, is there was no purser or anyone as i disembarked from ARN to offer me assistance or even to radio the other gate. Furthermore, there was no staff from Swiss down in passport control. That was mildly unimpressive...

Food for thought...

I'm booked on a lx flight arriving into zrh 19:10 then I purchased a separate ticket flying with aer lingus 21:00 from zrh to dub.
Would I be able to check my baggage all the way through? If not do I have enough time to pick it up and check in again?
Thanks loads

Unfortunately LX does not have an interline agreement with EI, which means that your bag will not be able to be checked through to DUB. If all goes according to plan and your inbound flight is on time, you will have more than sufficient time to claim your bag and check it in again over at the EI counters located in Check-in 2 Hall.

Unfortunately LX does not have an interline agreement with EI, which means that your bag will not be able to be checked through to DUB. If all goes according to plan and your inbound flight is on time, you will have more than sufficient time to claim your bag and check it in again over at the EI counters located in Check-in 2 Hall.

Thanks so much.
Is this in the same building?

My wife flies quite often on WAW-ZRH-MLA route with 1:05 stopover and she has never had any issues, even in winter. Looks like non european incoming flights are mostly affected with this short connection time.

Thanks so much.
Is this in the same building?

If you're arriving with a non-Schengen flight, then you will be claiming your bag in the Arrivals 2 Hall, which is in the same building, but two levels beneath the Check-in 2 Area. If it's a Schengen arrival, you will most likely claim your bag in Arrivals 1. In that case, just head up one level to LX's main Check-in Hall, make a left and then walk straight on over to the Check-in 2. Nevertheless, it's all just a 5 minutes' walk away from either Arrival Halls to the EI counters.

I read through the thread, but I would appreciate your opinion.

I booked an award ticket with United for a mid March trip. The route is VCE to ZRH in C with LX 1661 (morning flight) operated by Helvetic airways continuing to YYZ in C with AC with only a 40 minute connection. I'm checking bags. Will I and the bags make it? I'm not familiar with ZRH, but will study the map.

Should I change it to VCE-(LH)-FRA-(LH)-ZRH-(AC)-YYZ all in C. In this route, the connection in FRA is 1 hr 30 min and in ZRH 1 hr 10 minutes?

In either case, will I get all my boarding passes at VCE?

Thanks for your help.

I asked these questions a couple of months ago and now that I took the trip, I thought I'd share my experience as well.

I got all boarding passes at VCE from Swiss. At ZRH, we parked at the remote stand and as we stepped out of the airplane, a business class bus was ready to take us to the main terminal.

In the terminal, I saw that the AC flight was delayed for over an hour. So, our 40-minute connection became a two-hour one. We were walking around the (nice) terminal and visited the lounge to kill time.

If the AC flight had been on time, I think we would still have made it.

Just like what many here said, I agree that connecting through ZRH is easy and simple even with a short transfer time (assuming everything is on time).

Just like what many here said, I agree that connecting through ZRH is easy and simple even with a short transfer time (assuming everything is on time).

Agreed- the one thing ZRH could do to make this even better is have a non-EU passport booth designated for "short connections".

Agreed- the one thing ZRH could do to make this even better is have a non-EU passport booth designated for "short connections".

or perhaps swiss ground staff at the passport control or tram boarding to radio the gate...

or perhaps swiss ground staff at the passport control or tram boarding to radio the gate...

Radio to give the name of passengers for off loading?

My wife flies quite often on WAW-ZRH-MLA route with 1:05 stopover and she has never had any issues, even in winter. Looks like non european incoming flights are mostly affected with this short connection time.

How about non-schengen to non-schengen? What security checks are there in ZRH? I am going EWR-ZRH-IST, looks like UA flight in and LX flight out are both in Term E. Is there secondary security at the gate also?

I'm flying JFK-ZRH-DEL on SWISS with less than a 2 hour layover. Would there be enough time to go from Terminal E to the SWISS Lounge in Terminal A/B, spend roughly 20-30mins, and head back to E? How long does passport control + heidi train take from E to A?

Radio to give the name of passengers for off loading?

LX Lurker note this please.

This thread seems to feed the theory that the world can be viewed in two.

1. Those who believe in LX (and other practitioners of common sense and decency.)
2. Those who need to loosen up a little and allow themselves to believe in LX (and other practitioners of common sense and decency.) And who in the meantime gets themselves twisted into incredible contortions.

I'm flying JFK-ZRH-DEL on SWISS with less than a 2 hour layover. Would there be enough time to go from Terminal E to the SWISS Lounge in Terminal A/B, spend roughly 20-30mins, and head back to E? How long does passport control + heidi train take from E to A?

The heidi train ride take maximum 3 minutes.
With empty security and passport control I made my way from E to the lounge in A in less than 15 minutes yesterday.

Agreed- the one thing ZRH could do to make this even better is have a non-EU passport booth designated for "short connections".
And a separate security lane for "short connections".

This thread seems to feed the theory that the world can be viewed in two.

1. Those who believe in LX (and other practitioners of common sense and decency.)
2. Those who need to loosen up a little and allow themselves to believe in LX (and other practitioners of common sense and decency.)
I obviously belong to the latter group and can't see how believing in common sense and decency helps anyone with a tight connection. :confused: Do you think LX should delay departures because some connecting pax are held up by late arrivals of incoming flights due to congestion in ZRH which seems to be getting more common? Or by unnecessary security checks because ZRH's centralised security check arrangement (http://www.zurich-airport.com/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-256/) is not centralised in reality?

When they rebuilt Pier B/D why didn't they make it possible for pax already in secure area of Pier D to ride in a secure carriage of Heidi's train? When you arrive in E the non-secure carriage is at the front and the escalator takes you further towards the higher E gates. However, at the top you have to turn back towards the lower E gates to go through security (which are not clearly marked and still look like a temporary arrangement). According to the airport map other security checkpoints are there but the only one in operation appears to be the one towards the lower E gates.

My recent shorthaul > longhaul connection in ZRH was 80 minutes and should have been more than enough but the incoming flight was 22 minutes late and I was one of the last to board the longhaul flight. Last time I made the same connection the feeder flight was 31 minutes late and they had given away my seat on the longhaul. :(

On the way back the incoming longhaul flight was 30 minutes late mainly due to congestion in ZRH. My 85 minutes' connection was cut down to 55 minutes, still more than enough in the eye of many posters in this thread. I was one of the first to deplane, got on Heidi's train straightaway and walked briskly to Pier D security, where only one lane was open. No priority lane for premium or status pax, or a fast lane for short connections. After I stood in the queue for a while they opened another lane and I moved there, but unfortunately I found myself behind a young woman with a bagful of duty-free liquids purchased outside EU. Sensing there would be a long discussion I moved to the original lane - by this time three security lanes were open but still no priority lane. By the time I cleared security my flight was already boarding (from a bus gate D5x).

I would never book a 40-50 min connection in ZRH unless I fancy an overnight stay at LX's expense. ;) And I prefer to have a chance to visit a lounge even for a short period between flights and not to have to rush from gate to gate as I had to do during my recent 80 minutes and 85 minutes connections.

Just to chip in... From my own experience, ZRH is not only experiencing lots of congestion, but also weather related delays... So, while their MCT is rather generously short, I will in the future do what NewbieRunner suggests and rather have longer connection... On the other hand, if there are delays on arrivals due to weather, then the same applies to departures... Now, I am confused...;)

I would never book a 40-50 min connection in ZRH unless I fancy an overnight stay at LX's expense. ;) And I prefer to have a chance to visit a lounge even for a short period between flights and not to have to rush from gate to gate as I had to do during my recent 80 minutes and 95 minutes connections.

Where did they put you? Last time, I was late from Barcelona to Rome and they just put me on the next available flight with op-up from whY to C :D(I never buy C on these short flights)...

Just to chip in... From my own experience, ZRH is not only experiencing lots of congestion, but also weather related delays... So, while their MCT is rather generously short, I will in the future do what NewbieRunner suggests and rather have longer connection... On the other hand, if there are delays on arrivals due to weather, then the same applies to departures... Now, I am confused...;)
I've never experienced weather related delays in ZRH except once when I'd planned an overnight stay (at my expense) since I was on separate tickets.

As longhaul flights tend to leave the gate on time even in adverse weather you can't count on making the connection if your feeder flight is delayed.

Where did they put you? Last time, I was late from Barcelona to Rome and they just put me on the next available flight with op-up from whY to C :D(I never buy C on these short flights)...
The only time I booked a 40 minute connection the flight from BCN arrived late but they picked me up from the plane and drove me directly to my connecting flight to MAN. ;)

Once I was staying at the Airport Hilton and saw a long queue of people with airline vouchers at the reception, so the Hilton must be one of the hotels they put up stranded passengers.

I obviously belong to the latter group and can't see how believing in common sense and decency helps anyone with a tight connection. :confused:

Well said.

Common sense and decency while very nice indeed do not help at all with tight connections.

Back on topic- ZRH really has three options (ranging from easiest to most difficult to implement):
1) Increase MCT
2) Study and fix the security and passport options which are not set up to enable a short connection customer to make their connection
3) Implement a capacity increase

In the interim- I would follow the suggestion of other frequent OP to ZRH and book a longer connection if I really need to make my connection. The night curfew is another point which can come into play however I am not even going to touch this one at the moment.

I am considering an award on Singapore-Zurich and Zurich-Boston both on Swiss. The layover is 11 hours, the incoming flight arrives at 6.10am and the outgoing leaves at 5.30pm. Will the flights arrive and depart from the same terminal?

I believe I'll be doing some back and forth. The Business Class Lounge is in A, Childrens Play Areas are in A and E, and the bookable Sleep Rooms are in E. Can I access all these in the non Schengen zone?

PS. We will not have Schengen visas, so as far as I understand must stay in the non Schengen zone. Will that have access at all to the 3 things above - Business Class lounge, play area and sleep rooms? Any other suggestions for things to do without clearing immigration?

I am considering an award on Singapore-Zurich and Zurich-Boston both on Swiss. The layover is 11 hours. Will the flights arrive and depart from the same terminal?

I believe I'll be doing some back and forth. The Business Class Lounge is in A, Childrens Play Areas are in A and E, and the bookable Sleep Rooms are in E. Is this easy to access. Can I access all these before I clear the US flights security?

PS. We will not have Schengen visas, so as far as I understand must stay in the non Schengen zone. Will that have access at all to the 3 things above - Business Class lounge, play area and sleep rooms?
Both flights will use E but there are limited facilities in E (other than children's play area).

If you cannot enter Schengen you are limited to areas E and D. Bookable day rooms (http://www.zurich-airport.com/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-154/) are in D so you can access them without entering Schengen. I don't know of any day rooms in E.

You cannot access the Business Lounge in A as it is in Schengen. Your best option will be the Business Lounge in D (not far from the day rooms).

You can ride the Skymetro train between E and D without going through passport control but you will have to go through security every time you travel between the two terminals.

Both flights will use E but there are limited facilities in E (other than children's play area).

If you cannot enter Schengen you are limited to areas E and D. Bookable day rooms (http://www.zurich-airport.com/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-154/) are in D so you can access them without entering Schengen. I don't know of any day rooms in E.

You cannot access the Business Lounge in A as it is in Schengen. Your best option will be the Business Lounge in D (not far from the day rooms).

You can ride the Skymetro train between E and D without going through passport control but you will have to go through security every time you travel between the two terminals.


Thank you! My mistake about the location of the sleep rooms. So no access to the Arrival Lounge either correct? So my options are Business Lounge in D, Dayrooms in D, Panorama Lounge in E, and Play Area in E.

Can I go in and out of the Business Lounge?

Has anyone had experience with the bookable Day Rooms? It looks like I'll be spending a good part of my time here, reserving the Lounge Access for eating.

Thank you! My mistake about the location of the sleep rooms. So no access to the Arrival Lounge either correct? So my options are Business Lounge in D, Dayrooms in D, Panorama Lounge in E, and Play Area in E.

Can I go in and out of the Business Lounge?

Has anyone had experience with the bookable Day Rooms? It looks like I'll be spending a good part of my time here, reserving the Lounge Access for eating.

Yes, you can visit any lounge several times.

No access to the arrival lounge, as it's land side (Schengen)

Some more information about the day rooms: http://www.zurich-airport.com/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-154/

And keep in mind, the food really isn't the best in the lounges, and I would think twice of spending a full day in ZRH (Non-Schengen) airside..

Do you need a Schengen Visa? Many nationalities don't need one, and I think some kind of US permanent residence visas also do allow to visit Schengen area. If you give us some more information about your status, we might help you on this. ZRH for a full day visit definitely would offer much more than staying airside at an airport that is, frankly, not really made for such a long layover. It's not Changi, not ICN, not even DXB.. (for example, you'll be limited to free internet for 60 minutes every 6 hours, otherwise it's pay-per-use)

Yes, you can visit any lounge several times.

However, the food really isn't the best, and I would think twice of spending a full day in ZRH (Non-Schengen) airside..

Do you need a Schengen Visa? Many nationalities don't need one, and I think some kind of US permanent residence visas also do allow to visit Schengen area. If you give us some more information about your status, we might help you on this. ZRH for a full day visit definitely would offer much more than staying airside at an airport that is, frankly, not really made for such a long layover. It's not Changi, not ICN, not even DXB.. (for example, you'll be limited to free internet for 60 minutes every 6 hours, otherwise it's pay-per-use)

Philippines passport with US Permanent Resident Card (green card). Travelling with my daughter who holds a US passport. It's my understanding I'll need a visa.

I was about to ask your opinion of the 11 hour wait, so thank you for anticipating me.

My alternative is a 7 hour layover in FRA, arriving on Thai and leaving on Lufthansa. Would that be better in terms of lounge access, play rooms and renting a place for some peace and quiet?

Philippines passport with US Permanent Resident Card (green card). Travelling with my daughter who holds a US passport. It's my understanding I'll need a visa.

I was about to ask your opinion of the 11 hour wait, so thank you for anticipating me.

My alternative is a 7 hour layover in FRA, arriving on Thai and leaving on Lufthansa. Would that be better in terms of lounge access, play rooms and renting a place for some peace and quiet?

I was adding a few information in my posting above (editing it) - please check again, you were a bit too quick ;)

While 7 hours is better than 11 hours, FRA definitely is worse regarding a layover. I think I would prefer ZRH over it, if your daughter enjoys it, she can ride the train couple times, for example ;) FRA isn't horrible though, but unless you fly business class on the new Thai A380, the LX product will be better.

I'll see if I can find any information regarding your card. As day rooms aren't really cheap (you can see on the link I added in the above post) it might make maybe even some sense to get a Visa for Switzerland (and you only need one, not two/three, while for the dayroom you pay more the more people there will be), as that would enable you to have a nice little trip to Zurich or any other Swiss city (depending on weather)

Has anyone had experience with the bookable Day Rooms? It looks like I'll be spending a good part of my time here, reserving the Lounge Access for eating.
I've stayed in a single day room once when I arrived on a late flight and had an early flight to catch. The room is pretty spartan.

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6083/6158803444_68e83ba6fe.jpg

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6074/6158807402_6d87cd99d2.jpg

I wouldn't like to spend 11 hours in ZRH, though LX C is much preferable to LH C unless you can choose a route served by the 748i with the new C seats from FRA.

I was adding a few information in my posting above (editing it) - please check again, you were a bit too quick ;)

While 7 hours is better than 11 hours, FRA definitely is worse regarding a layover. I think I would prefer ZRH over it, if your daughter enjoys it, she can ride the train couple times, for example ;) FRA isn't horrible though, but unless you fly business class on the new Thai A380, the LX product will be better.

I'll see if I can find any information regarding your card. As day rooms aren't really cheap (you can see on the link I added in the above post) it might make maybe even some sense to get a Visa for Switzerland (and you only need one, not two/three, while for the dayroom you pay more the more people there will be), as that would enable you to have a nice little trip to Zurich or any other Swiss city (depending on weather)


Hi! : ) I did not know I had to pay more for two people at the Day Room at ZHR. Are those showers dedicated to the room or shared by all the rooms?

OK here's more info about the options which are all from MNL

The first option arrives Singapore on SQ Y with a 6 hr layover in Singapore. Then the LX on Business flights to Boston as mentioned before, with 11 layover in Zurich.

The 2nd arrives in BKK on Business Class on Thai. 8 hr layover at BKK. Then Thai Business Class on the A380 to FRA where I have a 7 hr layover. Then Lufthansa Business Class on the 747-400 to EWR (sorry I think it's not the new business class but the old angle lie flat).

Both have long layovers. So you see I'm also trying to decide between Changi on a Y flight and BKK Airport (to long name to spell) on a J flight. The 2nd option is all on Business which is preferable, but my concern is travelling with a young child (6) and that she will need to sleep/ quiet time at some point, whether in FRA or ZHR. Both airports have playgrounds so that's a plus. Does FRA have sleep facilities to rent or just the lounge? I'm assuming I'll be able to access some kind of Lufthansa Lounge there.

Not to get off topic, but it seems you have a lot of experience with both airlines. I realize both options are not particularly ideal in terms of wasted time, but it's an award flight.

Coming back from DEL, I will have 50 minutes to connect to my flight to LHR. It will be a Sunday morning so I assume it should be sort of quieter but I was wondering from which dock, the London flights are leaving ... I will probably have to run but at least I will stay in Non-Schengen areas so there shouldn't be any extra security. Thanks a lot in advance for your advice.

Are those showers dedicated to the room or shared by all the rooms?
They only have shared showers and toilets (separate for men and women of course).

OK here's more info about the options which are all from MNL

The first option arrives Singapore on SQ Y with a 6 hr layover in Singapore. Then the LX on Business flights to Boston as mentioned before, with 11 layover in Zurich.

The 2nd arrives in BKK on Business Class on Thai. 8 hr layover at BKK. Then Thai Business Class on the A380 to FRA where I have a 7 hr layover. Then Lufthansa Business Class on the 747-400 to EWR (sorry I think it's not the new business class but the old angle lie flat).

Both have long layovers. So you see I'm also trying to decide between Changi on a Y flight and BKK Airport (to long name to spell) on a J flight. The 2nd option is all on Business which is preferable, but my concern is travelling with a young child (6) and that she will need to sleep/ quiet time at some point, whether in FRA or ZHR. Both airports have playgrounds so that's a plus.
Neither option sounds attractive with two long layovers. Is it not possible to fly across the Pacific?

Does FRA have sleep facilities to rent or just the lounge? I'm assuming I'll be able to access some kind of Lufthansa Lounge there.
If you are departing from FRA in Business you will have access to the Business Lounge(s) but there are no day rooms in FRA.

Coming back from DEL, I will have 50 minutes to connect to my flight to LHR. It will be a Sunday morning so I assume it should be sort of quieter but I was wondering from which dock, the London flights are leaving ... I will probably have to run but at least I will stay in Non-Schengen areas so there shouldn't be any extra security. Thanks a lot in advance for your advice.

In early morning several long-haul flights are coming in (DEL, HKG, BKK,...). However it should not be too crowded. When I arrived from BKK two weeks ago, almost on time, security and passport control were empty.
From leaving the aircraft in E to the first class lounge in A, I made it in 15 minutes without hurry.

LX flights to LON leave from D.
So if your inbound is on time, you will have no problem to make your connection.

Well, I checked about your situation, you definitely need a Schengen visa, which is not too easy to got for you. So, I think you really should try to avoid having a long layover, but if those are your only options (FRA or ZRH), then ZRH is the slightly better place. But given the layover is quite a bit longer, and the BKK-FRA flight is on Thai's new A380 in Business, it doesn't make the decision easier. Also, flying from your home to BKK in Business instead of SQ in Y is another plus, and the distance is also a bit shorter when going over BKK instead of SIN. The lounge in SIN is better than those in BKK, but both are decent, and when you fly Business on Thai Ex-BKK, you can get massages for free - probably even interesting for your kid!

LH's C is definitely out of date, but acceptable for a day flight (which this apparently will be) - and the long night flight on LX vs. TG is about the same.. actually I prefer the Thai A380, it's just a few years newer. Especially with a kid, the video system on Thai is WAY superior than to that of LX. Think PlayStation 1 against PlayStation 3 ;)

So.. after thinking twice about it.. if you can't fly transpacific, then go with Thai via BKK and FRA, with the last flight in LH Business.. as said before, on a day flight, the seat isn't THAT bad, and regarding food, they've catched up a bit.

The Business lounge in FRA is, food wise, a bit better than the LX counterpart.. and while the airport is certainly worse, it has some cheaper options to eat outside the lounge than ZRH.. and with "only" 7 hours, a dayroom might not be of such importance than with 11 hours in ZRH.

Yes, go for Thai/Lufthansa over SQ Y/LX C.

Thank you so much YuropFlyer! This is exactly the kind of guidance I need. Yes, cheaper options to eat, esp kiddie food, would be good. Video games - good. It's not an easy decision for sure, because Changi is just so great to fly to.

Unfortunately it's high season for travel from and back to the US and TPAC awards are difficult to find and very expensive.

I forgot to add the $$ part. The BKK/FRA award taxes are $800 and the Singapore/ZHR route $400. But I figure if I have to rent a Day Room, the difference would be more like $200.

I'm curious as to your slight "aversion" to FRA and why you consider ZHR to be slightly better.

Coming back from DEL, I will have 50 minutes to connect to my flight to LHR. It will be a Sunday morning so I assume it should be sort of quieter but I was wondering from which dock, the London flights are leaving ... I will probably have to run but at least I will stay in Non-Schengen areas so there shouldn't be any extra security. Thanks a lot in advance for your advice.
You will have to clear transfer security (but not passport control) in ZRH.

ENFO: Generally, ZRH is just more easy to navigate. Both parts, dock E and dock D you'll have access to (Non-Schengen area) are built/fully renovated recently, while FRA just is older, in average the people working there feel more grumpy, just those kind of things.

With the difference in taxes being 400$ (is that per person or totally?) I would actually go with ZRH - as said before, the difference is not that big, and saving 400$ would more than make up the difference between slightly more expensive food in ZRH and the dayroom. And yes, Changi does also offer better choices than BKK, including the great SilverKris lounge rather than the good but not great lounges in BKK. Without the big difference in taxes, I would have suggested, as said, to fly via BKK-FRA, but as this suggestion was a rather close one, with such big difference in taxes, I would now more be inclined to book via ZRH. But again, it's really about the same, there is not that big difference.. go with whatever you feel more comfortable with the departure/arrival timing..

I forgot to add the $$ part. The BKK/FRA award taxes are $800 and the Singapore/ZHR route $400. But I figure if I have to rent a Day Room, the difference would be more like $200.

I'm curious as to your slight "aversion" to FRA and why you consider ZHR to be slightly better.
Unlike YuropFlyer I'm not a great fan of ZRH but I would opt for 11 hours in ZRH with the possibility of using a day room rather than 7 hours stuck in FRA Pier A+. Although the Business Lounge there is probably the best Business Lounge in FRA, I really don't know if 7 hours in the lounge followed by 8+ hours on the plane is best for you and your daughter. As pointed out already there are no day rooms or even reclining chairs in the Business Lounge as far as I know. There is a children's play area close to the lounge but it seems to be for younger children and your daughter may not find it interesting.

It's unfortunate the OP cannot use facilities such as LH's Welcome Lounge in FRA because of the need for a Schengen visa. I agree with YuropFlyer that ZRH seems like a better option because of lower taxes and the possibility of spending some time in a day room. I think the day rooms are there especially for people with a long layover like the OP who cannot leave the non-Schengen area of the airport.