So… we all had to disembark in GRU at about 06:30.

This was announced rather close to landing, so there I was in my pijamas going through security and then waiting at the gate, as there wasn’t really much chance to change back into my normal clothes (and I didn’t think I’d need to).

Also there’s no lounge operating that time of day for Swiss passengers, so extra inconvenient.

Whilst waiting to re-board, I did have some time to talk to a Swiss ground manager there, and he explained that apparently it’s a Brasilian health regulation related to the cleaning of the aircraft that obliges all passengers to disembark. I’m confused how that same wouldn’t apply to BA247 (if what was written about that flight is still correct). He also agreed that the lack of a lounge was unfortunate, but as they operate the EZE segment only 2x/week, and there are no other Star flights that time of the morning, it’s just not cost effective to operate the lounge (this is something I was aware of but still considered unfortunate when I flew only from GRU to EZE in December).

He DID agree with me that it would be worthwhile Swiss paying for passenger access to the LATAM lounge which is open then (and in front of the Star Alliance Lounge). As it’s just two flights per week, it would be a little extra money for LATAM and not a lot of cost to Swiss to keep premium passengers a bit happier.

Everyone I met was apologetic and sympathetic to the situation, and agreed it’s especially not in Swiss interest to have such a poor experience for even First Class passengers who might otherwise have picked the Lufthansa nonstop from Frankfurt to Buenos Aires or even the BA flight which, if you don’t need to leave the plane, would to me be better even in Business.

Each person I spoke with took the inconvenience seriously, so perhaps it will get to someone who can make a change. More likely though, as travel gradually picks up again, I suspect the tag-on will be tagged back off.