A simple transfer is not an easy experience. Forget about Swiss precision. Nonsense after nonsense.

We flew with Swiss Air from India to Brussels with a transfer in Zurich. The first flight from Mumbai was delayed, so after spending over 10 hours on the plane, we hoped for a smooth transfer.

And here in the corridor, just like that, three policemen were waiting, checking tickets and passports of several hundred tired people. Many people counted on an efficient transfer (1.20 hours for us), so the unexpected inspection, with all its slowness and rudeness, started to cause frustration and nervousness. But that was only a beginning.

After the policemen, the security was checked as it is always done BEFORE the flight. I have never been checked AFTER a flight before. Only two lines for checking were available for several hundred people. Passengers were checked very thoroughly and turned back, regardless of their discomfort after a long flight and the lack of an available toilet.

The fact that many passengers were just passing through at this airport did not play any role for the staff and, as I know, many people missed their transfers. When I asked if the flight to Brussels would be delayed because we were being held too long, I heard a short 'no'.

After reaching the plane in sprint style, we were graciously allowed to board, but there were passengers (from another flight) who were 90 seconds late and this is where Swiss precision worked: they were not allowed to board. It is not the end. Our plane didn't leave as planed but was considerably delayed because they were looking for some suitcases. Maybe ours because they didn't reach Brussels. The last time I had such a circus was in the 1990s, when I was flying through Turkey to the Balkans and my luggage constantly landed in Moscow.

I haven't seen such nonsense in a long time. In addition, the rudeness and haughtiness of the Swiss. Therefore, I definitely do not recommend Zurich airport or Swiss Air when it comes to large transports. They better stay a local airport because they have neither the skills nor the infrastructure to handle flights with large numbers of passengers.

Date of experience: 27 November 2023

Hi I was in Zurich Kloten Airport in the first time with my family and one of the best Airport in the world. We have been traveling more than 25 destinations but this is the best !