Nervous about a tight airline connection

ck,

Knowing the typical Swiss efficiency, that will probably be quite adequate. I believe Swiss Air gates are all in the same location, but one other thing to consider is that you'll have to go through Passport Control to get the exit stamp, which will take some time. As all your flights are with Swiss Air, they will have an interest in making sure you're able to connect.

It is tight but you are Air Swiss's responsibility so if you should miss it they will have to take care although it would a great inconvenience to yourself. I could try for a seat closer to the exit door so that you can get off quicker in Zurich.

Sounds like the 45 minutes meets airline's minimum legal connection time. That means it's their responsibility to get your from start to finish. You are also somewhat protected by EU rules:
http://www.euclaim.co.uk/missed-connection

Your rights in the event of a missed connection are clearly defined in
the European Union’s Regulation EG 261/2004 on the rights of air
passengers. The delay in arriving at the end destination is used as
the basis for establishing your claim.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regulation_261/2004#Delays

European Commission Regulation 261/2004 is a regulation establishing
common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event
of denied boarding, flight cancellations, or long delays of flights.
It repealed Regulation (EEC) No 295/91, and went into effect on 17
February 2005. It sets out the entitlements of air passengers when a
flight that they intend to travel on is delayed or cancelled, or when
they are denied boarding to such a flight due to overbooking, or when
the airline is unable to accommodate them in the class they had
booked.

The short connect is at least on your return.

Thanks everyone. I feel somewhat better!

I read a travel tips article last week by a seasoned traveler that said to look for airfares in the search engines, but recommended buying direct from the airlines because they didn't seem to feel the same responsibility to rebook missed connections when booked through the search engines. Not sure if that's true, but this is an Orbitz ticket so fingers crossed!

I am sorry that is not true unless you are responsible for missing. If it is the airline fault - late arrival, etc. - the airline will take care of rescheduling. Obritz acts for the airline. They are not resellers. We have never had problem with changes once we were in the hands of the airline.

Frank, I deleted my post about Orbitz' responsibility, I did have a problem with them but it was quite a few years ago. Since then I always book directly with the airline.

It's also not unusual for the flight attendants to make an announcement asking please to allow passengers with tight connections to get off first. If you inform them of your situation, I'm sure they'll either do this or make assurances if they think you'll have enough time.

This is particularly true if the flight is running a bit behind schedule.

...light attendants to make an announcement asking please to allow passengers with tight connections to get off first.

Rather than counting on the courtesy of fellow passengers, try to select aisle seats as far forward as allowed and keep your carry-on load light and manageable for a quick transit to your connection. The problem with being in back is so many passengers have to struggle with stuffed overheads slowing down exiting.

Since you are returning home, consider checking baggage that you don't need in the event of a delay or missed connection. If your checked baggage is delayed, the benefit is the airline delivering it to your final destination.

Bottom line is plan ahead, be prepared, breath deep and in all likelihood all will be well.