Bless 'em, they got through the entire queue and with unfailing courtesy at that. Transfer Desk A at Kloten Airport is staffed by angels. We're rebooked for a lazy Sunday flight with a nice longish layover in Frankfurt, and she got us a room in the airport Hilton.
Oh wow, not only did they let us check in early, we also have dinner and breakfast and an airport transfer back included. I can stand getting my connection cancelled in Zürich.