How much compensation can I claim for a delayed flight?

You can claim between £220 and £520 depending on the distance of your flight. Short-haul flights under 1,500km qualify for £220, medium-haul flights between 1,500-3,500km qualify for £350, and long-haul flights over 3,500km qualify for £520.

What is the 3-hour rule for flight delays?

Under EU261 and UK261 regulations, you are entitled to compensation if your flight arrives at your final destination more than 3 hours late. The delay is measured by when the aircraft doors open at your destination.

How long do I have to claim flight compensation?

In the UK, you have up to 6 years from the date of your flight to make a claim. However, we recommend claiming as soon as possible while the details are fresh.

What does no win no fee mean?

No win, no fee means you only pay if your claim is successful. If your claim is unsuccessful, you won't pay anything. This removes the financial risk of making a claim.

How do I claim compensation from Swiss?

Swiss has an online claims form in their Customer Relations section. You'll need your booking reference, flight details, and passenger information. As a Lufthansa Group airline, they follow established claims procedures.

How long does Swiss take to process claims?

Swiss typically responds within 6-8 weeks. As a premium carrier with professional customer service, they generally process claims efficiently, though busy periods can cause delays.

Is Swiss the same as Lufthansa?

Swiss is part of the Lufthansa Group but operates as a separate airline. Claims must be made to Swiss directly if they operated your flight, not to Lufthansa.

Are connections through Zurich covered?

Yes, if you booked a connecting journey through Zurich on a single Swiss booking and arrived 3+ hours late at your final destination, you can claim compensation.

Does Swiss fly long-haul from the UK?

Swiss connects UK airports to worldwide destinations via their Zurich hub. These connections to Asia, Africa, and the Americas qualify for up to £520 compensation.

Swiss Flight Delay Compensation

Was your Swiss flight delayed or cancelled? The premium Swiss carrier must comply with EU261 and UK261 regulations. You could claim up to £520 compensation.

Check If You Can Claim

Claiming Compensation from Swiss

Swiss International Air Lines is Switzerland's flag carrier and part of the Lufthansa Group. Known for Swiss precision and quality service, they operate an extensive network from their Zurich hub, making them popular for UK passengers connecting worldwide.

Swiss offers direct flights from London and connections through Zurich to destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. All these routes are covered by passenger compensation regulations.

Swiss's Claims Reputation

Swiss is known for professional customer service in line with their premium brand. They generally handle claims fairly and respond within reasonable timeframes. However, like all airlines, they may cite extraordinary circumstances — be prepared to challenge if needed.

Your Rights When Flying Swiss

Flight Delays

Arrive 3+ hours late? You're entitled to compensation of £220-£520 depending on your total journey distance.

Cancellations

Cancelled Swiss flights entitle you to compensation unless you received 14+ days notice or a suitable alternative.

Zurich Connections

Missed your connection through Zurich due to a Swiss delay? You can claim if you arrived 3+ hours late at your final destination.

Premium Service

Your class of service doesn't affect compensation rights — Economy and Business passengers are entitled to the same amounts.

Popular Swiss Routes from the UK

Swiss connects the UK to Zurich and onwards to worldwide destinations:

London Heathrow - Zurich

London City - Zurich

Manchester - Zurich

Birmingham - Zurich

Edinburgh - Zurich

London - Geneva

Popular onward connections include Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and destinations across Africa and the Americas.

Swiss Compensation Amounts

Compensation is based on total journey distance to your final destination.

Flight Distance

Compensation

Example Routes

Under 1,500 km

£220

London to Paris, Dublin, Amsterdam

Most Common

1,500 - 3,500 km

£350

London to Rome, Athens, Marrakech

Over 3,500 km

£520

London to New York, Dubai, Bangkok

Compensation amounts are set by EU261 and UK261 regulations. Each passenger can claim individually.

UK-Zurich is short-haul (£220), but Asia/Americas connections qualify for £520.

How Swiss Handles Claims

Professional Approach

Swiss lives up to their reputation for quality, typically handling claims professionally and responding within reasonable timeframes.

Lufthansa Group Systems

Swiss uses Lufthansa Group's customer service infrastructure, providing structured claims handling and tracking capabilities.

Swiss Regulation

Unresolved claims can be escalated to Swiss authorities. Switzerland follows EU aviation standards despite not being an EU member.

Tips for Claiming from Swiss

Calculate Full Distance

Connecting flights through Zurich can significantly increase your compensation.

Claim from Swiss, Not Partners

Even if booked via Lufthansa or Star Alliance partners, claim from the operating airline.

Track Connection Times

Document any missed connections and the actual arrival at your final destination.

Request CHF or GBP

Swiss may offer payment in Swiss Francs — you can request GBP or euros instead.

Swiss Compensation FAQs

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