What compensation can I get for a SWISS flight from Frankfurt?

For SWISS flights departing EU airports: €250 for under 1,500 km, €400 for 1,500–3,500 km (Frankfurt–Zurich is about 250 km, so €250), €600 for over 3,500 km (e.g. Frankfurt–New York via Zurich on a single ticket). 3+ hours arrival delay required.

What rights do I have for a delayed SWISS flight from Zurich?

For SWISS flights departing Zurich: Swiss air passenger rights regulation (SR 748.0.7) applies — it mirrors EU261 closely with the same compensation amounts. You can file complaints with Switzerland's Federal Office of Civil Aviation (BAZL). Swiss law limitation period is 2 years.

Does SWISS pay EU261 compensation voluntarily?

SWISS processes EU261 claims professionally for EU-departing flights. Response time is typically 4–8 weeks. SWISS participates in the Swiss travel industry ADR body. For EU261 rejections, German passengers can use SÖP or file in German court.

What if my SWISS flight via Zurich caused me to miss a connection?

If your journey started at an EU airport on a single through-ticket (e.g. Frankfurt–Zurich–Los Angeles) and you arrived at your final destination 3+ hours late: EU261 applies and you're entitled to €600 (total distance over 3,500 km). SWISS must rebook you on the next available flight.

SWISS Compensation: EU261 from EU Airports, Swiss Law from Zurich

Q: Does EU261 apply to SWISS flights from Zurich?

SWISS International Air Lines is a Swiss airline — Switzerland is NOT an EU member state. EU261 applies to SWISS flights departing EU airports (e.g. Frankfurt, Munich). For flights departing Zurich (ZRH), EU261 does NOT apply unless the flight arrives in the EU and SWISS is treated as an EU carrier, which it is not. However, Switzerland has its own equivalent regulation (SR 748.0.7) which provides similar protections for Zurich departures.

EU261 vs Swiss Law — SWISS Scenarios

Route	Law	Compensation
Frankfurt → Zurich (direct)	EU261	€250 (~250 km)
Frankfurt → Zurich → New York (1 ticket)	EU261	€600 (>3,500 km total)
Zurich → Frankfurt (direct)	Swiss 748.0.7	CHF equiv. of €250
Zurich → New York (direct)	Swiss 748.0.7	CHF equiv. of €600

How to Claim from SWISS

Determine which law applies

Did your journey start at an EU airport? EU261 applies. Did it start at Zurich? Swiss SR 748.0.7 applies. For through-tickets starting EU: EU261 applies to the whole journey even if the delay is on the Zurich leg.

Document the delay

FlightAware for actual arrival time. SWISS keeps accurate records and is generally transparent about delay causes. For connections: check actual arrival at final destination.

Submit to SWISS

swiss.com → Help → Submit a Complaint. SWISS Customer Relations processes claims in 4–8 weeks. Include booking reference (6 chars), flight number (LX + digits), date, and actual arrival time.

Escalate if rejected

For EU261 claims: SÖP (Germany) or your national ADR body. SWISS participates in the Swiss ATF (Schlichtungsstelle für öffentlichen Verkehr) for Swiss-law claims. EU courts are accessible for German-resident passengers with EU261 claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does EU261 apply to SWISS flights from Zurich?

No. SWISS is not an EU carrier and Switzerland is not in the EU. For Zurich departures, Swiss SR 748.0.7 applies — it mirrors EU261 with the same compensation amounts. EU261 applies to SWISS flights departing EU airports.

What compensation for a SWISS flight from Frankfurt?

EU261 applies: €250 for Frankfurt→Zurich (~250 km). €600 for Frankfurt→Zurich→New York single through-ticket (total over 3,500 km). 3+ hours arrival delay required.

What rights for a delayed SWISS flight from Zurich?

Swiss SR 748.0.7 applies — equivalent to EU261. Same compensation amounts (in CHF). File complaints with Swiss BAZL. 2-year limitation period under Swiss law.

Does SWISS pay EU261 voluntarily?

Yes, for valid EU-departing claims. SWISS processes claims professionally in 4–8 weeks. Technical fault rejections are challengeable under CJEU C-549/07 for EU261 claims.

Missed Zurich connection on Frankfurt–New York single ticket?

EU261 applies (first departure Frankfurt = EU). Arrived 3+ hours late at New York: €600 compensation. SWISS must rebook and provide care at Zurich.