Helvetic Airways

Helvetic Airways is a shining example of Swiss precision and elegance in the aviation industry. Based in the picturesque town of Kloten, this regional airline acts as a vital link connecting major European metropolises with cozy tourist centers. Since its founding, the carrier has established itself as a reliable partner for travelers who value comfort, punctuality, and high service standards. A flight with Helvetic Airways is not just a movement from point A to point B, but a calm and pleasant start to your journey across Europe.

The airline's fleet is its pride, consisting primarily of modern Embraer family aircraft. These new-generation liners are distinguished by increased fuel efficiency and significantly reduced noise levels, making the flight as comfortable as possible for passengers and more eco-friendly for the environment. Spacious cabins and comfortable seats allow you to relax even during short regional flights.

The core values of Helvetic Airways are safety and Swiss quality. The company strictly adheres to international safety standards (IOSA) and pays close attention to the technical condition of its aircraft. The route network is actively developing, offering convenient connections. For example, flights connecting Zurich with cultural and business hubs such as Berlin, Dusseldorf, and Prague are very popular.

For confidence and peace of mind during your travels, it is important to always have your carrier's current contact details at hand. If you have questions regarding the schedule, baggage allowance rules, or technical nuances of flying with Helvetic Airways, you can contact the airline representatives through official channels.

Official Website

The most accurate and up-to-date information on flights and services can be found on the company's official web resource: www.helvetic.com. News and official press releases are also published here.

Contact Details

• Official Website: www.helvetic.com
• Support Service / Head Office: +41 44 270 85 00 (International call, Switzerland).
• Email: info@helvetic.com (for general inquiries and information).
• Mobile App: Currently, the airline does not have its own mobile application for passengers. Booking management is carried out through the official website. If your flight is operated within a partnership (for example, for SWISS), it is recommended to use the partner airline's app.

Social Media

The airline maintains a presence on popular social networks, where it shares news about the fleet and corporate events:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Local Offices

The airline's headquarters is located in Switzerland, in the immediate vicinity of Zurich airport.

• Head Office Address: Helvetic Airways AG, Steinackerstrasse 56, CH-8302 Kloten, Switzerland.

Please note: contact details, phone numbers, and email addresses may change. We strongly recommend checking the relevance of information on the official airline website directly before departure.

Preparing luggage is an important stage of any journey, whether it is a short business trip or a long vacation. Helvetic Airways strives to make baggage transportation rules as transparent as possible for its passengers. However, since the airline often operates flights in partnership with other carriers (e.g., SWISS), allowances may vary depending on the specific fare and route. Before departure, especially if you are heading to major hubs like Zurich or Paris, we recommend carefully checking the information on your ticket.

Cabin Baggage Allowances

Carry-on baggage rules are created to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers on board. Standard requirements for unchecked baggage usually look as follows:

• Economy Class: One piece of carry-on baggage weighing up to 8 kg is allowed. Maximum dimensions are typically 55 x 40 x 23 cm.
• Business Class: Passengers can expect an increased allowance — two pieces of carry-on baggage weighing up to 8 kg each, subject to the same dimensions.
• Personal Items: In addition to the main bag, it is usually permitted to take a small personal item into the cabin (a handbag, laptop bag, or briefcase) measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 10 cm.

Checked Baggage Limits

The number and weight of suitcases you can check into the baggage hold depend directly on your booking class. If you are flying from the city of Frankfurt am Main or any other point in the route network, be guided by the following standards:

In Economy Light fares (the most budget-friendly), checked baggage is often not included in the price and is paid for separately. For standard Economy Class fares, one piece weighing up to 23 kg is usually provided. Business Class travelers typically have the privilege of transporting two pieces of baggage weighing up to 32 kg each.

Excess Baggage

If your items exceed the established limits in weight or size, an additional fee will be charged. Excess weight rates can be fixed per piece or calculated for each extra kilogram. It is important to remember that a single piece of baggage must not weigh more than 32 kg under any circumstances (for the safety of baggage handlers). Paying for excess baggage online in advance is usually cheaper than directly at the airport before departure.

Special Items

Helvetic Airways understands that travel sometimes requires transporting non-standard items:

• Sports Equipment: Skis, snowboards, bicycles, or golf bags can be transported for an additional fee. You must notify the airline about the transport of such equipment in advance, as space in the cargo hold of regional aircraft may be limited.
• Musical Instruments: Small instruments can be taken into the cabin as carry-on luggage (if they fit within the dimensions). For transporting large instruments (e.g., a cello) in the cabin, purchasing a separate ticket for the adjacent seat may be required.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

For safety purposes, there are strict restrictions on the contents of baggage:

In carry-on baggage, it is forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons (and replicas), as well as liquids in containers larger than 100 ml. Exceptions are made for baby food and essential medications.

In checked baggage, you cannot place lithium batteries (Power Banks) and electronic cigarettes — they can only be carried in the aircraft cabin. Explosives, flammable liquids, and toxic materials are strictly prohibited for transport by any means.

Tips for Efficient Packing

To ensure your flight goes smoothly, use these simple recommendations:

• Keep Valuables with You: Always pack documents, money, jewelry, electronics, and keys in your carry-on baggage.
• Labeling: Attach a tag with your name and contact details to your suitcase. This will significantly speed up the search for baggage in case of loss.
• Weighing: Weigh your suitcases at home before leaving for the airport to avoid unexpected surcharges at the check-in counter.

Rules for Animal Transportation

Helvetic Airways understands that for many passengers, pets are full-fledged family members. The airline provides the opportunity to travel with cats and dogs both in the aircraft cabin and in the cargo hold, ensuring safety and comfort throughout the flight. However, when planning a trip, for example to Paris or Zurich, it is important to familiarize yourself with the carrier's strict regulations in advance.

Transportation Options

Depending on the weight and size of your pet, as well as the type of aircraft, different transport methods will be offered to you.

In the Cabin (Carry-on)

This option is suitable for small animals that can travel with you at your feet.

• Carrier Dimensions: A soft carrier bag must fit under the seat in front of you. Recommended maximum dimensions are usually 55 x 40 x 23 cm (standard for partners such as SWISS).
• Maximum Weight: The total weight of the animal together with the carrier must not exceed 8 kg.
• Permitted Animals: Domestic cats and dogs only.
• Placement Requirements: The animal must be able to stand, lie down, and turn around freely inside the container. The pet is forbidden from being taken out of the carrier for the duration of the flight.
• Limit: Usually one animal per passenger is allowed (or two if they are of the same species, small, and are in one carrier).

In the Cargo Hold (Checked Baggage)

If your pet weighs more than 8 kg or the container exceeds carry-on dimensions, it will fly in a special compartment with climate control.

• Container Requirements: A rigid plastic container certified by IATA. It must be durable, ventilated, and securely lockable.
• Animal Comfort: The pet must be able to stand with its head up without touching the roof, turn around freely, and lie down in a natural position.
• Equipment: Empty containers for water and food, accessible for filling from the outside, must be attached to the cage. The bottom must be lined with absorbent material.
• Weight Restrictions: The maximum weight of the container with the animal for transport as baggage is usually limited (e.g., up to 50-75 kg); heavier ones are transported as cargo.

As Cargo

This method is used in special cases when standard transport is not possible.

• When Required: If the animal is very large, traveling unaccompanied by the owner, or heading to a country that allows animal import only through a cargo terminal (e.g., the UK).
• Procedure: Booking is carried out through a specialized cargo agent, not through the ticket office.

Necessary Documents

At the check-in counter, you will be asked to present a full package of documents. Requirements may change depending on the destination (e.g., when flying to Berlin, EU rules apply).

• Veterinary Passport: International standard.
• Identification: Presence of a microchip (mandatory for European countries) or a clear tattoo (if done before 2011).
• Vaccination: Valid rabies vaccination (administered at least 21 days before departure).
• Health Certificate: A certificate from a veterinarian confirming that the animal is healthy and fit to fly (usually issued a few days before the flight).
• Additional Tests: Some countries may require antibody titer tests or parasite treatment (Echinococcus).

Service Costs

Animal transportation is not included in the free baggage allowance and is paid for as excess baggage or at a special rate.

• Transport in Cabin: Estimated from 50 to 70 EUR/CHF per flight segment.
• Transport in Cargo Hold: Estimated from 80 to 150 EUR/CHF (and higher), price varies depending on the cage size.
• Route Dependency: On international flights with connections, costs may be cumulative.

Preparation Tips

To reduce stress for your four-legged friend, start preparing in advance.

• Accustoming to the Carrier: Let the animal get used to the container at home several weeks before departure.
• Feeding: Do not feed the pet heavily less than 2–4 hours before departure to avoid motion sickness.
• Comfort: Put a favorite toy or an item with the owner's scent in the cage.
• Sedatives: Use sedatives only upon strict recommendation of a veterinarian, as at altitude they can cause an unpredictable reaction (drop in blood pressure).

Restrictions

The airline reserves the right to refuse transport in certain cases.

• Brachycephalic Breeds: Dogs and cats with flattened faces (Pugs, Bulldogs, Persian cats) may have breathing problems. Often their transport in the cargo hold is prohibited due to life risks.
• Dangerous Breeds: Dogs of fighting breeds may require special reinforced cages or be prohibited from import into the destination country.
• Age: Puppies and kittens younger than 12 weeks (sometimes 15 weeks depending on vaccines) are usually not accepted for transport.
• Exceptions: Service dogs and guide dogs accompanying passengers with disabilities are transported in the cabin free of charge but require prior notification.

Important: The number of spaces for animals on board is strictly limited. We strongly recommend booking the transport service immediately after purchasing the ticket by contacting the airline's call center.

Loyalty Program

Traveling with Helvetic Airways, passengers can take advantage of the leading European loyalty program — Miles & More. Thanks to a close strategic partnership with Lufthansa Group and SWISS airline, every flight opens opportunities for accumulating bonuses and receiving exclusive privileges. This turns ordinary flights into profitable investments in future travels.

Membership Tiers

The program offers a transparent status system, each unlocking a new level of comfort:

• Member: The entry level assigned immediately after registration. Cardholders can accumulate award miles for flights and purchases, as well as spend them on various rewards.
• Frequent Traveller (Silver): Achieved upon accumulating a certain number of status miles or flight segments. Key benefits include an increased free baggage allowance, access to Lufthansa Group business lounges, and check-in at business class counters.
• Senator (Gold): Status for active travelers. Grants access to Senator and Star Alliance Gold lounges, priority boarding, accelerated security screening (Fast Track), and additional miles accrual for flights.
• HON Circle (Elite): The highest tier of the program. Members receive maximum privileges, including access to First Class terminals, limousine service for transfer to the aircraft, and booking guarantees even on fully booked flights.

How to Earn Miles

The Miles & More accumulation system is flexible and covers many areas of a traveler's life:

• Flights: Miles are accrued for flights operated by Helvetic Airways (especially under code-sharing with SWISS), as well as for flights with any partner airlines. The number of miles depends on the booking class and ticket price.
• Ground Partners: You can top up your balance by booking hotels, renting cars, or taking out insurance with program partners.
• Credit Cards: Using co-branded bank cards allows you to accumulate miles for everyday purchases — from groceries to household appliances.
• Shopping: The partner network includes many shops in airports and beyond, including in major hubs like Paris.

How to Spend Miles

Collected bonuses can be exchanged for a wide range of services and goods:

• Award Tickets: Issuing free flights (only taxes and fees are paid) on flights of program members.
• Upgrade: Using miles to upgrade from Economy Class to Business Class for greater comfort in flight.
• Worldshop: Paying for goods in the branded online store, which features suitcases, electronics, and accessories.
• Charity and Fees: Miles can be used to pay airport taxes and fees or donated to charitable projects.

Alliance Participation

Although Helvetic Airways is a regional partner, participation in the Miles & More program integrates passengers into a global network:

• Star Alliance: Status members of the program (starting from the Senator level) enjoy Star Alliance privileges worldwide.
• Partners: You can earn and spend miles on flights with Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and many others.

How to Join

Becoming a member of the program is very simple. Just download the Miles & More mobile app or fill out the registration form on the official website. After that, you will receive a digital card number and can immediately use it when booking tickets, for example, when planning a visit to Zurich or other cities in the route network.

Traveling with Helvetic Airways is a combination of Swiss quality, punctuality, and the coziness of regional airlines. Despite the company specializing in short and medium-haul flights, the level of service on board meets the highest European standards. A modern fleet and attentive staff make the flight pleasant both for business people rushing to a meeting and for tourists starting their vacation.

Travel Classes

The airline offers a flexible fare system adapted to the needs of different categories of passengers. Traditionally, the aircraft cabin is divided into two main classes, each having its own advantages.

• Economy Class: The ideal choice for those who value practicality without compromising comfort. Passengers are offered ergonomic leather seats and sufficient legroom. This is an excellent option for short flights, for example, between cities like Paris and Zurich, where travel time flies by unnoticed.
• Business Class: Designed for travelers for whom priority and privacy are important. Passengers of this class are usually seated in the front part of the cabin. They are granted additional privileges, such as an increased baggage allowance, priority boarding and disembarkation, as well as access to airport business lounges (depending on the fare and departure airport).

Please note: as Helvetic Airways is a regional carrier, First Class is not available on board its aircraft.

Seat Configuration and Comfort

The pride of the airline is its fleet, consisting of modern Embraer liners (E190-E2 and E195-E2). The main advantage of these aircraft for the passenger is the 2-2 seat configuration. This means the complete absence of a "middle seat": you sit either by the window or by the aisle. Such an arrangement guarantees more personal space and comfort even in Economy Class.

The seats themselves are distinguished by an ergonomic design, thin backrests to increase legroom, and adjustable headrests. Furthermore, the E2 series aircraft are known as some of the quietest in their class, allowing you to relax in silence during a flight to Frankfurt am Main or any other city in the route network.

Food and Beverages

Service on board Helvetic Airways is famous for its hospitality, although the set of services may vary depending on the flight duration and booking type (especially on code-share flights).

• Light Snacks: On most flights, all passengers are offered a bottle of mineral water and famous Swiss chocolate — a signature gesture of attention that has become a hallmark of Swiss airlines.
• Catering in Business Class: Travelers in the premium segment can look forward to full meals or exquisite cold appetizers served on porcelain tableware, as well as an expanded selection of beverages.
• Special Menus: If you require dietary or special religious meals (such as Halal options), it is recommended to order them in advance (at least 24-48 hours) through support service or booking management.

Entertainment and Connectivity

Since most flights, for example to Berlin or Dusseldorf, last less than two hours, aircraft are not equipped with individual screens in the seatbacks.

• Helvetic Inflight App: On the newest E2 aircraft, a streaming entertainment system is available. Passengers can connect their smartphones or tablets to the onboard Wi-Fi network to view flight information and read newspapers and magazines in digital format.
• Gadget Charging: Seats on many aircraft are equipped with USB ports, allowing you to charge your phone during the journey. We recommend downloading movies or music to your personal device in advance.
• In-flight Magazine: In the seat pocket, you will find a fresh issue of the magazine featuring stories about flight destinations, lifestyle, and culture.

Special Services

Helvetic Airways strives to make flying accessible and comfortable for all categories of passengers. The airline offers a range of assistance services that need to be requested in advance.

For passengers with reduced mobility, full escort in the airport and assistance during boarding/disembarkation is provided. On board, the crew will provide necessary support, however, it is important to notify the carrier of your needs when purchasing the ticket.

For families with children, special seat belts for infants (children under 2 years old) are provided. Older children (usually from 5 to 12 years old) traveling without parents can use the "Unaccompanied Minor" (UM) service, where airline staff will look after the young traveler from the moment of check-in until meeting with relatives at the destination, be it Prague or their native Zurich.

The Helvetic Airways route network is focused on ensuring high-quality and fast connections between key European cities. An important hub in the flight program is Paris, from where flights are operated with high regularity, connecting France with other regions. Below is a list of the airline's most popular destinations for the next three weeks.

Useful Tips and Tricks for Passengers

Traveling with a regional airline has its own specifics, knowing which will help save time and money. We have collected proven recommendations for you that will make your flight with Helvetic Airways as comfortable and carefree as possible.

Best Time to Book
Statistics show that the most favorable fares for flights within Europe are available when purchasing tickets 4–6 weeks before departure. If you are planning a trip to popular cities such as Paris or Zurich, try to avoid booking at the last minute and on school holiday dates. Often, flights in the middle of the week (Tuesday and Wednesday) are cheaper than departures on Friday or Sunday.

How to Find Discounts and Promotions
Since Helvetic Airways is closely integrated into the Lufthansa Group network, special offers often appear not only on their own website but also on partner platforms (SWISS). Subscribe to the airline's newsletter to be the first to know about seasonal sales. This is a great chance to buy tickets to Prague or other European capitals at reduced prices.

Nuances of Online Check-in
Online Check-in (Web Check-in) usually opens 23 hours before departure. We strongly recommend completing this procedure in advance to avoid queues at the airport. You can choose a seat and receive your boarding pass electronically. Please note: if your flight is operated via code-sharing (the flight number does not start with 2L, but, for example, with LX), check-in may take place on the partner airline's website.

Mobile Capabilities
It is important to know that Helvetic Airways currently does not have its own mobile application for passengers. To manage bookings, check flight status, and check in, use the mobile version of the official website. It is optimized for smartphones and provides all necessary functionality.

Tips on Seat Selection
The airline's fleet consists of Embraer aircraft with a 2+2 seat configuration. This is a huge plus for passengers: there are absolutely no uncomfortable middle seats here. You are guaranteed to sit either by the window or by the aisle.

• For quick disembarkation upon arrival, for example in Frankfurt am Main, choose seats in the front part of the cabin (rows 1–5).
• If you want to enjoy views of the Alps, avoid rows over the wing (usually from row 8 to 14), as the view is limited there.

Travel Insurance
Even with renowned Swiss punctuality, unforeseen situations are possible. We recommend taking out travel insurance covering not only medical expenses but also risks associated with flight cancellation or loss of luggage. This is especially relevant for complex connecting routes through major hubs such as Berlin or Dusseldorf.

History and Development of the Airline

The history of Helvetic Airways is a chronicle of how a small ambitious company was able to find its unique niche in the highly competitive skies of Europe. Having gone from a classic budget carrier to a premium partner of leading aviation groups, it has become a symbol of Swiss reliability.

Founding and Early Years
The company was founded in the autumn of 2003. In fact, it emerged on the basis of the previously existing airline Odette Airways, undergoing a complete rebranding and change of strategy. The Helvetic liner made its first flight under the new name in November 2003. Initially, the carrier positioned itself as a low-cost airline, offering affordable flights from its "home" airport Zurich to popular resort destinations in Southern Europe.

Change of Strategy and Partnership
By 2006, the company's management realized that the future lay not so much in price competition as in service quality and flexibility. A cardinal turn in the business model occurred: Helvetic Airways reoriented towards operating flights in the interests of large network carriers (so-called wet leasing or ACMI). A key moment was the conclusion of a long-term strategic partnership with SWISS International Air Lines. This allowed integrating the route network and ensuring convenient connections for passengers, linking Switzerland with such important hubs as Paris and Frankfurt am Main.

Fleet Evolution: from Fokker to Embraer
For a long time, the "workhorses" of the airline were Fokker 100 aircraft. These reliable machines served the carrier faithfully for over 15 years. However, the pursuit of innovation and eco-friendliness required changes.

• 2014: Gradual renewal of the fleet with first-generation Embraer E190 aircraft began.
• 2019: The company took a historic step by becoming one of the launch operators of the newest Embraer E2 liners. The complete abandonment of the old Fokker 100s in favor of high-tech and quiet E2s marked a new era of comfort for passengers.

Expanding Horizons
The development of the fleet allowed for a significant expansion of flight geography. The airline strengthened its positions not only in Zurich but also at the international airport of Bern. Regular and charter flights connecting Europe's business capitals were launched. For example, the route to Berlin became one of the sought-after destinations for business travelers. In addition, Helvetic Airways actively developed its own flight school and technical base, acquiring the assets of Horizon Swiss Flight Academy, which allowed for the independent training of top-class pilots.

Modern Stage
Today, Helvetic Airways is more than just a regional carrier. It is an airline with one of the youngest and most eco-friendly fleets in Europe. Investments in modern technologies have allowed for a reduction in CO2 emissions and noise levels, which is especially important for flights to airports with strict environmental requirements, such as Dusseldorf. Remaining true to Swiss traditions of quality, the company continues to open new routes and improve service on board.