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Helvetic Airways is a Swiss regional airline based at Zurich Airport (ZRH) and serves 34 destinations worldwide including Europe and Northern Africa as well as scheduled flights on behalf of Swiss International Airlines and Lufthansa. Destinations included Bordeaux, Calvi, Larnaca, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Palma de Mallorca, Tenerife, Corfu, Heraklion, Kos, Rhodes, Shannon, Brindisi, Lamezia, Olbia, Pristina, Skopje, Ohrid, Bern, Zurich, Birmingham, Manchester and Inverness. Helvetic Airways was established in the autumn of 2003, as a rebranding and extension of the existing airline Odette Airways, to initially serve destinations in South-Eastern Europe and was Switzerland's first budget carrier. Helvetic Airways was established in the autumn of 2003, as a rebranding and extension of the existing airline Odette Airways, to serve destinations in South-Eastern Europe. The airline was Switzerland's first budget carrier currently has a fleet of 14 aircraft ranging all from Embraer that can in total carry 1,552 passengers at one time and has 4 more on order.
Since 2006 Helvetic Airways has had a new management team who have changed the focus of the airline, dropping business routes (like London) and concentrating on holiday destinations not offered by competing airlines from its home base in Zurich. Recently Swiss aviation has been in a recovery phase following the shock demise of its grand dame Swiss Air. Helvetic - with its distinctive pink paintwork - is a good value option for flights to holiday destinations from Zurich.
Since March 2016, Helvetic Airways operated a wet-lease contract with Lufthansa for the Zurich and Munich route. It also has some flights operated by the virtual airline FlyBAIR.
Looking for flights to Switzerland? Helvetic Airways operates scheduled passenger flights to Switzerland.
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Did you know? When booking Helvetic Airways flights through Alternative Airlines, you can pay later using the flexible payment plans we offer at checkout. Find out more about our Buy Now Pay Later payment options here.
Baggage Policy
Helvetic Airways has a different baggage policy for carry-on and checked baggage policy.
Carry-on Baggage
Helvetic Airways passengers have a carry-on bag allowance of 1 bag, weighing up to 5 kg. The carry-on bag must not exceed 55 x 40 x 20cm. Passengers are also allowed to bring one personal item on board such as a laptop bag or handbag. Personal items should be stored under the seat in front of you.
Checked Baggage
Helvetic Airways passengers have a checked-in bag allowance of a maximum weight of 23 kg. Checked baggage must exceed the dimensions of 203cm in total length, height and depth.
Cabin Classes
Helvetic Airways planes offer both Economy Class and Business Class seating.
Economy Class
Helvetic Airways' planes offer both Economy Class and Business Class seating.
Economy Class Facilities
A high-quality snack or meal (depending on the time of day & flight) is offered to passengers on all routes.
Indulge in a unique duty-free experience; you can find the Fly&Buy duty-free catalogue on board!
On most routes with Helvetic Airways, Economy Class passengers can, for a fee, pre-reserve seats up to 24 hours prior to departure.
Economy Class Seating
Comfortable seats with lots of legroom. Seats are upholstered in neutral beige leather with good-size fold-out tray tables. Seats are set out in either a 2 x 2 or 2 x 3 formation.
Business Class
Helvetic Airways business class is called Viva, this is a business class service that offers travellers extra luxury when flying.
Business Class Facilities
As well as enjoying flexibility with regards to fare conditions (semi-flex and full-flex), business travellers can also benefit from free baggage allowance increased to 30 kg, plus two pieces of hand luggage; access to business class lounges; priority check-in desk; and the provision of onboard meals according to flight time.
Business Class Seating
in Helvetic Airways business class, seats are set out in a 1 x 1 formation, are made from leather and have a pitch of 33 inches.
Check-In
Helvetic Airways passengers can choose to check-in online or at the airport.
Online Check-in
Helvetic Airways lets you check in online 24 hours prior to your flight departure time. Online check in closes 2 hours prior to your flight departure time. You can either print your boarding pass or save it onto your phone wallet.
Airport Check-in
Alternatively, if you're unable to check in online, we advise that you arrive 2 hours before your flight departure time for domestic flights a 3 hours before for international flights.
Frequent Flyer Program
Helvetic Airways does not currently offer a frequent flyer program.
Special Assistance
Helvetic Airways has services for expecting mothers and pets.
Expectant Mothers
Pregnant women who are fit to fly are allowed to fly with Helvetic Airways up until the 36th week of pregnancy. From the 28th week of pregnancy, pregnant women must carry a doctor's note stating that they are healthy to fly as well as the date of the expected delivery.
Pets
Pets/animals weighing more than 7kg can be transported in the cargo area of the aircraft. The price of transporting your pet will depend on the size of the container and the weight of your pet. Please ensure that your pet is in a suitable and safe container for the transporting journey. Helvetic Airways doesn't take any responsibility for the possibility of your pet's health from the transportation process.
Food
The meals available onboard will depend on the destination you are flying to/from. Inflight food and drinks will reflect Swiss values as well as quality criteria. Morning meals may include a traditional Swiss breakfast, and other meals include Spanish-inspired sandwiches as well as Greek salad. If you have special dietary requirements, you can alter your in-flight meal 72 hours prior to your flight departure. Helvetic Airways offers a number of special meals including kosher, vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free options at no extra charge.
Airline Alliance
Helvetic Airways is not currently part of an airline alliance program.
Destinations that Helvetic Airways flies to
As of January 2023, Helvetic Airways has scheduled flights to over 10 destinations within Europe. Popular destinations include Kuusamo, Zurich, Calvi, Palma de Mallorca, Olbia and others.
If you're looking to fly within Europe, our guide to flights within Europe offers lots of helpful information, including an airline guide and FAQs.
Alternatives to Helvetic Airways
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Hub Airport
Zurich Airport (ZRH)
Zurich Airport (ZRH) is a public airport in Zurich, Switzerland. The airport has three runways and can serve over 31 million passengers each year. The airport is located 13 km north of central Zurich in the municipalities of Kloten, Winkel, Opfikon, Rümlang, and Oberglatt all of which are within the canton of Zürich.
The airport has over 30 airlines that fly to and from Zurich Airport (ZRH) including Edelweiss Air, Swiss Airlines, and Chair Airlines.
Fleet
As of February 2022, Helvetic Airways operates a fleet of the following aircraft:
- 4 x Embraer 190 (112 passengers per aircraft)
- 8 x Embraer 190-E2 (110 passengers per aircraft)
- 4 x Embraer 195-E2 (134 passengers per aircraft)