Helvetic Airways
Switzerland
Switzerland's leisure airline and sister of SWISS
Guide reviewed
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Edelweiss Air is Switzerland’s leisure airline, flying from Zurich to beach and holiday destinations in Europe and long-haul routes to North America, Africa and Asia. Even the cheapest Economy fare includes a 23 kg checked bag. This guide covers power bank rules, check-in at Zurich, long-haul holidays and how it compares with SWISS and Condor.
Founded in 1995, it joined the Lufthansa Group in 2008 as the sister airline of SWISS. It flies Airbus A320-family jets in Europe and Airbus A350s and A340s on long-haul routes.

New international (ICAO) rules apply from 27 March 2026, and European airlines follow them:
Online check-in opens 23 hours before departure, and self-service bag drop is available at Zurich. Arrive at least two hours before European flights and three hours before long-haul flights.
Infants under two travel on an adult’s lap, and pushchairs and car seats can usually be checked in free. Request wheelchairs and other special assistance at least 48 hours before the flight.
Its long-haul network is aimed at holidaymakers:

Three airlines for holidays from Switzerland and Germany.
| Edelweiss Air | SWISS | Condor | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hub | Zurich | Zurich | Frankfurt |
| Type | Leisure | Full-service | Leisure |
| Checked bag on cheapest fare | 23 kg | Depends on fare | None |
| Loyalty | Miles & More | Miles & More | Check website |
See our SWISS guide and Condor guide to compare.
Zurich Airport is about 10 km from the city centre. Trains reach Zurich main station in around 10 minutes, and direct trains run to Bern, Basel and Lucerne.
You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.
Yes. A checked bag on every Economy fare, Swiss service and long-haul holiday routes make it great value for leisure travellers.
For more options, see our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.
Facts checked in October 2026 against Edelweiss fare conditions. Rules change, so check the official website before you travel.
The airline is part of the Lufthansa Group but is not a full member of a global airline alliance.
It works closely with its sister airline SWISS, so you can connect between the two at Zurich.
Zurich (ZRH) is the hub for all flights, with some flights from Geneva.
The busiest routes link Zurich with Mediterranean islands, the Canary Islands and long-haul holiday destinations in North America, Africa and Asia. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.
Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.
Fares are sold as Economy Saver, Economy, Premium Economy and Business, each with a Flex option on some cabins.
Changes cost a fee plus any fare difference, and only Flex fares can be changed free or refunded without a fee.
Swiss-style meals and drinks are served, with free snacks on short flights and meals on long-haul flights.
Seats can be reserved for a fee in Economy.
Economy includes one 8 kg cabin bag and one 23 kg checked bag, even on Economy Saver. Business includes two 8 kg cabin bags and two 32 kg checked bags.
Premium Economy on long-haul flights includes two 32 kg checked bags.
Flights earn miles with Miles & More, the Lufthansa Group programme, and miles can be used for award flights with the group's airlines.
The airline's two-character IATA code is WK. It appears in flight numbers (for example WK 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is EDW, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.
It is not a member of a global airline alliance, although it may still have codeshare or interline agreements with individual airlines.
The airline is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland.
The airline was founded in 1995.
Its main hubs and focus cities are: Zurich (ZRH) – Main Hub.
Yes. Every Economy fare includes one 23 kg bag and one 8 kg cabin bag.
Two 8 kg cabin bags and two 32 kg checked bags.
It is the leisure sister airline of SWISS in the Lufthansa Group, based in Zurich.
Yes, flights earn miles with Miles & More.
On Edelweiss you can carry up to two power banks in cabin baggage (up to 100 Wh without approval, 100–160 Wh with approval), but you cannot charge them, or charge devices from them, during the flight. They are never allowed in checked bags.
Edelweiss Air, its logo and trademarks are the property of Edelweiss Air AG and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Edelweiss Air unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.