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Helvetic Airways

The Swiss regional airline that flies for SWISS

  • SwitzerlandCountry
  • 2LIATA Code
  • OAWICAO Code
  • IndependentAlliance
  • RegionalAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About Helvetic Airways

Helvetic Airways is a Swiss regional airline based in Zurich. Most of its flights are operated for SWISS, so you may fly with it even if you booked SWISS. It also runs its own holiday flights and flies for Lufthansa and Condor. This guide covers power bank rules, check-in, flying on Embraer jets and how it compares with SWISS and Edelweiss.

The airline was founded in 2003 from Odette Airways and is owned by Swiss investor Martin Ebner. It flies one of Europe’s newest fleets of Embraer E2 jets.

Helvetic Airways flights to Zurich
Photo: Henrique Ferreira / Unsplash

Power Bank Rules on Helvetic Airways

New international (ICAO) rules apply from 27 March 2026, and European airlines follow them:

  • Each passenger can carry up to two power banks, in cabin baggage only, never in checked bags.
  • Power banks cannot be charged on board, and you cannot use them to charge phones or other devices during the flight.
  • Up to 100 Wh needs no approval; 100–160 Wh needs approval from the airline. Keep them within reach, not in the overhead bin.

Check-In at Zurich

If you booked with SWISS, check in with SWISS online or at the airport. Arrive at least two hours before your flight at Zurich.

Families and Special Assistance

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.

Flying on the Embraer E2

The Embraer jets are comfortable for short flights:

  • Seats are arranged two by two, so there are no middle seats.
  • Overhead bins are smaller than on larger jets.
  • The E2 is quieter and more fuel-efficient than older aircraft.

How to Find Cheap Helvetic Airways Flights

Cheap Helvetic Airways flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Book through SWISS for most routes.
  • Choose a window or aisle seat: there are no middle seats.
  • Look at Bern for holiday flights close to the capital.
  • Compare SWISS fares that include a bag.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see its fares next to SWISS, Edelweiss Air and others.

Helvetic Airways vs SWISS vs Edelweiss Air

Three airlines flying from Zurich.

Helvetic AirwaysSWISSEdelweiss Air
RoleFlies for SWISSSwiss flag carrierLeisure airline
AircraftEmbraer jetsAirbus jetsAirbus jets
BaggageBooking airline’s rulesDepends on fare23 kg on every Economy fare
LoyaltyMiles & MoreMiles & MoreMiles & More

See our SWISS guide and Edelweiss Air guide to compare.

Arriving in Zurich

Zurich Airport is about 10 km from the city centre. Trains reach Zurich main station in around 10 minutes and connect with the rest of Switzerland.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is Helvetic Airways a Good Airline?

Yes. It flies modern, quiet Embraer jets with no middle seats, and its flights for SWISS come with SWISS service.

For more options, see our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against Wikipedia’s airline history. Rules change, so check the official website before you travel.

Airline Partnerships

The airline is not a member of a global airline alliance, but most of its flights are operated for SWISS, a Star Alliance member.

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

It flies for SWISS on a long-term contract, flies Zurich–Munich for Lufthansa and from mid-2026 also flies city routes for Condor.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Zurich (ZRH) is the main base, with flights from Bern and Basel/Mulhouse.

Popular Helvetic Airways Routes

Most flights are SWISS routes from Zurich and Geneva, plus the airline's own holiday flights from Bern and Zurich. 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.

Helvetic Airways Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

On flights operated for SWISS, Lufthansa or Condor, the fare rules of the airline you booked with apply.

On its own holiday flights, tickets are often sold through tour operators, with their booking terms.

  • SWISS flights SWISS fare rules apply.
  • Lufthansa and Condor flights That airline's rules apply.
  • Own holiday flights Tour operator terms.
  • How to change or cancel Contact the airline or agent you booked with.

Helvetic Airways Seat Selection & Additional Services

On SWISS flights, you get the SWISS on-board service. The Embraer E2 jets have a two-by-two layout with no middle seats.

Snacks and drinks are served on the airline's own flights.

  • Seats No middle seats on the Embraer jets.
  • SWISS flights SWISS service.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help at least 48 hours ahead.

Helvetic Airways Baggage Allowance

Baggage depends on the airline you booked with. On SWISS-operated flights, SWISS allowances apply, usually one 8 kg cabin bag in Economy.

Overhead bins on Embraer jets are smaller, so large trolleys may be checked at the gate free of charge.

  • SWISS flights SWISS allowances.
  • Economy cabin bag Usually 8 kg.
  • Large trolleys May be checked at the gate.

Miles & More: Helvetic Airways Loyalty Programme

Flights operated for SWISS earn Miles & More miles under the SWISS fare you booked.

  • Programme Miles & More on SWISS flights.
  • Earn Based on the SWISS fare.
Join or log in on the Helvetic Airways website

Helvetic Airways: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are Helvetic Airways’ IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is 2L. It appears in flight numbers (for example 2L 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is OAW, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Which airline alliance is Helvetic Airways part of?

It is not a member of a global airline alliance, although it may still have codeshare or interline agreements with individual airlines.

03Where is Helvetic Airways headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Kloten, Switzerland.

04When was Helvetic Airways founded?

The airline was founded in 2003.

05What are Helvetic Airways’ main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Zurich (ZRH) – Main Hub; Geneva (GVA) – Base.

06Does Helvetic sell its own tickets?

Mostly it flies for SWISS, but it also runs its own holiday and charter flights.

07What baggage do I get on a Helvetic flight?

The allowance of the airline you booked with, such as SWISS.

08What aircraft does Helvetic fly?

Embraer E190, E195 and the newer E190-E2 and E195-E2 jets.

09Can I earn Miles & More miles on Helvetic Airways?

Yes, on flights booked with SWISS.

10Can I use a power bank on Helvetic Airways?

On Helvetic Airways 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.

Helvetic Airways, its logo and trademarks are the property of Helvetic Airways AG and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Helvetic Airways unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.