Edelweiss Air: Frequently Asked Questions

Online check-in opens 36 hours before departure and closes 90 minutes prior to scheduled departure time for all destinations. Passengers checking bags must arrive at the airport counter at least 3 hours before long-haul international flights and 2 hours before short-haul flights. The baggage drop deadline is 60 minutes before departure, and gates close 20 minutes before scheduled departure time. Late arrivals risk being denied boarding even with valid tickets. Mobile boarding passes are accepted at Zurich Airport, but some destinations require printed boarding passes due to local infrastructure limitations. Passengers traveling with infants, unaccompanied minors, or requiring special assistance should arrive at least 3.5 hours early to complete necessary documentation and arrangements.

Change and cancellation policies depend entirely on the fare type purchased. Economy Light fares are non-refundable and changes incur fees of 150 Swiss Francs plus any fare difference. Economy Classic allows changes for 100 Swiss Francs plus fare difference, with cancellations receiving a voucher minus 150 Swiss Francs processing fee. Economy Flex permits free changes until 24 hours before departure and provides refunds minus a 75 Swiss Franc fee. Business Class tickets offer the most flexibility with free changes and refunds minus only 50 Swiss Francs. All changes must be made at least 24 hours before departure. For involuntary changes due to schedule adjustments or cancellations by the airline, passengers receive full refunds or rebooking at no charge regardless of fare type. Travel insurance purchased separately may provide additional protection for medical emergencies or unforeseen circumstances.

Edelweiss follows standard international aviation security regulations established by the International Civil Aviation Organization. Liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of 100ml or less, placed in a single transparent resealable plastic bag not exceeding 1 liter capacity. Sharp objects including scissors over 6cm, knives, and razor blades are prohibited. Tools such as screwdrivers, wrenches, and hammers exceeding 7 inches must be checked. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, golf clubs, and ski poles cannot be carried on. Lithium batteries exceeding 100 watt-hours require airline approval, and spare batteries must be in carry-on luggage, not checked bags. Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices must remain in carry-on baggage and cannot be used onboard. Passengers traveling with medical equipment or infant formula should declare these items at security screening. Duty-free liquids purchased after security screening are permitted in sealed tamper-evident bags with receipts showing same-day purchase.

Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers may be entitled to compensation for delays exceeding 3 hours at final destination, depending on circumstances. For flights under 1,500km, compensation is 250 euros; for EU flights over 1,500km and other flights between 1,500-3,500km, compensation is 400 euros; for flights exceeding 3,500km, compensation reaches 600 euros. These amounts apply only when delays result from factors within airline control, not extraordinary circumstances like severe weather, political instability, or air traffic control strikes. Edelweiss must provide meal vouchers for delays exceeding 2 hours, hotel accommodation for overnight delays, and transportation between airport and hotel. Passengers should retain all receipts and request written confirmation of delay reasons. Claims must be submitted within specified timeframes, typically 6 months to 2 years depending on jurisdiction. The airline processes most compensation claims within 8-12 weeks. For flights to or from the United States, different compensation rules apply under U.S. Department of Transportation regulations.

Infants under 2 years old may travel on an adult's lap for 10% of the adult fare on international flights, without an assigned seat or baggage allowance. Parents preferring to secure a seat for their infant pay the child fare (typically 75% of adult fare) and must bring an approved car seat meeting aviation standards. Children aged 2-11 receive their own seat at child fares. Each infant is entitled to one collapsible stroller checked free at the gate. Baby food and milk are exempt from liquid restrictions and may be carried in reasonable quantities. Edelweiss provides bassinets on long-haul aircraft for infants up to 11kg and 70cm length, which must be reserved in advance as availability is limited to specific rows. Unaccompanied minors aged 5-11 must use the airline's supervised service costing 60 Swiss Francs each way, while ages 12-17 may travel alone but can optionally use the service. Parents must complete special forms and remain at the airport until departure, while receiving parties must present identification upon arrival.

Edelweiss provides 12 special meal options that must be ordered at least 36 hours before departure through the airline's website, customer service, or travel agent. Available options include vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, diabetic, low-sodium, kosher, halal, Hindu, Asian vegetarian, bland, fruit platter, and seafood meals. Each special meal replaces the standard service and is prepared according to specific dietary requirements. Passengers with severe allergies should note that the airline cannot guarantee completely allergen-free environments due to other passengers' meals and previous flight service. Kosher meals are prepared under rabbinical supervision and served in sealed containers. Baby meals and children's meals are available for younger travelers. On flights under 6 hours, meal service may be limited to snacks, making special meal requests unavailable. Passengers purchasing Economy Light fares on some routes may need to purchase meals separately. The airline recommends travelers with strict dietary needs consider bringing supplementary food items within carry-on allowance limits.