Swiss International Air Lines delay and cancellation compensation
1.76%
Cancels
Of its scheduled flights
66.95%
Arrives on time
Within 15 minutes
8,571
Flights measured
January 2025 – August 2026
The cancellation rate is the number that matters on this page: cancellation is what triggers a refund right. Delay, in the United States, does not.
Swiss International Air Lines is an EU carrier — EC 261 applies to much of what it flies
EC 261 covers any flight departing an EU airport on any airline, and flights arriving in the EU operated by an EU airline. Because Swiss International Air Lines is an EU carrier, both legs of a European round trip are usually covered.
Where it applies, an arrival delay of three hours or more, a cancellation with less than fourteen days' notice, or denied boarding entitles you to a fixed sum by distance — roughly €250, €400 or €600. It is not payable when the cause was an extraordinary circumstance, which in practice means most weather and air traffic control disruption.
The one rule that applies everywhere
If Swiss International Air Lines cancels your flight and you decline the alternative, you are owed your money back for the unused portion — whatever the reason, weather included. A voucher is something you may accept, never something you can be required to take.
Where Swiss International Air Lines flies from, and what applies there
| Departing from | Flights | Scheme that applies |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | 4,278 | EC 261 — cash compensation possible |
| United Kingdom | 4,244 | UK261 — cash compensation possible |
About Swiss International Air Lines's record
Is Swiss International Air Lines reliable?
Swiss International Air Lines arrived on time 66.95% of the time across 8,571 flights, ranking 77 of 86 airlines measured. That is below average for the airlines measured here.
How often does Swiss International Air Lines cancel flights?
1.76% of its scheduled flights were cancelled. Cancellation matters more than delay for a traveller: it is the outcome that costs a day, and the one that triggers a refund entitlement.
When Swiss International Air Lines is late, how late is it?
About 0 minutes on average across its delayed arrivals.
This page explains published rules and is not legal advice. AirlineGrades is independent and not affiliated with Swiss International Air Lines. Confirm current thresholds with the relevant regulator before relying on them. The full guide →