((Cancellations and refunds))

Plans can change: cancel your booking up to 24 hours before departure and request a refund.

Yes, you can cancel your Swiss International Air Lines flight and receive a refund, but it largely depends on the type of fare you purchased and the timing of your cancellation. If you book your ticket directly through SWISS and cancel within 24 hours and your departure is at least seven days away—you are eligible for a full refund to your original payment method, regardless of the fare class. This 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy applies to all travelers, offering peace of mind right after booking.

For cancellations beyond that period, Swiss Airlines has a fare-dependent structure. Flexible fares, such as Business Flex or First Class Flex, allow full refunds at any time with no cancellation fee. In contrast, non-refundable fares like Economy Light or Economy Saver typically do not offer a refund if you cancel, unless you pay a cancellation fee. This fee can range from approximately CHF 100 to CHF 350, depending on your route and the fare type. In many cases, rather than a cash refund, the remaining value after the fee may be issued as a travel credit for future use, usually valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

If SWISS cancels your flight or significantly alters your travel plans (such as changing departure times by several hours), you are entitled to a full refund or a free rebooking, with no penalties. In such cases, passengers may also be eligible for compensation under EU Regulation 261, especially if the cancellation occurs less than 14 days before departure and isn’t due to extraordinary circumstances.

If you miss your flight without notifying the airline (a “no-show”), your ticket is typically forfeited—especially for non-refundable fares. However, passengers who have award tickets through Miles & More can often cancel and redeposit miles for a small fee, provided the cancellation is made before departure. Swiss also considers compassionate situations, such as medical emergencies or bereavement, and may offer refunds or credits upon submission of valid documentation.

Cancellations can be made online through the SWISS “Manage Booking” portal, by contacting customer service, or at an airport counter. Refunds are usually processed within 7–20 business days, though some passengers have reported delays. Overall, while SWISS does provide options for refunds, especially for flexible fares or involuntary cancellations, travelers with more restrictive tickets should carefully check fare rules before canceling.[1_83 38 45 18 58