Swiss Airlines Denied Boarding
Swiss Airlines Denied Boarding? Here’s What You Should Do Immediately
Facing a Swiss Airlines denied boarding situation can be frustrating and disheartening especially if you have done everything required of all travel requirements. Whether due to overbooking or operational issues or a problem with travel documentation for your air travel, knowing your rights and the proper steps to take will change a stressful experience to a manageable one. In this article, we will outline the steps you should take including how to contact Swiss Airlines Customer Services for assistance and how to initiate a claim for compensation.
1. Find Out the Reason Why You Were Denied Boarding
If you are told you cannot board your flight, make sure you always ask the airline representatives if they can provide a reason why. Some of the reasons for denying
passenger boarding may include:
- The airline has overbooked the flight
- Documentation for travel needed for the flight, was incomplete
- Health or safety concerns
- Arrived late at the boarding gate
If you had a period of involuntary denied boarding and followed all of the check-in requirements, you may be entitled to under EU Regulation 261/2004.
2. Request for a Written Explanation
Always ask the airline to issue you a written document outlining why you were denied boarding. You will need this document when you request for compensation later on for your records. You can ask at the boarding gate or request the document through the Swiss Airlines customer service line.
3. Know Your Rights Under EU Regulations
If your flight:
- Departing from an EU country or Switzerland, or
- Operated by an airline travelling to a destination in the EU Then EU regulation would apply. You may be entitled to:
- Compensation amount €250 – €600
- Free to rebook at the next available flight or full refund
- Food, accommodations and transportation (if delayed overnight)
4. Choose Between Full Refund or Re-booking
Swiss Airlines must now provide either:
- Your full refund on your unused ticket, or
- Free to rebook the next available flight.
If you are stuck or overnight, the airline actually must give you a hotel stay and transfers as well.
5. Contact Swiss Airlines for Help
You can call Swiss Airlines immediately or use the Swiss Airlines contact page. If you have your booking reference, flight number, and ID available, it will make it easier for the support team to be able to help you. To get in touch with a representative, it is best to use the official Swiss Airlines phone number you find on their website.
6. Make a Compensation Claim
To claim what you are entitled to:
- Go to the official Swiss Airlines website
- Look for “flight irregularities” or “passenger rights”
- Submit your boarding pass, ticket number, and denial notice
Ensure to keep any receipts you may have for meals or transport as proof. Depending on how busy they are, the process can take several weeks.
If you are in a situation with a Swiss Airlines denied boarding, then do not get stressed out. Be sure to stay calm, request the relevant documentation and be firm with your rights. Regardless of whether you received a refund, rebooking or are entitled to compensation (even a small amount), knowing and understanding your rights can save you time and stress. When in doubt take the time to call Swiss Airlines using the official Swiss Airlines phone number, or to reach out through Swiss Airlines customer service for direct help. The key is to be prompt in your responses, and to keep your emails or other documentation on hand.