SWISS is a popular airline that operates flights around the world, including to and from the United States. If you have an upcoming trip with the airline or are considering flying with them, it’s important to understand their baggage policy. You don’t want to be surprised at the airport with unexpected rules and/or fees.
In this post, we’ll examine SWISS’ carry-on and checked baggage policies, covering everything from baggage allowances and fees to traveling with special items such as sports equipment and musical instruments.
Carry On Baggage Policy
Carry On Baggage Allowance
Every type of fare, including Economy Light, provides one personal item and at least one carry-on bag. Swiss allows premium cabin travelers to fly with 2 carry-on bags.
Personal Item Allowance
Number of Personal Items
As previously mentioned, all passengers are entitled to bring 1 personal item on board with them. This applies to all cabin classes and fare types.
Personal Item Size Limit
Your personal item can be no larger than 15.8 11.8 x 3.9 inches (40 x 30 x 10 centimeters). It must be able to fit under the seat in front of you.
Typical personal items include:
- A purse
- Handbag
- Laptop bag
- Small backpack
If your personal item exceeds the above size limit, Swiss will check it as a checked bag, and will charge you a baggage fee.
Personal Item Weight Limit
Swiss doesn’t specify a weight limit for your personal item.
Carry On Bag Allowance
Number of Carry On Bags
Swiss’ carry-on bag allowance depends on the type of cabin you’re traveling in. All economy class passengers can bring 1 carry-on bag. Premium cabin passengers can travel with 2 carry-on bags.
| Cabin Class | Number of Bags |
|---|---|
| Economy | 1 |
| Premium Economy | 1 |
| Business | 2 |
| First | 2 |
Carry On Bag Size Limit
Your carry-on bag must be no larger than 21.7 x 15.8 x 9.1 inches (55 x 40 x 23 centimeters).
If you are traveling with a garment bag as your carry-on bag, it can be no larger than 22.4 x 21.3 x 5.9 inches (57 x 54 x 15 centimeters).
Your carry-on bag must be able to fit in the overhead bins.
Typical carry-on bags include:
- A small suitcase
- Large backpack
- Duffel bag
- Garment bag
If your carry-on bag exceeds the above size limit, Swiss will check it as a checked bag, and will charge you a baggage fee.
Carry On Bag Weight Limit
Your carry-on bag can weigh up to 17.6 pounds (8 kilograms). If you are traveling in a premium cabin, each of your carry-on bags can weigh up to 17.6 pounds.
You should be able to lift your carry-on bag into the overhead bins unassisted.
If your carry-on bag exceeds the above weight limit, Swiss will check it as a checked bag, and will charge you a baggage fee.
Carry On Baggage Allowance Exceptions
If you are traveling to/from the U.S. or from/within South Africa, there are some differences to your carry-on baggage allowance that you should be aware of:
Travel to/from the U.S.
If you are flying with Swiss in Business or First Class to or from the U.S., one of your 2 carry-on bags will have to be checked as checked baggage. This is due to U.S. regulations. You won’t be charged a fee for your checked carry-on bag.
Hot Tip: To prepare for one of your carry-on bags to be checked as hold baggage, make sure that you pack all your essential documents, valuables, medications, and fragile items in the cabin carry-on bag. This way, you can avoid any last-minute panic packing and hand over the other carry-on for the plane’s hold.
Travel from/within South Africa
A slightly different carry-on baggage allowance applies to flights departing South Africa and for domestic flights.
Personal Item for Flights Departing/Within South Africa
Your personal item can be a thin laptop bag only.
Number of Carry On Bags for Flights Departing/Within South Africa
| Cabin Class | Number of Bags |
|---|---|
| Economy | 1 |
| Business | 2 |
| First | 2 |
Carry On Bag for Flights Departing/Within South Africa
Size Limit: Your carry-on bag can be up to 22.1 x 14.2 x 9.1 inches (56 x 36 x 23 centimeters) in size. This size limit is slightly different to the standard size limit for other destinations (21.7 x 15.8 x 9.1 inches).
Weight Limit: Each carry-on bag can weigh up to 15.4 pounds (7 kilograms). This weight allowance is slightly less than the standard weight limit for other destinations (17.6 pounds).
Extra Items Allowed as Carry On
The following items can be brought on board, in addition to your carry-on baggage. These items won’t be included in your carry-on allowance:
- A child seat if traveling with an infant,
- Assistive devices such as crutches, canes, and walkers,
- Medical devices such as CPAP machines
Liquid Restrictions in Carry On Baggage
Note: Currently, there is a well-established restriction on bringing liquids in your carry-on. Many countries, notably in Europe, have begun to relax these restrictions. As of the time of writing, Swiss still enforces liquid restrictions.
All liquids packed in your carry-on baggage must be stored in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).
The term “liquid” is applied liberally. It includes the following types of substances:
- Creams,
- Gels,
- Lotions,
- Pastes,
- And, of course, liquids.
Exceptions to the Liquid Restriction Rule
Certain items are exempt from the 3.4-ounce liquid restriction rule. They include:
- Baby food,
- Expressed breast milk,
- Medications,
- Liquid foods for passengers who have special dietary requirements such as gluten-free or lactose intolerant,
- Duty-free liquids bought at the airport packed in sealed duty-free bags.
Note: If you are flying to the U.S. with duty-free liquids and have a connecting flight, you will have to pack your duty-free bags in your checked baggage before continuing your journey.
Standard Checked Bags
Checked Bag Size Limit
Your checked bag can be up to 62 linear inches (158 centimeters) in size. This is calculated by measuring the outside length, width, and height of your bag, and adding these measurements together. You must include any protruding wheels, handles, or straps in your measurements.
If your checked bag exceeds 62 linear inches, it will be subject to an oversize fee.
SWISS won’t accept checked bags that are larger than 115 linear inches (292 centimeters).
Checked Bag Weight Limit
Each checked bag can weigh up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms).
If your bag weighs more than this limit, it will be subject to an overweight fee.
SWISS won’t accept checked bags that weigh more than 70 pounds (32 kilograms).
Checked Baggage Allowance
If you have already booked your SWISS flight, your checked baggage allowance can be found on your ticket and your confirmation email.
Economy Class Checked Baggage Allowance from/to North America
SWISS adds an extra bag to the Economy Class checked baggage allowance for some intercontinental flights to/from North America.
From U.S./Canada to
| From U.S./Canada to | Number of Bags | Bag Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Africa (except Mauritius) | 2 | 50 lb (23 kg) each |
Between U.S./Canada/Mexico and
| Between U.S./Canada/Mexico and | Number of Bags | Bag Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 2 | 50 lb (23 kg) each |
| Bahrain | 2 | 50 lb (23 kg) each |
| Iran | 2 | 50 lb (23 kg) each |
| Kuwait | 2 | 50 lb (23 kg) each |
| Oman | 2 | 50 lb (23 kg) each |
| Pakistan | 2 | 50 lb (23 kg) each |
| Qatar | 2 | 50 lb (23 kg) each |
| Saudi Arabia | 2 | 50 lb (23 kg) each |
| Syria | 2 | 50 lb (23 kg) each |
| Turkey | 2 | 50 lb (23 kg) each |
| United Arab Emirates | 2 | 50 lb (23 kg) each |
| Yemen | 2 | 50 lb (23 kg) each |
Extra Checked Baggage Allowance for Frequent Flyers to/from/through U.S./Canada
If you have any of the following status with SWISS, you will receive an associated checked baggage allowance benefit.
Economy Light passengers aren’t eligible for the bonus baggage allowance.
| Status | Checked Baggage Benefit |
|---|---|
| Frequent Traveller | Economy: +1 checked bag (50 lb) |
| HON Circle | Economy: +1 checked bag (50 lb) Business: +1 checked bag (70 lb) First: +1 checked bag (70 lb) |
| Senator | Economy: +1 checked bag (50 lb) Business: +1 checked bag (70 lb) First: +1 checked bag (70 lb) |
| Star Gold | Economy: +1 checked bag (50 lb) Business: +1 checked bag (70 lb) First: +1 checked bag (70 lb) |
| SWISS Golf Traveller | All: +1 golf equipment bag (50 lb) |
Economy Class Checked Baggage Allowance from/to Japan
| From/to Japan | Number of Bags | Bag Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Everywhere | 2 | 50 lb (23 kg) each |
Checked Baggage Allowance for All Other Intercontinental Flights
For all other intercontinental flights, the following checked baggage allowances apply, depending on the type of fare you’re traveling on.
Economy Light fares don’t include a checked baggage allowance.
| Fare Type | Number of Bags | Bag Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Light | 0 | 0 |
| Economy Saver | 1 | 50 lb (23 kg) |
| Economy | 1 | 50 lb (23 kg) |
| Economy Flex | 1 | 50 lb (23 kg) |
| Premium Economy | 2 | 50 lb (23 kg) each |
| Business | 2 | 70 lb (32 kg) each |
| First | 3 | 70 lb (32 kg) each |
Extra Checked Baggage Allowance for Frequent Flyers on Intercontinental Flights
If you have any of the following status with SWISS, you will receive an associated checked baggage allowance benefit.
Economy Light passengers aren’t eligible for the bonus baggage allowance.
| Status | Checked Baggage Benefit |
|---|---|
| Frequent Traveller | Economy: +1 checked bag (50 lb) |
| HON Circle | Economy: +1 checked bag (50 lb) Business: +1 checked bag (70 lb) First: +1 checked bag (70 lb) All: +1 golf equipment bag (50 lb) |
| Senator | Economy: +1 checked bag (50 lb) Business: +1 checked bag (70 lb) First: +1 checked bag (70 lb) All: +1 golf equipment bag (50 lb) |
| Star Gold | Economy: +1 checked bag (50 lb) Business: +1 checked bag (70 lb) First: +1 checked bag (70 lb) All: +1 golf equipment bag (50 lb) |
| SWISS Golf Traveller | All: +1 golf equipment bag (50 lb) |
Checked Baggage Allowance Within Europe
SWISS offers the following fare types when flying within Europe:
- Economy Light
- Economy Classic
- Economy Flex
- Business
All fare types, except for Economy Light, include a checked baggage allowance:
| Fare Type | Number of Bags | Bag Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Light | 0 | 0 |
| Economy Classic | 1 | 50 lb (23 kg) |
| Economy Flex | 1 | 50 lb (23 kg) |
| Business | 2 | 70 lb (23 kg) each |
Extra Checked Baggage Allowance for Frequent Flyers within Europe
If you have any of the following status with SWISS, you will receive an associated checked baggage allowance benefit.
Economy Light passengers aren’t eligible for the bonus baggage allowance.
| Status | Checked Baggage Benefit |
|---|---|
| Frequent Traveller | Economy: +1 checked bag (50 lb) |
| HON Circle | Economy: +1 checked bag (50 lb) Business: +1 checked bag (70 lb) All: +1 golf equipment bag (50 lb) |
| Senator | Economy: +1 checked bag (50 lb) Business: +1 checked bag (70 lb) All: +1 golf equipment bag (50 lb) |
| Star Gold | Economy: +1 checked bag (50 lb) Business: +1 checked bag (70 lb) All: +1 golf equipment bag (50 lb) |
| SWISS Golf Traveller | All: +1 golf equipment bag (50 lb) |
Baggage Fees
In this section, we’ll explain everything you’ll need to know about SWISS’ baggage fees.
Baggage Regions
SWISS bases its baggage fees on the following regions:
Switzerland
Levant and North Africa
- Egypt
- Iran
- Iraq
- Israel
- Jordan
- Lebanon
- Turkmenistan
Europe
Central America
- Belize
- Costa Rica
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
- Panama
Short-Haul Intercontinental
- Bahrain
- Cuba
- Dominican Republic
- Ethiopia
- Kuwait
- Nigeria
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
Medium-Haul Intercontinental
- U.S. (east)
- Canada (east)
- Angola
- India
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Maldives
- Seychelles
- Sri Lanka
- Tanzania
Long-Haul Intercontinental
- U.S. (west)
- Canada (west)
- Argentina
- Brazil
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Hong Kong
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Panama
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Thailand
Oversized Checked Baggage
Checked baggage is considered oversized if it’s larger than 62 linear inches (158 centimeters) but no greater than 115 linear inches (292 centimeters). You will have to pay an oversized bag fee upon check-in. As you would expect, the bag fee depends on your itinerary.
SWISS won’t accept checked baggage larger than 115 linear inches.
| Route | Oversized Bag Fee (62+ to 115 linear inches) |
|---|---|
| Within Switzerland | +$125 |
| Europe | +$150 |
| Levant and North Africa | +$200 |
| Short-haul intercontinental | +$285 |
| Medium-haul intercontinental | +$370 |
| Long-haul intercontinental | +$460 |
| Japan | +$500 |
Overweight Checked Baggage
Checked baggage is considered overweight if it’s heavier than 50 pounds (23 kilograms) but no more than 70 pounds (32 kilograms). You will be required to pay an overweight bag fee upon check-in. As you would expect, the bag fee depends on your itinerary.
SWISS won’t accept checked baggage heavier than 70 pounds.
| Route | Overweight Bag Fee (50+ to 70 pounds) |
|---|---|
| Within Switzerland | +$125 |
| Europe | +$150 |
| Levant and North Africa | +$200 |
| Short-haul intercontinental | +$285 |
| Medium-haul intercontinental | +$370 |
| Long-haul intercontinental | +$460 |
| Japan | +$350 |
Oversized and Overweight Checked Baggage
SWISS does something a little different if your checked baggage is oversized and overweight. Thankfully, it benefits passengers. This is welcome, as the fees for oversized or overweight bags are some of the highest of any airline,
However, if any of your checked bags are oversized and overweight, SWISS provides a “discount” but the fees are still high. If you can plan ahead, it’s cheaper to buy an extra checked bag instead.
| Destination | Oversized and Overweight Bag Fee |
|---|---|
| Within Switzerland | +$170 |
| Europe | +$205 |
| Levant and North Africa | +$285 |
| Short-haul intercontinental | +$400 |
| Medium-haul intercontinental | +$505 |
| Long-haul intercontinental | +$635 |
| To/from Japan | +$650 |
Excess Checked Baggage
If you’re flying on an Economy Light fare and have decided that you’d like to travel with a checked bag, or you want to add an extra bag to your current checked baggage allowance, this section is for you.
You have 3 ways to pay for extra checked bags:
- Online (least expensive)
- Call Center (+$5 service fee)
- At the airport (most expensive)
First Checked Bag Fee (Economy Light Only)
Let’s begin with those of you traveling on an Economy Light fare.
The following table details how much you will have to pay to buy your first checked bag. SWISS has dynamic pricing for certain routes (all routes except North America), denoted by a “+” sign. The bag fee depends on your destination. The fee listed in the table is the minimum fee payable.
For routes with dynamic pricing, you can find out what your actual fee will be for your itinerary by using SWISS’ Baggage Calculator.
If you are flying on a fare that includes a checked baggage allowance (other than Economy Light), this table doesn’t apply to you.
| Route | Online Bag Fee | Call Center Bag Fee | Airport Bag Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Within Switzerland | $20+ | $25+ | $60 |
| Europe | $25+ | $30+ | $60 |
| U.S. | $70 | $75 | $70 |
| Canada | $70 | $75 | $70 |
| Intercontinental (except U.S. and Canada) | $70+ | $75+ | $105 |
Extra Checked Bag Fees
The following table provides baggage fees when purchasing extra baggage. SWISS allows you to buy up to 2 extra bags beyond your allocated baggage allowance.
| Route | Online | Call Center | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Within Switzerland | $65 | $70 | $80 |
| Europe | $75 | $80 | $90 |
| Levant and North Africa | $90 | $95 | $115 |
| U.S. | $85 | $90 | $100 |
| Canada | $85 | $90 | $100 |
| Mexico | $85 | $90 | $100 |
| Central America | $85 | $90 | $100 |
| Short-haul intercontinental | $140 | $145 | $170 |
| Medium-haul intercontinental | $185 | $190 | $230 |
| Long-haul intercontinental | $230 | $235 | $285 |
| Japan | $200 | $205 | $200 |
Special Baggage
SWISS allows you to travel with non-standard baggage such as sports equipment and musical instruments.
Sports Equipment
Sports equipment follows the same limits and fees as for standard checked baggage. However, SWISS recommends that you check-in at least an hour before the check-in cut-off time to ensure that your sports equipment makes your flight.
However, if your sports equipment is oversized and/or overweight, the airline requires you to register your intent to travel with it. You can notify SWISS by completing their online special baggage form.
SWISS categorizes sports equipment into 2 groups:
1. Normal Sports Equipment
If the following sports equipment is within standard checked baggage size and weight limits, it can be checked without attracting any extra fees:
- Ball sports equipment
- Bats and racquets
- Bikes
- Fishing equipment
- Ski and snowboard equipment
- Waterboards less than 6.6 feet (2 meters) long
2. Large Sports Equipment
The following types of sports equipment are considered large and may attract additional fees. Furthermore, you should notify SWISS of your intent to travel with larger sports equipment:
- Hang glider
- Tandem
- Waterboards longer than 6.6 feet (2 meters) long
These lists aren’t exhaustive. If you have sports equipment that isn’t found in either list, you can contact SWISS for further information.
London Heathrow Airport: Due to operational limitations at London Heathrow Airport, large sports equipment can’t be accepted on routes that include this airport.
Typical sports equipment not accepted include:
- Canoes
- Kayaks
- Hang gliders
- Inflatable boats
- Pole vaulting equipment
- Riding equipment
- Surfboards
- Tandems
Bicycles
Bicycles must be packed in a protective box or cover/case.
SWISS has complimentary bicycle boxes available, if you’re departing from the following cities:
- Geneva
- Zurich
This is a welcome perk – nice work, SWISS!
Golf Equipment
If you’re a Swiss Golf Traveler member, your golf bag travels for free on all Swiss, Lufthansa, and Austrian Airlines flights. This free allowance doesn’t apply to Economy Light fares.
If you’re interested in becoming a Swiss Golf Traveler member, you’re out of luck. The airline suspended new memberships during the pandemic and has yet to allow applications again.
Ski / Snow Equipment
Ski and snow equipment travels for free on Swiss flights if it’s within standard size and weight limits.
Musical Instruments
SWISS considers musical instruments as standard baggage. It is subject to the same limits and fees as for any other type of luggage.
Musical Instruments as Carry On Baggage
If your musical instrument is within the carry-on bag size and weight limits, you can bring it on board as your carry-on baggage.
However, if your musical instrument exceeds the carry-on limits and you still want to bring it on board with you, you will have to buy a seat for it.
SWISS doesn’t allow you to buy the extra seat online. You can only do so via a travel agent or at a SWISS service office.
Musical Instruments as Checked Baggage
You can check a musical instrument as part of your checked baggage if it is within the standard size and weight limits.
Make sure that it’s packed securely in a protective case to prevent it from being damaged.
Final Thoughts
SWISS’ carry-on baggage allowance is typical for a full-service airline: a personal item and carry-on bag is included with all fares. Premium cabin travelers receive a second carry-on bag as part of their allowance.
SWISS’ checked baggage policy is equally generous with all fares, except Economy Light, including a checked baggage allowance. If you want to travel with extra baggage, the fees are quite reasonable.
However, make sure that you measure and weigh your luggage before arriving at the airport- SWISS’ oversized and overweight baggage fees are incredibly expensive. It would be far more cost-effective to buy and check an extra bag instead.
Alternatively, you could use a luggage shipping service. Hands Off My Suitcase recommends Luggage Forward for convenient, door-to-door, international delivery.
Remember to always check SWISS’ website or contact their customer service for the latest information on baggage allowances and fees.
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