The airline offers convenience to its passengers with the help of Swiss Airlines Baggage Allowance. Being a flag carrier, the airline has tried to keep its baggage regulations up to the passenger’s travel requirements. Swiss Air has designed the baggage policy to ensure passengers’ as well as staff members’ safety onboard. Free bags and extra charges are highly influenced by the type of purchased fare, selected route, and travel class. Scroll down to peruse the Swiss Air baggage allowance and check whether additional charges apply to your bag.
Swiss Airlines Baggage Requirements
Swiss Airlines Baggage Allowance states restrictions on cabin and checked bags. Every passenger is required to comply with baggage rules and regulations. The airline offers free allowance to its customers. This implies passengers can carry bags completely free of cost. However, if you bring bags over your allowance, additional charges will apply. The fee may vary according to the place where you make the payment. The closer you are to the departure date, the greater the fee amount is. Hence, it is always better to check in or carry bags according to the Swiss Airlines baggage limits.
Check Free Allowance Using Swiss Air Baggage Calculator
Swiss Airlines offers free baggage allowance to its passengers depending on the selected route and purchased travel class. Therefore, the number of free baggage varies from fare to fare. Passengers can also check it on the official website by providing their travel details, such as flight origin, flight destination, number of passengers, etc. We have shared Swiss Air’s Free Baggage Allowance for domestic flights. However, these may change according to their travel destination. Use the baggage calculator on the official website to check the allowance permitted for your trip.
| Travel Classes | Hand Luggage | Personal Item | Checked Luggage | Additional Baggage |
| Economy Class (Light) | One Carry-on Up to 8 kg Within 55 x 40 x 23 cm | One Personal Item Within 40 x 30 x 10 cm | Not included | Not Included |
| Economy Class | One Carry-on Up to 8 kg Within 55 x 40 x 23 cm | One Personal Item Within 40 x 30 x 10 cm | One Checked Baggage Up to 23kg Within 158 cm | One Ski or Snowboard Up to 23kg Within 200 cm |
| Economy Class (Base/Flex/Green) | One Carry-on Up to 8 kg Within 55 x 40 x 23 cm | One Personal Item Within 40 x 30 x 10 cm | One Checked Baggage Up to 23kg Within 158 cm | One Ski or Snowboard Up to 23kg Within 200 cm |
| Business Class | Two Carry-ons Up to 8 kg Within 55 x 40 x 23 cm | One Personal ItemWithin 40 x 30 x 10 cm | Two Checked Baggage Up to 32kg each Within 158 cm | One Ski or Snowboard Up to 23kg Within 200 cm |
Swiss Air Hand Baggage Allowance
Passengers can take their travel essential and valuable items onboard under Swiss Air Hand Baggage Allowance. In addition to this, passengers can take one small personal item as well. Bags should be of a specific size and weight to fit the provided space. The Swiss Air Carry on size should be under 55 x 40 x 23 cm and the weight should be under 8kg. In addition, the airline will also consider foldable garment bags as a carry-on with maximum dimensions of 57 x 54 x 15 cm.
| Travel Class Type | Permitted Number | Permitted Weight |
| Economy Lite | One Carry-on Bag | Maximum 8kg |
| Economy | One Carry-on Bag | Maximum 8kg |
| Business | Two Carry-on Bag | Maximum 8kg |
| First Class | Two Carry-on Bag | Maximum 8kg |
Swiss Cabin Baggage Allowance for HON Circle Members, Senators, Frequent Flyers, and passengers with Star Alliance Gold or Silver status is decided according to the travel class. Therefore, check the maximum size and weight permitted under your travel class. If the baggage is too heavy or big, the staff will remove it at the gate and ask you to submit it as checked baggage. Accordingly, a fee for the baggage will apply. Paying fees at the gate will cost you more, and only credit cards are accepted for the payment. Therefore, make sure to bring Swiss Air Hand Luggage according to the permitted size and weight.
Other Items Permitted Onboard
Passengers, including children with their own seats, can take other permitted items onboard in addition to the carry-on bags. Swiss Airlines Baggage Allowance allows passengers to carry a handbag, laptop bag, or shoulder bag if it measures equal to or less than 40 x 30 x 10 cm.
The airline lets passengers carry one-pocket buggies onboard under their free allowance if they are packed in a travel-friendly way. In addition, passengers with physical disabilities can carry one pair of crutches, splints, and other types of mobility devices.
Exception To Swiss Air Hand Luggage
If you are flying on a smaller aircraft, there may come a situation when the airline will ask you to check in the carry-on at the gate. This decision is taken for the passenger’s safety and comfort. Moreover, some countries have stricter baggage regulations for carry-ons. For instance, in the United States, passengers with First and Business Class tickets are asked to check in the second piece of hand baggage.
Furthermore, specific rules apply to flights from and within South Africa. Swiss Air Carry On Size for passengers flying in Economy Class is 56 x 36 x 23 cm, and the maximum weight is 7kg. At the same time, Business and First Class passengers can carry two handbags under the same Swiss Airline baggage limit. Both passengers can take one laptop bag on board.
Liquid Items as Hand Baggage
Liquid items carried onboard are subject to special regulations. If you are taking gel, cream, and liquid-based items, you must consider following restrictions.
- Carry liquid-based items in a container that has a capacity of no more than 100 mL.
- All these containers must be packed in a single plastic bag, which should be resealable and transparent.
- Passengers have to present this bag at the security screening. The bag, plus all the items packed inside, must be securely sealed.
- No passenger is allowed to carry more than one plastic bag.
Few Exceptions: Medicines and Special Foods
Swiss Airline Baggage Allowance does not consider medicines and special foods within liquid items’ travel restrictions. The airline permits larger quantities of these items due to their significance. In addition, you may carry liquids up to 2 liters in checked bags if they are not categorized as dangerous goods.
| Type of Liquid | Rule for Carrying |
| Medicines | Passengers can take medicines onboard if they are urgent. There are no restrictions on the quantity; take as much as you require. It is advisable to get a medical certificate in English. |
| Special Foods | Passengers traveling with children can carry baby food in their cabin bags. If you have allergies, you can take liquid foods on board or in the carry-on bag. Kindly ensure the food is packed, sealed, and leakproof. |
Note – Passengers with connecting flights booked within the USA have to pack their liquid-based items in the hold luggage after reaching the final destination in the United States.
What Not to Pack In Swiss Cabin Baggage
For the safety of passengers, the airline has prohibited some items from carrying onboard. If such items are found during security checks, the staff has the right to confiscate them at the airport. There are no exceptions to these articles. Once the item is seized, you will not get it back afterward. You may pack some of these items in checked baggage to prevent loss or inconvenience during travel.
| ☛ Weapons ✤ All types of weapons ✤ Imitations and toys ✤ Signal flares Starting pistols ✤ Bows and arrows ✤ Crossbows and harpoons ☛ Stunning devices ✤ Stun guns ✤ Tasers ✤ Stun batons and similar items ✤ Animal stunners and killers | ☛ Pointed or sharp-edged items ✤ Knife for chopping, cutting, or dismembering (axes, hatchets, and cleavers) ✤Ice axes and ice picks ✤ Razor blades ✤Box cutters ✤ Knives with blades over 6 cm ✤ Scissors with blades over 6 cm if measured from the fulcrum ✤ Pointed or sharp-edged martial arts equipment ✤ Swords and sabres |
| ☛ Tools ✤ Crowbars ✤ Drills and drill bits, cordless portable power drills are also included ✤ Tools with a blade over 6 cm long (e.g., screwdrivers or chisels)Saws and portable cordless power saws ✤ Blowtorches ✤ Bolt and nail guns | ☛ Blunt instruments ✤ Baseball and softball bats ✤ Clubs, batons, or sticks, for example, billy clubs, blackjacks, and truncheons ✤ Martial arts equipment |
Swiss Air Check In Baggage Allowance
Swiss Air Baggage Allowance states that passengers can check in baggage only if it meets a certain quantity and weight. These restrictions vary according to the purchased travel class.
The size of a checked bag should not be more than 158 cm and weigh between 23kg and 32kg, depending on the purchased fare. Passengers can adjust the Swiss Air Checked Baggage Allowance as per their travel requirements. You can get Economy Class tickets at very low prices or choose Classic and Flex fares that offer one baggage for free.
Swiss Baggage Allowance includes one foldable pushchair or travel pram in all fares for infants. You may also refer to the baggage calculator on the official website to check the exact number of bags you are allowed to take. The basic allowance as per the different fare classes is described below:
| Travel Class | Number of Baggage | Permitted Weight | Permitted Dimensions |
| Economy Light | Baggage not included | – | – |
| Classic and Flex | One Checked Bag | 23kg each | 158 cm |
| Business | Two Checked Bag | 32kg each | 158 cm |
Swiss Air International Baggage Allowance
Swiss Air International Baggage Allowance is slightly different from the standard allowance. Weight and size restrictions stay the same. However, the number of bags varies.
| Travel Class | Number of Baggage | Permitted Weight | Permitted Dimensions |
| Economy | One Checked baggage | 23kg | 158 cm |
| Premium Economy | Two Checked Bags | Total weight – 46kg | 158 cm |
| Business | Two Checked Bags | Total weight – 64kg | 158 cm |
| First | Three Checked Bags | Total weight – 96kg | 158 cm |
Baggage Allowance for Economy Fares on Selected Routes
Passengers traveling in the following routes will automatically get a generous baggage allowance in Economy Class. The weight must be under 23kg, and the dimensions should not be over 158 cm in total.
| Selected Routes | Baggage Allowance for Economy Class |
| Flight from the USA/Canada to South Africa | One bag of 23 kg |
| Flights from the USA/Canada to East, West, andCentral Africa (excluding Mauritius) | Two bags of 23 kg |
| Flights between the USA/Canada/Mexico, and Afghanistan,Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Yemen | Two bags of 23 kg |
| Flights to/from Japan | Two bags of 23 kg |
Excess Baggage Rules for Swiss Air Baggage
Bags heavier than the Swiss Airlines baggage limit are treated as excess baggage, and the airline charges extra for transportation. If you exceed your free allowance, the airline will charge extra from you. However, the airline will straight away decline transportation of baggage that is over 32kg and 292 total dimensions.
Swiss Airlines Baggage Fee for oversized bags is applied to each part of the flight. If the booking includes a connecting flight within 24 hours, it is combined and counted as a single route. You have to pay separately in local currency for outbound and return flights on the day of departure. If you bring a bag weighing over 32kg, the airline will ship the baggage separately as cargo. This will depend on certain circumstances. However, it’s possible the airline will transport this bag in a separate aircraft.
Passengers having defined status are eligible to bring in additional baggage up to a certain weight. However, if you have purchased an Economy fare, you are not entitled to get additional baggage.
| Status | All European routes |
| HON CircleSenatorSTAR Gold | One additional bag item of 23 kg in Economy ClassOne additional bag item of 32 kg in Business and First ClassOne set of golf equipment |
| Frequent Traveller | One additional bag item of 23 kg in Economy Class |
| SWISS Golf Traveller | 1 set of golf equipment |
| Swiss Air Additional Baggage Allowance for International Flights | ||
| Status | Flights to/from/connecting to the USA and Canada | Flights to the remaining destinations |
| HON CircleSenatorSTAR Gold | One additional bag of 23 kg in Economy Class One additional bag of 32 kg in Business and First Class | One additional bag of 23 kg in Economy Class One additional bag of 32 kg in Business and First Class one set of golf equipment |
| Frequent Traveller | One additional bag of 23 kg in Economy Class | One additional bag of 23 kg in Economy Class |
| SWISS Golf Traveller | one set of golf equipment | A set of golf equipment |
Swiss Airlines Baggage Fees
The following table depicts Swiss Airlines Baggage Fees for the first checked bag in Economy Lite Fare. The fee amount is applied according to the selected destination and the type of baggage. If you book through the airline’s service center, passengers must pay 5 EUR/USD/CHF per baggage.
| Point of Purchase | Within Switzerland | Europe | Intercontinental (USA / Canada) | Intercontinental |
| On the official website | from CHF 20from EUR 15 from USD 20 | from CHF 30 from EUR 25 from USD 30 | CHF 75EUR 65USD 75CAD 75 | from CHF 70 from EUR 60from USD 70 |
| At check-in desk | CHF 60EUR 50USD 60 | CHF 60EUR 50USD 60 | CHF 75EUR 65USD 75CAD 75 | CHF 105EUR 90USD 105 |
Additional Charges for Extra Baggage
If you add additional baggage to your allowance, the Swiss Airlines Baggage Fees may vary. Check the table below for zone-wise additional bag prices. In addition, the prices are higher when purchasing is done at the airport check-in counter. It is considered wise to add extra baggage in advance via the official website.
| Selected Routes/ Zones | Up to 23 kg and within 158 cm (Bought online at the official site) | Up to 23 kg and within 158 cm (Bought at the check-in counter) | Overweight/ oversized (more than 23 kg or over 158 cm) | Overweight and oversized (more than 23 kg and over 158 cm) |
| Within Switzerland | CHF 65EUR 55USD 65 | CHF 80EUR 70USD 80 | CHF 125EUR 110USD 125 | CHF 170EUR 150USD 170 |
| Europe | CHF 75EUR 65USD 75 | CHF 90EUR 80USD 90 | CHF 150EUR 130USD 150 | CHF 205EUR 180USD 205 |
| Levant and North Africa | CHF 90EUR 80USD 90 | CHF 115EUR 100USD 115 | CHF 200EUR 175USD 200 | CHF 285EUR 250USD 285 |
| Short-haul intercontinental | CHF 140EUR 120USD 140 | CHF 170EUR 150USD 170 | CHF 285EUR 250USD 285 | CHF 400EUR 350USD 400 |
| Medium-haul intercontinental | CHF 185EUR 160USD 185 | CHF 230EUR 200USD 230 | CHF 370EUR 320USD 370 | CHF 505EUR 440USD 505 |
| Long-haul intercontinental | CHF 230EUR 200USD 230 | CHF 285EUR 250USD 285 | CHF 460EUR 400USD 460 | CHF 635EUR 550USD 635 |
Note – Flights to and from India will include local taxes, which should be added to the baggage fee irrespective of the place of departure.
2. Flights to/ from Japan
| Selected Route | Up to 23 kg and within 158 cm (Bought online at the official site) | Up to 23 kg and within 158 cm (Bought at the check-in counter) | Overweight (More than 23 kg) | Oversized (Over 158 cm) | Overweight and oversized (more than 23 kg and over 158 cm) |
| Flight to/from Japan | CHF 180EUR 150USD 200 | CHF 180EUR 150USD 200 | CHF 300EUR 250USD 350 | CHF 420EUR 350USD 500 | CHF 540EUR 450USD 650 |
Transporting Sports Equipment On Swiss Air
Passengers who like to travel with their sports equipment would be happy to know that the airline will transport the sports equipment without additional charges. Ensure the equipment does not exceed the Swiss Airline baggage limit. If it does, the airline will have to charge extra. In addition to your luggage allowance, the airline offers transportation service free of charge for Ski Equipment. However, this offer is not valid for passengers flying in Economy fares. Furthermore, the tariff is applicable on each part of the flights, including connecting flights operated by Swiss Air. If the flight is connecting within 24 hours, the airline will consider it as one route.
More importantly, the airline has limited storage for bags and everything; thus, customers are requested to register their sports equipment. Simply fill out this form to get your equipment registered and reserve a space in a minute.
| Standard Sports Equipment | Equipment Bigger in Size |
| Examples: fishing equipment, golf bags, rackets, ball sports, ski/snowboarding equipment, bicycles, and boards under 2 meters in length. | Examples: hang gliders, tandems, and boards over 2 meters in length. |
Regulations for Firearms and Ammunition
Swiss Airlines Baggage Allowance states special regulations for the transportation of Firearms, ammunition, and other hunting items. Passengers are instructed to pack such items in separate containers. Afterwards, ensure it is put inside a different baggage inside the checked bag. If you are carrying such equipment, you have to check it in at least 2 hours before the scheduled departure. Getting in touch with the airline’s service center is recommended to discuss the other aspects of transportation. The following are some regulations that are levied on firearms and ammunition:
- Pack the item unloaded and keep it inside a case suitable for air transportation.
- It is the responsibility of a passenger to follow the said regulations and get the import permit and other important papers. This applies to both arriving or departing from a country.
- Passengers are permitted to carry up to 5kg of ammunition, specifically of 1.4S, UN 0012, or UN 0014 type. Pack the item separately in a suitable container; it should not be placed in the same place as the weapon. In addition, the container should be able to protect the ammunition against vibration. If you are flying to or from South Africa, pack it inside a lockable ammunition box.
- Please note that the airline may charge transportation fees for sporting firearms and hunting weapons. These fees are applied in addition to the rate for carrying such equipment.
- Ensure you present your guns for thorough inspection for flights departing from Zurich. The inspection may cost around CHF 55 for every weapon. Passengers can pay it using a credit card. The payment is made directly to the company carrying out the inspection.
Prohibited and Restricted Items on Swiss Air Flights
Certain items can endanger the safety of passengers; therefore, the airline decides to either put some restrictions on transportation or completely restrict the item. Here, we have shared a list of all such items that are considered dangerous by the airline. Ensure to check the following list before packing your bags. The airline will cease any items that are not up to Swiss Airlines’ baggage requirements.
| PROHIBITED ITEMS | |
| ☛ Everyday Use Items ✤ Briefcase with built-in alarm devices. ✤ Lithium batteries that are non-rechargeable and have more than 2g lithium content. ✤ Rechargeable lithium batteries have more than 160 watt-hour ratings. ✤ Damaged Lithium batteries. | ☛ Flammable Items ✤ Matches and combustible materials. ✤ Toxic propellants (flammable and non-flammable) ✤ Lighter gas ✤ Camping gas ✤ Stoves for Camping ✤ Combustible paste like fondues. ✤ Lacquer ✤ Thinners ✤ Petrol ✤ Solvents ✤ Flammable and non-flammable paints ✤ Items that react with water and release flammable gases. |
| ☛ Gasses ✤ Pepper and pepper KO sprays. ✤ Camping gasses and stoves. ✤ Burners ✤ Butane gas cylinders ✤ Cylinders with more than 50 mL capacity ✤ Blue flame lighters ✤ Cigar lighters ✤ Carbon cartridges | ☛ Items Dangerous for Health ✤ Radioactive materials ✤ Toxic substances that can cause infection |
| ☛ Fragile Items ✤ Monitors ✤ Television ✤ Other similar items | ☛ Other Harmful Items ✤ Firecrackers, signal flares, party poppers, and Christmas crackers. ✤ Bleach, peroxide, and other oxidizing substances ✤ Acids, mercury, alkalis, cell battery fluid, and other corrosive substances. ✤ Magnetic items ✤ Electric shock devices like taser guns Items operate on lithium batteries such as bikes, hoverboards, e-skateboards, or e-luggage scooters. ✤ Combustion engines ✤ Blasting caps Detonators and fuses, etc. |
| RESTRICTED ITEMS | |
| Medical mercury thermometers | Medicines and related itemsToiletries and aerosols |
| Electronic cigarettes | Lighters/box of matches |
| Lithium powered devices | Spare batteries |
| Dry ice | Medical oxygen cylinders |
| Portable oxygen concentrators | Mobility devices powered by batteries |
| Heat-generating equipment | Parachutes |
| Avalanche rescue backpack | Insulated packaging |
| Small gas cartridges | Lifejacket or other self-inflating safety device |
| Alcoholic beverages with over 24% alcohol volume | Ammunition |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Swiss Airlines applies baggage fee on Economy light. It ranges between CHF 20 and CHF 60 for domestic flights and CHF 70 to CHF 105 for international flights.
Passengers can take one carry-on up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm and under 8kg, one small personal item, and checked baggage (except Economy Light).
Passengers flying in Premium Economy can take two checked bags under 46kg (total) in addition to hand luggage as per the Swiss Airlines Baggage Allowance.
Yes, Swiss Air is strict with its hand luggage allowance. Any bag that exceeds the restrictions is charged extra. If it is unable to fit the provided space, you may have to check it in at the gate.
Any item that poses a risk to a passenger’s health is strictly prohibited inside the flight or in checked baggage. Some examples would be firecrackers, radioactive materials, flammable items, fragile items, toxic substances, etc.
In that case, the airline will apply an overweight baggage fee to the bag ranging between CHF 125 to CHF 460, depending on the route.
Swiss Airlines permits bags weighing up to 32kg only. The airline will refuse to transport the bag if it weighs over 32kg.
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