Swiss Airlines Baggage Allowance Policy

SWISS Airlines is a popular choice for travellers in Switzerland and across Europe. It is famous for its safe flights and excellent service. If you’re flying with them anytime soon, it’s important to note the SWISS airlines carry on bag to avoid any surprises at the airport.

Below is a simple and concise guide to the latest 2025 baggage allowances including carry-on, checked, musical instruments, and sports. Using this information, you can pack without worry and have a hassle-free journey.

Overview of Swiss Airlines

Swiss International Air Lines, founded in 2002, is Switzerland's national airline, serving Europe, North America, South America, Africa, and Asia. This is the largest airline in Switzerland and a subsidiary of the German airline Lufthansa. Its headquarter is located at Basel International Airport, Switzerland.

With a fleet of 84 new aircraft, including Airbus and Avro models, SWISS is growing, with flights to over 100 points of destination in over 40 countries. To further boost the capacity on long-haul flights, the airline also leases additional aircraft and crew. An estimated 20 million passengers per year opt for SWISS due to its polite and efficient service, making it a reliable choice for travellers worldwide.

Carry-On Baggage Allowance – Cabin Baggage Dimensions Policy

SWISS airlines cabin and underseat bag size and weight.

Only one free personal item will be allowed for Economy Class travellers. However, First and Business Class passengers are allowed two pieces of carry-on baggage weighing no more than 18 lbs / 8 kg and with physical dimensions greater than 22 x 16 x 9 in / 55 x 40 x 23 cm.

Along with your carry-on bag, you can also bring one small personal item, like a handbag or laptop bag, as long as it's not bigger than 16 x 12 x 4 in / 40 x 30 x 10 cm. If you're flying from Italy or the US, however, you can only bring one bag as a carry-on in total.

Worth noting, in particular, if you are flying to or from South Africa, you will be subject to some special regulations:

• Economy Class: You can bring one carry-on bag (up to 22 x 14 x 9 in / 56 x 36 x 23 cm, 15 lbs / 7 kg) and one slim laptop bag.

• Business & First Class: Two carry-on bags (each measuring up to 22 x 14 x 9 in / 56 x 36 x 23 cm, 15 lbs / 7 kg) and a thin laptop bag can be taken on board.

Be informed that Switzerland has a severe carry-on luggage regulation. Items that exceed the minimum quantity restriction will be checked and charged to the traveller.

Furthermore, due to restricted overhead space, Swiss travellers on flights with 50 or fewer seats are only permitted to bring one personal item on board Swiss aircraft.

Carry-on luggage overflow can also occur on packaged flights. In such instances, the flight attendant will move some luggage from the luggage compartment to the storage compartment.

A sneaky trick to skip baggage fees: The CabinZero 28L backpack is designed to meet the carry-on size requirements of all the big airlines – even the most restrictive ones. It weighs in at a super-light 600g, has a 15.6-inch laptop sleeve, and is backed by a lifetime warranty. Travellers around the world have used it to avoid baggage fees. Get it now and travel with SWISS worry-free!

Swiss Checked Baggage Allowance Policy

Checked luggage allowance on Swiss International flights varies according to seat class, cost, and itinerary. The following luggage allowance is valid per passenger on all SWISS flights worldwide.

The total width, height, and depth of all luggage must not exceed 62 in / 158 cm. If you want to save even more money on your vacation, you can enhance your luggage limit by joining one of SWISS' frequent flyer programmes.

Routes in Europe

• Light fares do not include luggage allowance for flights departing and arriving inside Europe.

• Classical and Flexible Fares: 1 pound (50 lbs) (weight no more than 23 kg)

• Business Class travellers are permitted two checked bags weighing no more than 70 lbs / 32 kg.

Intercontinental Routes

• The regulations for intercontinental flights are the same as for European routes, with the exception that First Class travellers can check three pieces of luggage weighing no more than 70 lbs / 32 kg each.

• SWISS Business Tickets: 2 parts weighing 70 lbs (32 kg) each (total weight of 141 lbs / 64 kg)

• SWISS First fare: three 70-pound (32-kg) tickets (maximum total weight 211 lbs / 96 kg).

Infants can also enjoy the Swiss International baggage policy. Newborn babies will be charged around 10% of the adult fare. Certified car seats and baby food are permitted, but there are no restrictions on infant carry-on luggage.

Swiss' Excess Baggage Policy

Passengers carrying more than the stipulated baggage allowance must pay a premium price to check each additional item on Swiss International Airlines flights. Overweight baggage charges apply to items weighing between 24 - 32 kg when transported by Economy Class customers.

If your luggage exceeds the airline's size and weight limits, you will be charged an over baggage fee. These costs are only applicable one way, thus if you bought a round trip journey and your luggage is overweight on the return flight, you will be charged the baggage price twice.

Swiss International does not allow you to transport suitcases weighing more than 70 lbs / 32 kg, therefore if you have heavy things, you must split them into two pieces of luggage. When travelling in Economy Class, you can upgrade to add one piece of checked luggage at a cost determined by when and where you change your ticket details.

Please check this site for a comprehensive list of excess baggage fees.

SWISS Sports Equipment & CPAP Baggage Policy

Musical instruments

Most small instruments that can go in the overhead or under the seat are allowed. If your instrument is larger than 22 x 16 x 9 in / 55 x 40 x 23 cm in size or weighs over 18 lbs / 8 kg, then you'll need to book an extra seat through the Service Centre. Make sure it's in a hard case with protective padding to avoid damage.

Sports Equipment

You can check in your sports gear as baggage as long as it doesn’t exceed 70 lbs / 32 kg or 138 in / 3.5 m in length.

If you’re bringing skis or a snowboard, you can transport them for free as part of your free baggage allowance. Just keep in mind that this doesn’t apply to Economy Light fares, codeshare flights, or connecting flights to the USA with a codeshare leg.

Ski equipment can be shipped free of charge (except Economy Light). Photo by Marcin on Adobe Stock

Other sports equipment can also count toward your free baggage allowance as long as the total quantity and weight stay within your travel class limits. If your equipment isn’t listed below, standard excess baggage fees will apply:

• Regular-sized equipment includes fishing gear, golf clubs, rackets, ball sports equipment, skis, snowboards, bicycles, and boards shorter than 79 inches / 2 metres.

• Large-sized equipment includes hang gliders, tandem bicycles, and boards longer than 79 inches / 2 metres.

You don’t need to declare your sports equipment in advance, except for bicycles and firearms, which must be registered before your flight. Also, if you are flying into London Heathrow, you absolutely must not carry bulky equipment such as canoes/kayaks, hang gliders, riding equipment, etc.

CPAP Devices

If you wish to bring a CPAP machine on board (used to treat sleep apnoea), you’ll need approval from the SWISS technical staff. To do this, provide details like the manufacturer, brand, and model of your device at least 48 hours before your flight. You should also check if medical clearance is required.

CPAP machines, including those with lithium batteries (under and over 100 Wh), are also allowed in Business and First Class.

SWISS’s Booking Process

There are three common ways to book a SWISS flight:

Book Your Flight on the SWISS Website (Recommended)

Step 1: Visit the SWISS website

You may enter "Swiss Airlines" in your web browser or directly visit swiss.com. Upon visiting the site, select your preferred language and country.

Step 2: Enter your trip details

On the main page, input your departure city, destination city, travel dates, and the number of travellers. Choose your type of ticket: One-way, Round trip, or Multi-city, and click "Search flights."

Look for flights that suit your schedule. Photo captured from SWISS website

Step 3: Select your flight

The flights available will be displayed. You can choose based on price, class, departure time, or length of travel. Once you have chosen, click "Select.”

Step 4: Verify your itinerary

Double-check your travel date, destination, currency, and passenger details before you go ahead. You can make alterations at this stage if needed. Otherwise, click on "Enter passenger details.”

Double-check your itinerary details thoroughly before proceeding. Photo captured from SWISS website

Step 5: Enter passenger details

Provide the required details, including full name, age, email address, and phone number. Ensure that all the details are accurate to avoid any issues in the future.

Step 6: Choose your seat

SWISS provides the facility to select your seat in advance. Hit "Choose your seat" to choose your favourite spot. You can also choose to upgrade to Business or First Class, depending on availability.

Step 7: Pay and Finish

Choose a suitable payment option, i.e., credit/debit card, online banking, or e-wallet. Follow the payment instructions to finalise your booking.

Book Your Flight via the SWISS Mobile App

An alternative to the site, you can also book your flight easily using the SWISS mobile app, which is available for Android and iOS.

• Download the app on your phone or tablet.

• Open the app, register, and find your flight.

• Complete the booking process with the same procedures that are available on the website.

Be sure to enable app notifications to manage your booking, check in online, and receive real-time flight updates.

Book Your Flight via SWISS Customer Service

You can also contact SWISS Customer Service to book your flight, which can be especially useful if you:

• Require special assistance (e.g., travelling with pets, upgrading seats, etc.).

• Are experiencing difficulties with online booking or payment.

A customer service representative will guide you through the process to ensure a smooth booking experience.

SWISS’s Check-in Process

Here’s how you can check in smoothly:

Automatic Check-in

If you choose automatic check-in when booking on swiss.com, SWISS will check you in automatically about 20 hours before departure. You will receive your boarding pass sent by SWISS via email.

Online Check-in

You can check in online from 24 hours before take-off at swiss.com/online-check-in on your laptop or phone.

• No need to print your boarding pass—just save it on your phone and scan the QR code at the airport!

• The latest check-in time is 1 hour before departure.

SWISS Passengers can make an online check-in 24 hours before departure. Photo by Zamrznuti tonovi on Adobe Stock

Airport Counter Check-in

If you prefer to check in at the airport, that's no problem. It’s free of charge and available at the following times:

• Long-haul flights (North & South America, Africa, Asia): 4 hours to 70 minutes before departure.

• Short-haul flights (North Africa, Europe): 2 hours to 60 minutes before departure.

However, we recommend that you pay attention to your personal information in your pre-flight email, on your boarding pass, and at each airport.

If you have checked in and do not have hold luggage, you must be at the departure gate by the boarding time stated on your boarding pass. If you have not checked in, please note the latest check-in time at your departure airport.

Adding Checked Baggage

If you forgot to add checked baggage when booking, you can still do so before your flight:

• 4-5 days before departure, SWISS will send an email titled “All the information on your trip on…”. You can add baggage directly via the provided link.

• Alternatively, you can purchase checked baggage when checking in online.

Avoid higher airport fees: If you encounter payment issues when adding baggage online, you may have to pay at the airport, where costs are usually higher. The exact price may not always be available in advance, but you can check estimated baggage fees at SWISS Baggage Fees.

Alternatively, you can check out our essential air travel checklist. This guide covers what to do 2–3 days before your flight and the important items to bring for a smooth and enjoyable trip.

FAQs

1. How much luggage is allowed on Swiss International Airlines?

If you choose Economy Class, each piece of luggage can weigh up to 23 kg (51 lbs). In Business or First Class, the limit is 32 kg (70 lbs) per piece.

For Economy Class passengers, the maximum dimensions for the first piece of luggage are 158 cm (62 inches) in total (length + width + height). If you are travelling with two pieces, their combined size must not exceed 273 cm (106 inches).

2. Is SWISS strict with baggage?

Yes, a checked baggage item must not exceed a total size of 158 cm (width + height + depth). If your baggage exceeds these dimensions, SWISS will apply an excess baggage fee. The maximum size for excess baggage is 292 cm in total (width + height + depth).

3. What is the baggage allowance for SWISS economy?

As the newest rule, SWISS Economy passengers are allowed one checked bag of up to 51 lbs / 23 kg (note: Light fares do not include free baggage allowance). SWISS Business passengers can check two bags of up to 70 lbs / 32 kg each. SWISS First passengers are allowed three bags of up to 70 lbs / 32 kg each.

4. How much luggage is allowed on the SWISS premium economy?

SWISS Premium Economy passengers can check in two pieces of luggage, each weighing up to 51 lbs / 23 kg. This benefit is twice the allowance of standard Economy Class.

5. How early can I check into SWISS Air?

For a stress-free journey, we recommend checking in online and dropping off your baggage at the airport up to 23 hours before your flight.

Get Ready for a Great Flight with Our SWISS Baggage Size Guide

Planning your trip with SWISS is easy when you're familiar with the basic rules for carry-on and checked baggage. Be sure to check baggage limits, add any extra luggage in advance, and follow the airline’s guidelines to avoid additional fees. With the CabinZero 28L underseat-approved backpack, you can travel carefree, without worrying about the strict carry-on policies of budget airlines like SWISS.

Quyen Pham