Swiss Air Baggage Policy for Carry-on and Check-in Luggage [2024]

Traveling with excess baggage on any airline can cost you a lot of dollars. Thus, it is a best practice to arrange your baggage according to the permissible weight limits. However, every airline has different and complex policies regarding baggage allowances. But, when it comes to flying on Swiss Air, you can relax as the airline offers comprehensive and transparent policies for every segment of flight itinerary. In the following article, we will walk you through the Swiss Air baggage policy. We will discuss

⦁ What are the size and weight limitations for carry-on bags?
⦁ Rules for bringing checked bags.
⦁ Excess baggage regulations.
⦁ How much does Swiss Air charge for baggage? And much more.

Swiss Air Baggage Rules for Carry-On Items

You can bring personal items and carry-on bags. However, it should fit in the overhead compartment or beneath the seat. Moreover, the number of carry-on or hand baggage depends on the cabin class and the route of your Swiss flight. The Swiss Air baggage policy has the following criteria:

⦁ You can bring only 1 personal item.
⦁ The combined weight of the personal item and carry-on bag should not exceed 8 kg.
⦁ Moreover, the maximum size should be 55 x 40 x 23 cm.

However, if you are on a flight from Italy or the US, you can bring only one carry-on item per passenger on those flights.

The regulations for cabin luggage are unique to South Africa. Therefore, it is advised to call Swiss International Airlines customer service if you are flying to or from that nation and have questions about your luggage in order to learn the precise limits for your flight.

Permissible Items 

There are only certain items that you can carry in the cabin. It includes

• Handbag.
• Laptop bag.
• Shoulder bag.
• Also, pair of crutches.
• Arm or leg splints.

Rules for Carry-On Liquids

Swiss Air does not have its own unique liquids policy. It implements the regulations for carry-on liquids set forth by the TSA in the US and by EASA in Europe. 

• Liquid and gel-like substance containers can hold up to 100 ml.
• Moreover, transparent and resealable plastic bags must be used to transport all containers. 
• Only one bag per person is allowed. 
• However, you have to show the liquid container at security.
• Medication and special food, such as baby food, can be brought without a plastic bag but still require identification while going through security.

Swiss Air Baggage Rules for Checked-Bags

The privilege of the number of checked baggage on Swiss Air depends on the cabin class. 

Passengers traveling to/from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico

Passengers traveling to/from Europe and some intercontinental destinations

However, Light tickets do not include a luggage allowance for flights that depart and land in Europe. Classic and Flex ticket holders are permitted to check one item weighing no more than 23 pounds.

Moreover, Swiss allows children to check in their own bags as well. If a baby is not traveling on a light ticket, they may also check one piece of luggage that weighs no more than 23 kg.

Related: Swiss Air Cancellation Policy

Swiss Air Excess Baggage Allowance

On flights operated by Swiss International Airlines, passengers who bring more baggage than the allowable limit must pay an extra cost to check each additional item. Overweight baggage fees apply to pieces of luggage that weigh between 24 and 32 kilograms and are carried by passengers in one of the Economy classes.

At the airline counter in the airport, you must check in your bags at least two hours before takeoff. As for your Swiss Air luggage, you are strictly limited to the amount you can check without incurring additional costs. In fact, the total size of your hold baggage cannot exceed 158 cm (width, height, and length combined).

Oversize and Overweight Baggage Fees 

Fees for Flight to/from Japan 

• If you have an oversize bag, then you have to pay $300.
• Weight is between 24 to 32 kg, you will have to pay $150.
• If the bag is above 32 kg and more than 158 cm in dimension, then you have to pay $450.

You can upgrade to add a piece of checked baggage when flying on an Economy Lite Fare. However, the cost will vary on when/where you make the modification to your reservation.

Extra Baggage Fees

On select international flights, economy travelers have the option to book an extra bag at a discounted charge. For flights between U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Central America, you can book it online at a cost of $85.

Note: Passengers can add more baggage to their booking through the Swiss Air Manage Booking facility. Have a look at the manage booking portal given below;

Excess Baggage Allowance for Frequent Flyers

Passengers with the following status receive larger Swiss Air baggage allowances on all SWISS-operated flights. The allowance is applicable for Classic, Flex, and Business Fares but not applicable to Light fares.

Restricted Items on Swiss Flights

• Only one medical mercury thermometer per person may be transported in checked luggage.
• Also. Electronic cigarettes are only allowed in carry-on luggage.
• It allows one lighter/matchbox per passenger.
• Moreover, medical oxygen can be transported in checked baggage with prior registration and a maximum of 5 kg cylinder.

You cannot bring 

• Radioactive material
• Also, explosives, ammunition, or fireworks.
• Corrosive agents like acids.
• Also, Lithium-ion battery-powered vehicles.
• Camping stove.
• Flammable liquids.

If you have any further queries regarding restricted items, it is recommended that you contact a live person at Swiss Air.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Swiss Air charge fees for extra baggage?

If the size of the bag is more than 158 cm, or its weight is more than 23 kg for economy fares or more than 32 kg for first and business class, then it will be counted as excess baggage on Swiss Air. Therefore, Swiss Air will charge excess baggage fees from the passengers.

How much does it cost to add extra checked baggage on Swiss Air for the European region?

If you are flying to and from Europe on Swiss Air-operated flights, then adding extra checked baggage to your itinerary will cost $75.

How much is the excess baggage fee for Swiss Air flights at the airport?

If you are adding additional baggage at the airport counter, then you have to pay

• For Europe region – $92
• within Switzerland – $80
• Short haul flights – $172
• Long haul flights – $287

How many bags you can check on Swiss Air for free?

As per Swiss Air baggage policy, passengers of the economy class can bring one checked baggage with a maximum weight of 23kg. However, business class travelers are allowed to carry two checked baggage but the weight of the baggage must not exceed 32kg each. Also, first-class flyers can bring 3 checked baggage on board with a weight of 32kg each.

Does Swiss Air allow passengers to bring their personal items on board?

Yes, Swiss Air allows the passengers to bring their one personal item on board. These personal items can be purses, briefcases, laptops, and backpacks. However, the dimensions of these personal items must not exceed 40 x 30 x 10 cm.

What should be the maximum size and weight of carry-on bags on Swiss Air?

The size of the bag on Swiss Air flights should not exceed 21.6 x 15.7 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm). Moreover, the weight of carry-on bags should not exceed 17.6 pounds or 8 kg.

What is the permissible dimension of baggage on Swiss flights?

If the total dimension of the baggage including length, width, and height is greater than 158 cm will be counted as oversized baggage. However, if the dimension of the excess baggage is more than 292 cm, then it will not be accepted on the flight. 

How many carry-on bags I can bring on Swiss Air flights?

The Economy ticket holders can bring one carry-on item. On the other hand, Business and First class ticket holders can bring two items to the cabin. 

What will happen if the bag weight is more than 32kg?

The Swiss Air desk will not process any bags weighing more than 32 kg. It will check in the baggage as cargo separately. Moreover, they may not fly on the same plane as their owners.

How do I add more luggage when flying with Swiss Air?

If you are looking to add more baggage to your itinerary, then you can navigate to the Manage My Booking option on the official website. Through the manage booking option, you amend your travel plans including the baggage. 

What are the rules for carry-on items on Swiss Air flights to South Africa?

Passengers traveling to South Africa can bring one small laptop bag and one piece of carry-on luggage with dimensions no larger than 56 x 36 x 23 cm and a weight no greater than 7 kg in Economy Class. On the other hand, you can bring one small laptop bag and two pieces of luggage in Business and First Class.

Is Swiss strict about carry-on weight?

Yes, Swiss Air is strict about the carry-on baggage weight limit. The airline allows all economy class flyers to bring one piece of baggage with a maximum dimension of f 55 x 40 x 23 cm and with a total weight of 8kg. However, business and first-class passengers are allowed to bring two baggage with a maximum weight of 8kg each.

How much is extra baggage on Swiss air?

If the size of the bag is more than 158 cm, or its weight is more than 23 kg for economy fares, or more than 32 kg for first and business class, then it will be counted as excess baggage on Swiss Air.

What exactly does SWISS Air mean by “personal item”?

Personal items might be anything small like a purse, briefcase, laptop, backpack, shopping bag, etc.

What is the permissible dimension of baggage on Swiss flights?

If the total dimension of the baggage including length, width, and height is greater than 158 cm will be counted as oversized baggage.  However, if the dimension of the item is more than 292 cm, then it will not be accepted on the flight. 

How many bags can I check in at Swiss Air?

Swiss Air allows passengers to check in a maximum of 10 bags per flight. However, you have to additional baggage fees for every extra bag.