Flying with SWISS Airlines this year? Whether you’re heading to Zurich for business or skiing in the Alps, knowing the baggage rules before you pack is the best way to avoid stress at the check-in counter.
SWISS (Swiss International Air Lines) is known for precision, and their baggage policy is no exception.
However, strict weight limits and varying allowances based on your fare class can make things confusing.
SWISS Baggage Policy Overview (2026)
If you are in a rush, here is the quick-reference table for the standard allowances. Always check your specific ticket type, as “Light” fares often exclude checked bags.
| Baggage Type | Allowance (Economy) | Max Weight | Max Dimensions |
| Personal Item | 1 Included | n/a | 40 x 30 x 10 cm (15 x 11 x 4 in) |
| Carry-On | 1 Included | 8 kg (17.6 lbs) | 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21 x 15 x 9 in) |
| Checked Bag | 1 Included* (Excluded on Light Fares) | 23 kg (50 lbs) | 158 cm (62 in) (L + W + H) |
| Business/First | 2 Carry-ons + 2-3 Checked Bags | 32 kg (70 lbs) | Same dimensions apply |
Carry-On Baggage Allowance
SWISS is quite strict regarding hand luggage. If your bag exceeds the limits, gate agents may force you to check it, often resulting in a hefty gate-check fee.
Standard Carry-On Limits
For all routes, your main carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin and adhere to these limits:
- Dimensions: Max 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21 x 15 x 9 in).
- Weight: Max 8 kg (17.6 lbs).
allowance by Class:
- SWISS Economy: 1 x 8 kg bag.
- SWISS Business: 2 x 8 kg bags.
- SWISS First: 2 x 8 kg bags.
Personal Item
In addition to your main carry-on, every passenger is allowed one personal item. This must fit under the seat in front of you.
- Examples: Ladies’ handbag, laptop bag, or shoulder bag.
- Dimensions: Max 40 x 30 x 10 cm (15 x 11 x 4 in).
Important Exception: If you are flying in Economy Class from Italy or the USA, or on very small aircraft (like the Embraer 190), you may be restricted to one carry-on item total in the cabin due to space constraints.
Checked Baggage Allowance
Your checked luggage allowance depends entirely on your route (European vs. Intercontinental) and your fare type (Light, Classic, Flex).
European Routes
- Economy Light: 0 bags included. (You must pay to add a bag).
- Economy Classic & Flex: 1 bag up to 23 kg (50 lbs).
- Business Class: 2 bags up to 32 kg (70 lbs) each.
Intercontinental Routes
- Economy Light: 0 bags included.
- Economy Saver/Base/Flex: 1 bag up to 23 kg (50 lbs).
- Premium Economy: 2 bags up to 23 kg (50 lbs) each.
- Business Class: 2 bags up to 32 kg (70 lbs) each.
- First Class: 3 bags up to 32 kg (70 lbs) each.
Maximum Dimensions
Regardless of your class, a standard checked bag must not exceed a total size (Length + Width + Height) of 158 cm (62 in). If it is larger than this, it will be considered “oversize” and incur a fee.
Baggage Fees: Excess, Overweight, and Oversize
If you pack more than your ticket allows, SWISS charges extra fees per leg. These fees can add up quickly, so it is usually cheaper to book extra baggage online in advance rather than at the airport.
1. Additional Baggage Fee
If you want to add a bag to a fare that doesn’t have one (like Economy Light) or add an extra bag beyond your allowance:
- Online (Pre-paid): Approx. $70 – $90 USD / €60 – €80 per bag (depending on route).
- At Airport: Significantly higher, often $100+ USD / €90+.
2. Overweight Baggage Fee (24kg – 32kg)
If your bag weighs more than 23 kg but less than 32 kg:
- European Routes: Approx. €50 – €60.
- Intercontinental Routes: Approx. $130 – $150 USD / €120.
- Note: SWISS will not accept any single bag weighing more than 32 kg (70 lbs) for health and safety reasons. It must be sent as cargo.
3. Oversize Baggage Fee (>158 cm)
If your bag is lighter than 23 kg but larger than 158 cm (up to 292 cm):
- European Routes: Approx. €110.
- Intercontinental Routes: Approx. $280 – $300 USD.
Pro Tip: If your bag is both overweight AND oversize, the fees stack. You could be looking at a charge of over $400 for a single bag on long-haul flights.
Special Baggage Rules
Traveling with Infants (0-2 years)
SWISS is family-friendly regarding baggage. For lap infants (paying 10% of the adult fare):
- Checked Bag: 1 bag up to 23 kg (except on Light fares).
- Stroller/Car Seat: You can check a fully collapsible stroller plus a car seat free of charge.
- Carry-on: No specific carry-on allowance for the infant, but you may carry baby food and necessities in your own bag.
Sports Equipment
SWISS has a generous “ski nation” policy.
- Ski/Snowboard Gear: On most fares (Classic, Flex, Business), your ski equipment travels free of charge in addition to your standard bag.
- Exception: Economy Light fares do not include free ski carriage.
- Other Sports (Golf, Bikes, Surfboards): These are generally part of your free allowance if within weight limits. If they exceed the number of bags or weight allowed, standard excess fees apply.
- Bicycles: Must be registered in advance through the Service Centre.
Musical Instruments
- Small Instruments: Can be carried on board if they fit within carry-on dimensions (55 x 40 x 23 cm).
- Large Instruments (Cellos, Guitars): If you want it in the cabin, you must book an extra seat for the instrument. It cannot weigh more than 75 kg or exceed 155 x 42 x 25 cm (for floor-standing instruments).
- Checked Instruments: Must be in a hard-shell case to be accepted in the hold.
4 Tips to Avoid Baggage Fees on SWISS
Use the Baggage Calculator
SWISS provides an official baggage calculator on their site. Input your specific flight route and date to get the exact fee for 2026.
Book “Classic” over “Light”
If you know you are checking a bag, the price difference between “Economy Light” and “Economy Classic” is often less than the cost of adding a bag later.
Weigh Bags at Home
European airlines are stricter than US carriers about the 8kg carry-on limit. Weigh your carry-on before you leave to avoid a gate-check fee.
Leverage Status
Miles & More Senators and HON Circle Members, as well as Star Alliance Gold members, usually get one extra checked bag free of charge (except on Light fares).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SWISS strict about carry-on weight?
Yes. While they may not weigh every bag, they frequently check roll-aboards at the gate, especially on full flights. If your carry-on exceeds 8 kg (17.6 lbs), you will likely have to check it and pay a fee.
Does the Economy Light fare include a carry-on?
Yes. Unlike some low-cost carriers, SWISS Economy Light does include one standard carry-on (8 kg) and one personal item. It only excludes checked luggage.
How much is a checked bag at the airport vs. online?
Paying at the airport is always more expensive. You can save up to 20-30% by adding baggage online via “Manage My Booking” before you check in.
Can I bring a garment bag?
Yes, a foldable garment bag counts as your carry-on item if it does not exceed 57 x 54 x 15 cm.
Final Thoughts
Travel rules can change with little notice. We recommend using the official SWISS baggage calculator linked above a few days before your trip to confirm the exact costs for your specific itinerary.
Safe travels to Switzerland and beyond.
Grace Turner is a travel researcher with 5+ years of experience analyzing airline rules and global travel regulations. She specializes in simplifying complex airline policies to help travelers avoid extra fees and fly with confidence. Her work focuses on accuracy, clarity, and up to date information across international carriers.
