Baggage Limits
Home / Airlines / Swiss International Air Lines

Swiss International Air Lines Baggage Policy

Switzerland Switzerland Star Alliance Star Alliance 4-Star Skytrax LX / SWR
Visit Website

About Swiss International Air Lines

Swiss International Air Lines is the flag carrier of Switzerland. A Star Alliance member and part of the Lufthansa Group, known for premium service and Swiss quality. Headquartered in Kloten, Switzerland. The airline is a member of Star Alliance.

Carry-on Baggage

Carry-on Bag

Dimensions 22 x 16 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm)
Weight 17.6 pounds (8 kg)
One cabin bag allowed per passenger.

Personal Item

Dimensions 16 x 12 x 4 inches (40 x 30 x 10 cm)
Weight Included in carry-on allowance
One personal accessory such as a handbag or laptop case.

Checked Baggage Allowance

Class First Bag Second Bag Weight Dimensions
Economy Light From CHF 40 / $45 From CHF 80 / $90 Not included 62 linear inches (158 cm)
Economy Classic/Flex Free From CHF 80 / $90 51 pounds (23 kg) 62 linear inches (158 cm)
Business/First Class Free Free 70 pounds (32 kg) 62 linear inches (158 cm)

Additional Bags & Notes

Light fares: hand baggage only

💡 Fees and allowances may vary by route, fare type, and booking date. Always verify on the official Swiss International Air Lines baggage page before traveling.

Example Baggage Scenarios

Kloten → New York (Economy)

Carry-on: 22 x 16 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm), 8 kg max
Checked bag: 1 piece Not included — From CHF 40 / $45
2nd bag: From CHF 80 / $90
Tip: Prepay online to lower baggage costs before you arrive at the airport

Kloten → Singapore (Business Class)

Carry-on: 22 x 16 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm), 8 kg max + personal item
Checked bags: 2 pieces 51 pounds (23 kg) — Included free
Priority: Business class bags tagged priority for faster delivery
Lounge: Complimentary lounge access with extra bag storage

⚠️ These are typical examples. Actual fees depend on fare type, route, booking date, and frequent flyer status.

Excess Baggage Fees

Fee Type Amount Notes
Extra Bag / Per Kg CHF 15 per kg (varies by route) Varies by route and booking time
Prepaid Discount Save up to 25% when prepaying online Book online before departure to save
Overweight (23-32kg) CHF 100-200 for bags 23-32 kg Per bag exceeding standard weight

💰 Pro tip: Always prepay for extra baggage online. Airport fees can be 20-40% higher.

Tips to Avoid Extra Baggage Fees

  • Weigh at home: Use a luggage scale before leaving. Most overweight fees start at $50-100 per bag.
  • Prepay online: Book extra baggage through Swiss International Air Lines's website to save 10-20% vs airport prices.
  • Wear heavy items: Boots, coats, and heavy clothing don't count toward luggage weight.
  • Use compression bags: Vacuum bags reduce clothing volume by up to 75%.
  • Check credit card perks: Premium cards often include free checked bags on select airlines.
  • Join Miles & More: Elite members often get free checked bags and priority boarding.

Special Items & Equipment

Swiss International Air Lines accepts various special items with specific conditions. Advance booking is required for most special items. Contact the airline at least 48-72 hours before departure.

Important: All special items require advance reservation. Airport acceptance is not guaranteed without pre-booking. Fees shown are estimates — actual prices vary by route, season, and availability.

Sports equipment: skis, golf clubs and bicycles accepted

Pre-booking required 48-72h before departure.

Size Max 300cm linear (L+W+H)
Fee €50-150 per item
Booking 48-72h ahead

Must be properly packed in protective bag/case

Musical instruments: special handling available

Small instruments cabin-allowed if space permits.

Size Cabin: max 80cm length; Checked: max 32kg
Fee €0-200 (extra seat for large items)
Booking 48-72h ahead

Cellos/large instruments may require seat purchase

Swiss Chocolate: Swiss treats complimentary on board

Contact airline for specific requirements.

Size Varies
Fee Contact airline
Booking 48-72h ahead

Pre-booking recommended

Miles & More: extra allowance based on status

Contact airline for specific requirements.

Size Varies
Fee Contact airline
Booking 48-72h ahead

Pre-booking recommended

Musical Instruments & Sports Equipment — Quick Reference

Musical Instruments

  • Cabin: Guitars, violins if overhead space permits
  • Extra seat: Cellos, French horns (€100-300)
  • Checked: Hard case mandatory, max 32kg
  • Booking: Contact airline 72h before flight

Sports Equipment

  • Golf: €30-80/bag, max 15kg
  • Ski/Snowboard: €40-100/set, max 23kg
  • Bicycle: €60-150, must be boxed
  • Surfboard: €75-200, depends on length

✅ Pro tip: Always pre-book special items online — airport fees are typically 30-50% higher and space is not guaranteed.

Hub Airports

Compare Swiss International Air Lines With Broader Baggage Charts

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does checked baggage cost on Swiss International Air Lines?
On Swiss International Air Lines, Economy class first checked bag costs Included (max 51 pounds (23 kg), 62 linear inches (158 cm)). Second bag: From CHF 80 / $90. Business Class: first bag Included (max 70 pounds (32 kg)). Array.
What are the carry-on size limits for Swiss International Air Lines?
Carry-on bags on Swiss International Air Lines must not exceed 22 x 16 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm). Weight limit is 17.6 pounds (8 kg). In addition, you can bring one personal item (max 16 x 12 x 4 inches (40 x 30 x 10 cm)) that fits under the seat. Oversized bags will need to be checked at the gate.
Can I bring a personal item in addition to carry-on?
Yes, Swiss International Air Lines allows one personal item (handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack) in addition to your main carry-on. Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you, typically max dimensions of 16 x 12 x 4 inches (40 x 30 x 10 cm).
What liquids can I bring in my carry-on?
Following international aviation rules, liquids in carry-on must be in containers of 100ml or less, all fitting in a single transparent 1-liter resealable bag. This includes gels, creams, pastes, and aerosols. Exceptions apply for baby food, medications, and duty-free purchases in sealed bags.
How do I avoid excess baggage fees?
Tips to avoid extra fees on Swiss International Air Lines: Weigh your bags at home before departure. Array. Wear heavy items like coats and boots. Use compression bags for clothes. Join Miles & More for elite baggage benefits.
Can I bring sports equipment or musical instruments?
Swiss International Air Lines accepts sports equipment (golf clubs, skis, surfboards, bicycles) and musical instruments as checked or cabin baggage with special conditions. Large instruments may require a separate seat purchase. Contact Swiss International Air Lines directly at least 48 hours before departure to arrange transport and confirm fees.
What items are prohibited in checked baggage?
Prohibited items in Swiss International Air Lines checked baggage include: lithium batteries over 100Wh, flammable liquids, explosives, compressed gases, and valuable items (jewelry, electronics, cash, important documents). These should be carried in your cabin bag or left at home. Check Swiss International Air Lines's dangerous goods policy for the complete list.

Similar Airlines

United Airlines

United Airlines

United States

Carry-on: 18 kg | Checked: 50 pounds (23 kg)

Star Alliance 4-Star
Lufthansa

Lufthansa

Germany

Carry-on: 8 kg | Checked: 50.7 pounds (23 kg)

Star Alliance 4-Star
Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines

Turkey

Carry-on: 8 kg | Checked: 23 kg

Star Alliance 5-Star
Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines

Singapore

Carry-on: 7 kg | Checked: 55 lb (25 kg)

Star Alliance 5-Star