How Strict Is Swiss Airlines Baggage Rules? 2024

Swiss Airlines is a popular airline that operates in many countries around the world.

And whether this is your first time traveling with Swiss Airlines or you are a frequent traveler you may be confused about Swiss Airlines baggage policies and which items are allowed with Swiss air.

In this blog post, I will cover how strict Swiss Airlines baggage rules are and provide helpful tips to ensure compliance with their policies. to avoid excess fees and ensure a smooth travel experience.

Let’s dive right in.

Swiss airline baggage allowance Is Swiss airlines strict with baggage
How strict is Swiss airlines with baggage allowance

Tip: Check out this Travelpro Platinum Elite 21” Carry-On Spinner, a sleek and versatile carry-on that is designed to fit within the limits of most airlines, to save you from the hassle of the airports and the pesky airline fees.

What Is Swiss Airline Carry On Baggage Policy?

How strict is swiss air carry on?

Swiss airline baggage policy is so generous if it comes to carry on:

for Swiss economy guests are entitled for one piece of luggage with a weight of 8 kg and the following dimensions

  • 55 cm in Height
  • 40 cm in Length
  • 23 cm in Width

For Swiss business class and first class Guests they are allowed to carry on board 2 piece of luggage with a total weight of 8 kg and the following dimensions:

  • 55 cm in Height
  • 40 cm in Length
  • 23 cm in Width

In addition of your carry on bag you are allowed also to carry one personal item and that can be:

  • Handbag, laptop bag or shoulder bag (max. 40 x 30 x 10 cm)
  • Child’s seat
  • One pair of crutches, arm or leg splints, other kinds of prostheses

Please note that Your hand baggage must be stored in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. 

Please note that the rules are implemented consistently when boarding. Hand baggage that is too big or too heavy will be taken at the gate and carried as checked baggage, for which there is a charge. These charges are considerably higher at the gate and can only be paid by credit card.

source: www.swiss.com

How Strict Is Swiss Air Checked Baggage?

If you want to carry more with you, checked baggage is one way and The number and weight of your checked baggage depends on your booking class and fare.

For Swiss airline guests traveling On European routes:

ClassSwiss airline checked luggage allowance
Lightnot included
Classic and Flex1 piece
23 kg
total weight MAX 23kg
Business 2 pieces
32 kg
Total weight MAX64 kg

For Swiss airline guests traveling On European routes:

ClassSwiss airline checked luggage allowance
Lightnot included
SWISS Economy
1 piece
23 kg
Total weight max. 23 kg
SWISS Business
2 pieces
32 kg
Total weight max. 64 kg
SWISS First
3 pieces
32 kg
Total weight max. 96 kg

What is Excess Baggage For Swiss Airlines?

If you want to take more items with you that are not included in your checked baggage allowance, an excess baggage fee will apply.

Your baggage will be classified as excess baggage if it exceeds the permitted weight and/or dimensions of Swiss airlines Standard baggage allowance. If this happens, there will be an additional charge.

Baggage Charges Within The Free Baggage Allowance

ZonesOverweight or oversized (>23 kg/32 kg or >158 cm)
Overweight and oversized (>23 kg/32 kg and >158 cm)
Within SwitzerlandCHF 46
EUR 40
USD 46
CHF 93
EUR 80
USD 93
EuropeCHF 57
EUR 50
USD 57
CHF 114
EUR 100
USD 114
Levant and North AfricaCHF 86
EUR 75
USD 86
CHF 173
EUR 150
USD 173
Short-haul intercontinentalCHF 115
EUR 100
USD 115
CHF 230
EUR 200
USD 230
Medium-haul intercontinentalCHF 138
EUR 120
USD 138
CHF 276
EUR 240
USD 276
Long-haul intercontinental
CHF 173
EUR 150
USD 173
CHF 346
EUR 300
USD 346

What Is Swiss Airline Restricted Baggage Policy?

For your safety and safety of all Swiss airline guests Certain items may be restricted and others prohibited from transporting within your carry on or checked baggage.

Restricted Items

  • Medical mercury thermometer
    • 1 per passenger in checked baggage only
  • Medical items (including spray cans)
    • The amount that is required on the journey (max. 0.5 l/0.5 kg per piece and max. 2.0 l/2.0 kg per passenger)
  • Electronic cigarettes
    • Only permitted in hand baggage (may not be used or recharged on board)
  • Lighters/box of matches
    • 1 per passenger, carried by the individual
  • Dry ice
    • Max. 2.5 kg per passenger by prior registration
  • Medical oxygen bottle
    • Only in checked baggage by prior registration; max. 5 kg cylinder, oxygen sprays (canned oxygen) are generally excluded from transportation.

Prohibited Items

  • Lighter gas
  • Camping gas
  • Camping stove
  • Combustible paste (e.g. for a fondue)
  • Flammable liquids such as lacquers, thinners, petrol or solvents
  • Flammable and non-flammable paints
  • Objects that release flammable gases on contact with water
  • Irritant gases such as pepper spray, KO sprays etc.
  • Gas for lighters, camping stoves and burners
  • Butane gas bottles
  • Gas cylinders
  • Blue flame lighters or cigar lighters
  • Carbon cartridges for mineral water preparation
  • Radioactive material
  • Toxic and infectious substances (viruses, bacteria)
  • Explosives, ammunition, fireworks and signal rockets
  • Oxidising substances such as bleach and peroxide
  • Corrosive substances such as acids, mercury, alkaline and cell battery liquids
  • Magnetic objects and other substances that are classified as dangerous
  • Electric shock weapons (e.g. tasers) with explosives, compressed gases or batteries
  • Lithium battery powered transportation devices (e.g. e-bikes, hoverboards, balance wheels or luggage scooters)

Read more about what to take in checked baggage in this post.

First time flying Swiss Airlines:

  1. The best way to save time and avoid queues is to check in online
  2. if you are traveling with checked baggage it is always also cheaper to pay for it online rather than the airport
  3. make sure your personal item fits under the seat in front of you
  4. Always keep your valuables on your personal item: keys, electronic devices, wallet, documents, cash and medications
  5. Don’t forget to bring your mobile device, or laptop fully charged. An external battery is always a good idea, just in case.
  6. At the airport a fast security control also depends on how you organize your items, so go ahead and put your things on a tray so they can go through the scanner. Don’t forget that laptops and tablets must always be out of their cases and on a separate tray.
  7. If you need to exchange currency, keep some cash in your original currency. You might need it for the return journey.

Final Thoughts on How Strict Is Swiss Airlines Baggage Rules?

Generally, Swiss Airlines’ baggage policy is strict about their weight and size restrictions for both checked and cabin baggage. 

It is important to be aware of these restrictions, to avoid any last minute  charges at the airport.

It is crucial to use suitcases that are within the airline rules and pack accordingly.

Having a long trip doesn’t mean that you need to pack a lot of items.

We hope this helps

Happy travels

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